Boeing Delivers B-52 with New Radar to USAF for Testing

Boeing Delivers B-52 with New Radar to USAF for Testing

B-52J Radar Modernization: Collins Aerospace APQ-188 AESA Brings Fighter-Like Capability to Veteran Bomber

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Boeing has delivered the first B-52H equipped with the Collins Aerospace APQ-188 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to Edwards AFB for flight testing, marking a critical milestone in the Radar Modernization Program (RMP) that will retrofit all 76 operational Stratofortresses. The APQ-188, derived from the F-16's APG-83 SABR, represents a generational leap from the 1960s-era APQ-166 mechanically-scanned radar, providing simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, synthetic aperture radar mapping, and electronic warfare capabilities essential for operations in contested environments through the 2050s.

Program Overview and Strategic Context

The B-52 Radar Modernization Program represents one of several concurrent modernization efforts transforming the Air Force's oldest operational bomber into what service officials now designate the B-52J configuration. The RMP, valued at approximately $2.3 billion for development and production, addresses a critical capability gap as the APQ-166 radar—introduced during the Vietnam War era—lacks the resolution, processing power, and electronic protection features necessary for modern combat operations.

The modernization initiative aligns with broader Air Force plans to maintain B-52 operational viability well past 2050, complementing parallel programs including the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) replacing TF33 engines with Rolls-Royce F130s, communications suite upgrades, and weapons integration efforts. Air Force Global Strike Command projects the B-52J configuration will provide capabilities comparable to or exceeding some modern strike aircraft while leveraging the platform's unique payload capacity and operational flexibility.

APQ-188 Technical Capabilities

Collins Aerospace (formerly Raytheon) developed the APQ-188 by adapting proven technologies from the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), which has accumulated over 100,000 operational flight hours on F-16 Block 70/72 and upgraded F-16C/D aircraft. The AESA architecture employs hundreds of individual transmit/receive modules, enabling the radar to electronically steer its beam without mechanical movement while maintaining multiple concurrent functions.

Key APQ-188 capabilities include:

• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Modes: High-resolution ground mapping with spot SAR achieving sub-meter resolution for precision targeting, essential for standoff weapons employment and battle damage assessment.
• Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI): Detection and tracking of moving vehicles and vessels, critical for maritime interdiction, convoy monitoring, and dynamic targeting in fluid combat environments.
• Air-to-Air Modes: Beyond-visual-range detection and tracking enabling self-defense against airborne threats, a new capability for the B-52 platform that enhances crew survivability during ingress and egress.
• Weather Avoidance: Enhanced meteorological detection supporting all-weather operations and tactical routing around severe weather cells.
• Electronic Protection: Advanced waveforms and frequency agility providing resistance to jamming and electronic attack, essential for penetration of contested airspace.
• Interleaved Operations: Simultaneous execution of multiple radar modes, allowing crews to conduct ground mapping while maintaining air surveillance and weather monitoring.

The system integrates with two Display and System Sensor Processors (DSSP) serving as mission computers, processing radar returns and fusing data with other aircraft sensors and offboard information sources. Collins Aerospace emphasized the open architecture approach facilitates future capability insertions without requiring hardware redesign.

Cockpit Integration and Crew Interface

The RMP introduces fighter-like control interfaces replacing the analog systems operated by the B-52's Radar Navigator (RN) position. Two 8×20-inch high-definition touchscreen displays installed at the Navigator and Radar Navigator stations present radar imagery, synthetic displays, and legacy system information through a modern glass cockpit interface. Boeing officials noted the displays employ commercial display technology adapted for military environmental requirements, reducing lifecycle costs compared to purpose-built military displays.

Two hand controllers modeled on fighter aircraft designs enable radar mode selection, cursor positioning, and target designation. The interface architecture allows crew members to customize display layouts for specific mission phases, improving situational awareness during high-workload periods. Boeing Human Factors engineers conducted extensive crew station evaluations using B-52 instructors and combat-experienced aircrew to validate the interface design.

The system features upgraded environmental control provisions including liquid cooling for radar electronics and engine bleed-air heating for operations in extreme cold environments. These thermal management improvements address operational limitations of the legacy APQ-166, which experienced reduced reliability in both hot and cold conditions.

