Modernization Schedule Pushback The U.S. Air Force has announced a delay in its plans to modernize the B-52 Stratofortress, specifically regarding the integration of a new radar system, according to a report from the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). Originally slated for fiscal 2025, the crucial Milestone C decision—marking the start of production for upgrading the radar on the first bombers—has been pushed back to fiscal 2026.

Notional Timelines and Expected Impact The revised milestone is planned for the second and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2026, although the report notes that exact dates remain uncertain due to ongoing technical and scheduling risks. The previous year’s report indicated that these decision points were also expected in the same quarters of FY25, highlighting a full-year delay in the radar modernization timeline.

This two-stage Milestone C decision pertains to the modification of 28 B-52 aircraft, roughly one-third of the total fleet, with the new radar technology. Following the initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E), anticipated to commence in fiscal year 2028, the Air Force will make a full-rate production decision for the remaining 48 aircraft set to be equipped with the new system.

Challenges with Radar Integration The delays in the radar modernization effort are attributed largely to integration issues, which have necessitated refinements to the design of the aircraft’s radome, the structure housing the radar. This radar program is part of a broader initiative to modernize the B-52 platform, which also includes the introduction of new engines. Boeing serves as the prime contractor for these modernization efforts, although there has been no immediate comment from the company.

Rising Costs in Modernization Efforts Air Force officials previously indicated that both costs and scheduling for the B-52 modernization initiative are experiencing challenges. Notably, the estimated cost for the new radar has surged from $2.3 billion to $3.3 billion, highlighting financial pressures associated with the program.

Delays in 3DELRR Program The DOT&E report also outlines similar delays for the Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) program, designed to detect and track airborne threats such as aircraft and ballistic missiles. This system integrates with a mobile command and control center used in operational theaters.

The 3DELRR acquisition has been fraught with complications, leading the Air Force to replace the previous contractor, RTX, and award a new contract to Lockheed Martin in 2022 for the AN/TPY-4(V)1 radar. However, production and testing delays persist. The developmental testing for the 3DELRR system was originally slated to commence in the second quarter of FY24, but this timeline has slipped to the second quarter of FY25. Similarly, the IOT&E is now expected to begin in the first quarter of FY26, delayed from the previously planned third quarter of FY25.

Lockheed Martin has expressed its commitment to delivering the TPY-4 radar system in alignment with the Air Force’s mission needs, emphasizing its next-generation capabilities for detecting threats in complex environments.

In conclusion, while the modernization efforts for the B-52 and associated radar systems are progressing, they face significant hurdles that have prompted delays and increased costs. The Air Force is working to address these challenges while continuing to prioritize the modernization of its bomber fleet.

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