This article summarizes reporting by Interesting Engineering.

US Air Force Awards $2 Billion Contract to Launch B-52J Modernization Era

The United States Air Force has officially initiated the physical integration phase of its historic B-52 Stratofortress modernization program. According to reporting by Interesting Engineering and recent Department of Defense announcements, Boeing has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $2.04 billion to begin modifying the legendary bomber fleet. This development marks a critical transition from digital design to physical production, paving the way for the aircraft’s new designation: the B-52J.

The Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) represents the most significant overhaul of the B-52 since its introduction in the 1950s. By replacing aging engines with modern commercial derivatives and upgrading critical avionics, the Air Force intends to keep the Stratofortress operational through the 2050s, potentially allowing the airframe to see a century of continuous service.

Contract Details and Timeline

The newly awarded contract focuses on the “low-rate initial production” phase of the integration. As reported, this funding covers the modification of the first two B-52H aircraft into the new B-52J configuration, which will be used for rigorous flight testing. This step follows the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the new Rolls-Royce F130 engines in December 2024, a milestone that confirmed the design’s maturity for installation.

According to the program schedule outlined in recent reports:

• Early 2025: Altitude testing is slated to begin at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tennessee to verify engine performance under flight conditions.
• 2028: The first modified B-52J test aircraft are expected to be ready for ground and flight testing.
• 2033: The fleet is projected to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

The contract work is expected to conclude by May 2033, aligning with the Air Force’s goal to have the first squadron combat-ready early in the next decade.

Technical Specifications: The B-52J

The transition from the B-52H to the B-52J involves comprehensive upgrades beyond just the engines. The modernization effort aims to improve fuel efficiency, range, and situational awareness.

Rolls-Royce F130 Engines

The centerpiece of the upgrade is the adoption of the Rolls-Royce F130 engine, a military derivative of the BR725 commercial engine used on business jets like the Gulfstream G650. The B-52 will retain its iconic eight-engine configuration, with two engines housed in each of the four pods.

Data cited in reports indicates that these new engines will deliver an approximate 30% improvement in fuel economy compared to the legacy Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines. This efficiency gain significantly extends the bomber’s unrefueled combat range and loiter time. Additionally, the F130 is designed to remain “on-wing” for the remainder of the aircraft’s service life, eliminating the need for the frequent heavy maintenance overhauls required by the previous engines.

Avionics and Radar Overhaul

Alongside the propulsion upgrade, the B-52J will feature a modernized cockpit and sensor suite. A key addition is the AN/APG-79B4 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Derived from the radar used on the F/A-18 Super Hornet, this system provides fighter-class target detection range and ground mapping capabilities.

The interior will also see changes, including a cleaner cockpit layout with digital displays and updated communication systems. Due to increased automation, the crew size will be reduced from five to four, removing one crew station.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to invest billions into a 70-year-old airframe highlights a unique strategic reality: the B-52 offers capabilities that newer, stealthier platforms cannot replicate cost-effectively. While the B-21 Raider is designed to penetrate contested airspace, the B-52J serves as a high-capacity “stand-off” platform. Its massive payload allows it to launch long-range hypersonic weapons, such as the future Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), from outside the range of enemy air defenses.

Furthermore, the economics of the upgrade are compelling. The legacy TF33 engines have been out of production since 1985, making parts scarce and maintenance prohibitively expensive. By switching to a commercial-derivative engine with an established global supply chain, the Air Force expects the fuel and maintenance savings to offset the cost of the program over time. This modernization ensures the B-52 remains a credible deterrent well into the mid-21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the B-52H and the B-52J?
The B-52J features new Rolls-Royce F130 engines, a new AESA radar system, updated avionics, and a modified cockpit layout that reduces the crew size from five to four.

When will the B-52J enter service?
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is projected for 2033, with the first test flights expected around 2028.

Why is the Air Force keeping such an old plane?
The B-52 remains structurally sound and offers unmatched payload capacity for long-range standoff weapons. It complements stealth bombers by acting as a “missile truck” for hypersonic weapons that are too large for internal carriage on smaller aircraft.