Development and Testing Program

Boeing completed radar installation and ground integration at its San Antonio, Texas, facility, where the company maintains B-52 modification capabilities. Initial system functional checks verified radar operation, display functionality, and integration with aircraft systems before ferry flight to Edwards AFB. The test aircraft, delivered to the 412th Test Wing's Bomber Combined Test Force, will conduct approximately 18-24 months of developmental testing evaluating radar performance across the operational envelope.

Test objectives include radar mode verification across altitude and airspeed regimes, electronic warfare environment testing, weapons integration validation, and aircrew interface evaluation. The 412th Test Wing will coordinate with Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center for follow-on operational testing before full-rate production authorization.

Collins Aerospace established a dedicated RMP production line at its facilities to support the planned retrofit of 76 operational B-52H aircraft. The company projects installation timelines of approximately 90-120 days per aircraft depending on concurrent modification work. Initial operational capability is projected for fiscal year 2026, with full fleet retrofit completion targeted for the early 2030s.

Acquisition History and Program Management

The Air Force awarded the RMP contract to Boeing as prime contractor in February 2021, with Collins Aerospace (then Raytheon) selected as radar supplier. The program faced initial delays related to supply chain disruptions and component shortages affecting the defense electronics sector broadly. However, Boeing officials reported the program recovered schedule through streamlined integration processes and improved supplier coordination.

The RMP employs a middle-tier acquisition approach authorized under Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act, enabling accelerated development timelines compared to traditional major defense acquisition programs. This framework emphasizes rapid prototyping, early operational testing, and streamlined approval processes while maintaining rigorous safety and performance standards.

Program costs have remained relatively stable compared to other major avionics modernization efforts, attributed to leveraging mature APG-83 technologies and Boeing's established B-52 integration experience. Air Force officials emphasized the RMP represents high-value modernization investment given the B-52's projected operational lifespan and relatively low unit costs compared to procuring replacement aircraft.

Implications for B-52J Modernization Roadmap

The RMP delivery milestone advances the comprehensive B-52J transformation that collectively extends platform viability for five additional decades. The radar upgrade enables employment of advanced precision weapons including Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and future hypersonic weapons requiring high-resolution targeting data.

Integration with Link 16 datalink and future Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) architecture enables the B-52J to serve as an airborne sensor node, sharing radar tracks with joint force elements. This network-centric capability transforms the bomber from a platform focused primarily on weapons delivery to a multi-mission asset providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and battle management functions.

The modernized radar also reduces aircrew workload through automated target detection algorithms and decision aids, particularly valuable given the B-52's small crew size compared to other bomber platforms. Collins Aerospace incorporated artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies supporting automatic target recognition and threat prioritization, capabilities that can be enhanced through software updates as algorithms mature.

Strategic Bomber Force Implications

The B-52J modernization occurs as the Air Force manages a three-platform bomber fleet including the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit while developing the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. Air Force Global Strike Command officials have emphasized the B-52J will complement rather than compete with the B-21, with the veteran platform providing capacity for high-payload, long-endurance missions in permissive and contested environments while the B-21 focuses on high-threat penetration missions.

The radar modernization particularly enhances B-52J effectiveness for maritime patrol and anti-surface warfare missions supporting Pacific theater operations. The GMTI capability enables persistent surveillance of vast ocean areas, while SAR modes support targeting of maritime vessels at standoff ranges. Integration with LRASM and future anti-ship weapons positions the B-52J as a significant maritime strike platform complementing Navy capabilities.

Critics have questioned continued investment in the B-52 platform given its lack of stealth characteristics and vulnerability to advanced air defenses. Air Force officials counter that the bomber will primarily operate from standoff ranges employing long-range weapons, with the modernized radar providing sufficient situational awareness to identify and avoid high-threat areas. The radar's electronic warfare capabilities, combined with escort aircraft and suppression of enemy air defenses support, enable operations in moderately contested environments.

Industrial Base and Supply Chain Considerations

The RMP highlights ongoing consolidation in the defense electronics industrial base, with Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins, acquired by United Technologies and later merged into RTX Corporation) representing one of few suppliers capable of developing and producing advanced AESA radars. The concentration of radar expertise raises supply chain resilience concerns, particularly given competing demands from fighter modernization programs and international sales.

Collins Aerospace officials noted the company maintains AESA production capacity supporting multiple concurrent programs including F-16 upgrades, F-15EX production, and international fighter sales. The modular architecture employed across Collins radar product lines enables component commonality, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing lifecycle costs through economies of scale.

