U.S. Air Force Launches Analysis of Requirements for Possible B-52 Successor
Published on: May 8, 2026 at 11:09 PMGoogle News IconFollow Us On Google News
Stefano D'Urso
Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives
A new rendering of the B-52J Stratofortress with the new engines. (Image credit: Boeing)
The U.S. Air Force is launching next year a Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives which will allow to determine requirements for future B-52 upgrades or an entirely new heavy bomber.
The U.S. Air Force is launching in 2027 a study to determine requirements for future upgrades to the B-52 Stratofortress or an entirely new heavy bomber. The development, first reported by Aviation Week, is mentioned in the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation Volume IV of the budget request for Fiscal Year 2027.
Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives
The study is included in the B-52 System Improvements project, which the service describes as a “comprehensive project to facilitate future capabilities and ensure the B-52’s viability in performing current and future wartime missions.” The broader project includes the Advanced Wing Weapon Pylon (AWWP), the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile/ Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (LRASM/JASSM) Integration, the Advanced Weapon Integration and the Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives.
The latter is where the Stratofortress’ possible replacement is mentioned for the first time: “A Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives will begin in FY27 to analyze the future long range strike requirements to determine future B-52 requirements and costs and/or a new heavy bomber aircraft configuration and costs.”
https://theaviationist.com/2026/05/08/usaf-analysis-possible-b-52-successor/
