Altitude And Operability Tests Clear Way For Next Phase

Rolls-Royce has successfully completed altitude and operability testing of its F130 engine for the US Air Force’s B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program. The testing, conducted at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tennessee, evaluated engine performance under various mission conditions. The campaign generated valuable data and paves the way for the next phase of test aircraft modification and flight testing. The F130 engine is a key component of the B-52 modernization effort, which also includes radar, avionics, and other subsystem upgrades. According to AeroTime, the engine passed its Critical Design Review in late 2024, and initial flight-test engine builds are already underway.