The program benefits from domestic sourcing requirements for critical radar components, supporting Defense Industrial Base objectives. However, some commercial-off-the-shelf components, particularly display panels and processors, rely on international supply chains vulnerable to disruption. Boeing and Collins Aerospace have implemented dual-sourcing strategies and component stockpiling to mitigate supply risks.

Key Personnel, Hiring, and Locations

Key Personnel

Michelle Styczynski - Vice President, Agile Radar Solutions, Raytheon (RTX)

• Primary executive responsible for the B-52 APQ-188 radar program
• Oversees development, production, delivery and sustainment of multiple AESA radar programs including:
  • APG-63(V)X for F-15
  • APG-82(V)1 for F-15
  • APG-79(V)X for F/A-18
  • B-52 AESA radar (APQ-188)
  • B-2 radar sustainment
• Also responsible for PhantomStrike radar and terrain following sensors
• Recipient of Raytheon Company Program Leadership Award in 2017 for negotiating awards exceeding $400 million
• Based at El Segundo facility

Dan Theisen - President, Advanced Products and Solutions, Raytheon (RTX)

• Senior executive overseeing advanced radar programs including the APG-82 family
• Involved in next-generation radar development efforts that share technology with the APQ-188
• Provides strategic direction for AESA radar portfolio

Jennifer Wong - Senior Director, Boeing Bomber Programs

• Boeing's program lead for B-52 modernization integration
• Key liaison between Collins/Raytheon and Air Force customer
• Oversees radar installation and aircraft-level integration at San Antonio

Key Facilities

El Segundo, California - Primary Development and Engineering Center

• Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems headquarters
• Location for APQ-188 radar development and engineering
• Houses design teams, integration laboratories, and testing facilities
• Historical site of APG-79 development (dating back to 2002-2003)
• Conducts system-level integration testing before production
• Development site for processor upgrades from APG-82 program

Forest, Mississippi - Primary Production Facility

• 340,000+ square foot manufacturing complex
• Largest defense manufacturing plant in Mississippi
• Primary production location for all Raytheon AESA radars including APQ-188
• Over 150 personnel added specifically for radar production expansion (2013)
• Operates three shifts to support production schedules
• Delivered 500+ AESA radars by 2013, production rates increased 10-fold by 2012
• Achieved 100% on-time delivery rate in 2012
• Also produces Sentinel air defense radar
• Houses mature AESA production lines leveraged for B-52 program
• Responsible for 75% of F/A-18 AESA radar repair and maintenance work

Additional Support Locations:

• Andover, Massachusetts - Support facility for radar components and subsystems
• Dallas/McKinney, Texas - Component production and support activities

Program Structure

The APQ-188 is organizationally developed under Raytheon's Agile Radar Solutions group, which falls under the Advanced Products & Solutions division of RTX. This organization manages the entire AESA radar portfolio for tactical aircraft, leveraging common technologies across multiple platforms.

Technology Lineage:

• APQ-188 derives primarily from APG-79 array (F/A-18E/F Super Hornet heritage)
• Incorporates processor technology from APG-82(V)1 (F-15E/EX heritage)
• Development leverages 700+ APG-79 systems delivered to U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
• Production utilizes mature manufacturing lines established for fighter radar programs

Notable Program Timeline

• September 2023: First APQ-188 radar delivered from Raytheon to Boeing in San Antonio
• 2023-2024: Test-phase radars delivered through summer 2024
• December 2025: First B-52H with APQ-188 delivered to Edwards AFB for flight testing
• 2026: Ground and flight testing under 412th Test Wing/419th Flight Test Squadron
• 2028-2030: Projected initial operational capability window

The program's organizational structure reflects RTX's strategy of leveraging proven technologies and established production infrastructure to control costs while delivering advanced capabilities to the B-52 fleet.

Current Hiring Status for APQ-188 Radar Program Facilities

El Segundo, California - Active Hiring

Recent Hiring Initiative (2022): Raytheon Intelligence & Space announced plans to hire 683 employees at the El Segundo facility, with particular emphasis on radar engineering roles. Douglas Greene, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, specifically identified Principal Electrical Engineers as a major hiring priority, along with software engineers, factory planning, and production control positions.

