B-52 CERP

Abstract

The B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) supports nuclear and conventional operations by replacing the current TF33-PW-103 engine on the B-52H aircraft. The TF33-PW-103 engine is increasingly difficult to sustain due to diminished manufacturing sources and obsolescent technologies; the AF Propulsion Directorate projects the engine will become unsustainable by 2030. This sustainment program will replace the current TF33-PW-103 engine with jet engines of similar size, weight, and thrust characteristics. The development, production and installation of new engines and related subsystems will replace the legacy equipment on all 76 B-52H aircraft. B-52 CERP will take advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire engines and integrate them into the B-52. The use of new technology will increase both the overall reliability/maintainability of the propulsion system and produce additional electrical power generation capabilities for emerging requirements. The B-52 CERP will allow the operational command (Air Force Global Strike Command) to fully utilize the capabilities of the B-52H aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons while saving fuel and extending the range/loiter capabilities of the aircraft. In addition, applicable training devices for the engine throttles and engine health monitoring subsystem must also be developed, modified and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. This upgrade will also require corresponding modification of the Weapon System Trainers (WST). As B-52 CERP brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear hardening, cyber security, program protection, etc.) will also need to be addressed. Several concurrent aircraft upgrades during the CERP may necessitate the construction of facilities or facility upgrades/modification. In addition, it may necessitate studies be performed to determine optimal engine installation and deployment options. Additionally, funds will be used to procure long lead components for test aircraft to include engines and all components require to install on rapid prototype aircraft. Cost includes any other analysis or documentation and related expenses necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-52 Weapon System. Cost includes Program Management Administration (PMA) costs, centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements, to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership. Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. DMS efforts to include removal of end-of-life software/hardware within simulators systems and move to a modular, common open system architecture that is sustainable and cyber-resilient. Implement requirements and standards defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative. BY (FY22) funding totals include 484.068M requested for the Pacific Defense Initiative.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 675129_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2022

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

• Cyber