{"id":82786,"date":"2017-12-22T18:25:56","date_gmt":"2017-12-22T18:25:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2017\/12\/22\/air-force-solidifies-options-for-b-52-engine-replacement\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T00:21:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T00:21:11","slug":"air-force-solidifies-options-for-b-52-engine-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/news\/your-air-force\/2017\/12\/22\/air-force-solidifies-options-for-b-52-engine-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Force solidifies options for B-52 engine replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 The Air Force has laid out three potential plans for replacing the B-52\u2019s engines, a key step for keeping its oldest bomber in service into the 2050s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For almost two decades, the Air Force has studied whether and how to replace the B-52\u2019s Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-103 engines, eight of which have powered each Stratofortress since the 1960s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now the clock is counting down for the Air Force to make a decision, as age, obsolescence and diminishing sources for spare parts could make current engines unsustainable as early as 2030, according to slides presented at a Dec. 12 industry day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The service appears to have settled on broad requirements for the engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, it wants new \u2014 not refurbished \u2014 systems and intends to maintain an eight-engine configuration on each B-52, knocking out competitors who have floated a four-engine solution. The engines must be able to be integrated without having to significantly rework the B-52\u2019s wings, although the service expects some design changes to structures such as struts and nacelles may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the service wants improved reliability and at least 20% greater fuel efficiency over the current TF33, while maintaining its takeoff performance and combat ceiling. It also is interested in a new power architecture that could support an increased number of power generators, as well as new digital engine control wiring, the document stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the service has not solidified whether it will move onto a program of record, it has requested \u201cinitial seed money\u201d in the 2018 budget and has done market research that could inform a final acquisition strategy. The service is considering three ways of procuring the engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\t