In a significant milestone for the United States Air Force’s B-52 Radar Modernization Program, Raytheon has successfully delivered the first Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to Boeing. This state-of-the-art radar system is poised to enhance the B-52’s capabilities, ensuring its mission readiness for decades to come.
Photo: Boeing
Raytheon’s selection as the radar supplier for this ambitious modernization effort was announced on July 11, 2019, in partnership with the Boeing Company. Under the terms of the contract, Raytheon undertook the responsibility to design, develop, produce, and sustain AESA radar systems for the entire U.S. Air Force B-52 fleet. With the initial radar now delivered, the program is moving steadily toward low-rate initial production, scheduled to commence in 2024.
The AESA radar represents a significant leap forward in the B-52’s technology suite. Equipped with this advanced radar, the B-52 will enjoy improved navigation reliability, vital for supporting both nuclear and conventional missions. The AESA radar, which draws on technologies from the APG-79/APG-82 radar family, will also significantly expand the aircraft’s mapping and detection range. Furthermore, it will bolster the B-52’s ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, thereby increasing its effectiveness in modern conflict scenarios.
One of the standout features of Raytheon’s AESA radar is its exceptional reliability. Unlike the previous system, it contains no moving parts and relies on modern operating software, drastically reducing the risk of mechanical failure.
The first B-52 aircraft to be equipped with the AESA radar arrived at a Boeing facility in San Antonio on May 25, marking a crucial step in the B-52 Radar Modernization Program. The entire program is estimated to cost approximately $2.8 billion, with initial operational capability anticipated in 2027.
Jennifer Wong, Senior Director of Boeing Bomber Programs, expressed her excitement about the radar’s potential, stating, “This new AESA radar will give the B-52 more capability than it has today and allow for the possibility to enhance access to growth capabilities in the future. A lot of amazing collaboration by our Boeing team, Raytheon, and the Air Force made this possible.”
The B-52 Radar Modernization Program represents a concerted effort to extend the operational life and capabilities of this venerable aircraft, ensuring it remains a vital component of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic arsenal well into the future.
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