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Rolls-Royce Offers Peek At The B-52’s New Engines Undergoing Testing
Now that testing has begun, Rolls-Royce has provided first looks at the F130 turbofan engines in their dual-pod configuration that will replace the outdated TF33 engines currently equipping the U.S. Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress fleet. Rolls-Royce has offered this imagery as part of an update on the years-long effort to re-engine and modernize the service’s bombers. In fact, the fight to get the B-52 new engines is a saga that dates back decades. (www.msn.com) More...
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One of the most feared aircraft in history. Glad to see it getting a prolonged life.
I was stationed at Utapao Royal Thai Naval Airbase as a weapons mechanic/bomb loader during the final bombing of Hanoi in December 1972. And will never forget the BUFF’s taking off on missions. The outdoor theatre was near the end of the runway and we would cover our ears and cringe as the noise and smoke from those bombers enveloped us. Those were the days.
Arc Light
Imagine the Buff taxiing with those new RR engines. Won't even recognize the new sound.
My wife and I were working Flight Line Ops at EAA Oshkosh (Airventure) a few years when when a B-52 arrived. It was the weekend before the show, so pretty quiet except for everyone setting up.
I walked the left wing as it was towed to the ramp. Impressive. Looks modern and outdated, all at the same time. Huge wingspan. We had to take down a few sign posts near the taxiway so it would fit.
Interestingly, the metal panels on the side of the fuselage had an irregular texture. Give the large part of the plane that isn't pressurized, I think that some of this sheet metal is lighter weight, so has taken on an irregular surface over the years.
Got to see the cockpit some years later, in a different location. Again, a weird mixture of super modern and old fashioned.
The air frame of the B-52 is tough and maintainable, so could go on flying for several more decades.
I walked the left wing as it was towed to the ramp. Impressive. Looks modern and outdated, all at the same time. Huge wingspan. We had to take down a few sign posts near the taxiway so it would fit.
Interestingly, the metal panels on the side of the fuselage had an irregular texture. Give the large part of the plane that isn't pressurized, I think that some of this sheet metal is lighter weight, so has taken on an irregular surface over the years.
Got to see the cockpit some years later, in a different location. Again, a weird mixture of super modern and old fashioned.
The air frame of the B-52 is tough and maintainable, so could go on flying for several more decades.
Remember reading abt a B-52 visit to Oshkosh, may have been the same plane. Pilot said they had to be ‘on the [runway] numbers’ when landing so as to have enough runway to brake & slow down.
Remember reading abt a B-52 visit to Oshkosh, may have been the same plane. Pilot said they had to be ‘on the numbers’ when landing so as to have enough runway to brake & slow down.
