Second B-52H test bomber being fitted with new radar after June crash killed 8

Published Jul 27, 06:10 PM UTC

A second B-52H Stratofortress is being modified with an upgraded AN/APQ-188 active electronically scanned array radar at Boeing's San Antonio facility, following the June 15 crash of the first test bomber at Edwards Air Force Base, which killed all eight crew members. The Air Force's Radar Modernization Program, part of a broader effort to upgrade 75 B-52Hs to the B-52J standard for service into the 2050s, has faced challenges including a Nunn-McCurdy cost breach. Col. Spencer Turner, B-52 system program manager, stated that radar installation on the second bomber is ongoing and expected to be completed in 2026. The crash has delayed testing, and the program team is supporting the accident investigation board while reassessing schedules and acquisition timelines to ensure on-time delivery of the capability to warfighters.