Avionics is Behind
B-52's Amazing Longevity

The Big Ugly Fat Fellow isn’t going anywhere soon.

This year, the B-52 turned 53. No bomber plane in U.S. military history has been called upon to remain operational as long as the B-52, and Boeing continues to make major modifications to its fleet of B-52s to assure that it will remain a viable part of the U.S. fleet for another 30-40 years.

ITT Industries' Avionics Division has played a key role in keeping this long-range bomber as part of Boeing and the U.S. military's long-range plans.  Since 1969, the company has been providing self-protection technology for the B-52, which has a 185-foot wingspan and weighs more than 480,000 pounds (thus the Big Ugly Fat Fellow nickname). 

When Avionics first came on board, the plane was still mainly flown at high altitudes, and the company’s Quick Reaction Capability 510 system helped the huge planes remain invisible to radar on their flights over Vietnam. Over the years, the military has asked the B-52 to become more of an extended-range, low-level flyer, and Avionics responded with the installation of ever more sophisticated versions of its ALQ-172 self-protection gear.

"We are in another phase of upgrading the 172 system right now," says Ken Reigle, chief engineer, Strategic EW, Avionics. "The latest version still jams enemy radar, but it also provides the air crew with enhanced situational awareness, so they know where they are and where all their friends and foes are. 

"Our systems are allowing the B-52 to fly missions it couldn't fly otherwise," adds Peter Martin, business area team leader, Strategic EW.

 

"Our systems are allowing the B-52 to fly missions it couldn't fly otherwise," adds Peter Martin, business area team leader, Strategic EW.