B-52 Modernization (CERP + Radar Modernization Program)
US Air Force effort to re-engine and re-sensor the B-52H fleet (becoming the B-52J) to extend service life; includes Rolls-Royce F130 engines and an RTX/Raytheon AN/APQ-188 AESA radar.
The US Air Force's B-52 modernization effort re-engines and re-sensors the B-52H fleet (redesignating it the B-52J) to extend its service life. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) replaces the B-52's aging TF33 engines with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, via a $2.04B task order awarded to Boeing in December 2025 (work through May 2033). A parallel Radar Modernization Program (RMP) fits an RTX/Raytheon AN/APQ-188 AESA radar. Flight testing was paused after a June 15, 2026 crash of a B-52H test aircraft killed all 8 crew; the Air Force is modifying a second test aircraft with the upgraded radar and expects to resume testing by the end of 2026, asserting the broader program remains on cost and schedule.
Program detail
- Agency
- US Air Force
- Acronym
- CERP/RMP
- Budget
- $2.04B CERP task order to Boeing (Dec 23, 2025), period of performance through May 31, 2033
- Phase
- Post-Critical Design Review; Air Force modifying a second B-52 test aircraft with the upgraded AN/APQ-188 radar after a June 15, 2026 crash of the first test aircraft killed all 8 crew, expects to resume testing by end of 2026
- Domain
- Legacy bomber re-engining and radar modernization
Participants3
- CompanyBoeingAmerican aerospace and defense prime; builds the VC-25B Air Force One, KC-46A tanker, T-7A Red Hawk trainer, MQ-25 Stingray, and F-15EX for the U.S. government.
- CompanyRTXAmerican aerospace and defense conglomerate (formerly Raytheon Technologies).
- CompanyRolls-Royce HoldingsBritish aerospace and defense engine manufacturer; supplies the F130 engine for the B-52J re-engining program and works with GE Aerospace on CCA propulsion.
Frequently asked
- What is B-52 Modernization (CERP + Radar Modernization Program)?
- The US Air Force's B-52 modernization effort re-engines and re-sensors the B-52H fleet (redesignating it the B-52J) to extend its service life. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) replaces the B-52's aging TF33 engines with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, via a $2.04B task order awarded to Boeing in December 2025 (work through May 2033). A parallel Radar Modernization Program (RMP) fits an RTX/Raytheon AN/APQ-188 AESA radar. Flight testing was paused after a June 15, 2026 crash of a B-52H test aircraft killed all 8 crew; the Air Force is modifying a second test aircraft with the upgraded radar and expects to resume testing by the end of 2026, asserting the broader program remains on cost and schedule.
- Which agency runs B-52 Modernization (CERP + Radar Modernization Program)?
- B-52 Modernization (CERP + Radar Modernization Program) is run by US Air Force and is also known as CERP/RMP.
- What is the budget for B-52 Modernization (CERP + Radar Modernization Program)?
- B-52 Modernization (CERP + Radar Modernization Program) has a budget of $2.04B CERP task order to Boeing (Dec 23, 2025), period of performance through May 31, 2033, currently in its Post-Critical Design Review; Air Force modifying a second B-52 test aircraft with the upgraded AN/APQ-188 radar after a June 15, 2026 crash of the first test aircraft killed all 8 crew, expects to resume testing by end of 2026 phase.
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