USAF’s B-52 Quad Crew Program to Merge Electronic Warfare Officer and Navigator Roles, Streamlining Crew from Five to Four Members.
L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a $34 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to aid in the modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber. This contract is a component of the Air Force’s Global Strike Command B-52 Quad Crew Program, which aims to streamline the crew composition by merging the roles of the electronic warfare officer and the navigator into a single position. Presently, the B-52H operates with a five-person crew consisting of two pilots, two navigators, and an electronic warfare officer. The modernization effort will reduce the crew size and enhance operational efficiency, reflecting the Air Force’s commitment to improving the capabilities and functionality of its long-serving strategic bomber fleet. This initiative underscores the strategic importance of the B-52 in maintaining global strike readiness and adaptability in modern combat scenarios.
Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris, said “Transforming the iconic B-52 bomber into a more capable platform that operates through 2050 is a priority for our company. This contract is an important step forward for the nation’s strategic bomber operators and their global strike mission.”
The consolidation of the two crew positions involves relocating the control and display unit panels to the navigator station. This joint effort, in collaboration with the customer-led Crew Station Working Group, will include various analyses such as aircraft weight and balance, structural and electrical load assessments, and thermal cooling evaluations to determine any impacts on the B-52 airframe and guide the design of the modification kit.
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L3Harris, the Original Equipment Manufacturer of the AN/ALQ-172 systems for the B-52 fleet, has been supplying essential technology for decades. The company continues to assist the Air Force in transitioning its capabilities from analog to digital solutions, addressing the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Q. – What is the value of the contract awarded to L3Harris by the USAF?
A. – $34 million.
Q. – What is the purpose of the B-52 Quad Crew Program?
A. – To merge the electronic warfare officer and navigator roles.
