British manufacturer Rolls-Royce announced the completion of altitude and operability tests of the new F130 engine, developed to power the B-52J strategic bomber.
The tests were carried out at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, in the United States, and confirmed that the propellant meets the operational requirements expected for the aircraft’s missions. The F130 will replace the old TF33 engines, currently out of production.
According to the company, the tests reproduced real flight conditions, including operations at high altitudes and turbulence scenarios, in addition to verifying the performance of the integrated electrical generator. The assessments also included tests at sea level and crosswind simulations, essential to validate the computational models used in the development of the engine.
The program will now advance to the systems integration and testing phase in the dual-pod configuration at NASA Stennis Space Center, where two engines are installed in each pod, maintaining the traditional B-52 architecture. Air Force officials highlighted that the results increase confidence for the next stage, which will involve modifications to the test aircraft and flight campaigns.
+Belgium buys 10 NASAMS batteries to protect Antwerp port
The modernization is part of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), which is expected to extend the operational life of the B-52 for another 30 years. At the same time, the update package includes the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), responsible for installing the new AN/APQ-188 AESA radar, expanding the navigation and target designation capabilities of the future B-52J version.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @RollsRoyce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Rolls-Royce completed F130 altitude and operability testing for the U.S. Air Force B-52J at AEDC in Tennessee. This is the engine that will replace the 60 year old TF33s and keep the Stratofortress relevant for decades. Test engines on track for Boeing delivery in 2027.
The old… pic.twitter.com/m6wyKwkaI1
— Fahad Naim (@Fahadnaimb) February 25, 2026
We are thrilled to announce that we are on track to complete initial F130 engine testing for the @usairforce B-52J by the end of this year.
Find out more about our progress:
#B52 #testing #F130 #rollsroyce #USAF pic.twitter.com/r5GCq0suFb
— Rolls-Royce (@RollsRoyce) September 7, 2023
