Rolls-Royce has taken a major step in its mission to replace the existing powerplants in the United States Air Force B-52 fleet by launching the testing of F130 engines at the NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, U.S.

The F130 engines were selected by the Air Force to replace the previous Pratt & Whitney TF-33 engines in the B-52 fleet, with over 600 new engine deliveries expected. This milestone test program is the first time F130 engines have been tested in the dual-pod engine configuration of the B-52 aircraft, which is equipped with eight engines in four pods.

The engine testing will focus on crosswind aerodynamic flow as well as confirming the successful operation of the engine’s digital controls system. Early results from the testing have been very positive with additional test data to be analyzed over the next several months.

The engine manufacturer is collaborating closely with the Air Force and Boeing, which is managing the overall engine integration and modernization program. The new engines will extend the life of the B-52 fleet for 30 years. F130 engines are expected to remain on wing for the remainder of the aircraft life due to their durability.

Rolls Royce selected to re-engine USAF B-52 Stratofortress

The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber that has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1955. The aircraft has played a crucial role in several military operations, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

The new engines are derived from the Rolls-Royce BR family of commercial engines, which have over 30 million hours of operation and a high reliability rate. The company states that the F130 is a proven, dependable engine with a fuel-efficient design that will provide higher fuel efficiency, reduced air refueling requirements, and significantly lower maintenance costs for the B-52 fleet.

Rolls-Royce will manufacture, assemble, and test F130 engines at its largest production facility in the U.S. located in Indianapolis. The company has invested $1 Billion in recent years to modernize its manufacturing and testing facilities in Indiana, as well as for advanced technology.

The F130 engines were selected for the B-52 by the Air Force in September 2021 following a competitive selection process. Candice Bineyard, Director, Programs – Defence for Rolls-Royce, said «We are excited to begin this milestone testing program, the first step for what will be decades of successful engine operation for the United States Air Force B-52 fleet.

Rolls-Royce continues to work very closely with the Air Force and Boeing to ensure the engine testing and integration process run smoothly. This will result in higher fuel efficiency, reduced air refueling requirements, and significantly lower maintenance costs for the B-52 fleet. We look forward to sharing test results with the Air Force and Boeing as the test plan progresses at the NASA Stennis Space Center.”