Rolls-Royce has reported that it has made positive progress in the testing process of the F130 engines for the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber. If everything goes according to plan, the first phase of testing will be completed in 2023.
Here’s what we know
Rolls-Royce is conducting high-speed testing at NASA’s Mississippi Space Center. The company managed to achieve its goals early on. He collected a lot of useful information. The data obtained during the tests will help avoid problems when integrating the F130 into the B-52 Stratofortress.
It is important to note that Roll-Royce does not have any supply chain issues and therefore assembly is progressing as planned. The company plans to conduct a critical assessment of the project early next year.
Roll-Royce has also scheduled to begin flight testing of the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers with the new engines in 2024. This phase is expected to last until 2026.
Roll-Royce will supply the US Air Force with more than 600 new F130 strategic bomber engines. The current version of the aircraft is called the B-52H. After modernization, the bomber receives a new designation – B-52J.
The new engines will add 30 years to the life of the B-52. The plane appeared in the 1950s. Last April it celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first flight. The modernization will allow the B-52 Stratofortress to remain in service until 2050.
Source: Rolls Royce