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’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.