First flight of B-2 with modernized radar expected around April

Posted on: Feb. 27th, 2006 || Source: aimpoints.hq.af.mil | E-mail Article | Print Article

The Air Force expects to begin flight testing around April of the first Northrop Grumman [NOC] B-2A stealth bomber aircraft that is being outfitted with an upgraded radar system, according to the service and industry officials overseeing the work.

The service is modifying the B-2A's existing APQ-181 multimode navigation and attack radar, built by Raytheon [RTN], to prevent a potential spectrum conflict starting as soon as 2007 with worldwide users of commercial satellites that transmit high definition TV and digital motion picture signals (Defense Daily, June 14, 2002).

The changes include incorporating two active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar antennas onto the aircraft, one for each side, along with some improved computer processors. The upgraded radar will still operate in the Ku-band, but use a different frequency to prevent damaging the commercial satellites.

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