Rolls-Royce Begins Testing New Engines for B-52 Bomber Fleet

The upgrade is expected to add another 30 years to the Cold War icon’s career.

Thursday, March 02, 2023 at 01:14 PM ET

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Rolls-Royce began testing engines slated for installation in the U.S. Air Force's fleet of B-52 bombers. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The Boeing B-52 bomber is undergoing an engine replacement program with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, aimed at extending its operational life potentially beyond its 100th year.
Rolls-Royce has begun outdoor testing of the F130 engines, specifically in the B-52's dual-pod configuration, at the NASA Stennis Space Center.
The new engines are expected to deliver significant benefits, including higher fuel efficiency, reduced air refueling requirements, and lower maintenance costs for the B-52 fleet.

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The venerable Boeing B-52 bomber is receiving a new lease on life that could keep it in the air beyond its 100th birthday.

Rolls-Royce said it began outdoor testing of its F130 engine at the NASA Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. The U.S. Air Force chose the F130 to replace the existing powerplants across the B-52 fleet. The company said it expects to deliver more than 600 engines under the replacement program.