The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.04-billion contract to advance the B-52 engine replacement program.
The task order covers post-critical design review development under the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program, including system integration, as well as the modification and testing of two B-52 aircraft fitted with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and associated subsystems.
Work will take place at sites in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Indianapolis, Indiana, with completion expected by May 31, 2033.
An initial funding tranche of $35.8 million has been earmarked, with additional allocations expected to begin in fiscal year 2026 under research, development, test, and evaluation funding.
B-52 Engine Replacement Program
The engine replacement effort is part of a broader initiative to modernize the US Air Force’s fleet of 76 B-52H Stratofortress aircraft to the B-52J configuration, incorporating upgraded radar, communications, and navigation systems.
As part of the effort, the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines will be replaced with more efficient and reliable F130 commercial-derivative engines, which achieved critical design review in December 2024.
The new engines will enhance reliability, reduce sustainment costs, and improve fuel efficiency, while providing greater electrical power, digital engine controls, and upgraded cockpit displays to support future avionics, sensors, and weapons integration.
Radar Upgrade
As part of the modernization, the legacy AN/APQ-166 radar will be replaced with the AN/APQ-188 active electronically scanned array radar, derived from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet’s AN/APG-79 and incorporating features from the AN/APG-82 used on the F-15E and F-15EX.
The new radar enhances multi-mode sensing, including synthetic aperture radar, ground-moving target indication, and air-to-air detection, while improving range and maintainability.
Beyond engine and radar, the B-52J program also includes comprehensive structural upgrades and a new suite of electronics, displays, navigation, and avionics to help keep the B-52 fleet operational through 2050.
