Going over the modernization roadmap for the B-2 program, Northrop Grumman’s Harry Heimple told the Daily Report that the Air Force has decided to bypass Small Diameter Bomb I and go straight for the next-generation SDB II, a longer reaching capability that will be able to hit moving targets. Referring to the upgrade as the “moving target kill” (MTK) effort, Heimple said the plan to equip SDB II on the stealth bomber will involve upgrades to multi-functional displays, weapon stores processors, and radar modes. Since the B-2 already has space for 80 precision weapons in its bomb bays, including the 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition, the Air Force has decided it would be more prudent to skip to the next generation SDB II, with a planned initial operational capability target date of 2015 to 2016.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.