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

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and Xanadu.

Lockheed Martin and Xanadu Partner to Redefine Quantum Machine Learning for Defense

On February 26, 2026, Lockheed Martin and Canadian quantum computing leader Xanadu announced a strategic research initiative aimed at advancing the foundational theory and application of Quantum Machine Learning (QML). The collaboration seeks to leverage quantum capabilities to improve generative models, potentially solving critical data scarcity issues in the defense and aerospace sectors.

According to the joint announcement, the partnership will focus on utilizing Xanadu’s photonic quantum hardware to perform Fourier-based operations. These operations are expected to allow quantum computers to learn complex data distributions more efficiently than classical systems, providing what the companies describe as a “decisive computational edge” for both defense and civilian users.

Advancing Generative AI with Quantum Hardware

The core technical objective of this initiative is to overcome the limitations of classical artificial intelligence, particularly when high-quality training data is limited or expensive to acquire. Classical generative AI models often require massive datasets to function effectively, a luxury not always available in high-stakes defense scenarios involving rare system failures or emerging threat signatures.

The Fourier Advantage

The research centers on the use of Fourier-based operations, a mathematical approach that decomposes signals into frequencies. While classical computers can perform these tasks, quantum computers are theoretically capable of executing Fourier transforms exponentially faster. By applying this advantage to generative models, the partnership aims to create systems that can generate realistic synthetic data or “fill in the blanks” for incomplete datasets.

Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu, emphasized the foundational nature of this research in the official announcement:

“This work is about rethinking the foundations of how quantum computers can learn… By revisiting core quantum primitives, we hope to uncover entirely new ways of representing and processing data.”

Photonic Integration

Xanadu’s approach utilizes photonic (light-based) qubits, which are particularly well-suited for continuous-variable quantum computing. This modality maps naturally to the mathematics used in neural networks. The collaboration will leverage PennyLane, Xanadu’s open-source software library, to train quantum circuits similarly to how neural networks are trained in classical machine learning.

Strategic Context and Industry Impact

This partnership aligns with Lockheed Martin’s broader “21st Century Security” strategy, which emphasizes a multi-vendor approach to emerging technologies. By collaborating with various leaders in the quantum space, the aerospace giant aims to integrate cutting-edge capabilities into mission-focused tools for sensing, navigation, and decision-making.

Lockheed Martin’s Quantum Ecosystem

According to recent industry reports, Lockheed Martin has been actively expanding its quantum portfolio leading up to this 2026 announcement. In November 2025, the company partnered with PsiQuantum to develop fault-tolerant algorithms for aerospace simulations. More recently, in February 2026, Lockheed signed a memorandum of understanding with Fujitsu to accelerate dual-use technologies.

Dani Couger, Lockheed Martin’s Quantum Technologies Lead, highlighted the national security implications of the new partnership with Xanadu:

“This collaboration… pushes the frontiers of QML and deepens our understanding of how future quantum systems may support national security and advanced technology development.”

Xanadu’s Technical Milestones

Xanadu enters this partnership following significant technical achievements. In June 2025, researchers from the company published a breakthrough in Nature demonstrating the generation of error-resistant photonic qubits (GKP states) on a chip. This development was a critical step toward proving the scalability of their approach for complex QML tasks.

AirPro News Analysis

While the immediate focus of this partnership is on defense applications, the implications of successful quantum generative models extend significantly into the civilian sector. In the pharmaceutical industry, similar models could theoretically generate valid molecular structures for drug discovery without the need to physically synthesize every candidate. In finance, they could create realistic market simulations to stress-test portfolios against rare “black swan” events. However, the timeline for deploying these capabilities remains dependent on the continued scaling of fault-tolerant quantum hardware.

Sources

Sources: Lockheed Martin

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Unveils “Dominance in the Skies” Campaign, Introduces Vectis™ Drone and AI Upgrades

Lockheed Martin has officially launched its “Dominance in the Skies” campaign, a strategic initiative that shifts the focus from individual aircraft performance to a fully integrated “family of systems.” Released on February 26, 2026, the campaign outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the future of air combat, emphasizing the connectivity between manned fighters, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence.

