AF Finalizing Upgrades For Boeing B-1B Lancers
B-1B Lancer, DoD Image
The Air Force is updating hardware and software for its Boeing-made B-1B Lancer fleet for a data link integration program.
Sustainment-Block 16 upgrades are composed of completely integrated data links for the aft station, vertical situation display renovation in the front station, and modernized navigation, radar and diagnostic systems.
Aft crew stations will have five new color displays for moving maps and data link integration.
Weapons systems officers will receive new QWERTY keyboards and controllers to help navigate the integrated battle station software.
A new MIDS LVT-1 radio will connect the B-1 into the Link-16 network for transferring transfer of text messages, images and mission assignments.
Fully integrated data link assignments are connected directly to the aircraft and combat commanders will directly send target sets to weapons installed on the B-1, the Air Force said
Development testing for the complete Sustainment-Block 16 package is set to begin in March 2013 and operation testing for the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron will begin in September 2013.