B-52J bomber to be equipped with advanced weapons despite its age

The B-52J bomber, an updated variant of the iconic B-52 Stratofortress, will carry a state-of-the-art arsenal despite its 80-year-old design.

This new version will feature Rolls Royce F-130 engines, enhancing fuel efficiency and stealth, and will be equipped with a radar system from the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Although the B-52J won’t begin test flights until 2028 and won’t be operational until 2033, it promises to deliver significant firepower, including modern and hypersonic weapons. The bomber’s role will be to provide "affordable mass" and precision strikes, compensating for its lack of stealth with its formidable payload capacity.

Since its introduction in the 1950s, the B-52 has undergone numerous upgrades, including improvements to its avionics, engines, and weapon systems.

The B-52J continues this trend with the latest enhancements, offering the capability to carry up to 70,000 pounds of ordnance, including bombs, mines, and missiles. It will also support a range of weaponry from conventional bombs to advanced hypersonic missiles.

Despite its non-stealthy design, the B-52J is expected to remain a valuable asset in modern combat, leveraging its updated weapons and massive payload to maintain its relevance in the Air Force's fleet.