US Air Force selects Rolls-Royce F130 engines for B-52 upgrade

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been operational for nearly five decades and can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons over a combat range of about 8,800 miles without refueling. Despite newer bomber models like the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit being developed, the B-52 remains in service due to continuous upgrades.

Planned upgrades include modernizing sensors and displays with systems such as the APG-79B4 Active electronically scanned array radar. Additionally, improvements under the Combat Network Communications Technology program aim to enhance communication capabilities through software and hardware updates.

The re-engineering project stems from earlier proposals by Boeing and Rolls-Royce dating back to 1996 but faced initial rejection due to cost concerns. However, subsequent reports suggested benefits like cost savings and environmental improvements. In May 2021, Rolls-Royce's F130 was chosen as part of a $2.6 billion contract for delivering 650 engines.

Rolls-Royce is also offering training courses for US Air Force personnel involved with operating these new engines.