DefenseB-52 completes ferry flight to Edwards AFB after radar modernization
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress arrived at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on December 8 following the completion of a new radar installation.
The radar upgrade is part of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, intended to sustain the bomber’s role in the Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities.
The newly installed AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar replaces the aircraft’s legacy system, enhancing navigation and targeting performance across all weather conditions. The AN/APQ-188 radar supplied by Raytheon is a upgraded version of the AN/APG-79 model used in F/A-18 fighter jets.
“The ferry flight of this upgraded B-52 marks an important moment in our efforts to modernize the bomber force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “This radar modernization ensures that the B-52 will continue to serve as a cornerstone of American airpower well into the future. We are committed to extending the life of this vital platform, allowing it to operate alongside next-generation fighter and bomber aircraft.”
The radar modernization is one aspect of a larger strategy to keep the B-52 viable through 2050 and beyond, aligning with ongoing efforts to modernize the bomber fleet.
USAF plans call for all 76 B-52s to receive not only the upgraded radar, but also new engines and advanced communication systems to improve operational reliability and mission flexibility.
Rolls-Royce will supply the F130 engine, which will power the B-52J and is a derivative of the BR725 civilian turbofan used in executive jets.
It was selected by the USAF in 2021 for the CERP (Commercial Engine Replacement Program), which aims to replace the Pratt & Whitney TF-33 engines.
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