Boeing has accepted the first US Air Force B-52 active electronically scanned array radar (AESA) from Raytheon.
The delivery is part of a US Department of Defense program to upgrade the air force’s B-52 Stratofortress subsonic strategic bomber aircraft, extending the fleet’s radar capability beyond 2050.
The US Air Force and Boeing commenced work for the modernization effort earlier this year at the company’s facility in San Antonio, Texas.
Under the program, Boeing selected Raytheon to develop and fabricate the radar for all of the service’s B-52 platforms. Production is being facilitated in El Segundo, California, and Forest, Mississippi.
The initial B-52 AESA radar will be used for verification, system integration, and evaluation. Boeing will receive the remaining test-phase radars next year.
‘Improved Navigation and Targeting’
According to Raytheon, the new B-52 AESA radar will enhance the aircraft’s detection range and mapping approaches. It also increases the number of targets the vehicle can engage simultaneously.
The technology is expected to provide more extensive coverage area, improved information collection, and increased situational awareness to aircrews once installed on the bomber fleet.
“Outfitting the B-52 with an AESA radar replaces its current 1960s radar technology,” Raytheon Agile Radar Solutions Vice President Michelle Styczynski stated.
“With an AESA radar on board, the B-52 will gain improved navigation and targeting capabilities in higher threat areas.”
Boeing Bomber Programs Senior Director Jennifer Wong added that the new radar will give the bombers more capability and “allow for the possibility to enhance access to growth capabilities in the future.”