SNC, Northrop Flight Tests B-2 Communications Upgrade

SNC and Northrop Grumman recently conducted the first test flight of a major communications upgrade for the B-2, aimed at expanding the stealth bomber’s beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications.

SNC in a Feb. 20 announcement said its Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) 4.0 was developed in partnership with the bomber OEM to provide a secure, open mission system “computing environment” to be able to communicate with other military systems.

“This first flight of the B-2 with the upgraded Adaptable Communications Suite [ACS] is a testament to SNC’s commitment to advancing aerospace technology and supporting the U.S. Air Force’s strategic objectives,” SNC Executive Vice President Jon Piatt said in an announcement. “Our collaboration with [the] U.S. Air Force has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, combining our strengths to deliver a transformative upgrade for the B-2 fleet. The ACS upgrade ensures that the B-2 remains a formidable and versatile platform, capable of operating in complex and contested environments.”

Air Force budget documents show the ACS 4.0 is part of a series of upgrades to provide secure BLOS and line-of-sight communications to be able to stay connected to the joint all-domain command and control system through the entire mission. Coupled with an Airborne Integrated Terminal Group Replacement, ACS 4.0 provides satellite communication connectivity though the Multiple User Objective System satellite constellation—including airborne mission transfer and increased situational awareness.

“This capability can be used globally, but it is critical once the B-2 enters a highly contested airspace,” the Air Force says.

SNC received the award for the program in July 2023, with a critical design review completed four months later. Fielding is expected by December 2026, the budget documents say.