US Air Force begins a $2.8bn upgrade of B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers - first aircraft to receive new radar

The US Air Force has launched an upgrade programme for its B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers. The upgrade will bring the aircraft a new radar.

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The first bomber, assigned to the 307th Wing, arrived at Boeing's San Antonio facility last week. The upgrade will see it receive an active phased array radar system.

The arrival of the B-52H Stratofortress in Texas marked the start of a key phase in the US Air Force's effort to modernise its fleet of nuclear bombers. Colonel Louis Ruscetta, who is leading the programme, made the announcement.

The new radar with an active phased antenna array will replace the radar station that has been in use since the 1960s. Luis Ruscetta noted that the upgrade will significantly enhance the aircraft's capabilities and navigation in a high-threat area.

The U.S. Air Force says it will be able to rapidly upgrade the radar's capabilities by updating its software to counter future threats. The upgrade program will be one of the largest in the history of the B-52 fleet at a cost of $2.8 billion and is scheduled to reach initial operational capability in 2027.

Source: AFLCMC