B-2A

The B-2A Modification Program is a critical line item within the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement budget, specifically focused on the modification of in-service strategic aircraft. The overarching goal of this program is to sustain, modernize, and enhance the operational capabilities of the B-2 Spirit fleet, a multi-engine, long-range bomber with advanced stealth technology. The program targets reliability, survivability, mission effectiveness, and compliance with evolving mandates. These efforts ensure the B-2 remains viable in highly contested environments and meets both Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

Low Observable Signature and Supportability Modifications (LOSSM) are a major component of this line item, aimed at maintaining and improving the B-2's stealth characteristics. The objectives include reducing maintenance hours, increasing aircraft availability, and integrating new low observable materials and diagnostic tools. This effort is coordinated with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the LO Center of Excellence, leveraging mature technologies and materials to address obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources. Funding will support prioritized projects such as material purchases and installations, upgrades, and the procurement and installation of specialized kits, all designed to enhance survivability and maintainability.

B-2 Battlespace Collaborative Combat Communications (B2C3) focuses on upgrading the aircraft's communications suite to ensure secure, interoperable, and resilient communications in joint and contested domains. The program is structured as a spiral development, incrementally integrating capabilities such as Open Mission Systems architecture and replacing legacy radios with modern units. These upgrades enable secure Beyond-Line-of-Sight and Line-of-Sight communications, anti-jam voice capabilities, and compliance with Joint All-Domain Command and Control requirements. Funding supports the procurement and installation of communications upgrade kits, with Northrop Grumman as the primary contractor.

B-2 Advanced Communications is an ongoing modernization effort that addresses obsolescence and enhances secure communications through Adaptable Communications Suite upgrades. The latest increment will provide secure connectivity via satellite constellations, improve real-time mission planning data transfer, and ensure compliance with crypto mandates. The program also includes upgrades to terminal groups and supports the integration of new hardware and software to maintain mission effectiveness in contested environments.

B-2 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5/S is a capability improvement designed to meet DoD/NATO mandates for secure combat identification and global air traffic management compliance. The program replaces obsolete systems with Mode 5 transponders, enhancing discrimination between platforms and reducing interference with civil air traffic control. This modification includes hardware and software updates, training system enhancements, and installation of IFF kits across the B-2 fleet. The objective is to ensure the B-2 can operate safely and effectively in both military and civilian airspace, with installations scheduled to begin soon.

Additional aggregated modification items within the B-2A line include upgrades to trainer systems, capability improvements, display modernization, low-cost engine modifications, and crash survivable memory units. Each of these efforts addresses specific reliability, maintainability, or capability gaps identified by the Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-2 Program Office. Funding is allocated to resolve safety of flight issues, implement technology insertions, and fulfill regulatory mandates, with installations occurring at both depot and field levels through a combination of organic and contractor teams.