L3Harris Tests Upgraded Line Replaceable Units in B-52 Electronic Warfare System

L3Harris recently tested five of the nine Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) being upgraded in the B-52 Stratofortress's AN/ALQ-172 electronic warfare (EW) self-protection system.

The test was a 5.3-hour flight over Texas. These tests are part of the maintainability and reliability system (MARS) upgrade, under a 10-year, $947 million contract awarded to L3Harris by the U.S.A.F. in 2021. The objective is to enhance the performance, maintainability, and reliability of the EW system.

During the flight, the five LRUs demonstrated performance in terms of stability, reliability, and strength in three critical areas: acquisition, electronic countermeasure (ECM) response time, and geolocation. Acquisition refers to the system's ability to find and track targets or signals. ECM response time measures the speed at which the system can respond with countermeasures like jamming. Geolocation involves determining the precise location of threats or signals.

Jimmy Mercado, L3Harris Program Director, stated that the flight test confirmed the capabilities needed to ensure the aircraft and its crews remain mission-ready and effective into the 2050s.

Under the MARS contract, L3Harris has redesigned seven of the nine LRUs in the EW system, with the final two redesigns nearing completion. These upgrades aim to support the USAF's Global Strike Mission, strengthen the B-52's effectiveness in modern warfare, and facilitate cheaper and easier future upgrades.