THE USAF has provided an update on its Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) to replace the powerplant of its venerable Stratofortress fleet. The service aims to procure roughly 650 engines to modify and support its 76-strong fleet of B-52s. The Director Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) FY2019 Annual Report explains that CERP is a government-led campaign to source new engines for the B-52H long-range strategic bomber fleet, to replace its legacy Pratt & Whitney TF33 turbofans. According to the report, the programme is "built around a five-phase integrated test strategy designed to maximise operational test data collection during the prototyping phase" and "includes a limited operational demonstration using prototype aircraft followed by a comprehensive [Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E)] using Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft prior to a Full-Rate Production decision."
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