Originally Posted by
k3k3
Does this mean that the E3 (TF33) engines will also become unsupportable?
The answer is a bit more complex than that, but in a nutshell, yes. However in the case of AWACS there is an existing thoroughly tested, in production solution: CFM engines. The B-52 does not have that option and the solution is not only not yet developed, but the engine swap is more complicated. And much much more complicated than the engine swap itself is the possible impact on the B-52's weapons release envelopes caused by an engine swap, which AWACS does not have to contend with. That's why it's being addressed now on the B-52, many years before the actual need. Further, since an engine swap MUST be done on the B-52, the earlier it is done the more money will be saved AFTER the swap,
potentially paying for itself in savings.
And FWIW, the most difficult part of an engine swap on AWACS will be deciding to go with the older standard CFM-56 engines, or the LEAP versions which cost more, but are more efficient. Are the savings worth the expense when the airframes may not have that many more years left in them? Or do the AWACS users commit early to a life extension program so that the
potential savings can be realized?