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 experiencing significant supportability challenges due to diminished manufacturing sources and obsolescent technologies. This program will replace the current TF33-PW-103 engine with new military derivative commercial Rolls-Royce F130 engines of similar size, weight, and thrust characteristics. Along with the new engines, CERP will replace associated subsystems, such as engine struts and nacelles, the electrical power generation system, and cockpit displays. The development, production and installation of new engines and related subsystems will replace the legacy equipment on all 76 B-52H aircraft. Any B-52H aircraft modified with the new commercial engines and associated subsystems will be designated as B-52J. B-52 CERP is taking advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire engines and integrate them into the B-52. The new technology will increase both the overall reliability and 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-52 aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons while increasing fuel efficiency and extending the range/loiter capabilities of the aircraft. In addition, applicable training devices must be developed, modified and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. As B-52 CERP brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear hardening, cyber security, program protection, etc.) are being addressed. Several concurrent aircraft upgrades during the B-52 CERP may necessitate temporary facilities or facility upgrades/modifications. 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 required associated components in the B-52 CERP configuration baseline. 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 digital engineering and 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 address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate PMA and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY23 $14.138M was expended and in FY24 $17.609M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 675129_0101113F_7_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Cyber