How many times has this done the rounds over the last 30 years? Is this the first time it has reached the funding stage?
AW&ST:
U.S. Air Force Boost B-52 Funding For Engine Replacement
The U.S. Air Force has requested funding and authorization from Congress to launch one of the largest military reengining programs since the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker.
The service’s fiscal 2019 budget request seeks more than $1 billion through fiscal 2023 for a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress propulsion system replacement program. The initiative would replace the Pratt & Whitney TF33-103, which has powered the H-model B-52 since its introduction in 1960. But unlike the KC-135R refueling aircraft upgrade, which swapped four TF33s for four CFM International CFM56s, the Air Force is shooting for a straight “eight for eight” swap on the B-52, rather than attempting to install four large high-bypass turbofans.
This is a major opportunity for turbofan manufacturers GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and potentially Safran, which are now lining up to compete.
The program has been gathering momentum over the past two years, but it received a significant bump on Feb. 12, when the Air Force released its budget proposal. Having now decided to keep the B-52 around until 2050, while replacing Rockwell B-1Bs and Northrop Grumman B-2s with Northrop B-21 Raider stealth bombers, the service’s fiscal 2019 proposal would launch nine new B-52 modernization programs. The largest of them is the reengining, which will be pursued concurrently with a major radar upgrade.
According to budget documents, funding for B-52 modernization will peak at more than $560 million in fiscal 2021. If the engine upgrade is approved and funded by Congress, the service will seek a prime system integrator and engine manufacturer to deliver up to 650 new engines, including spares. The initial buy would be 20 engines for integration and testing on the first two B-52s in the 2022-23 time frame.
GE Aviation tells Aviation Week that it could put forward its latest engine in the required thrust class, the Passport, which powers Bombardier’s newly developed Global 7000 business jet and has been selected for the proposed Global 8000......
Rolls-Royce would offer one member of its BR700 product range, most likely the 15,000-17,000-lb.-thrust-class BR725 that is the engine on Gulfstream’s long-range G650 business jet. Versions of the BR700 power the Air Force’s Gulfstream C-37A transport and Bombardier Global Express-based E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node......
Pratt & Whitney previously has said as it could offer a new engine or a TF33 upgrade package, depending on the requirements..... The company has expressed preference for a TF33 upgrade, but may decide to offer the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800-series turbofan, depending on whether the Air Force allows foreign participation. The PW800 powers Gulfstream’s latest business aircraft, the 15,100-lb.-thrust PW814 for the G500 and 15,700-lb.-thrust PW815 for the G600.
Safran also has been attending the industry days but has not yet announced its intention to bid......