According to the company’s announcement, the core objective is “Mission Dominance,” a state where legacy platforms and next-generation technologies operate as a single, cohesive force. The release highlights the introduction of the Vectis™ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the integration of Project Overwatch AI into the F-35 fleet as pivotal steps toward this goal.

New Technologies: Vectis™ and Project Overwatch

The campaign introduces two significant technological advancements designed to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future requirements.

Vectis™ Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Lockheed Martin has provided detailed specifications for its new “Group 5” unmanned system, the Vectis™ CCA. Designed to operate alongside the F-35 and F-22, the aircraft features a stealthy, tailless “lambda wing” configuration intended to maximize survivability in contested environments.

According to the campaign materials, the Vectis™ is scheduled for its first flight in 2027, with Initial Operating Capability (IOC) expected around 2029. Key performance metrics released by the company include:

• Speed: Subsonic (Mach 0.85).
• Range: Greater than 1,000 nautical miles, making it suitable for Indo-Pacific operations.
• Payload: An internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to three AIM-120 AMRAAMs or Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs).

The drone will be managed via MDCX™, a common control system that allows pilots in manned fighters to task the unmanned aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, or strike missions.

Project Overwatch AI

The second major revelation is Project Overwatch, an AI-enhanced Combat Identification capability now integrated into the F-35’s sensor fusion system. Lockheed Martin reports that this technology was successfully flight-tested at Nellis Air Force Base earlier this month.

The system is designed to resolve ambiguities between enemy emitters, such as radar and communications signals, in real-time. By automating the identification process, the AI aims to drastically reduce the time required for pilots to target threats.

“6th Generation technology brought to a 5th Generation platform.”

, Lockheed Martin, describing Project Overwatch

The Collective Force: Redefining Aircraft Roles

The “Dominance in the Skies” campaign delineates specific roles for existing aircraft within this new networked architecture. The strategy relies on Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) principles to connect assets across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

F-22 “Raptor 2.0” and F-35 Updates

The F-22 Raptor is receiving a significant sustainment package referred to as “Raptor 2.0.” According to the release, these upgrades include stealthy external fuel tanks and Advanced Sensor Pods (IRST) for long-range infrared detection. Squadron deliveries for these upgraded configurations are set to begin in March 2026.

Meanwhile, the F-35 Lightning II is designated as “The Quarterback” of the fleet. Equipped with Project Overwatch, it serves as the central data hub, processing threat data and distributing it to other assets.

Capacity and Support

The F-16 Block 70/72 is positioned to provide “Capacity & Mass.” While it lacks the stealth of fifth-generation fighters, it is networked to receive targeting data from F-35s and F-22s, allowing it to engage threats without activating its own radar. Supporting these operations is the C-130J Super Hercules, labeled “The Enabler,” which supports over 20 mission sets including the logistics required for agile combat employment.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Dominance in the Skies” campaign signals a definitive move from concept to production for the “loyal wingman” model. For years, the industry has discussed the theoretical benefits of manned-unmanned teaming; the specific timeline for the Vectis™ CCA, with a first flight in 2027, suggests that Lockheed Martin is confident in the maturity of the underlying technology.

Furthermore, the “Raptor 2.0” upgrades indicate a shift in strategy regarding the F-22. Rather than retiring the airframe solely in favor of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the Air Force and Lockheed Martin appear focused on extending the Raptor’s relevance well into the 2030s through sensor and range enhancements. This approach likely aims to bridge the capability gap while next-generation platforms continue development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vectis™ CCA?
Vectis™ is a stealthy, unmanned combat aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin to fly alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and F-22. It can carry weapons and perform sensing missions.

When will the new technologies be operational?
The Vectis™ UAV is scheduled for its first flight in 2027 and initial operating capability around 2029. The Project Overwatch AI and F-22 upgrades are being rolled out or tested as of early 2026.

What is the role of the F-16 in this new strategy?
The F-16 provides essential capacity and mass. It acts as a weapons truck, engaging targets identified by the stealthier F-35 and F-22 fighters to avoid exposing its own position.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin