B-2 Computing Upgrade Move Forward

Air Force and industry representatives last month successfully completed a two-day technical review of the new software and computing architecture for the B-2A stealth bomber, lead contractor Northrop Grumman announced yesterday. The new architecture defines standardized hardware and software interfaces that will allow the B-2’s new integrated processor, which Lockheed Martin is developing, to communicate, via a fiber network, with the aircraft’s processing applications. It will also provide the high-speed data-handling capacity needed for new capabilities, such as the extremely high frequency satellite communications system and the ability to destroy moving targets. “By defining the requirements and design for the entire B-2 architecture up front, we will significantly reduce the time, effort and cost associated with developing and integrating new capabilities on the jet,” said Northrop’s Ron Naylor, director of the B-2 EHF and computer upgrade program.