Who will re engine the B-52?
Rolls-Royce North America
The Air Force has selected Rolls-Royce North America as its contractor for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program, or CERP, which will supply new F130 powerplants for all 76 of Air Force Global Strike Command’s B-52H bombers, the Pentagon announced Sep. 24.
Is the B-52 obsolete?
The B-52 was introduced in 1955, and is still used by the US Airforce, and is expected to remain in use till the 2040s.
How many b52 are in a service?
76
The B-52 has been in service with the USAF since 1955. As of June 2019, there are 76 aircraft in inventory; 58 operated by active forces (2nd Bomb Wing and 5th Bomb Wing), 18 by reserve forces (307th Bomb Wing), and about 12 in long-term storage at the Davis-Monthan AFB Boneyard….Boeing B-52 Stratofortress.
| B-52 Stratofortress | |
|---|---|
| Number built | 744 |
Will the B-52 get new engines?
The Pratt engines have powered the famous B-52 aircraft, which can carry nuclear weapons, since the 1960s but will be retired by 2030. The new engines will allow the bombers to continue missions into the 2050s.
How many engines are on a B-52 bomber?
eight
The B-52H Stratofortress has eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3 turbofan engines, each providing more than 17,000lb of thrust. The aircraft has ten internal plus two external fuel tanks with a capacity of over 181,000l, which provide an unrefuelled range of more than 8,600 miles.
What kind of electronic warfare equipment does the B-52 have?
The B-52H is equipped with a wide range of electronic warfare equipment. The ITT AN/ALQ-172(V)2 electronic countermeasures system features multi-band threat recognition and multiple threat jamming. The AN/ALR-20A radar warning system detects and prioritises multiple threats.
When did the B-52 take off with synthetic fuel?
On 15 December 2006, a B-52 took off from Edwards with the synthetic fuel powering all eight engines, the first time an air force aircraft was entirely powered by the blend. The seven-hour flight was considered a success.
What kind of targeting pod does a B-52 have?
During Operation Iraqi Freedom in April 2003, B-52 was fitted with the Northrop Grumman Litening II laser targeting pod, which was used to strike targets in Northern Iraq. In 2007, the USAF began fitting Litening to the B-52 fleet.
When did the B-52 Stratofortress first fly?
The B-52 took its maiden flight in April 1952. Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions, the B-52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B-36. A veteran of several wars, the B-52 has dropped only conventional munitions in combat.