Boeing and US Air Force built the first prototype of a new launch system for the B-52 bomber. The change would improve the aircraft's cargo capacity and mission flexibility.
The upgrade consists of the transformation of the existing strategic rotary launcher into a conventional one, allowing the B-52 to carry "smart" weapons or GPS-driven weapons internally.
The bomber has for years carried smart weapons on the sub-pillars but the upgrade should increase the capacity, quantity and variety of weapons that can be loaded.
"This update allows us to provide better air support close to ground personnel and future increases in strategic attack capability. Being able to conduct long-range attacks on the first night of an operation by transporting eight more cruise missiles into the hold is a huge advantage, "said Captain Ryan Hefron, B-52 pilot of the US Air Force 419 Flight Test Squadron.
Flying without visible weapons on the wings ("clean wing") also provides tactical advantages and fuel savings by reducing wind resistance.
"We estimate fuel savings of 15 per cent when the B-52 flies without weapons on its wings. Clean wing also means that opponents cannot know which weapons are on board," said Mike Houk, manager of the support program Boeing for the B-52.
The engineers made three prototypes for the new launcher, the first of which was successfully installed in a sample the 17 last December and is now being tested.
Military crews will test prototypes at Edwards Air Base in California until March, when flight tests begin.
Future developments would foresee an increase in the load possibilities of the aircraft in the order of 50%.
Source: Boeing
(photo: US DoD)
