The B-2 Spirit bomber, which is undergoing a series of upgrades as part of its overall modernization program, will need an interim solution to accommodate a delay in its EHF Satcom capabilities, according to an official involved in the program.

At issue is not a delay on the B-2 program, but that “some of the equipment that is supposed to be provided, like the satellites and terminals,” has been delayed, according to Duke Dufresne, Northrop Grumman‘s B-2 program manger. Specifically, the timetable for the family of beyond line-of-sight terminals, or FAB-T, has slipped. Dunfresne’s comments were first reported by sister publication Defense Daily.

“The direct issue to the B-2 is the terminal that will go on the aircraft,” Dufresne said. “As that slips, and it has slipped, that drives [the B-2 delay].”

EHF satcom, which Dufresne described as the “internet in the sky,” will provide the B-2 with a high data rate transfer capabilities for uploading and downloading, and also secure communications for the B-2’s nuclear mission. FAB-T, a Boeing-led program, brings the terminals that provide EHF voice and data satellite communication.

The problems are “beyond the control” of the B-2, Dufresne said, but “they do drive the ultimate full capability.” He added that a “non-integrated solution” is being looked at while the B-2 waits for the terminals.

A number of options are being considered in light of the delay, he said, and the hope is to have a plan later this year. The Air Force is expected to propose a solution by August to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Work in the meantime, continues on installing UHF satcom for the B-2. That work will be completed throughout the “next month or so,” according to Dufresne.

The B-2 also is in the process of getting a number of other upgrades, including upgrades to the aircraft’s active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna. Northrop Grumman last year was awarded a $388 million for the radar effort, which includes work by Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. The new radar package is designed to resolve conflicts in radio signal usage between the B-2 and commercial systems.

Another aspect of the modernization program, the addition of Link-16 communications, is expected to go into operational evaluation next year. And the B-2’s smart bomb rack will be ready next month.

Dufresne also said that work on new coating for the B-2 is proceeding well. Previously, extensive tape was used to seal the B-2’s joint, which often proved time-consuming to maintain.

With the new coating, the B-2 has shed over 3,000 feet of tape, according to Dufresne.

There are still a number of other capabilities that Northrop Grumman would like to see on the B-2, such as global air traffic management and eventual integration of the small diameter bomb. Those upgrades are not currently in the Air Force’s funding plans, however.

–By Sharon Weinberger