Boeing Receives Follow-on Contract for B-1 Targeting Pod Software Upgrades
Boeing today announced it has received a $23 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for Phase 2 of the B-1 Laptop Controlled Targeting Pod software upgrade.
The upgrade will add additional capability to the B-1 bomber aircraft's targeting system by allowing it to more accurately identify both stationary and moving targets.
Boeing in April finished development on the contract's Phase 1, a $28 million hardware and software-development phase. The Air Force so far has updated 40 of its 66 B-1s with the software and hardware that allows the aircraft to use the 15 interchangeable Sniper pods and the associated laptops assigned to the fleet.
Phase 2 will complete the integration of the Sniper pod with the B-1 software to deliver single-moving-target kill capability using the Guided Bomb Unit-54 (GBU-54) Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (Laser JDAM). Laser JDAM adds a precision laser guidance set to the standard JDAM tail kit to acquire, track and engage mobile targets.
The Air Force fielded the Laser JDAM in May 2008 and has used it successfully in combat.
An additional improvement will enable the targeting pod to find stationary targets and automatically send the target GPS coordinates via the B-1's avionics system to the weapons. This removes the need to enter the coordinates manually, dramatically reducing both response time and the potential for error.
"The B-1 is a highly adaptable platform capable of contributing in all types of warfare," said Mahesh Reddy, Boeing B-1 program manager. "Continuing to upgrade the bomber and its tactics, such as the targeting pod, allows it to remain flexible and reliable."
Boeing will begin design and development of the Phase 2 software immediately. The software is expected to enter testing in February 2011.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
-
German military introduces central command and new cyber branch
The German defence minister claimed the reforms would mean the 2025 military budget would require an additional €6.5 billion (US$7 billion).
-
Hanwha Phasor’s first military antenna to hit market this year
UK-based company will launch the Phasor L3300B land antenna for mobile communications following a US$113.7 million investment from parent firm Hanwha.
-
Thales strengthens focus on digital trust environments for military operations
At the Future Soldier Technology Conference, Thales Land Communications highlighted the necessity of establishing a digital trust environment to enhance armed forces’ decision-making and operational resilience.