It’s Going to Outlive Us All…
Okay… I don’t think I need to introduce this aircraft, but if you have been living under a rock…. Or North Korea, this is the Boeing B-52 “Stratofortress” and it has been the backbone of the U.S. Air Force for longer than you and I have been alive. First entering service in 1955, the B-52 has been used in every major conflict the U.S. has been a part of and is still being used today.
Evolution of the B-52H
The current iteration of the B-52 (B-52H), has been in service since 1962 and thanks to numerous upgrades, it is still going strong today. But now the U.S. Air Force and Boeing want to give the BUFF an extensive upgrade to extend its already long life. How extensive? Well, let’s just say it’s going to receive two new designations. It’s going to be the most comprehensive upgrade it has ever had.
The new upgrade package will see the bomber being fitted with new electronic and sensor capabilities. Specifically, the addition of the APG-79B4 radar, which will streamline the “nose” section of the aircraft. The B-52 has been used primarily as a high altitude, long-range bomb carrier for most of its life, so the addition of the APG-79B4 will enhance this ability by giving it improved situational awareness and long-range targeting.
Modernizing the Cockpit and Engines
The cockpit itself will also be modernized and digitalized to allow the new radar system to function, as well as accommodate the addition of an advanced communication system. But the most notable upgrade is the fitting of brand new Rolls Royce F-130 jet engines, replacing the old TF-33s, which have not been in production since the 1980s. While the new F-130s produce the same amount of thrust as the older engines, they are not as thirsty and will extend the bomber’s already impressive range. Not to mention, cut down on maintenance time.
Future Variants: B-52J and B-52K
But here is the thing: there might actually be two variants of the new B-52 on the way. The first one, “B-52J,” will be fitted with the new electronic package first, but then be redesignated as the “B-52K” when the new Rolls Royce engines are eventually fitted.
With the new upgrades, it’s believed the bomber will continue to fly well into the 2050s and possibly… 2060s. ~NC
