The U.S. Air Force has completed the Critical Design Review for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program, advancing the upgrade of its B-52H Stratofortress bombers to the B-52J configuration.
The review, conducted by experts from the Air Force, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce, confirmed that the system design meets operational and technical requirements. It clears the path for Boeing to modify two B-52H aircraft with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, replacing the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 powerplants. Work will begin at Boeing’s facility in San Antonio, Texas, with the first bomber scheduled for modification later this year.
The F130 engines, derived from the BR725 commercial family, offer improved fuel efficiency, reliability, and electrical power capacity through new generators. Rolls-Royce recently completed altitude and operability testing at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tennessee, validating performance under high-altitude missions, turbulent airflow, and system integration.
Following modifications, the two B-52J test aircraft will undergo ground and flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California to confirm integration and performance. The program then plans to extend upgrades across the remaining B-52H fleet, supporting operations into the 2050s.