First B-52s to Get New Engines This Year
The program cleared a key design review, allowing Boeing to begin fitting Rolls-Royce F130 engines on two test bombers.
- On Monday, the Air Force passed the Critical Design Review for the B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program, clearing the way for Boeing to begin modifying the first two B-52H aircraft in San Antonio, Texas.
- The program replaces eight 1960s-era Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines on each plane with modern Rolls-Royce F130 turbofans to address longstanding limitations in fuel efficiency and parts availability.
- Beyond fuel efficiency, the upgrade includes new generators that significantly increase the aircraft's electrical power capacity. "This CERP critical design review is the culmination of an enormous amount of engineering," said Air Force Lt. Tim Cleaver, the CERP Program Manager.
- Later this year, the first B-52H will arrive in San Antonio for modification, and the two test aircraft will then undergo extensive validation at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
- The Air Force plans to reduce its bomber force to just two types: the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the upgraded B-52J Stratofortress, ensuring the B-52 remains a formidable asset through 2050.
14 Articles
14 Articles
First B-52H to arrive for engine upgrade later this year
The B-52 bomber is getting new engines, and the program just cleared the last major technical hurdle before physical modification work begins on the first aircraft. The B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program held its Critical Design Review at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, a milestone that clears the path for Boeing to begin modifying the […]
B-52 engine preplacement program completes CDR, plans to modify test aircraft this year
The B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program completed its critical design review, the Air Force announced today, and the first test plane is expected to begin modification this year. Prime contractor Boeing -- which is also in charge of the Radar Modernization Program for the bomber -- will modify two B-52Hs at its San Antonio facility. Once outfitted with the F130 Rolls-Royce engines as well as related subsystems and avionics, the planes wil…
B-52J Engine Upgrade to Begin This Year After Design Review
The Air Force expects to start modifying its first B-52H Stratofortress bomber with new engines and other upgrades later this year, following a successful review of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program’s design. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center on May 4 announced it has completed a critical design review for the CERP program, finalizing its design after years of work and paving the way for modification to begin. Lt. Col. Tim Cle…
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