It’s hard to imagine that this country’s first long-range, swept-wing heavy bomber could do any more, or get any better. However, the B-52 of today is different. . . upgraded, more cost-effective and more capable. It is CONECTed. With Boeing’s assistance, the U.S. Air Force delivered the first B-52 equipped with the innovative Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT), enabling the aircraft to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital battle space.

With CONECT the B-52 has the ability to change a mission, as well as change the target of a weapon while in-flight. The system provides increased situational awareness for B-52 crews by adding several communication data links and full-color LCD displays with real-time intelligence feeds overlaid on moving maps. CONECT also enables future B-52 improvements with its onboard, high-speed network. Other improvements include a state-of-the-art computing network with workstations at each crew position, and an integrated digital interphone with increased capacity for expanded voice and data communications.

CONECT provides the backbone for future improvements and upgrades, moving the B-52 into many more years of service.