Boeing gets option to modernize B-52s

BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Air Force has exercised a $21.7 million option to retain Boeing support for the B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which is based at Barksdale Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.

The Bossier Press-Tribune reported that Boeing will provide engineering to upgrade aircraft in service.

Boeing began manufacture of the B-52 in the 1950s. The last new aircraft — the B-52H model — came off production lines in the early 1960s though they have been upgraded over the years to keep them in service. The B-52 was widely used in the Vietnam War and in the Gulf wars.

Mike Houk, manager of B-52 fleet support for Boeing, said the work will be done at Barksdale as well as in Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City and at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.