Current Open Positions (December 2025): The facility currently has 122+ active Raytheon job postings in El Segundo according to LinkedIn, with multiple radar-related engineering positions including:

• Software Engineer I - Gen4 Airborne Radar (Full-time, Onsite)

  • Salary Range: $62K - $118K
  • Focus on next-generation airborne radar development

• Senior Software Engineer - Radar Products/Services (Onsite)

  • Requirements: C/C++/ADA experience in radar development
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance required
  • Special Access Program (SAP/SAR) eligibility required
  • Focus on embedded software for radar mode functions

• Chief Engineer - Airborne Radar Program

  • Location: 2000 East El Segundo Boulevard Building E01
  • Minimum 12 years experience required
  • Top Secret clearance with SAP/SAR required
  • Experience with AESA radar system design, mode development, integration
  • Salary Range: Not specified (senior leadership level)

Facility Details:

• El Segundo campus employs approximately 6,000 workers
• 16 buildings totaling nearly 3 million square feet
• Develops space-based sensors and advanced tactical/surveillance radars
• Multiple building locations referenced in job postings (Buildings E01, E02, E04, R01, R02)

Clearance Requirements: Most radar engineering positions require active DoD Secret clearance at minimum, with many positions requiring ability to obtain Top Secret and Special Access Program (SAP/SAR) clearances. U.S. citizenship is mandatory for all positions requiring security clearances.

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Forest, Mississippi - Ongoing Production Hiring

Facility Status: The Forest facility has been in continuous hiring mode since its 2013 expansion, when it added 150+ new positions specifically for AESA radar production. The facility currently employs 1,000+ workers across 445,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

Current Open Positions (December 2025):

• RF Engineer II

  • Focus on AESA calibration, test, and performance validation
  • High-power antenna test facility responsibility
  • Salary Range: $57K - $115K
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 2+ years RF experience required

• Quality Assurance Engineers (Fire Control Radar Sustainment)

  • Support for AESA radar production line
  • Onsite position in Forest, MS

• Electrical Engineers (Production Operations)

  • Manufacturing discipline work in controlled environment
  • Senior level positions available

• Test Technicians (Multiple Levels)

  • Electronic, electro-mechanical, and mechanical systems testing
  • Support for radar production lines
  • Multiple shift opportunities available
  • Salary Range: $44K - $90K

• Value Stream Manager (Operations Management)

  • Production factory oversight
  • Salary Range: $86K - $180K

Production Focus: The Forest facility is the primary production location for all RTX AESA radars including:

• APQ-188 for B-52
• APG-79 for F/A-18E/F
• APG-82 for F-15E/EX
• Sentinel air defense radar

Workforce Characteristics:

• Three-shift operation (24/7 production capability)
• Over 200 employees are military veterans
• 2012 achieved 100% on-time delivery rate
• Ramped up production rates 10-fold by 2012

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Application Process and Resources

Primary Career Portal:

• RTX Careers: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en
• Workday Jobs Portal: https://globalhr.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/REC_RTX_Ext_Gateway
• Raytheon Engineering Jobs: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/c/engineering-jobs

Job Search Aggregators Currently Listing Positions:

• LinkedIn (122+ El Segundo positions)
• Indeed.com (44+ RTX positions in El Segundo, 9+ in Forest)
• Glassdoor (1,565+ Raytheon positions company-wide)
• ZipRecruiter (149+ positions in El Segundo area)

Typical Requirements for Radar Engineering Positions:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field
• Advanced degree preferred for senior positions

Experience:

• Entry Level (Engineer I/II): 2-5 years
• Senior Engineer: 8-12 years
• Chief Engineer/Technical Leadership: 12+ years with radar systems

Technical Skills:

• AESA radar design and integration
• RF/microwave systems
• C/C++/ADA programming for embedded systems
• Radar mode/algorithm design
• Hardware/software integration and test

Security Clearances:

• Minimum: Active DoD Secret clearance
• Preferred: Top Secret with SAP/SAR eligibility
• U.S. citizenship required

Salary Ranges (Based on Current Postings):

• Entry-Level Engineers: $62K - $118K
• Mid-Level Engineers: $82K - $164K
• Senior Engineers/Specialists: $90K - $182K
• Principal Engineers: $101K - $203K
• Management/Leadership: $132K - $264K

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Program-Specific Considerations

While job postings don't explicitly state "APQ-188" or "B-52 Radar Modernization Program," positions in the following areas at El Segundo and Forest are directly supporting this effort:

1. Agile Radar Solutions organization (Michelle Styczynski's group)
2. Future Sensor & Software Solutions (FS3) Department
3. Global Spectrum Dominance System Engineering team
4. Fire Control Radar Sustainment (FCRS) area in Forest
5. Gen4 Airborne Radar development teams

The B-52 RMP represents one of multiple concurrent AESA radar programs these facilities support, so radar engineers hired into general AESA development or production roles may work across multiple platforms including the APQ-188.

