Boeing Awarded B-1 Avionics Software Pact

Boeing received an $84 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for additional upgrades of the B-1 bomber's avionics software. Boeing said this contract authorizes Boeing to start work on Sustainment Block 16 (SB 16). Each software sustainment block includes changes to navigation; weapon delivery; radar; electrical multiplexing; communication/navigation management system software; and controls and displays. Boeing engineers in Long Beach and Oklahoma City deliver the latest avionics software once a year for the Air Force's fleet of 66 B-1s. SB 14 is in flight test at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and will be delivered to the Air Force in 2011. SB 15 will be delivered in 2012, and design and development work for SB 16 will begin immediately. "This major block will enhance the aircraft's color cockpit displays, data link, radar and navigation in ways that will significantly improve B-1 aircrews' ability to execute their missions," said Mahesh Reddy, B-1 program director for Boeing.