Aerospace

Boeing Begins First U.S. Air Force B-52 Radar Upgrades

The first B-52 from the U.S. Air Force has landed at Boeing to start receiving improvements under the Radar Modernization Programme.

The RMP programme will equip the B-52 with “fighter-like” radar capabilities, enhancing navigational precision, targeting, and tracking, as well as delivering fresh, high-resolution mapping. Additionally, numerous targets can be engaged at once by the new radar.

Why Is the B-52 Bomber Being Relaunch by the US Air Force?(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to Jennifer Wong, director of Bomber Programmes, “The B-52 brings unique, critical capabilities to the U.S. Air Force as they move to a future two-bomber platform strategy.” We are improving the B-52 radar to make the aircraft more relevant to the warfighter for tactical assault or close air support.

Boeing started low-rate initial manufacture of the new radar system for operational test and evaluation after the radar programme Critical Design Review was completed on schedule. Modernization of the B-52 is being done at Boeing facilities in San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

Modern active electronically scanned array radar, two big area touch-screen displays with high clarity, two display sensor system processors to link the radar with other B-52 systems, two hand controllers, and a new wide-band radome on the aircraft’s nose are all part of the RMP programme modifications.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.