B-2 Cockpit Display Prototype Unveiled

Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins demonstrated a prototype of a new digital cockpit display for the U.S. Air Force's B-2 stealth bomber, which the companies say can accurately replicate the functions of the jet's current analog displays. The prototype, known as “brassboard,” of the new Multi-function Display Unit Replacement (MDU-R) completed the demonstration July 29. Northrop Grumman is the Air Force's prime contractor for the B-2; Rockwell Collins developed the MDU-R brassboard under contract to Northrop Grumman. “The new digital MDU-R display will help lay the foundation for an all-digital B-2 cockpit in the future,” said Dave Mazur, vice president of long range strike for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. “It will also significantly ease the workload of B-2 pilots while increasing their overall mission effectiveness.” During the next phase of development, Rockwell Collins will produce a form-fit-function prototype of the display and continue to refine its design.