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World Defense & Security Industry News - Boeing Defense
 
 
Boeing to modernize communication systems of the USAF's B-52 strategic bombers fleet
 
On Jan. 28, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a full rate production contract to deliver 10 CONECT kits that modernize communication systems for the B-52 bombers today and into the future, the company announced yesterday, February 4. “CONECT gives the B-52 the agility and flexibility needed for the modern battlefield while also providing greater situational awareness for the aircrew,” said Scot Oathout, Boeing’s B-52 program director.
     
On Jan. 28, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a full rate production contract to deliver 10 CONECT kits that modernize communication systems for the B-52 bombers today and into the future, the company announced yesterday, February 4. “CONECT gives the B-52 the agility and flexibility needed for the modern battlefield while also providing greater situational awareness for the aircrew,” said Scot Oathout, Boeing’s B-52 program director. A B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam
     
Those technology enhancements include full-color LCD displays with real-time intelligence feeds overlaid on moving maps, several communication data links that connect via satellite to platforms and troops in the field and an onboard, high speed network that enables aircrew to respond quickly to a mission change or identify and engage new targets with their weapons.

U.S. Air Force personnel install CONECT at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., in conjunction with the B-52’s regularly scheduled programmed depot maintenance.

Under previous contracts, Boeing is currently supplying 20 CONECT kits to the Air Force. This new full rate production award will bring the total number of upgraded B-52s to 30.

The USAF actually maintain a fleet of 76 B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, strategic heavy bomber capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. The latest version, the B-52H, can carry up to 20 air-launched cruise missiles. The B-52 has a combat range exceeding 8,800 miles (7,652 nautical miles) unrefueled, and can be refueled aerially. It features a high subsonic speeds up to 650 miles per hour, or Mach 0.86 and can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters).