Defense & Military
Rolls-Royce Completes Critical F130 Engine Testing for B-52J Modernization
Rolls-Royce finishes key F130 engine tests for the USAF B-52J, validating performance and supporting fleet modernization through the 2050s.
This article is based on an official press release from Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce Completes Critical F130 Engine Testing for B-52J Modernization
Rolls-Royce has announced the successful completion of a major testing campaign for the F130 engine, the future powerplant for the United States Air Force’s B-52J Stratofortress. Conducted at the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Tullahoma, Tennessee, this milestone validates the engine’s performance under the demanding conditions required for strategic bomber missions.
The testing program, executed in collaboration with the Air Force and Boeing, focused on altitude and operability assessments. According to the company, these tests are a crucial step toward modernizing the B-52 fleet, ensuring the aircraft remains operational through the 2050s. The F130 engines are set to replace the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines that have powered the Stratofortress since the 1960s.
This achievement follows the program’s Critical Design Review (CDR) in late 2024 and keeps the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) on track. With the AEDC campaign finished, the program is now poised to move into further system integration and flight testing phases.
Validating Performance at Altitude
The testing at AEDC was designed to push the F130 engine to its limits in a controlled environment that mimics the B-52’s operational envelope. Rolls-Royce engineering teams worked alongside Air Force personnel to gather data on three specific performance areas:
- Altitude Performance: Tests demonstrated the engine’s ability to sustain power during long-duration, high-altitude missions, a core requirement for the B-52’s global strike capability.
- Operability under Stress: Engineers used distortion screens to replicate turbulent, real-world airflow. This confirmed the engine’s stability during aggressive maneuvering or adverse weather conditions.
- Power Generation: In Partnerships with Boeing, the team conducted Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) testing to ensure the engine can reliably supply electrical power to the bomber’s Avionics and mission systems.
Lt. Col. Timothy Cleaver, the USAF Program Manager for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program, emphasized the value of the data collected during this campaign.
“Throughout this F130 engine test campaign, we gathered essential data about how this engine operates across the full spectrum of flight conditions. Completing the series of tests at AEDC’s world-class facility gives us confidence in the engine and associated systems as we proceed into test aircraft modification and flight testing.”
, Lt. Col. Timothy Cleaver, USAF Program Manager
Program Milestones and Industrial Impact
The F130 program has accelerated following the Critical Design Review completed in late 2024. Prior to the AEDC tests, Rolls-Royce conducted “Rapid Twin Pod” tests at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, validating the unique aerodynamic configuration of the B-52, which mounts two engines on each of its four pylons. Additionally, sea-level testing in Indianapolis helped validate the engine’s initial software release.
Jennifer Schwerin, Director of Early Life Cycle & Naval Programs, Defense at Rolls-Royce, noted that the program remains on schedule.
“We are proud to deliver another milestone for our F130 engine testing program, on-time and on-budget, for the Air Force. Working closely with our partners at Boeing and the Air Force, our team has demonstrated the F130’s ability to meet mission requirements and further strengthened confidence that this engine is the right choice for the B-52J.”
, Jennifer Schwerin, Rolls-Royce
The F130 is a military variant of the BR725 commercial engine, which has accumulated over 30 million flight hours and powers more than 1,000 aircraft worldwide. Rolls-Royce states that the engine’s commercial heritage will significantly reduce maintenance burdens and simplify logistics for the Air Force. The engines will be manufactured, assembled, and tested at the company’s facility in Indianapolis, where Rolls-Royce has invested more than $1.5 billion over the last decade to modernize production capabilities.
AirPro News Analysis
The transition to the B-52J designation represents more than just a re-engining effort; it is a comprehensive modernization vital to the Air Force’s future bomber structure. While the B-21 Raider is entering service as a stealth penetrator, the B-52J will serve as the high-capacity “truck” for standoff munitions, including hypersonic weapons.
The successful completion of altitude testing at AEDC is a significant de-risking event. One of the primary technical challenges in the CERP has been integrating modern high-bypass turbofans into the B-52’s legacy airframe without altering its center of gravity or aerodynamic profile too drastically. The validation of the “distortion screens” and airflow stability suggests that the F130 can handle the unique intake geometry of the B-52’s dual-pod pylons, a critical concern for engineers.
