British manufacturer Rolls-Royce has announced the completion of altitude and operability testing of the new F130 engine, developed to power the strategic B-52J bomber.
The trials were conducted at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in the United States and confirmed that the propulsion system meets the operational requirements set for the aircraft’s missions. The F130 will replace the aging TF33 engines, which are no longer in production.
According to the company, the tests replicated real flight conditions, including operations at high altitudes and in turbulence scenarios, as well as verification of the performance of the integrated electrical generator. Evaluations also included sea-level tests and crosswind simulations, which are essential to validate the computational models used in the engine’s development.
The program will now move into the systems integration phase and testing in a dual-pod configuration at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, where two engines are installed in each assembly, maintaining the B-52’s traditional architecture. Air Force officials noted that the results increase confidence for the next stage, which will involve modifications to the test aircraft and flight campaigns.
The modernization is part of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), which aims to extend the B-52’s operational life by another 30 years. At the same time, the upgrade package also includes the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), responsible for installing the new AN/APQ-188 AESA radar, enhancing the navigation and targeting 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: https://t.co/kKNR281ZMY
#B52 #testing #F130 #rollsroyce #USAF pic.twitter.com/r5GCq0suFb
— Rolls-Royce (@RollsRoyce) September 7, 2023
