Technical problems have increased the estimated cost of software upgrades for USAir Force Rockwell B-1 bombers by $46 million. The cost hike is disclosed in the US Department of Defense's latest quarterly Selected Acquisition Report (SAR).
Cost increases in the $2.16 billion B-1 Conventional Mission Upgrade Programme are blamed on a nine-month avionics software development delay. The DoD says the "delay is needed to assure mature software is available at the start of flight testing in March". Late delivery of government-furnished equipment has also delayed the programme.
• Northrop Grumman has completed the $100 million Generic Weapons Interface System software upgrade for the B-2 stealth bomber, allowing it to carry a mix of stand-off and direct attack weapons. The B-2 can carry four different weapons types at once.
Source: Flight International
