The Effect of Failing to Recapitalize the B-52H Defensive Avionics System on Future Operations

The B-52 is an important component of the Air Force arsenal because of its unique ability to carry a tremendous payload of over 40 different types of munitions, and its ability to strike anywhere on the globe with aerial refueling on short notice, but the escalating costs of supporting the legacy B-52 ECM system requires a comprehensive structured approach if the airframe is to remain a viable platform until its projected retirement in 2040.

Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

This research analyzed data gathered from Air Combat Command (ACC) headquarters, as well as data received from the B-52 Systems Program Office and the Electronic Systems Program Office. This data was used to determine if vanishing vendors and parts obsolescence are affecting the supportability of the defensive avionics system on the B-52 and in turn, affecting the mission capability (MC) rate of the platform. Information was also gathered from the 5th and 2d Bomb Wings to acquire user input on the impact of the problem.

The Air Force lacks the ability to maintain the ALQ-155 defensive avionics system on the B-52 beyond the short term because of lack of spare line replaceable unit (LRU) repair parts due to vanishing vendors, lack of repair capability, low system reliability, and increasing costs. This research will determine if the B-52 can remain a viable platform in a future conflict if the defensive avionics system is not recapitalized, and whether failure to upgrade the ALQ-155 system has had a negative effect on the mission capability of the B-52? It will then propose how Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) could address the problem to keep the B-52 a viable weapon system until its scheduled retirement date in 2040.