B-2 VLF communications upgrade

B-2 comm upgrade

The B-2 uses satcom, but those assets are nearing the end of their useful life and new assets are not operational yet, hence the USAF is resorting to VLF comms (Common Very Low Frequency Receiver, or CVR).

Contract for the CVR

"CVR Increment 1 will provide the B-2 aircrew another, more reliable means to receive presidential force direction via emergency action messages," said Gary Doolittle, Air Force Global Strike Command B-2 requirements.

EAMs ( emergency action messages) go out over shortwave in the clear, but the message uses OTP (one time pad). The message itself is given out in phonetics.


The VLF version presumably will not be a voice message. I'm not entirely sure how the USAF strictly defines VLF. Navy VLF signals can be heard down around 24kHz if you have the right gear.

Navy VLF