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Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins have successfully demonstrated a prototype digital cockpit display for the B-2 bomber.

The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) and avionics company Rockwell Collins have announced the successful demonstration of a new prototype digital cockpit display for the US Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

Known as Brassboard, the prototype multi-function display unit replacement (MDU-R) can accurately replicate all functions of the jet's current analogue displays, and is considered the first step in developing smarter displays for future B-2 modernisation programmes.

NGC is a prime contractor for the B-2 and contracted Rockwell Collins to develop the new MDU-R.

David Mazur, vice-president of long-range strike for NGC's integrated systems sector, said: "The new digital MDU-R display will help lay the foundation for an all-digital B-2 cockpit in the future.

"It will also significantly ease the workload of B-2 pilots while increasing their overall mission effectiveness."

The companies will now work to develop a form-fitting prototype of the display and continue to improve the system's design. The MDR-U is just one of several B-2 modernisation projects being worked on by NGC.

The B-2 Spirit was developed by Northrop Grumman in the 1980s and entered into service with the US Air Force (USAF) in 1997. To date, 21 have been built, 20 of which remain in active service with USAF.