Article Posted on : - Oct 01, 2010

A file photo of B-52 Stratofortress.

KANSAS, US (BNS): US Air force has awarded an $11.9 billion contract to Boeing for the mordernisation of B-52 Stratofortress weapon system for over eight years.

According to the company statement, this is a contracting vehicle that will allow engineering sustaining contracts, studies, production and other activities to occur in support of the B-52.

Boeing has been maintaining and modernising the B-52 bomber for 55 years -- including engineering services and upgrades to communication technology -- allowing the B-52 to remain a relevant weapon system in support of military missions around the world.

The new versions of the B-52 Stratofortress can be used for long-range missions and transport and can be armed with ballistic missiles that can be launched hundreds of miles from their targets.