First look at the F130 engines in their nacelles for the B-52

Rolls-Royce says its has begun testing two F130 engines for the B-52 bomber at the NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The engine tests also mark the first time that the power plants are being tested in a dual-pod configuration of B-52. Each B-52 bomber has four pods of eight engines.

Preliminary outcomes from the tests, which focus on crosswind aerodynamic flow, have been promising. Early results also confirm the successful operation of the engine’s digital control system.

Candice Bineyard, the Director of Programs – Defence, expressed enthusiasm about the initiation of this milestone testing program and said that Rolls-Royce anticipates sharing the test results with the U.S. Air Force and Boeing.

After undergoing a competitive selection process, the Air Force chose F130 engines for the B-52 in September 2021. These engines are based on the Rolls-Royce BR family of commercial engines. Rolls-Royce will manufacture, assemble, and test the F130 engines at its largest production facility in the United States, located in Indianapolis. The company has invested $1 billion in recent years to modernize its manufacturing and testing facilities in Indiana and to develop advanced technology.

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