WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
US Air Force Invests in B-52 Radar Upgrade
WHY IT MATTERS
The upgrade will help maintain the B-52's operational status, ensuring it remains a viable asset for the US Air Force into the 2040s.
What happened
The US Department of Defense has awarded $766 million in new contracts to modernize the B-52 Stratofortress's radar system. The upgrade includes $603 million for the AN/APQ-188 radar itself and $163 million for airframe upgrades. The move aims to keep the B-52 relevant into the 2040s.
The acquisition strategy behind the upgrade has raised questions about cost control and schedule management. The contracts were announced on August 25, with Raytheon and Boeing receiving the funding for the radar and airframe upgrades, respectively.
The upgrade is seen as a crucial step in extending the life of the B-52, which has been in service since the 1950s. The new radar system is expected to improve the bomber's capabilities and effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.
PRIMARY SOURCES
The US Air Force Just Bought A Stripped-Down Radar To Keep The B-52 Relevant Into The 2040s
Simple Flying · Luke Diaz · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply