B-52 Squadrons

B-52 Squadrons under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity, aims to modernize the B-52H bomber fleet to ensure its relevance, lethality, and survivability for current and future wartime missions. The program includes various projects such as B-52 Mission Employment Trainer (MET), B-52 AFMC Test Assets, and others. The specific objectives include developing new training devices and Systems Integration Labs to replace existing legacy systems, addressing obsolescence issues through hardware and software development and testing, and supporting innovation activities such as tech demonstrations and studies to accelerate technology transition and future acquisition programs.

The B-52 Mission Employment Trainer project specifically focuses on developing a virtual flight simulator to provide necessary pilot training for various environments and conditions. This includes building a prototype training simulator with modern, advanced Operational Flight Programs that are rapidly reprogrammable and support simulated mission tasking. Additionally, the program aims to address emerging manufacturing sources and material shortages for training systems, conduct development and test activities, and support potential impact studies for future communication growth to the B-52. The acquisition strategy involves using a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract for software and hardware development.

The B-52 AFMC Test Assets project supports the developmental testing and sustainment needs of the B-52 by providing funding for test aircraft, manpower, Bomber Modular Data Acquisition System (BMDAS), facilities at the Air Force Test Center at Edwards AFB, California. This includes supporting the integration of BMDAS on B-52 test aircraft and Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) costs for test aircraft modifications at Tinker AFB, OK. The program also addresses emerging manufacturing sources and material shortages for both aircraft and associated training systems while accommodating civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability.

Overall, these projects aim to enhance the capabilities of the B-52 fleet through modernization efforts while addressing obsolescence issues, ensuring aircrew safety, and supporting future combat capabilities.