The B-52J Bomber Might Just Be What the Air Force Truly Needs
Story by Maya Carlin • 2h
© Provided by National Interest
What You Need to Know: The U.S. Air Force plans to keep the B-52 Stratofortress bomber operational into the mid-21st century, potentially surpassing a century of service. The upcoming B-52J variant marks the most significant upgrade in the aircraft's history.
-Key enhancements include replacing the old Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines under the Commercial Engine Replacement Program, boosting fuel efficiency by 30%. The B-52J will also feature improved avionics, digital displays, and is set to carry the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), a scramjet-powered weapon capable of speeds over Mach 5.
-These upgrades ensure the B-52 remains a vital asset in the Air Force's strategic arsenal.
Here Comes the B-52J Bomber
More than 70 years ago, the legendary B-52 strategic bomber first took to the skies for the U.S. Air Force. This long-range, subsonic aircraft may be rapidly aging, but the Air Force is nowhere near pushing it out of service. In fact, the Stratofortress will continue serving into the mid-21stt century. It might pass the century mark before it is finally retired.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-b-52j-bomber-might-just-be-what-the-air-force-truly-needs/ar-BB1nhfu4?ocid=anaheim-ntp-feeds&cvid=108614e0cd624f81b104350604d82977&ei=58
