Originally Posted by
BobbyHowie
I saw a photo of a B52 in flight with 4 engines. Can't remember the make I'm afraid. Was the early 80's I think.
Nope, not a photo. Artist's rendering. Both the Rolls RB211 and the P&W2040 were considered as possibilities. Nothing came of the ideas, largely because the USAF was agin it. USAF was convinced that the B-52's days were numbered and they would be replaced by the B-70, then the B-1A, then the B-1B, then the B-2, and so on. They thought any money directed at the B-52 would be money competing with those shiny new bombers. But now that they've decided to retire both the B-1 and B-2
and keep the B-52 for multiple more decades, they're finally taking a serious look at re-engining because they have to. And once again, contrary to the various skeptics and cynics, this is a top down idea from USAF trying to solve a real problem, not a bottom up idea from engine manufacturers wishing to sell more engines.