B-2 to be upgraded to stealthy AESA radars

Northrop Grumman and Raytheon have reached three milestones in a program to modernize the B-2 stealth bomber's radar system with an advanced, more reliable antenna. These achievements represent significant progress towards initial flight testing of the radar.
In recent weeks, the B-2 radar-modernization team passed a final design review by the U.S. Air Force; delivered the first test model of the radar for integration, test and software development and completed a suite of tests that proves the hardware and software work together as one subsystem.

Northrop Grumman, prime contractor for the overall B-2 program, also leads the radar-modernization team that includes Raytheon, the radar-system provider. The effort will replace the current antenna with an active, electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna.

"Radar modernization is one of a series of programs Northrop Grumman and the Air Force are conducting to enhance the B-2's ability to respond to emerging worldwide threats as a key element of the military's network-centric warfare concept," said Gene Fraser, vice president and B-2 program manager at Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector.

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Now I just wish they would make the B-2 supersonic.

The B-2 has no need to be supersonic, and its shape does not lend itself kindly to shockwaves. That is what the B-1 is for.

Originally posted by mxboy15u
The B-2 has no need to be supersonic, and its shape does not lend itself kindly to shockwaves. That is what the B-1 is for.

Yes, but if it could go supersonic then it could get to it's targets faster.

Yeah not as simplistic as that. Fuel consumption is one issue, then factor in the heat signature which would be dramaticaly increased, even if you could get it to super cruise.

The better deal is a hypersonic crusie missile.

However, the AESA radar is a good fit, but does it really use it during the pneatration phase........ No

I wonder if it will reduce the RCS a bit like it did on the F-15's??

[edit on 9/14/05 by FredT]

It probably will actually. The two biggest RCS factors in a head on engagement are the radar antenna and the pilots helmet of all things. That's why the F-117 and the B-2 had RAM added to the canopy. That's what I was told by some F-117 guys once anyway.