Installation has begun on the B-2 stealth bomber by Northrop as part of the USAF’s B-2 extremely high frequency (EHF) satellite communications programme.

The hardware will allow the jet to send and receive battlefield information up to 100 times faster than its current satellite communications system.

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The first kit of EHF increment 1 hardware will include a new integrated processing unit (IPU) developed by Lockheed, replacing up to a dozen current stand-alone avionics computers on the B-2.

Increment 1 hardware will also include a new disk drive unit developed by Honeywell Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Plymouth, which will enable transfer of EHF data onto and off of the B-2.

It will also include a network of fibre-optic cable to support the high-speed data transfers within the aircraft.

The USAF’s 702nd Aeronautical Systems Group Commander Col. Kevin Harms said EHF Increment 1 puts in place the high speed data handling infrastructure the B-2 will need to perform its most advanced communications and weapons delivery missions in the future.

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B-2 is the only combat-proven stealth platform in the current US inventory that includes stealth, long range, large payload and precision weapons in a single platform.

It can fly 6,000nm without refuelling or 10,000nm with just one aerial refuelling, and can reach any point on the globe within hours.

Increment 2 will involve the installation of a new communications terminal and new antennas that will allow the B-2 to transmit and receive information securely via satellite.

Increment 3 will integrate the B-2 into the US Department of Defense’s global information grid.