Sources

• Interesting Engineering

Starfighters Space and GE Aerospace Complete Supersonic Ramjet Test Campaign

On January 5, 2026, Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET) announced the successful conclusion of a supersonic flight test campaign conducted in collaboration with GE Aerospace. Operating from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company utilized its fleet of F-104 Starfighter aircraft to execute high-speed “captive carry” missions for GE’s Atmospheric Test of Launched Air-breathing System (ATLAS).

According to the company’s official statement, the tests involved carrying the ATLAS test vehicle under the wing of the F-104 at speeds exceeding Mach 2. These flights were designed to validate critical performance metrics for GE’s solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) technology, a propulsion system intended for future hypersonic applications. The campaign was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense under Title III of the Defense Production Act.

The collaboration highlights a growing trend in the aerospace sector where legacy platforms are repurposed to accelerate the development of next-generation defense technologies. By using a reusable, piloted aircraft, the program aimed to simulate realistic atmospheric conditions for the ramjet engine without the high costs associated with expendable rocket launches.

Technical Achievements and Flight Profile

The core objective of the campaign was to subject the ATLAS payload to the specific airflow and thermal environments required to “start” a ramjet engine. Unlike traditional jet engines that use rotating compressors, ramjets rely on the vehicle’s forward supersonic motion to compress incoming air. The F-104 Starfighter, capable of sustained Mach 2 flight, served as a “flying wind tunnel” for these tests.

The ATLAS Payload

GE Aerospace’s ATLAS vehicle utilizes a solid-fuel ramjet architecture. This design is distinct because it contains no moving parts and uses a solid hydrocarbon fuel lining the combustor. As the engine operates, the fuel ablates, or burns away, to sustain thrust. The technology is engineered to power vehicles at hypersonic speeds, generally defined as Mach 5 or higher.

In the press release, GE Aerospace executives noted the importance of real-world flight conditions for maturing this technology.

“The Starfighters team provided a reliable, flight-ready supersonic platform that enabled us to conduct multiple captive carry flights in realistic atmospheric conditions. Commercially operated test aircraft… play an important role in accelerating development timelines.”

Mark Rettig, VP & General Manager, Edison Works Business & Technology Development, GE Aerospace

Operational Context

Starfighters Space operates the world’s only commercial fleet of F-104s. These aircraft are certified to fly within designated supersonic corridors, such as the warning areas off the Florida coast. This capability allows defense primes and government agencies to gather data on ignition, combustion stability, and thrust in a high-cadence testing environment.

“For customers developing next-generation propulsion and aerospace systems, access to flight-proven supersonic platforms is essential. These missions not only validate our business model, but also demonstrate the advanced capabilities of our aircraft.”

Rick Svetkoff, CEO of Starfighters Space

Strategic Implications for Hypersonic Development

AirPro News analysis

The successful completion of the ATLAS campaign underscores a critical bottleneck in the United States’ pursuit of hypersonic capabilities: testing infrastructure. As the Department of Defense races to match the capabilities of near-peer competitors, the demand for wind tunnels and flight test opportunities has outstripped supply. Traditional testing methods often involve building expensive, single-use rocket boosters to accelerate test vehicles to the required speeds.

By utilizing the F-104 platform, Starfighters Space offers a solution that bridges the gap between ground-based wind tunnels and full-scale rocket launches. This approach aligns with the broader industry push toward “responsive space” and rapid prototyping. The use of Defense Production Act Title III funding for this program further signals the Pentagon’s intent to shore up the domestic industrial base for high-speed Propulsion.

While other companies like Stratolaunch and Hermeus are developing new platforms for similar purposes, Starfighters Space leverages a legacy platform that is already certified and operational. This allows for immediate testing capabilities, a crucial factor as the U.S. government seeks to deploy hypersonic systems in the near term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Solid-Fuel Ramjet (SFRJ)?

A solid-fuel ramjet is a type of jet engine that uses the vehicle’s forward motion to compress air, which is then mixed with a solid fuel source lining the combustion chamber. It has no moving parts, making it simpler and potentially more robust than liquid-fuel engines for certain high-speed applications.

Why use an F-104 Starfighter for testing?

