US Air Force to resume B-52 radar testing after fatal crash

Published Jul 28, 12:29 AM UTC

The U.S. Air Force plans to resume B-52 radar modernization testing using a second Stratofortress after a June 15 crash killed an eight-person crew in California. The crash, part of the radar modernization program aimed at keeping 75 Cold War-era bombers operational until the 2050s, paused flight tests. Program officials stated at the Life Cycle Industry Days conference that modification of a second test aircraft is ongoing and expected to be completed this year. The program has faced delays and cost overruns, including a Nunn-McCurdy Act breach. Col. Spencer Turner acknowledged the crash was not in the original schedule and adjustments may be needed. The upgraded bombers, designated B-52J, are intended to serve alongside B-21 Raiders in the future long-range fleet.