Rolls-Royce has conducted a successful critical design review of the F130 engine, paving the way for its final development, testing, and production.
The engine is part of the US Air Force B-52J bomber upgrade, including radar, communications and navigation equipment.
It took over two years of design work and collaboration between Rolls-Royce, the US Air Force, and Boeing to reach the milestone.
In the next step, the engine will go through altitude testing in February 2025 at the US Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
“We’re extremely proud to have delivered the F130 CDR milestone on-time for the B-52J, and grateful for our continued partnership with the US Air Force and Boeing,” Director, Early Life Cycle & Naval Programs – Defense at Rolls-Royce Candice Bineyard said.
“We’re excited to start the production work to deliver this incredible and highly reliable engine for the B-52J.”
B-52J Stratofortress Upgrade
The F130 will replace Pratt & Whitney’s TF-33, which has been powering the aircraft since its induction in 1962.
The upgrade is expected to add three decades to the aircraft’s service life, providing more range, power, and a drastic reduction in maintenance, effectively ending engine overhauls.
The effort is running three years beyond schedule, with initial operational capability now expected in 2033, according to the Government Accountability Office.
A critical design review of the overall effort is expected in 2025 and flight tests in 2028.
