Kathrine Frich
A familiar aircraft from the early Cold War era is being prepared for decades of future service.
Rather than retiring it, the United States is choosing a costly overhaul that reflects a broader philosophy about military modernization.
The decision underlines how proven platforms can still play a central role in long-term strategic planning.
A bomber that endures
The B-52 Stratofortress first entered service in 1962 and has remained a core part of the United States’ strategic deterrence ever since.
Built by Boeing, the long-range bomber was designed to deliver both nuclear and conventional weapons.
Despite the arrival of newer aircraft such as the B-2 and the planned B-21 Raider, the U.S. Air Force continues to rely on the B-52.
Today, 75 aircraft remain in active service, more than six decades after the design was finalized.
Officials argue the platform still offers flexibility and payload capacity that newer bombers cannot always match.
New engines program
The most significant upgrade now underway involves replacing the aircraft’s engines.
Boeing has received a contract worth $2.04 billion to continue work on the program, with Rolls-Royce supplying the new powerplants.
The effort is part of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program.
The B-52 has long relied on Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines developed in the 1960s, which are increasingly costly to maintain.
These will be replaced by Rolls-Royce F130 engines. A critical design review was completed in December 2024, and the current phase focuses on integration, modification and testing of two aircraft.
Why Rolls-Royce
The new engines are expected to improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs and increase fuel efficiency.
Another key factor is that the engines are designed to remain mounted on the wings for the rest of the aircraft’s service life.
Rolls-Royce has invested more than $600 million in its Indianapolis facility, where the F130 engines will be built in the United States.
Work on the program is scheduled to continue until May 31, 2033, across multiple locations including Oklahoma, Texas, Washington state and Indiana.
Sources: U.S. Air Force, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, PortalTechnologiczny
