Air Industries Group has secured a $5.4 million contract to supply landing gear steering collar components for the United States Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortress bomber. The award highlights the company’s role in supporting legacy military platforms with critical precision parts and assemblies.
Deliveries under the contract will begin in late 2026 and continue through the third quarter of 2027. The components will support sustainment and readiness efforts for the USAF’s active fleet of 76 B-52 aircraft.
Sustaining a Long-Serving Bomber Fleet
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, originally introduced in the 1950s, remains a cornerstone of the U.S. strategic bomber fleet. Despite its age, the aircraft continues to undergo modernization programs to extend its operational life into the 2050s.
“The B-52 is a well-known aircraft and an integral asset of the US Air Force,” said Lou Melluzzo, CEO of Air Industries Group. “The aircraft has been flying for decades, with continuous upgrades. It is expected to remain in service for another 25 years.”
Melluzzo added that with 76 aircraft currently active in the fleet, the company anticipates continued demand for aftermarket components supporting the B-52 platform. The new contract reinforces Air Industries’ positioning as a trusted supplier of mission-critical systems for long-life aircraft.
Precision Manufacturing for Legacy Platforms
Air Industries specializes in the manufacture of precision components and complex assemblies for aerospace and defense prime contractors. The company’s parts support key military aircraft programs, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned systems.
This latest contract aligns with broader Department of Defense efforts to maintain and modernize aging airframes such as the B-52. With upgrades including new radar systems, Rolls-Royce F130 engines, and improved avionics, the Stratofortress is undergoing a transformation to stay relevant in 21st-century conflict scenarios.
The steering collar components produced by Air Industries will play a vital role in ensuring the continued safety, reliability, and maneuverability of the bomber’s landing gear system.
