B-52 Re-Engining Plan Faces Delays, Key Upgrades Revealed
The U.S. Air Force’s B-52 re-engining program is facing potential delays, with completion now expected by 2036 instead of 2035. This extends the timeline for the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) to 15 years since its initial contract award.
The Air Force selected Rolls-Royce’s F130 engines in 2021 to replace the aging TF33s, with Boeing leading the integration. The upgraded aircraft, designated B-52J, will also receive multiple system enhancements to extend their service life into the 2050s.
A recent Air Force contracting notice provides details on the modification kits, which will include new engine struts, nacelles, hydraulic systems, power distribution boxes, and anti-ice systems. Installation of the new engines is expected to begin in 2028, with the first two aircraft undergoing testing.
The upgrade aims to improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the bomber’s operational range. However, cost overruns have increased the estimated project budget from $8 billion to $9 billion. Additional modernization efforts, such as the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), are also facing delays and rising costs.
Despite challenges, the Air Force sees the B-52 as a critical component of its long-range strike capability. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced weapons, including the nuclear-capable AGM-181A Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile and future hypersonic weapons.
With Boeing and the Air Force addressing production bottlenecks, the B-52J’s operational debut may still be delayed beyond the current 2033 target, but the re-engining effort remains a key priority.
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