The B-52 Stratofortress bomber was made during the Cold War, but its digital capabilities would have entered the 21st century thanks to the latest update underway, Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT).
On January 28, the US Air Force awarded Boeing a contract to produce 10 CONECT kits for the modernization of bomber communications systems.
Technological improvements include color LCD displays with real-time updates of operational maps, satellite links with platforms and troops on the ground and a fast on-board network that will allow the crew to quickly respond to a mission change or to identify and acquire new target with their weapons.
US Air Force personnel install the CONECT kits at the Tinker air base (Okla) during regular maintenance programs.
For previous deals, Boeing is already supplying 20 CONECT kits to the Air Force. The new contract will therefore bring the total number of upgraded B-52s to 30.
Source: Boeing
(photo: US Air Force)
