The B-2 Spirit introduced a new era of stealth technology and strategic deterrence 35 years ago when it completed its maiden flight on July 17th 1989. More than three decades later, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, Northrop Grumman continues to integrate groundbreaking technology into the B-2.
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The B-2 program recently achieved a major milestone by providing the bomber with its first fieldable, agile integrated functional capability called Spirit Realm 1 (SR 1). SR 1 provides mission critical capability upgrades to the communications and weapons systems via an open mission systems architecture, directly enhancing combat capability and allowing the fleet to initiate a new phase of agile software releases.
“We are rapidly fielding capabilities with zero software defects through the software factory development ecosystem and further enhancing the B-2 fleet’s mission effectiveness,” said Jerry McBrearty, director and B-2 acting program manager, Northrop Grumman. “The agile framework methodology within SR 1 directly supports the Air Force’s initiative to adapt new capabilities in the aircraft, executing the mission today.”
SR 1 features new displays and flight hardware and updates enhancing the B-2’s survivability. SR 1 was fully developed inside the B-2 Spirit Realm software factory that was established through a partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-2 Systems Program Office. The successful integration of the Spirit Realm software factory led the B-2 to become the first legacy nuclear platform to utilize the Department of Defense’s DevSecOps processes and digital toolsets.