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RE Flight develops improvements for the B-2

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The B-2 Sprit is hailed as the world's most technologically advanced bomber. With anything, however, there is always room for improvement. That's where the 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron Research Engineering Flight comes in.

A four-man crew, the RE Flight's mission is to provide on-site, rapid response engineering support for the 509th Maintenance and Operation groups. They bridge the gap between local maintenance capabilities and depot/program office support.

"The RE Flight carries out projects that either add capability to the B-2 or assist in the maintenance of the aircraft," said Maj. Brian Clough, RE Flight commander. "We have fabricated custom panels that help prevent engine shutoff during flight and have modified the cockpit sustenance container to install a microwave oven to support aircrews during global strike missions."

The crew was also involved with Alternate High Frequency Material II, said Capt. Timothy Pitzer, lead B-2 low observable engineer. AHFM II is an extension of the original AHFM modification and will improve the radar cross section of the B-2, while better facilitating required maintenance inherent with the flying program.

"This is yet another modification that ensures the B-2 can reach any corner of the globe at a time and place of our choosing and serves as a reminder that the B-2 is the premier stealth bomber in the world," Captain Pitzer said.

The RE Flight also designs tools, researches new technology and creates engineering drawings in response to request and suggestions from aircraft maintenance personnel.

"Currently we are working on replacing and upgrading existing situational awareness and communications upgrade," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Lockard, 3-D computer aided design specialist.

The SACU gives aircrews the ability to communicate with real-time accuracy and has been in use in the B-2 since 2003.

"Aircrews are required to carry two laptops to connect to the SACU equipment rack via cables strung across the cockpit floor." Sergeant Lockard said.
"These will be replaced with two rack-mounted computers. There will no longer be cables on the open floor. Additionally, two 12-inch with rugged, backlit keyboards and integrated mouse controls will be easily accessible to each aircrew member,"

The SACU will be replaced in 2010 with the adaptable communications suite, which will allow aircrews to send and receive encrypted data while en-route to the theater.

"Both the SACU and ACS systems have been engineered and designed by Whiteman personnel," Sergeant Lockard said. "Both systems have been drawn and fitted to the aircraft using 3-D CAD software."

Furthermore, the RE Flight allows the wing to rapidly adapt to any capability shortage that impacts the ability to carry out potential tasks, Major Clough said.

Working as part of the RE FLight is unique to Whiteman.

"There are few opportunities available like this for enlisted members," said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Fekkers, RE Flight superintendent. "It is very exciting to be involved in the type of projects we see."

Through the use of computer-aided drawing, the RE Flight brings the capability of designing new components and modifications in-house, manufacturing them with other shops at Whiteman with less time and at a fraction of the cost if outsourced.

"The RE Flight works hand-in-hand with aircraft maintainers and aircrews to create the best possible equipment, keeping the B-2 at the leading edge of air superiority," Sergeant Lockard said.