USAF prepares for upgraded B-1B Lancer bomber testing

The U.S. Air Force's (USAF) 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron (337th TES) conduite staff are preparing to operational testing of the first fully upgraded B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft in late 2013.

A Link-16 network is Being Constructed by the staff to validate the aircraft's new datalink capabilities, in addition to writing test plans, training plans, Creating and recruiting experts for aircrew training.

The 337th TES and maintainers Those from the 7th Maintenance Group are set to Undergo aussi joined classroom training and on-aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) in California, and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, U.S., ahead of the aircraft's arrival.

The B-1B bombers are Currently Being upgraded by Boeing as share of the Integrated Battle Station (IBS) and Sustainment Block-16 (SB-16) upgrade program contract Awarded by the Air Force in June 2012.

Work includes upgrades to the fully integrated data link (FIDL) and central integrated test system (CITS) in the aft station and the vertical position display upgrade (VSDU) in the front station.

FIDL upgrades are expected to Provide aft cockpits with a Link 16 datalink That adds line-of-sight capabilities to the aircraft's Existing beyond line-of-sight Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol data link, while CITS modification will add a new color display in the aft cockpit, in addition to the replacing obsolete computer That year Continuously monitors the bomber's performance.

VSDU upgrades Enhances the pilot's situational awareness by the replacing two unsupportable, monochrome pilot and co-pilot displays with four multifunctional color displays in the cockpit forward. The aircraft is set to receive aussi navigation, radar and diagnostic upgrades as share of the SB-16 program.

337th TES Major Michael Jungquist Said the IBS upgrades are designed to Provide B-1 aircrews with Greater situational awareness and a faster, more secure digital communication link.

"This will enable aircrews to perform at the year even more effective level and will make the B-1 cockpit more reliable and supportable," Jungquist added.

SB-16 developmental testing is scheduled to begin in April at Edwards AFB, Followed by delivery to 337th TES in September 2013.