Boeing has selected Raytheon to upgrade the radar on the B-52 bomber. Raytheon will design, develop, produce and sustain a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the entire U.S. Air Force B-52 fleet, with low rate initial production scheduled to begin in 2024.
The radar upgrade will be based on AESA technologies developed for the APG-79 and APG-82 radar families. The APG-79 flies on the F/A-18E/F fighter and EA-18G Growler. The APG-82 flies on the F-15E fighter.
The AESA upgrade will improve the radar’s detection range, increase the number of targets simultaneously engaged and improve mapping and navigation reliability to support nuclear and conventional missions. The radar will help keep the B-52 mission ready beyond 2050 — essentially 100 years after the long-range B-52 made its maiden flight in April 1952.
”When it comes to years spent flying in support of our nation's defense. Our new AESA radars give aircrews the eyes they need to achieve their mission for the duration of the B-52's service life." — Eric Ditmars, vice president of Raytheon Secure Sensor Solutions