The US Air Force is again dusting off proposals to re-engine the Boeing B-52H, as recent increased utilisation of the bomber fleet over Afghanistan has highlighted the need for a more fuel-efficient and cheaper powerplant than the aircraft's ageing Pratt & Whitney TF33-P3 engines.
The air force, under pressure from US defence undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics Pete Aldridge, is revisiting proposals to replace the B-52H's eight TF33s with four larger civil-derivative turbofans. There is no formal request for information, but Boeing is believed to be preparing a presentation after meeting with engine suppliers.
All three large civil turbofan manufacturers have, at various times, offered to re-engine the USAF's 94 B-52Hs. Most recently, in 1997, Rolls-Royce and Boeing proposed leasing US assembled RB211-535E4 engines to the USAF.
Pratt & Whitney has tried to sell the air force the F117military version of the PW2000, while General Electric has pushed the larger CF6-80C2. The former would offer commonality with the Boeing C-17 transport, while the latter has been selected for the Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy transportre-engining programme.
The USAF rejected previous proposals, as none made a satisfactory business case compared to retaining the TF33. The issue has resurfaced following the conflict in Afghanistan, where B-52H use has placed a heavy burden on the USAF's supporting Boeing KC-135 tanker force. Air force secretary James Roche has said he would "like to revisit the question", says the USAF.
Source: Flight International
