Boeing has been awarded a $2.04 billion task order to advance the B-52H Commercial Engine Replacement Program, focusing on post-design review development.
The contract includes integration, modification, and testing of two B-52 aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, with work scheduled through 2033.
Boeing has received a $2.04 billion task order to continue development under the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), marking a major milestone in the long-term modernization of the B-52H Stratofortress bomber fleet.
According to the contract award, the task order covers post–Critical Design Review (CDR) development activities. This phase will focus on completing system integration work and on modifying and testing two B-52 aircraft equipped with new engines and related subsystems to validate performance and integration.
The contract was awarded to Boeing Defense Systems in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Work will be carried out across multiple locations, including Oklahoma City; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Indianapolis, Indiana. The program is scheduled for completion by May 31, 2033.
Funding for the task order will be provided incrementally, starting with Fiscal Year 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funds. At the time of award, $35.8 million was obligated. The contracting authority for the program is Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
The B-52H CERP is being executed as a Middle Tier of Acquisition rapid prototyping effort and is expected to transition into a Major Capability Acquisition program. The Air Force is currently leveraging a digital Virtual System Prototype developed under the Middle Tier approach to support early performance analysis, production planning, sustainment assessments, and initial training development.
CERP represents the final stage of a broader, multi-program modernization initiative for the B-52H fleet. The upgrade replaces the aircraft’s legacy TF33 engines with Rolls-Royce F130 commercial-derivative engines, which are designed to improve reliability and significantly reduce long-term sustainment costs.
In addition to enhanced reliability, the new engines are expected to deliver improved fuel efficiency, increased onboard electrical power generation, and modern digital engine controls with updated cockpit displays. These improvements will support future avionics upgrades, advanced sensors, and new weapons integration planned for the bomber over the coming decades.
The B-52H Stratofortress continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. long-range strike capability. It supports both conventional and nuclear missions, providing theater commanders with the ability to conduct long-range, all-weather strike operations against ground and maritime targets. The aircraft is used for strategic attack, time-sensitive targeting, air interdiction, close air support, suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, maritime mining, and nuclear deterrence missions.
With plans for the B-52H to remain operational into the 2050s, propulsion modernization is a critical enabler of extended service life, improved readiness, and enhanced operational flexibility. The post-CDR phase covered by this task order advances the program from design validation toward real-world aircraft modification and flight testing, laying the groundwork for eventual fleet-wide implementation.
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