"TD Phase 2 is the cornerstone of a rapid
acquisition initiative that Northrop Grumman and
the government developed to reduce B-2 DMS
modernization costs and accelerate the
availability of the latest technologies for the
aircraft," said Lauren Stevens, director of the
company's B-2 DMS modernization integrated
product team. "Instead of relying on new
hardware and software development, our
initiative takes advantage of mature, proven
technologies. It minimizes nonrecurring costs,
and reduces the time and technology risks
associated with fielding new capabilities."
DMS modernization includes a new avionics
graphics processor being developed by Lockheed
Martin Mission Systems and Training, Owego,
N.Y.; and new antennas, which are being
developed by L3 Randtron, Menlo, Park, Calif.,
and Ball Aerospace, Boulder, Colo.
Northrop Grumman serves as the B-2 system
integrator and developer of the architecture
that determines how the aircraft responds to
threat environments. In this role, the company
will integrate all new DMS hardware and
requisite software onto the jet.
"The DMS upgrades demonstrate how Northrop
Grumman is using innovation and thoughtful
engineering to address and fulfill key
affordability goals of the Department of
Defense," explained Ron Naylor, director of B-2
Modernization and Transformation for Northrop
Grumman Aerospace Systems. "They also help
ensure that the B-2 will remain the nation's
most survivable and most effective long-range
strike system for dealing with sophisticated
enemy threats."
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