U.S. Air Force works with Northrop Grumman to keep more bombers ready for duty

The U.S. Air Force plans to add a combat-ready B-2 stealth bomber to the fleet, while reducing costs with a new maintenance agreement worked out with B-2 prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The contract modification was signed in April and will see Northrop Grumman give each B-2 a major, end-to-end overhaul -- a process called programmed depot maintenance (PDM) -- once every nine years.

Each jet currently undergoes a PDM once every seven years, which includes a complete restoration of the jet's exterior surfaces. The maintenance is performed at the Northrop Grumman's Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in Palmdale, California.

"This new approach to B-2 maintenance is a win-win for the Air Force and the nation," Brig. Gen. Eric Fick, program executive officer for fighters and bombers within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, said. “It will enhance the jet's readiness to conduct global security missions and is expected to save taxpayers about $900 million in maintenance costs over the life of the fleet."

Fick said the nine-year PDM cycle is part of an on-going effort by Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force to increase the availability of the B-2 stealth bombers for combat operations.

Pat McMahon, Northrop Grumman’s sector vice president and general manager for military aircraft systems said the company’s technicians have reviewed every PDM material and process in the search for potential improvements. As a result, the length of the PDM cycle has been reduced while increasing the time between PDM periods.

"Our delivery of the B-2 Spirit of Ohio back to the Air Force in August marked the last time we expect to have more than two jets in PDM at any one time," McMahon said. "Fewer jets undergoing PDM in Palmdale will keep more B-2s ready to serve the nation's security needs."

The B-2 is the only long-range, large-payload U.S. military aircraft that can currently penetrate deep into enemy airspace. It can fly six thousand nautical miles without being refueled and more than ten thousand nautical miles with just one aerial refueling.