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Rolls‑Royce completes AEDC altitude and operability tests on F130, begins final inlet runs ahead of B‑52J re‑engining

Rolls‑Royce has finished altitude and operability testing of its F130 turbofan at the USAF’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex and has started final dual‑pod inlet tests as it refines the design and prepares production for the B‑52J re‑engining programme, targeting initial mission-capable engines in 2027.

Discovered 2026-02-24T06:36:20.496475-08:00 | 2026-02-24T06:36:20.496475-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The F130 milestone reduces technical risk for the B‑52J re‑engining schedule and keeps the programme on track for initial mission-capable engines targeted in 2027.

  • The engine progress complements other B‑52 modernization work, including recent radar/avionics retrofit testing, and moves the bomber’s broader upgrade package closer to fielding (see ongoing B‑52 retrofit testing: source:ded7570f-1c97-4953-9716-035454a8159d).

  • Demonstrates Rolls‑Royce’s growing defence propulsion workload and production preparation, aligning with the USAF’s emphasis on accelerating propulsion capability development (context on propulsion priorities: source:3293b6db-a761-40fb-b9d7-4652f47a897e).

Reported By

interestingengineering.com aerotelegraph.com forcaaerea.com.br news.ssbcrack.com zona-militar.com aviationnews.eu
Sources Tracked
28
First Seen
2026-02-24T06:36:20.496475-08:00
Latest Update
2026-03-03T04:54:39.514303-08:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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