ALCM Upgrades

The AGM-86B, Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), is a subsonic, air-to-surface strategic nuclear missile, operational since 1982. Armed with a W-80 warhead, it is designed to evade air and ground-based defenses in order to strike targets at any location within any enemy's territory. The ALCM is designed for B-52H internal and external carriage. RDT&E funds support development of new test and evaluation procedures, software, and equipment. RDT&E funds also provide sustainment solutions for Line Replaceable Units (LRU) and technology insertion to ensure ALCM sustainability supports Air Force strategic nuclear deterrence and Global Strike mission requirements until the capability is replaced by the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) cruise missile. Additionally, RDT&E funds support aging and surveillance analysis to pro-actively identify components which will degrade system reliability. The ALCM Test Plan Development and Evaluation program develops plans and procedures for testing nuclear systems, and implements those procedures as directed by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and to satisfy the recurring requirements to test Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) susceptibility. An extensive Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) is in place to address age related issues and to ensure reliability and sustainability until replaced by the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) cruise missile. Technology insertion is anticipated to address serviceability of components at or near end of life. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.