The US Air Force has officially awarded Boeing a substantial contract valued at $2.04 billion aimed at propelling the development of the B-52 engine replacement program. This significant investment underscores the military’s commitment to modernizing its aging fleet.
The task order specifically pertains to the post-critical design review phase of the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program. It encompasses extensive system integration efforts and the subsequent modification and testing of two B-52 aircraft, which will be retrofitted with the new Rolls-Royce F130 engines along with their associated subsystems.
In terms of logistics, this ambitious project will unfold across multiple sites, including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Indianapolis, Indiana. The completion of this multifaceted initiative is projected for May 31, 2033.
To jumpstart this endeavor, an initial allocation of $35.8 million has been designated, with further funding anticipated to roll out beginning in the fiscal year 2026. This additional financial support will be sourced from research, development, test, and evaluation budgets, demonstrating a long-term commitment to this modernization effort.
The engine replacement is part of a broader agenda to upgrade the US Air Force’s fleet of 76 B-52H Stratofortress aircraft to the advanced B-52J configuration. This modernization initiative incorporates not only new engines but also advanced radar systems, enhanced communications, and upgraded navigation capabilities.
Replacing the existing Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with the more reliable and efficient Rolls-Royce F130 engines signifies a pivotal shift in operational capability. These new engines are touted for enhancing overall reliability, lowering sustainment costs, and improving fuel efficiency. Furthermore, they provide increased electrical power, digital controls, and modernized cockpit displays, which are critical for future integration of advanced avionics, sensors, and weaponry.
Additionally, the modernization program includes a significant radar upgrade, shifting from the legacy AN/APQ-166 radar to the more advanced AN/APQ-188 active electronically scanned array radar. This new radar technology borrows features from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet’s AN/APG-79 while also incorporating elements from the AN/APG-82 utilized by the F-15E and F-15EX. The enhanced radar system is designed to significantly improve multi-mode sensing capabilities, including synthetic aperture radar, ground-moving target indication, and air-to-air detection, all while boosting range and maintainability.
Moreover, the B-52J program extends beyond just the engines and radar, encompassing comprehensive structural upgrades along with a new suite of electronics, displays, navigation systems, and avionics. These enhancements are aimed at ensuring that the B-52 fleet remains operationally relevant and capable through the year 2050, highlighting the Air Force’s forward-looking approach to maintaining its aerial strengths in an evolving defense landscape.
