Rolls-Royce Completes F130 Engine Tests for US Air Force B-52 Upgrade

1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1772024490128-2849

US Air Force Partners with Rolls-Royce on Commercial Engine Replacement Program

Rolls-Royce has completed key tests for its F130 engine as part of the US Air Force’s B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program. The company evaluated engine performance under representative mission conditions at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tullahoma, Tennessee. According to Rolls-Royce, the test campaign generated data across the engine’s full spectrum of flight conditions and will support the next phase of test aircraft modification and flight testing. Initial F130 flight-test engine builds are already underway, with deliveries expected in 2027. The successful completion of these tests may signal a significant step forward for the B-52J modernization effort.

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Key Takeaways

Rolls-Royce completed altitude and operability testing of its F130 engine.
Engine performance tested under representative mission conditions.
Testing included distortion screens to simulate turbulent airflow.

Rolls-Royce Boeing

Strategic Implications

This development may indicate the US Air Force’s confidence in Rolls-Royce’s ability to deliver a reliable commercial engine for the B-52 upgrade program. The successful completion of F130 testing could support the next phase of test aircraft modification and flight testing, potentially paving the way for the first flight-test engines.