New Engines for B-52 Top Modernization Priority for Bombers, May Result in 30 Percent Fuel Savings

摘要

The U.S. Air Force is conducting a number of modernization initiatives to keep its fleet of 76 Boeing [BA] B-52H bombers flying to 2040 and beyond, including the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), a radar modernization program (RMP), and communications upgrades. In addition, the Air Force envisions new strike capabilities for the Buff, including the carriage of hypersonic missiles and the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile. "Despite being our oldest bomber by a significant margin, it [the B-52] has the most life remaining among the B-1, B-2 and B-52," Air Force Maj. Gen Mark Weatherington, the commander of Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, said during a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies' Aerospace Nation virtual forum on Aug. 31. "However, continuing to effectively compete against modern adversaries will require some improvements."