US Air Force to resume B-52 radar upgrade testing on second bomber 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 in California killed an eight-person crew. The crash occurred during a test flight for the radar modernization program, which aims to keep 75 Cold War-era bombers operational into the 2050s. 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 crash may add to persistent program delays, as only one test aircraft had been completed prior to the incident. The radar modernization program has faced heavy criticism, including a Nunn-McCurdy Act breach due to cost overruns and warnings from the Government Accountability Office about limited flight testing. Officials acknowledged the need to adjust the schedule but claimed the program remains on track. The modernized bombers will be designated B-52J.