Aeronautical Systems Center engaged a small business vendor, ITCN, Inc., in Centerville, Ohio, to help develop a better means for B-2 bomber maintainers to identify avionics problems—it worked. The prototype databus will help B-2 technicians isolate wiring cable problems to within six to 12 inches, which means they can find “performance discrepancies with pinpoint accuracy,” improving B-2 mission readiness, reports ASC’s Bruce Long. ASC expects to field the prototype unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo., sometime this month for further testing.
The Air Force expects to start modifying its first B-52H Stratofortress bomber with new engines and other upgrades later this year, following the successful review of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program’s design.