U.S. will invest $11.8 billion to modernize B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers

The U.S. Air Force will upgrade older B-21 Stratofortress nuclear bombers to extend their service life.

Here's What We Know

The modernization of the aircraft includes the installation of new engines. It became known back in the summer that Boeing would use Rolls-Royce's F130 powerplants. A few weeks ago manufacturers tested a 1:25 scale model of the strategic bomber in a wind tunnel.

The B-52 Stratofortress made its first flight 70 years ago. Through modernization, the nuclear bomber will be able to remain in service for another 30 years. But to achieve this goal the United States will have to spend a lot. The cost of modernization will be $11.8 billion.

In the long term, the U.S. Air Force wants to have 75 B-52 Stratofortress aircraft to pair with Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider. William Rogers, executive director of the bomber program, said this when talking about the service's plans to withdraw and operate the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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