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B-52 upgrade on target

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The B-52 Stratofortress just got better.

Following the introduction of the Evolutionary Data Link, the 56-year-old B-52 strategic bomber fleet will soon have advanced communications software. The program, intended as a bridge enabling combat network-centric operations, facilitates improved communication and data provisioning between ground combat troops and the B-52.

According to Col. John Fisher, B-52 Sustainment Division chief, "The community is excited to see this capability being fielded on our jets! The B-52 fleet has always been an important asset with the ability to directly support ground combat personnel. EDL adds additional functionality and utility to our B-52 bomber fleet and increases situational awareness for the warfighter."

In the near future, installing combat network communications technology equipment on the B-52 will bring internet connectivity, data, and voice messaging to the fleet. EDL facilitates some of this capability before CONECT is installed, and allows the aircraft bombardier navigator to differentiate friendly and enemy combatants' coordinates using digital overlay map symbols.

"Evolutionary Data Link improves B-52 capability for ground support operations," said Roderick "Rod" Lees, the EDL Program Manager for Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Aerospace Sustainment Directorate B-52 Sustainment Division. "With EDL, we can clarify where a target and friendly forces are in relation to each other, lowering potential fratricide or collateral damage."

As of today, the newest program of EDL has been installed on a few select aircraft. The remaining equipment should be installed on all B-52's by mid-2012. Congressional funding facilitated the program, which installs laptop computers, wiring and software in the aircraft.

The Air Force began the EDL program in 2001. By 2005, upgrades to the program were being implemented, leading to today's improved system.

Introduced to the Air Force in 1955, each B-52 aircraft can carry up to 108 bombs and is capable of loitering for long periods of time at high altitude, providing top cover for ground forces.

"This is a success for the B-52 community," Mr. Lees said. "EDL has excellent potential to save American and Allied combat troops' lives in combat operations."