The F-104 is one of the few aircraft capable of sustained flight at Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) while carrying heavy external payloads. Its high speed allows it to simulate the airflow conditions necessary to ignite and test ramjet engines, acting effectively as a reusable first stage or a flying testbed.

What is the significance of the Defense Production Act Title III funding?

Title III of the Defense Production Act provides the President with the authority to ensure the domestic industry can meet national defense needs. Funding under this title indicates that the technology being tested, in this case, solid-fuel ramjets, is considered essential to national security.

Sources

• Starfighters Space Press Release (Yahoo Finance)

This article is based on official announcements from the US Department of Defense and reporting by Taiwan News.

US Awards Lockheed Martin $328.5 Million Contract for Taiwan F-16 IRST Systems

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. a contract with a ceiling value of $328.5 million to produce advanced sensor systems for the Taiwan Air Force. Announced officially on December 31, 2025, the deal secures the production and delivery of 55 Legion Enhanced Infrared Search and Track (IRST) pods, a critical technology designed to modernize Taiwan’s F-16 fleet against stealth threats.

According to the Pentagon’s announcement, the acquisition addresses an “urgent operational need” for Taiwan. While the total contract value reaches approximately NT$10.3 billion, reporting by Taiwan News indicates that NT$4.9 billion ($157.3 million) has been obligated upfront to initiate the project immediately.

Contract Specifications and Timeline

The contract is managed by the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center based in Warner Robins, Georgia, with the primary work to be performed by Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division in Orlando, Florida.

Key details of the agreement include:

• Total Ceiling Value: $328,500,000 USD.
• Equipment: 55 Legion Enhanced IRST sensor pods, including associated processors and shipping containers.
• Completion Date: Work is expected to conclude by June 30, 2031.
• Funding: The project is financed through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds.

Although the contract vehicle references broader hardware categories such as “Sniper” and “LANTIRN,” the Department of Defense clarified that this specific order is strictly for the IRST systems.

Tactical Advantage: The Legion Pod

The procurement of the Legion Pod represents a significant tactical shift for Taiwan’s air defense capabilities. The system utilizes the IRST21 sensor, which allows 4th-generation Military-Aircraft like the F-16V to detect and track airborne threats passively.

Unlike traditional radar, which emits radio waves that can reveal the transmitting aircraft’s location, IRST scans for heat signatures. This provides two distinct advantages in the Taiwan Strait operating environment:

1. Counter-Stealth: Radar-absorbing materials used on 5th-generation fighters, such as China’s J-20, are less effective against thermal detection. The Legion Pod enables F-16s to engage stealth targets that might otherwise remain invisible to radar.
2. Jamming Immunity: Because the system relies on infrared emissions rather than radio frequencies, it is immune to standard electronic warfare jamming techniques.

“This contract provides for the procurement and delivery of fifty-five Infrared Search and Track Legion Enhanced Sensor pods… required to meet the urgent operational need of the Taiwan Air Force.”

, US Department of Defense Statement

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AirPro News Analysis

We observe that while the “urgent operational need” designation highlights the immediate tension in the region, the delivery timeline extends through 2031. This suggests a long-term strategy to maintain the relevance of Taiwan’s F-16 fleet well into the next decade rather than a stop-gap measure.

Furthermore, the integration of IRST pods effectively narrows the technological gap between Taiwan’s upgraded F-16Vs and the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) growing fleet of stealth aircraft. By allowing a 4th-generation platform to passively track a 5th-generation threat, the Taiwan Air-Forces gains a cost-effective method to complicate PLA air superiority planning without requiring an immediate transition to F-35s.

Regional Strategic Context

This arms sale occurs against a backdrop of heightened military activity in the region. The contract announcement followed shortly after the “Justice Mission 2025” military exercises conducted by the PLA around Taiwan in late December.

Taiwan is currently in the process of upgrading its existing fleet to the F-16V (Block 70/72) standard and is awaiting the delivery of 66 new-build F-16 Block 70 fighters from the US. The first of these new jets reportedly began flight testing in late 2025. This sensor package appears to be part of a broader $11.1 billion arms initiative approved in December 2025, aimed at reinforcing the island’s defensive posture.

Sources:
Taiwan News
US Department of Defense