The US Air Force (USAF) has received back into service the first Rockwell B-1B Lancer bomber to be upgraded as part of the Integrated Battle Station (IBS) modernisation programme, it was announced on 22 January.
The first aircraft to be upgraded by Boeing under the USD100 million programme was delivered back to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, on 21 January.
The IBS programme is a three-part effort to enhance the capability of the USAF's 66 B-1B bombers. Specifically, the contract covers the Vertical Situation Display Unit (VSDU) work in the forward cockpit, and the Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL) and the Central Integrated Test System (CITS) in the aft cockpit. All three kits are to be installed concurrently, with work running through to 2019.
The VSDU replaces two monochrome pilot and co-pilot displays in the forward cockpit with four multifunctional colour displays; the FIDL provides a new digital avionics suite for the weapon systems crew located in the aft cockpit; while the CITS work adds a new colour display in the aft cockpit, replacing an obsolete computer that monitors the aircraft's performance.
A Boeing official previously told IHS Jane's : "The B-1 has never seen this many upgrades in one block. These upgrades will give us an entirely new aircraft; this is a game changer."
Other recent enhancements to the B-1B include the fitting of new multiple ejector rack, integration of the Boeing GBU-54/B Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition and the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper pod, and the standing up of a new maritime strike capability.
