Northrop Grumman [NOC] successfully completed all field installations of a new radar system for the Air Force’s fleet of B-2 stealth bombers.
Every operational B-2 is now equipped with the new radar system, which is manufactured by Raytheon [RTN]. The new system includes an advanced electronically-scanned array (AESA) antenna, a power supply and a modified receiver/exciter, according to a Northrop Grumman statement.
Developed for the Air Force’s B-2 Radar Modernization Program (RMP), the new AESA radar takes advantage of technology enhancements that have occurred since the bomber was originally designed in the early 1980s, according to a company statement.
Air Force spokesman Bill Hancock confirmed Monday the company successfully completed all field installations.
Northrop Grumman is the Air Force’s prime contractor for the B-2, which consists of 20 aircraft operated by the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., according to a company statement.
Northrop Grumman said every installation of RMP hardware was completed ahead of schedule and, on average, three days early. The installations occurred in two blocks: five were completed in 2009 as part of the program’s system development and demonstration phase. Ten more were completed between third quarter 2010 and first quarter 2012 as part of the RMP production contract.