The B-52 Stratofortress, an icon of American military might, is set to receive a significant upgrade with the integration of Rolls-Royce F130 engines, ensuring its operational longevity well into the 2040s.

This move is part of a broader modernization initiative that will see these bombers, which have been in service since the 1950s, re-designated as the B-52J.

In a strategic move to enhance the B-52 fleet’s capabilities, the United States Air Force has begun testing the Rolls-Royce F130 engines, chosen for their reliability and fuel efficiency, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

These engines, derived from the widely-used Rolls-Royce BR family of commercial engines, have clocked over 30 million hours of operation, underscoring their robust performance.

Candice Bineyard, Director of Programs – Defence at Rolls-Royce, heralded this development, stating, “We are excited to begin this milestone testing program, the first step for what will be decades of successful engine operation for the United States Air Force B-52 fleet.”

With more than 600 engines anticipated for delivery, the bombers are slated to stay in the air well beyond their current years of service.

This modernization comes after years of consideration and planning by the Air Force. Initially reluctant to replace the existing Pratt & Whitney TF-33 engines due to cost concerns, the Air Force shifted its stance as it became clear that the long-term benefits and fuel savings warranted this significant upgrade.

As the B-52 undergoes this transformation, the Air Force’s fiscal 2024 budget documents have confirmed the re-designation of the aircraft to B-52J.

This change reflects not only the engine upgrade but also the addition of new radar systems, communications, navigation equipment, and weaponry intended to maintain the aircraft’s credibility and capability through the 2050s.

Notably, the B-52’s modernization extends to the installation of a new radar system—a variant of Raytheon’s AN/APG-79 active, electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, which will replace the outdated APG-166.

This advancement is expected to significantly enhance the aircraft’s search, ground mapping, and electronic warfare capabilities.

With an investment of nearly $3 billion slated for B-52 procurement over the future years defense plan, the upgrades emphasize the strategic importance of the bomber fleet.

The anticipated fuel efficiency improvements and the elimination of engine overhauls—thanks to the durability of the F130—will not only extend the aircraft’s operational life but are also expected to offset the initial costs of the program.

The integration process between Boeing and Rolls-Royce utilizes cutting-edge digital engineering tools.

This collaboration ensures that the new engines fit precisely within the B-52 nacelles, enabling a smooth transition to the enhanced capabilities of the B-52J.

Relevant articles:
– The U.S. Air Force’s ‘New’ B-52J Bomber Has Rolls-Royce Engines, The National Interest
– Rolls-Royce has begun testing F130 engines for the United States Air Force B-52 fleet at the NASA Stennis Space Center. F130 engines were selected to replace existing engines as part of the B-52 moder, Rolls-Royce plc
– It’s Official: The Re-Engined B-52 Will be the B-52J, Air & Space Forces Magazine
– Royce nears completion of F130 engine testing for B, Airforce Technology