Radar Modernization Program upgrades are scheduled to begin shortly after the first US Air Force B-52 aircraft arrived at Boeing San Antonio recently.
The Radar Modernization Program (RMP) will give the B-52 “fighter-like” radar capabilities such as increased navigation accuracy, targeting and tracking, as well as new, high-resolution mapping. The new radar will also be able to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Work on B-52 modernisation takes place at Boeing sites in Oklahoma City and San Antonio, after the first B-52 arrived on 1 June.
Bombers Programs director Jennifer Wong said following the on-schedule completion of the radar program Critical Design Review, the company began low-rate initial production of the new radar system for operational test and evaluation.
“The B-52 brings unique, critical capabilities to the US Air Force as they move to a future two-bomber platform strategy,” she said.
“By modernising the B-52 radar, we’re increasing the relevancy of the aircraft for the warfighter for close air support or strategic attack.”
RMP upgrades include a new, wide-band radome on the aircraft’s nose; two high-definition, touchscreen, large area displays; two display sensor system processors that will connect the radar with other B-52 systems; two hand controllers, and a modern active electronically scanned array radar.