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.
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