B-2 successfully demonstrates prototype databus

  • Published
  • By Bruce Long
  • 726th Aeronautical Systems Group
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Aeronautical Systems Center's 726th Aeronautical Systems Group (B-2 Program Office), within the 326th Aeronautical Systems Wing, Defense Logistics Agency Weapon System Sustainment Program and the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, partnered to successfully demonstrate a prototype B-2 1553 avionics databus diagnostic performance characterization and cable plant integrity test capabilities under an "enhanced" Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) initiative.

The supporting SBIR vendor, ITCN, Inc., Centerville, OH, responded to B-2 Spirit maintainer requirements by adapting and integrating an existing high-end ITCN engineering test instrumentation capability. This capability was established by ITCN under an alternative SBIR effort, with time domain reflectometry technology to give B-2 flightline avionics maintainers at Whiteman AFB, Mo., the ability to characterize individual databus performance and to isolate avionics network health anomalies.

Incorporated TDR functionality will assist B-2 technicians with isolating 1553 wiring cable problems to within 6-12 inches, enabling them to identify performance discrepancies with pinpoint accuracy.

The subject SBIR effort, a $906K investment, required the B-2 program to broker 50 percent cost share against expiring SBIR funds availability. ITCN's willingness to waive profit enabled the 726th to initiate a funded/warfighter responsive program under Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate sponsorship within four months.

The prototype unit, developed over a 13-month period, will be exercised by B-2 technicians, involving direct connectivity with multiple B-2 aircraft data buses, later this month at Whiteman AFB, Mo. 

ITCN's demonstrated performance catalyzed the 726th AESG to exercise an established Phase II SBIR option, involving Air Combat Command Air Warfare Battlelab funding, which will make available three preproduction units for B-2 maintenance/test personnel evaluation during routine field maintenance, at home and at deployed locations. The 726th is attempting to make the established test capability available to support other combat platforms equipped with 1553 avionics databus network architectures, ensuring long-term supportability.

The established B-2 1553 test capability, housed in a ruggedized, mobile container with embedded storage features for securing aircraft interface and/or grounding cables and a supporting laptop computer, is designed to provide flightline avionics technicians with a portable workbench at the aircraft maintenance site. The design approach responds to user requirements generated during formal program kickoff discussions with "hands-on" B-2 avionics maintenance personnel assigned to the 509th Maintenance Group, Whiteman AFB, Mo., home of the B-2 bomber.

The B-2 Spirit avionics systems are the heart of the stealth bomber's combat capability, linked together through a 1553 network. Enhanced 1553 diagnostic tools and embedded logistics data tracking features will have a direct affect on B-2 aircraft availability/mission readiness.