Furthermore, the economic footprint highlighted in the release, $6.2 billion contributed to the U.S. economy in 2024, underscores the political durability of the program. With production centered in Indiana and a supply chain spanning 26 states, the B-52J program enjoys robust industrial support, insulating it from potential budget volatility as the Air Force juggles funding for the B-21 and the Sentinel ICBM.
Next Steps: The program will now return to NASA Stennis for further dual-pod testing before proceeding to the modification of physical test aircraft. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is currently projected for 2033.
Sources
Sources: Rolls-Royce Press Release
Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce
Defense & Military
NexTech Solutions Acquires BOOMSLANG Aerospace for UAS Defense
NexTech Solutions acquires BOOMSLANG Aerospace, adding UAS and Counter-UAS tech including the MONGOOSE system to its DoD portfolio.
NexTech Solutions (NTS) has finalized the acquisition of BOOMSLANG Aerospace, integrating new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies into its defense-grade product portfolio to address emerging tactical airspace threats.
Announced on August 24, 2026, following a transaction close on August 7, 2026, the acquisition marks the fifth corporate purchase by NTS since receiving strategic backing from private equity firm Clairvest in 2023. According to the company’s press release, the move is designed to provide modular, mission-ready solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.
Integrating UAS and Counter-UAS capabilities
The acquisition brings BOOMSLANG’s proprietary hardware and software into the NTS ecosystem. Central to this integration is the MONGOOSE C-UAS system, alongside the broader BOOMSLANG UAS family of systems. These platforms will join existing NTS products such as MANTLE, VidTerra COMPASS, and JEFF-K to create a networked defense architecture.
NTS leadership emphasized the operational readiness of the newly acquired technology and its immediate applicability to current defense requirements.
“BOOMSLANG Aerospace has built exactly the kind of technology our customers are asking for: cutting-edge, mission-ready, and purpose-built for the current threat environment at the edge,” stated Joseph Paull, CEO of NexTech Solutions.
David Pollman, Director of Counter-UAS Operations at NTS, noted that BOOMSLANG’s approach aligns with the company’s strategy to build modular, requirements-driven C-UAS architectures for government clients.
Corporate growth and defense sector strategy
The BOOMSLANG acquisition reflects a sustained expansion strategy for NTS, which operates out of Tampa, Florida, and Northern Virginia, with the latest announcement originating from Huntsville, Alabama. The 2023 investment from Clairvest positioned NTS as a platform company for defense technology growth, facilitating five acquisitions over the subsequent three years.
BOOMSLANG Aerospace leadership indicated the merger will accelerate product deployment. Alan Cornett, President and Co-Founder of BOOMSLANG Aerospace, stated that the combined entity can move faster from concept to fielded capability for defense customers.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a direct response to the rapidly evolving tactical requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense. The proliferation of inexpensive, commercially available drones in modern conflict zones has forced defense contractors to rapidly scale their C-UAS offerings. By acquiring an established player like BOOMSLANG rather than developing a system entirely in-house, NTS accelerates its time-to-market. The emphasis on modular and networked ecosystems suggests NTS is positioning itself to offer comprehensive, plug-and-play airspace awareness and defeat mechanisms rather than standalone hardware.
Sources: NexTech Solutions (via PR Newswire)
Photo Credit: Montage
Defense & Military
NSPA Issues RFP for NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Program
NSPA formally launches the NGRC Concept Design RFP, with four manufacturers competing for a six-nation helicopter replacement program.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has formally issued a Request for Proposal for the Concept Design phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program, advancing a six-nation effort to replace aging medium multi-role Helicopters fleets.
Announced in a press release on August 10, 2026, the procurement targets a service entry between 2035 and 2040. The NSPA is managing the process on behalf of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Four pre-qualified Manufacturers will compete in this phase: Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, The Boeing Company, and Sikorsky.
Advancing the concept design phase
The Request for Proposal (RFP) officially opened on July 31, 2026, and requires the four bidders to submit their concept design proposals by August 31, 2027, at 12:00 Paris Time. Under the procurement guidelines, each manufacturer can propose a maximum of two concept design solutions.
