U.S. Air Force to Deliver First B-52 for Engine Upgrade to Boeing Later This Year

The U.S. Air Force stated that the first B-52H bomber is scheduled to arrive at Boeing's facility in San Antonio, Texas, later this year to begin the re-engining process. This step follows the completion of the critical design review for the Commercial Engine Replacement Program, known as CERP.

The review was announced by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The Air Force selected Rolls-Royce F130 turbofan engines in 2021 to replace the existing Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines on its 76 operational B-52H bombers. Boeing is responsible for integrating the new engines, including new twin-engine pods and related modifications.

The upgraded bombers will be redesignated as B-52J and are expected to remain in service into the 2050s.

The critical design review was originally planned for three years earlier but faced delays. According to a June 2025 Government Accountability Office report, delays resulted from engine inlet issues identified during design testing and Boeing's submission of proposals.

The report noted that Boeing planned to complete wind tunnel testing in summer 2025 to verify the design. Air Force Lt. Col. Tim Cleaver, CERP program manager in the Bombers Directorate at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, stated that the review culminates engineering and integration efforts by Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and the Air Force.

The upgrade includes new subsystems such as modern generators to increase electrical power capacity.

The current TF33 engines, out of production since 1985, have become costly to maintain. The F130 engines are expected to provide better fuel economy, reduced maintenance needs, extended range, and lower sustainment costs. The program aims for initial operational capability in 2033, with full fleet modification potentially completing three years later.

The Pentagon's Office of the Director of Test and Evaluation reported that system development extends to fiscal year 2033, with low-rate initial production modifications starting in fiscal year 2027. Developmental and flight testing is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2029, leading to initial operational test and evaluation in fiscal year 2032.

In February, Rolls-Royce confirmed delivery of the first F130 engines for B-52 integration in 2027.

Program costs have increased, with reports in 2024 indicating a rise from $8 billion to $9 billion. In December 2025, Boeing received over $2 billion for system integration and testing two aircraft. CERP is part of broader B-52 upgrades, including the Radar Modernization Program, which has also experienced delays and delivered its first upgraded aircraft for testing last year.