Boeing to upgrade USAF's B-1 Lancer bombers

CALIFORNIA (BNS): Boeing has been awarded a $99.5 million contract by the US Air Force to integrate three major modifications on the B-1 Lancer bomber fleet.

The contract is the first lot of modification kits of a planned multi-lot production contract to upgrade the USAF’s B-1s.

The upgrades to be carried out under the latest contract include delivery of kits with parts for the vertical situation display unit in the forward cockpit and for the fully integrated data link and the central integrated test system in the aft cockpit of the bomber aircraft.

All three programs will be installed concurrently from late 2012 through 2019 in a single modification called the Integrated Battle Station, Boeing said.

The upgrades will make the B-1’s cockpit more reliable and supportive and provide the bomber’s aircrew with a higher level of situational awareness and faster secure digital communication link, a Boeing official associated with the programme said.

The three upgrades are in various stages of final ground and flight tests in preparation for installation on the B-1 Lancer bomber fleet, the company said.

(Brahmand)