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The United States Air Force has selected the F130 engine, a military designation for the Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofan engine, to power its B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. The BR725 engine boasts a thrust of 16,900 lbs and features a fan with 24 swept blades designed for efficiency.
Rolls-Royce has developed the F130 to replace the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines currently used in the B-52. This new engine promises enhanced fuel efficiency and delivers approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust. Rolls-Royce is on track for final development and production after passing critical design reviews.
Testing phases for the F130 have been completed at both Rolls-Royce's Indianapolis facilities and NASA's Stennis Space Center. Manufacturing will take place in Indianapolis, where Rolls-Royce has invested $1 billion in facility modernization. Candice Bineyard, Rolls-Royce Director of Programs – Defense, stated that the new engines would bring "higher fuel efficiency, reduced air refueling requirements, and significantly lower maintenance costs for the B-52 fleet."
