Boeing is using Unreal Engine 5 from Fortnite to modernise B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers

Boeing is modernising the B-52H Stratofortress strategic aircraft. The engine from the game Fortnite is used for this purpose.

Here's What We Know

Boeing decided to use Unreal Engine 5 because the 3D environment of the game engine allows pilots and maintenance specialists to virtually interact with the modernised B-52 Stratofortress. For example, starting and shutting down the Rolls-Royce F130's propulsion system.

Unreal Engine 5 is an impressively powerful tool. This was stated by Jennifer Wong, Boeing's senior director of bombers. According to her, the use of the game engine helps to reduce financial costs.

With Unreal Engine 5, pilots and maintenance personnel get feedback long before strategic bomber modernisation is complete. Jennifer Wong added that the programme, in addition to installing new F130 engines, includes upgrades to displays, cockpits and avionics components.

Rolls-Royce wants to complete propulsion system tests in 2023, with the aim of evaluating and moving on to flight testing in 2024. In addition, Raytheon has already handed over the first active phased array radar for the B-52 Stratofortress upgrade. The new radar will allow the bomber to track multiple targets simultaneously.

After the upgrade, the B-52H will be designated the B-52J. The nuclear bomber, which was introduced in the 1950s, will be able to fly for several more decades along with the sixth-generation B-21 Raider aircraft.

Source: Defence One