Rolls-Royce to Power U.S. Air Force B-52 Bombers
WEB Rolls-Royce Selected as Powerplant Provider
Testing Underway at NASA Facility
WEB Rolls-Royce North America has been selected to provide the powerplant for the U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber fleet. The company has begun testing F130 engines at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio, a critical step in the development of the engine that will power the modernized B-52.
WEB Rolls-Royce is on track to complete initial testing of the F130 engine later this year. The company will then move forward with production of 608 military-derivative F130 turbofan engines, along with spare parts, for the B-52J fleet.
The F130 engine is a more powerful and efficient version of the RB211 engine that currently powers the B-52. It will provide the bomber with improved range, endurance, and payload capacity. The modernization program will also include new avionics, radar, and weapons systems.
The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since the 1950s. It has played a key role in numerous conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War. The modernization program will ensure that the B-52 remains a vital part of the U.S. Air Force's arsenal for decades to come.
Comments