US Air Force to upgrade B-52 bombers with Rolls-Royce F130 engines

The US Air Force has decided on the name of an upgraded B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber that can carry nuclear weapons. The question has been discussed for several years.

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The B-52 will eventually reach a service life of 100 years. The first strategic aviation aircraft appeared in the 1950s. The current version is called the B-52H and has been in service for 61 years. The US Air Force, Boeing and Rolls-Royce are preparing to modernise the aircraft, after which it will receive a new designation.

Rolls-Royce has developed an F130 propulsion system for the bomber. Tests have recently begun. Together with the new engine, the strategic aviation aircraft will receive a modern radar, improved communication and navigation equipment along with new armament. The bomber could have received the AMG-183A ARRW hypersonic missile, but its development was cancelled after a failed combat prototype test.

The service was considering several designations for the upgraded Stratofortress. According to the fiscal year 2024 budget documents, after the upgrade, the B-52H will be called the B-52J. In addition, the engine replacement project has been renamed from Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) to Commercial Engine Replacement Program Rapid Virtual Prototyping (CERP RVP).

The U.S. Air Force expects B-52Js with new engines and new radars to be ready for service by the end of the decade. The service plans to use the Stratofortress in conjunction with the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bombers.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine