SB-14B adds versatility to B-1

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron completed tests on the Sustainment Block-14B/Laptop Controlled Targeting Pod Phase II upgrade to a B-1 Bomber, allowing seamless integration of the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition increasing the B-1's ability to attack moving targets.

The long-range bombers displayed capabilities of the upgrade by successfully hitting 22 of 22 stationary and moving, ground and maritime targets. The test program consisted of 15 developmental test sorties flown at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, with the 419th Flight Test Squadron from Edwards AFB, Calif., and 20 operational test sorties conducted by the 337 TES.

"The SB-14B upgrade fundamentally changes targeting in the B-1 by employing the sniper targeting pod to derive coordinates and transferring them into the aircraft avioincs using the machine-to-machine interaface provided in this upgrade," said Lt. Col. George Holland, 337 TES commander. "This feature greatly minimizes the time to engage a target and lessens the potential for operator error."

The upgrade uses a laser to track targets and constantly update coordinates to the aircraft's avionics system, which eliminates human error, and reduces targeting time and weapon release by 25 percent.

"Perhaps the greatest benefit of this upgrade will be the ability to streamline the targeting process and get bombs on target faster," said Lt. Col. Matthew Brooks, 9th Bomb Squadron commander. "This capability will enhance the B-1's ability to strike a greater variety of targets, of course, but shortening the 'kill chain' is a huge benefit for the warfighter."

Approximately 50 percent of the 9th BS is trained on the SB-14B upgrade.

"B-1 aviators, like others in our Air Force, are highly flexible and able to adapt to change well," Brooks said. "The 9th BS aviators who have been through the upgrade training have had no issues learning the new system. Working closely with the 337 TES, our weapons officers developed a solid training program that utilizes both aircraft and Weapons System Trainer. Maximizing all available training opportunities will enable the 9th BS to become proficient in all phases of this upgrade."

The 9th BS will be the first squadron to deploy with the SB-14B upgrade.

"The Bats will be ready to employ this capability from day one," Brooks said. "This will, of course, be a tremendous capability for the theater commanders, and we will be prepared to execute from the outset."

According to Holland, the B-1 has long been the backbone of the Air Force's long-range strike fleet. But even more so, the SB-14B/LCTP2 upgrade solidifies the B-1's versatile capability to hold any target, moving or stationary, ground-based or maritime, at risk 24/7, 365 days a week.