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DAYTON, Ohio — Air Force officials announced plans to resume radar modernization testing aboard a second B-52 Stratofortress following a deadly crash last month that halted experiments on a stricken bomber. The incident occurred during a test flight on June 15, resulting in the loss of an eight-member crew and delaying the program aimed at equipping the military’s Cold War-era bombers with advanced radar systems.
Program officials confirmed at the Life Cycle Industry Days conference that modifications to a second B-52 with Raytheon’s Active Electronically Scanned Array radar will proceed later this year. Col. Spencer Turner, the B-52 system program manager, noted the original plan included two test aircraft, and efforts to retrofit the second bomber “are ongoing,” with full radar installation anticipated by year’s end. However, the crash has introduced uncertainty about the timeline for restarting flight tests, though officials maintain the program remains “on track” despite potential adjustments.
The modernization initiative has faced scrutiny due to cost overruns and insufficient flight testing ahead of production, as highlighted by a recent Government Accountability Office warning. The GAO cautioned that limited pre-production testing risks costly rework if flaws are discovered later. Boeing, responsible for delivering the first upgraded B-52 to Edwards Air Force Base in late 2025, emphasized the upgraded radar’s benefits for mission effectiveness, including enhanced situational awareness and survivability in contested environments.
Critics argue the radar program’s aggressive schedule and budget constraints have compromised safety, with Boeing and Air Force spokespeople resisting questions about whether the second test bomber will be added to development. Meanwhile, the Air Force continues to explore repurposing decommissioned B-52s from storage, though challenges remain in refitting older aircraft for active service.
The B-52’s modernization effort aligns with broader plans to transition the Air Force’s long-range strike fleet to the B-52J and next-generation B-21 Raider bombers. Col. Timothy Spaulding, overseeing bomber acquisition, stated the military may draw older B-52s from the Davis-Monthan boneyard, though logistical and operational limitations apply.
