Avionics software upgrades to enhance situational awareness for B-1B Lancer strategic bomber crews

OKLAHOMA CITY, 3 Nov. 2011.Military avionics designers at the Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) Defense, Space & Security segment in Oklahoma City are seeking to improve crew situational awareness in the U.S. Air Force B-1B jet bomber with additional upgrades of the B-1 bomber fleet's avionics software to enhance the strategic attack aircraft's new color cockpit displays, data link, and sensor capabilities.

Boeing is making the avionics software upgrades to the B-1B Lancer bomber under terms of a $57 million follow-on Air Force contract. The multi-mission B-1 has been employing a large mixed payload of precision munitions in support of U.S. and allied combat operations in South Asia, Boeing officials say.

The latest software-upgrade contract continues a software-sustainment program that has updated and improved the B-1's sustainability and operational capabilities since the aircraft entered service in 1989, Boeing officials say.

This software-improvement project, called SB 16A, includes changes to the aircraft's navigation, weapon delivery, radar, diagnostics, electrical multiplexing, communication and navigation management system software, and controls and displays.

For more information contact Boeing Defense, Space & Security online at www.boeing.com/bds.