US Air Force Unveils B-52J Modernization Plan with New Engines and Radar

The U.S. Air Force has greenlit a major overhaul for its B-52H Stratofortress bombers, which will receive new Rolls-Royce F130 turbofan engines and an Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

The project, officially redesignated as the B-52J, aims to address the aging fleet's maintenance challenges and improve its combat capabilities. The current B-52H model entered service in 1961, and with only 76 operational bombers remaining, the upgrade is crucial to extending their service life.

The Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) will see Boeing install the F130 engines on two test aircraft at its San Antonio plant, with a $2 billion contract funding the modification. Each F130 engine provides around 17,000 pounds of thrust and burns about 30% less fuel, resulting in a roughly 40% increase in range on internal fuel.

The Radar Modernization Program is also upgrading the B-52's surveillance radar with the AN/APQ-188 AESA radar, which will significantly improve situational awareness and survivability. Boeing has already delivered one modified aircraft to Edwards AFB for testing, while Raytheon won a contract to build and sustain the APQ-188 radars for the fleet.

The upgrade effort is complex, with government reports warning of potential delays and extra costs due to concurrent flight tests and production schedules. Despite these challenges, the project is proceeding with initial fielding planned for the early 2030s.