Spirit AeroSystems to supply engine pylons for B-52 CERP
A B-52H Stratofortress taxis down the runway at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota (Photo: US Air Force)
Boeing has selected Spirit AeroSystems to supply engine pylons and nacelles for the initial phase of the B-52H Stratofortress bomber Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP).
The CERP effort could see as many as 608 engines on the US Air Force fleet of B-52H models eventually replaced.
In line with contract conditions, Spirit will support extending the life of the aircraft to at least 2050, according to a 12 April company statement.
Spirit already makes the nacelle for the commercial variant of the Rolls Royce F-130 engine, selected by the Air Force for the B-52 CERP, the manufacturer also noted.
CERP costs for the B-52H fleet have risen by 9% to about $11 billion, John P Roth former, Air Force Secretary told the Senate Armed Services Committee in June 2021.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.