Posted by John McHaleLONG BEACH, Calif., 6 July 2011.Cockpit avionics and other electronics systems on the B-1 Lancer Bomber are getting an upgrade from Boeing [NYSE: BA] under a $99.5 million contract with the U.S. Air Force. Upgraded systems include the forward cockpit's vertical situation display unit as well as the integrated data link and central integrated test system located in the aft cockpit. All three modifications will be performed concurrently from late next year through 2019 in a single modification named the Integrated Battle Station..The vertical situation display unit improves the B-1 forward cockpit by removing two unsupportable, monochrome pilot and co-pilot displays and replacing them with four multi-functional color displays.The B-1 integrated data link provides the aft cockpit new digital avionics such as a Link 16 data link that adds line-of-sight capability to the B-1's existing beyond line-of-sight Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP) data link. It also integrates the JREAP data onto new, full-color displays using intuitive symbols and moving maps.The central integrated test system brings a new color display to the aft cockpit and replaces an obsolete computer, which continuously monitors the aircraft performance. Ground support personnel also use it to identify and troubleshoot B-1 system problems."The Integrated Battle Station upgrades will provide B-1 bomber aircrews with a higher level of situational awareness and a faster secure digital communication link," says Rick Greenwell, B-1 program director for Boeing. "This will enable the aircrews to perform at an even more effective level and will make the B-1 cockpit more reliable and supportable. Combining the separate upgrades into one production kit will enable us to deliver a more affordable upgraded aircraft to our customer in a timelier manner."This contract is for the first lot of modification kits of a planned multi-lot production contract to upgrade the B-1s.
