The Modernization of the B-2 Spirit Bomber Software Systems

Semantic Designs announced that Northrop Grumman has acquired an Enterprise Software Modernization License to apply SD’s JOVIAL2C direct translation tool to the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit Bomber Operational Flight Program (OFP) Refresh Project. The project will enhance and extend the lifetime of the B-2, the flagship of the nation’s long range strike arsenal.

Although the B-2 is the Air Force’s newest bomber, its computers and processors require upgrade to keep up with integration efforts. Expanded and more reliable systems are necessary to maintain the B-2’s leading edge combat capabilities.

As the Air Force’s B-2 prime contractor, Northrop Grumman contracted Semantic Designs to construct cost-effective, automated tools and translation methods to modernize the flight management computer system software applications, beginning with the OFP, by converting the legacy JOVIAL code to C. Northrop Grumman applied its system engineering methodologies to integrate new hardware and used the JOVIAL2C translator to convert the flight software to operate in the new processing environment.

“Semantic Designs’ automated JOVIAL2C direct translator allows Northrop Grumman to modernize the OFP and other software avionics components included in this B-2 refresh project,” said Ira D. Baxter, Semantic Designs’ chief executive officer. “Our translator provides a fast, reliable conversion to C at a lower cost than a manual conversion. It also gives the B-2 a modern software language that will support the operational and mission needs of the aircraft throughout its lifetime.”