In order to extend its service life until 2050, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber is now included in the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), namely by installing a new engine, Rolls-Royce F130 to replace the current engine, Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-103 in use since the 1960s. Not only that, the US Air Force doesn't seem to want to be called 'responsible'.
The B-52 CERP is a complex upgrade that not only updates the aircraft with new engines, but also updates the flight deck area, struts and nacelles. Apart from that, the B-52H platform will undergo an upgrade in the form of the installation of the APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar which is commonly used on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets.
Flight testing of the modified B-52 CERP equipped with the AGP-79B4 is scheduled to begin in late 2025, while initial operational capability is expected in 2027.
Well, recently Boeing released a design layout of the B-52's cockpit which is familiar with the nickname "BUFF" (Big Ugly Fat Fella). Quoted from airandspaceforces.com (17/10/2022), it is shown that the upgraded B-52 cockpit design will appear cleaner and slimmer
Of course the cockpit design is still undecided, but it's likely to be close to the final version. Digital images released by Boeing to Air & Space Forces Magazine, show the layout with much of the new glass cockpit look, but retaining some of the "steam gauges" and analog-style looks from the B-52H's six decades of service.
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| Upgraded B-52 cockpit view (B52I or B-52J) |
Dominating the dashboard will be four large color multifunction displays that will present various flight status information, as well as imagery from the new B-52 radar system—derived from the AN/APG-79 radar as well as datalink presentations and new B-52 imagery from the optical targeting pod. /infrared Sniper or LITENING.
The upgraded B-52 is designed to play a role in the use of the new hypersonic AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW)—as well as its new nuclear weapon, the AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off Weapon (LRSO).
In the cockpit, the center console features an updated throttle station, to control the eight new Rolls Royce F130 B-52 engines, from the mechanical throttle system to the digital hybrid system. Regarding engine type changes, the B-52 will be equipped with a new data concentrator unit (2x), a new engine fault maintenance recorder, a new engine air data system (and) modified system panel, as well as structural, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic updates related to modernization efforts.
US Air Force officials are currently considering renaming the B-52H variant to B-52I or B-52J after receiving the new radar and engines. The reason is that the aircraft will be substantially different after the upgrade to warrant a new designation and to maintain clearer records of maintenance hours and other technical aspects.
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| Rolls-Royce F130 engine |
Boeing is the integrator for various upgrades installed on the B-52, and will perform much of the internal reconfiguration of the control and wiring systems on the initial B-52 at the San Antonio, Texas facility. Further work will be carried out at the B-52 depot at the Oklahoma Air Logistics Complex in Oklahoma City.
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