Gradually, Boeing has revealed what the updated B-52 will look like. The famous bomber, developed in the 1950s, will feature new F130 engines, supplied by Rolls-Royce, as well as an AESA (Active Electronic Scanner Array) radar.
To adapt the cockpit to the new engines and systems, the manufacturer will also update the instrument panel of the veteran jet.
And, after publishing an illustration of the B-52 with the new engines, Boeing also previewed an image that shows what the new cockpit layout will look like.
The main difference is the replacement of several analog instruments from the eight engines with just two multifunctional displays. The image also reveals two other screens in place of old monitors in front of the pilots.
The projection suggests that there will be a reduction of analog displays in other parts of the panel. Another important change involves replacing the current throttle station with digital equipment.
According to Boeing, the image shows “new 8 x 10 digital displays, hybrid mechanical-to-digital throttle system, new data concentrators units (2x), new engine fault maintenance recorder, new engine air data system (and) modified system panels, as well as structural, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic updates associated with this modernization effort.”
Thanks to the upgrade, the B-52 will be able to launch the AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) and the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) hypersonic missiles.