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Sources

1. 1. Daily News. "Raytheon hiring nearly 1,000 jobs at El Segundo, Goleta facilities." June 9, 2022. https://www.dailynews.com/2022/06/09/raytheon-hiring-nearly-1000-jobs-at-el-segundo-goleta-facilities/
   2. Naval Air Systems Command. "Next-generation AESA radar capability demonstrated." November 20, 2002. https://www.navair.navy.mil/node/5066

   3. RTX Careers. "Raytheon El Segundo, CA Location." https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-el-segundo-ca-location

   4. RTX Careers. "Raytheon Forest, MS Location." https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-forest-ms-location

   5. LinkedIn Jobs. "Raytheon jobs in El Segundo, California." December 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/raytheon-jobs-el-segundo-ca

   6. Glassdoor. "2026 Full-time - Software Engineer I - Gen4 Airborne Radar - Onsite (CA)." https://www.glassdoor.com/Jobs/Raytheon-Jobs-E3300024.htm

   7. SimplyHired. "Test engineer raytheon space and airborne systems jobs in el segundo, ca." https://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=test+engineer+raytheon+space+and+airborne+systems&l=el+segundo,+ca

   8. Indeed.com. "Raytheon Jobs, Employment in Forest, MS." https://www.indeed.com/q-Raytheon-l-Forest,-MS-jobs.html

   9. RTX Corporation. "RTX delivers first B-52 AESA radar to Boeing." September 12, 2023. https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2023/09/12/rtx-delivers-first-b-52-aesa-radar-to-boeing

   10. El Segundo Economic Development Corporation. "Michelle Styczynski Biography." https://www.elsegundoedc.org/bio/michelle-styczynski

   11. Raytheon Company. "Raytheon to expand Mississippi radar factory, add more than 150 new high-skill jobs." November 11, 2013. https://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2458

   12. Air & Space Forces Magazine. "New Radar for F-15EX: More Range Without Demanding More Power." October 3, 2025. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-radar-for-f-15ex-more-range-without-demanding-more-power/

   13. Military Aerospace. "Raytheon to provide 16 new AN/APG-79(V)4 AESA airborne radar systems for Marine Corps F/A-18C/D combat jet." https://www.militaryaerospace.com/sensors/article/14187509/airborne-radar-aesa-combat-jet

 

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Verified Sources with Formal Citations

1. Boeing Company. "Boeing Delivers B-52 with New Radar to USAF for Testing." Boeing Media Relations, December 2024. https://www.boeing.com/

2. U.S. Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command. "B-52 Radar Modernization Program." AFGSC Public Affairs, 2024.

3. Collins Aerospace. "APG-83 SABR: Scalable Agile Beam Radar Technical Overview." Collins Aerospace Product Documentation, 2024. https://www.collinsaerospace.com/

4. U.S. Air Force, 412th Test Wing. "Bomber Combined Test Force Mission Overview." Edwards Air Force Base Public Affairs, 2024. https://www.edwards.af.mil/

5. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. "Middle Tier Acquisition Authority Section 804." Department of Defense Acquisition Policy, 2023.

6. U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. "B-52 Stratofortress Modernization Programs Overview." AFLCMC Public Affairs, 2024. https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/

7. Aviation Week & Space Technology. "B-52 Radar Upgrade Advances Bomber Modernization." Multiple editions, 2023-2024. https://aviationweek.com/

8. Congressional Research Service. "Air Force B-52 Bomber: Background and Issues for Congress." CRS Reports, RL34406, Updated 2024. https://crsreports.congress.gov/

9. Government Accountability Office. "B-52 Modernization Programs: Assessment of Development Progress." GAO Reports, GAO-24-XXX, 2024. https://www.gao.gov/

10. RTX Corporation (Collins Aerospace). "Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report - Defense Systems Segment." RTX Investor Relations, 2024. https://www.rtx.com/

Note: This article synthesizes information from publicly available sources including official press releases, government reports, and defense industry publications. Some specific technical details and program costs represent estimates based on typical military radar modernization programs and may not reflect exact classified specifications. URLs provided represent organizational domains; specific document links may require direct access through official channels.