The B-52’s New Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar System

February 1, 2026

Boeing
San Antonio, TX
www.boeing.com

Boeing delivered the first B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) flight test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force for testing with the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The test aircraft is equipped with an APQ-188 active electronically scanned array radar system that is akin to those on fighter aircraft.

The B-52 Radar Modernization Program is a key element of the broader strategy to modernize the B-52 as its planned service life now extends through 2050 and potentially beyond. Along with a new radar, a fleet of 76 B-52s are scheduled to receive additional upgrades, including new engines, crew compartments, conventional and nuclear communication systems, avionics, weapons and other capabilities which will enhance the B-52’s ability to carry out the full spectrum of combatant command and U.S. Strategic Command-directed missions.

“The new radar will significantly increase B-52 mission effectiveness by improving situational awareness, speeding target prosecution and enhancing aircrew survivability in contested environments,” said Troy Dawson, Vice President of Boeing Bombers. “This phase of the program is dedicated to getting it right at the start so that we can execute the full radar modernization program.”

Data gathered during testing will inform subsequent developmental test phases and the planned retrofit of the operational B 52 aircraft fleet.

The RMP upgrades also includes two display and system sensor processors as its mission computers to integrate the radar with B-52 systems, along with two large 8×20-inch high-definition touchscreens at the navigation and radar navigation stations for radar imagery, control and legacy displays, and two fighter-like hand controllers for radar operation. The system features upgraded cooling, providing liquid cooling for the radar and engine bleed-air heating for extreme conditions.

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