The Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress bomber is getting closer to a weapons system upgrade with tests that took place Feb. 11. An upgrade to the B-52's Conventional Rotary Launcher, which carries various munitions, aims to increase mission flexibility and the lethality of the bomber in combat. With the upgrade, the launcher can double the number of weapons powered at one time, according to a release. Officials say greater efficiency will lead to lower risk to aircrew and also lower the number of B-52s needed for combat missions. The updated CRL will also be able to carry more of certain munitions. Testing continues. Once complete, all CRLs in the Air Force inventory will be upgraded for increased capability. Read more at AF.mil.
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