The engines will be built in America and are derived from the 75.2 kN RR BR725 turbofans used in the Gulfstream G650ER, amongst others. The B-52s have been powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3D (TF33-PW-103) turbofans since the late 1960s.
The bombers are expected to last another thirty years with the new engines. The Commercial Engine Replacement Programme is a modernisation project for the B-52 Stratofortress fleet (CERP).
In addition to the engine replacement, Honeywell will supply a new auxiliary power unit (APU), eliminating the need for explosive gunpowder cartridges to start the engines. L3Harris will upgrade the aircraft"s electronic warfare and radar systems. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber that first flew in 1955.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber aircraft that entered US Air Force (USAF) service in 1955. The aircraft can carry weapon payloads of up to 32,000 kilogrammes with an operating range of over 14,080 kilometres.
The USAF currently has 58 B-52H bombers in the inventory. These bombers are split between the 5th Bomb Wing, the 2nd Bomb Wing, and the 307th Bomb Wing of the Air Force Reserve. The USAF plans to keep B-52s in service until 2050.
