The B-52 Stratofortress, an enduring symbol of United States military might since its introduction in the 1950s, has been receiving a series of upgrades designed to extend its service life and enhance its capabilities. These modernization efforts aim to ensure the bomber remains a formidable asset in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal and to reassure Allies of the U.S.’s readiness and capability. A significant upgrade that recently passed critical design review (CDR) involved replacing the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with the new Rolls-Royce F130 turbofans as part of the newest B-52J variant.
“We’re extremely proud to have delivered the F130 CDR milestone on-time for the B-52J and grateful for our continued partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Boeing,” Candice Bineyard, Rolls Royce’s director of early life cycle and Naval programs – defense, said in a news release. “Throughout the detailed design phase, our teams have executed a rigorous process in close collaboration with our partners. We’re excited to start the production work to deliver this incredible and highly reliable engine for the B-52J.”
The CDR, a collaborative effort between Rolls-Royce, the Air Force and Boeing, is a pivotal step towards integrating the F130 engines. The next phase of testing, scheduled to take place at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tullahoma, Tennessee, will involve rigorous altitude trials to validate the engines’ performance under various conditions. These tests prove essential in keeping the project on track and ensuring the engines meet the Air Force’s requirements. Data collected will inform further refinements and pave the way for full-scale production and installation on the fleet of B-52Js.
The F-130 engine was selected under the Commercial Engine Replacement Program in 2021 and includes increased range, reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. Based on the BR725 engine used in high-end business jets, the F-130 can operate for several years without having to dismantle the engine or remove it from the aircraft for maintenance, extending its lifetime and minimizing the chances for mechanical failures. The new B-52 engines produce 17,000 pounds of thrust each and are already in use aboard U.S. military aircraft, including the E-11A and C-37, with more than 200,000 hours of flight operations, according to Rolls-Royce.
Beyond the engine upgrades, the B52-J includes the integration of advanced radar, navigation, and communication systems, crucial for maintaining the bomber’s edge in modern warfare. For example, the Combat Network Communication Technology system installed in the aircraft in 2013 was recently upgraded to improve communication, situational awareness, and mission adaptability. In addition, the introduction of the APG-79B4 active electronically scanned array radar represents a leap forward over the previous aging APQ-166. The new radar upgrade enhances the bomber’s targeting and detection capabilities, allowing it to engage threats with greater precision and at longer ranges.
The U.S. hopes that these improvements will send a clear message to Allies and adversaries alike, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a robust and capable Air Force that Allies and Partners can rely on.