Stratofortresses will oversee the battlefield
On 25 May 2023, former Barksdale AFB (LA) based Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, with serial number 60-0061, arrived at the Boeing Company's facility at Port San Antonio/Kelly Field (TX).
The Stratofortress arrived in San Antonio to begin receiving the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system as part of USAF’s B-52 Modernisation Programme.
In July 2019, Raytheon was already selected by the USAF and the Boeing Company as the radar supplier for the B-52 bomber radar modernisation programme. Under that contract, Raytheon has designed, developed, produced and sustained AESA radar systems for the entire 76-strong USAF B-52 fleet. The advanced radar upgrade will ensure the aircraft remains mission ready through 2050 and beyond.
On 26 July 2020, Scramble Magazine wrote about the Stratofortress's tasks the coming forty years and on 26 September 2021 about its engine replacements. With 0061, formerly known as "Die laughin' Jester", being the first, low rate initial production is scheduled to begin in 2024.
What if a Stratofortress could see more than 400 nautical miles (Some 740 kilometers)?
With an AESA radar on board, the modernised Stratofortresses gain improved navigation reliability to support nuclear and conventional missions. Raytheon's B-52 radar is based on AESA technologies developed from the APG-79/ APG-82 radar family. The APG-79 is installed in US Navy Super-Hornet/Growler fighter aircraft and the APG-82(V1) will be used by USAF's F-15EX Eagle II.
Although the APG series radars capabilities remain classified, it is not hard to imagine that, with the current threats and emerging technologies, one wants to stay below the minimum of 400 nm. The radar distance capability, in combination with a Hypersonic missile will give the USAF an edge over future adversaries. In March and April 2023, Scramble Magazine first wrote about hypersonics, speed, height and distance.
AESA will replace the current 1960s radar technology, and greatly increase the navigation and targeting capabilities of the B-52 in higher threat (contested) areas. The installation of AESA is one of the largest upgrades to the B-52 in the history of the fleet.
The effort will cost approximately USD2,8 billion, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in 2027. Earlier, Scramble Magazine wrote about the resurrection of USAF Stratofortresses, there is more to it.
Photo by LA NATO spotting PR (via Jetphotos.com)