Maxime Martinez, Principal Procurement Officer for the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme at NSPA, confirmed the launch of the new phase.
I am pleased to announce that the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has launched the next phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme: a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified bidders linked to the competition for the Concept Design phase of NGRC.
The NSPA is utilizing a procurement mechanism called Acquisition by Qualified Options. This framework allows the participating nations to evaluate digital trials within an in-house modeling and simulation environment before committing to physical prototypes. The agency plans to complete the bid evaluation process by the end of 2027, at which point it will deliver an evaluation summary report to the participating nations.
Industry positioning and proposals
The four pre-qualified bidders, selected following a Pre-Qualification Assessment that closed in October 2025, have already begun positioning their offerings for the multi-national replacement program.
In February 2026, Airbus Helicopters revealed two distinct concepts for the NGRC study. The European manufacturer is developing both a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft that leverages technology from its Racer demonstrator program. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced in July 2026 that it would establish helicopter production facilities in Europe if the partner nations select its proposal.
The NSPA is encouraging broader industry participation through the primary bidders rather than direct submissions. Martinez stated that potential suppliers, technology providers, and industrial partners should engage directly with Airbus Helicopters, The Boeing Company, Leonardo Helicopters, or Sikorsky to contribute to the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the NSPA decision to utilize the Acquisition by Qualified Options mechanism as a critical step in mitigating the technical and financial risks historically associated with clean-sheet rotorcraft development. By mandating digital trials in a simulated environment before advancing to physical prototypes, the participating nations can rigorously evaluate the aerodynamic and operational viability of complex designs, such as the compound concept proposed by Airbus Helicopters.
Sikorsky’s preemptive commitment to European production highlights the intense political and economic stakes of the NGRC program. With five European nations and Canada funding the development, North American bidders like Sikorsky and The Boeing Company will likely need to guarantee substantial industrial offsets and local manufacturing to remain competitive against indigenous European prime contractors like Airbus and Leonardo. The requirement for up to two concepts per bidder also provides the NSPA with a broad spectrum of conventional and advanced high-speed rotorcraft options to evaluate against the harmonized operational baseline.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Engine Co-Development Contract
HAL and Safran finalize the Aravalli engine contract via SAFHAL JV to power India’s IMRH and DBMRH helicopters by 2032-2033.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have finalized a contract to co-develop the new-generation Aravalli engine, marking a definitive shift in Indian aerospace manufacturing from licensed production to indigenous propulsion design.
The agreement, signed on August 26, 2026, in Bengaluru, India, formalizes the design, development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of the engine through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. SAFHAL is a 50:50 joint venture between the two aerospace manufacturers. The Aravalli engine is slated to power India’s future 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Technical specifications and manufacturing
The Aravalli engine will operate in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class. Under the terms of the agreement, HAL will gain access to core engine technologies, including the high-pressure compressor, power turbine, and accessory gearbox. This technology transfer is designed to build domestic intellectual property and expertise in high-power engine design.
Manufacturing operations for the Aravalli program will be based at HAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. Safran Helicopter Engines Chief Executive Officer Cédric Goubet noted the precedent set by the agreement in a press release issued by HAL.
“This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft.”
Development timeline and strategic shift
The final contract follows a multi-year negotiation and planning phase. HAL and Safran initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project in July 2022, followed by detailed workshare discussions at Aero India in February 2023. The companies executed an airframer contract on August 30, 2024, to commence joint design work.
The design and development phase is targeted for completion between 2032 and 2033. Once operational, the IMRH platform is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Mil Mi-17 Helicopters. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K emphasized the domestic industrial impact of the program.
“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms.”
AirPro News analysis
The Aravalli engine contract represents a critical maturation point for India’s defense aviation sector. Historically, Indian aerospace manufacturing has relied heavily on licensed production of foreign designs, which limits domestic engineering capability and intellectual property ownership. By securing a 50:50 co-development structure that includes core engine components like the high-pressure compressor and power turbine, we view this agreement as a foundational step toward true Propulsion independence for the Indian military. If the 2032 to 2033 development timeline holds, HAL will be positioned not just as an assembler, but as a primary original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for high-power rotorcraft engines.
Sources: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Photo Credit: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
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