B-52H Stratofortress System Program Office (SPO) Support

Challenge

With the last one built in 1961, the B-52 is the longest-serving combat aircraft in the current USAF arsenal. The B-52 has the highest mission capability rate among all USAF bombers. Some 90 B-52s are currently in service, and the Air Force plans to keep the aircraft operational and playing a critical role in our nation's defenses until at least 2040. Maintaining these aging aircraft to be operational is complex and challenging.

Solution

Since 1996 DRC has provided engineering, programmatic, and technical support for acquiring, producing and sustaining this critical weapon system. DRC assists the government in defining requirements and developing, testing and producing new capabilities for the B-52. We have been involved in developing specifications for new systems, developing repair and overhaul processes, and locating or identifying sources for obsolete parts.

DRC helped develop and refine new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) processes and procedures for numerous mechanical and electrical assemblies. In one example, DRC engineers identified several problems with misaligned aircraft structures. After initial depot production, engine cowlings and flap assemblies could not be installed without significant rework. The original Mylar drawings of assemblies and fixtures had deteriorated so badly they were unreadable. After intensive research, DRC was able to re-engineer the drawing package. The first assembly manufactured to the DRC-reworked specifications and re-engineered drawing package was installed with absolutely no rework.

DRC also assisted the B-52 organization through the six phases of its Operational Safety Suitability and Effectiveness (OSS&E) certification process. The B-52 SPO accomplished this feat 18 months ahead of schedule, making the program a leader in achieving OSS&E success, and ultimately shaping Air Force OSS&E policy.

DRC provided the Electronic Countermeasures Improvement Program with acquisition management and production planning support that enabled the B-52 SPO to achieve Full Mission Capability status in record time. DRC's software engineering integrated software-driven capabilities with existing software supporting B-52H avionics systems.

Benefits/Achievements

Savings or cost avoidances have been documented at more than $300 million.
DRC's application of standards led to quicker OSS&E certifications and led the Air Force to adopt the standards and processes developed for the B-52 to the entire Air Force.

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