Changes to B-52H could result in two new designations

The U.S. Air Force is mulling having two new designations for the upgraded B-52H bomber, the Senior Materiel Leader for the B-52 program office has disclosed.

A B-52H Stratofortress takes off as part of Agile Combat Employment at the Arkansas Aeroplex, Blytheville, Arkansas, Jan. 12, 2022. Using the ACE concept, within a few hours B-52s can land at a location, receive repairs, resupply and be back in the air before an adversary can pinpoint their location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

The bomber will first get the new APG-79B4 radar, which requires manuals to be rewritten. Further down the line, the manuals will have to be rewritten again when the Rolls-Royce F130 engines are installed.

“What the Air Force, along with Global Strike Command, needs to look at, is how do we define” the new variant,” Ruscetta was quoted by Air Force Magazine as saying.

Air Force Magazine reports that the bomber will be designated as B-52J and possibly B-52K when the modifications, which include new cockpit displays, are completed.

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