Sunday, June 11, 2017

New Engines For The B-52

U.S. Air Force Airmen from 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron execute air operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State on Feb. 13, 2017. The Air Force has set aside $10 million in its fiscal 2018 budget request for risk-reduction efforts in support of a potential future B-52 bomber re-engining program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jordan Castelan)

Defense Tech: Air Force Eyes Replacing B-52 Engines

The Air Force has set aside $10 million in its fiscal 2018 budget request for risk-reduction efforts in support of a potential future B-52 bomber re-engining program.

If approved, the move could be a crucial first step to boost the service life of the B-52 Stratofortress long-range bomber — already pushing more than 60 years in its lifespan.

The budget also includes $227 million for B-52 modifications, Air Force spokeswoman Laura McAndrews said in an email to Military.com.

In total, the request allocates $1.34 billion across fiscal 2018 to 2022 to support efforts including a radar modernization program; Combat Network Communications Technology; the 1760 internal weapons bay upgrade; and tactical data link integration, McAndrews said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: You have to be impressed with this bomber. Who would have thought that they would still be flying decades after they were put together.

No comments: