Rolls-Royce has started testing its F130 engine for use in the US Air Force B-52 fleet, in anticipation of supplying 600 engines.
The work is being undertaking at its outdoor test facility at the NASA Stennis Space Center, in Mississippi, as the US prepares to replace the existing powerplants in the bomber fleet.
Rolls-Royce, which has its global base in Derby, England, said the multi- billion dollar order to supply the engines will be serviced by its production lines in Indianapolis. Rolls-Royce has invested $1 billion modernising the manufacturing and testing facilities in recent years.
The F130 engine was chosen for the B-52 in September 2021 following a competitive selection process, and comes from the Rolls-Royce BR family of commercial engines, which have more than 30 million hours of operation.
The current testing focuses on crosswind aerodynamics and the digital control system and early results are said to have been positive.
Rolls-Royce said it was working closely with the USAF and Boeing which is managing the integration of the engines as part of a big B-52 overhaul program.
The first B-52 first flew in the early 1950s and the new engines will extend the life of the aircraft for another 30 years.
Candice Bineyard, who serves as director of defense programs at Rolls-Royce in the US, said the engines would be more efficient and easier to maintain for the fleet.
She said: “We are excited to begin this milestone testing program, the first step for what will be decades of successful engine operation for the United States Air Force B-52 fleet.
“Rolls-Royce continues to work very closely with the Air Force and Boeing to ensure the engine testing and integration process run smoothly.
“This will result in higher fuel efficiency, reduced air refuelling requirements, and significantly lower maintenance costs for the B-52 fleet. We look forward to sharing test results with the Air Force and Boeing as the test plan progresses at the NASA Stennis Space Center.”
Last week Rolls-Royce posted a turnover of £12.6 billion for the 12 months to December 31, 2022, up from £10.9 billion in 2021.
Underlying operating profit also climbed year on year, from £414 million to £652 million, while underlying pre-tax profit rose from £36 million to £206 million.
