US plans overhaul of obsoleting B-52 bombers New engines, radars and weapons systems

The US Department of Defense is going to modernise the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers, which are popularly known as "flying fortresses".

This model of aircraft was put into service back in 1955, Gazeta.ru writes.

Now they will be upgraded, starting with the replacement of obsolete engines. Thus, the old TF33 engine will replaced with the new F130 from Rolls-Royce, which should significantly improve the performance of these machines.

The specialists are also going to install a new radar in the aircraft, update communication systems, put digital displays, as well as improve the landing gear and braking system. The bombers will also be equipped with modern air-launched cruise missiles AGM-181 LRSO with nuclear warheads, which have a range of about 2,500 kilometres.

Modernisation work is scheduled to begin in 2026 at the US Air Force's Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. The modernisation project is tentatively estimated at $48.6 billion.