波音獲新合約續推B-52動力更新　F130換裝計畫邁入關鍵測試期

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波音承接B-52換裝商用發動機計畫後續測試。（圖片取自DVIDS網站）

美國國防部近日正式授予波音一筆總額達20.4億美元的新合約，持續推動B-52戰略轟炸機「商用發動機替換計畫」（CERP）。該合約涵蓋後關鍵設計審查（Post-CDR）階段的測試與整合工作，象徵B-52動力系統現代化正式進入實質驗證階段。
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Boeing a new contract valued at USD 2.04 billion to advance the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP). The contract covers post–Critical Design Review (Post-CDR) testing and integration, marking the program’s transition into a decisive validation phase.

依據合約規劃，美國防部將於2026財政年度率先撥付3,577萬美元，啟動研究、發展、測試與評估（RDT&E）作業；波音則負責為兩架B-52測試機進行全面改裝，換裝由勞斯萊斯設計的F130渦扇發動機，並同步整合相關子系統，展開地面與飛行測試。
Under the contract framework, the Department of Defense will allocate USD 35.77 million in FY2026 to initiate Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities. Boeing will modify two B-52 test aircraft by installing the F130 turbofan engines developed by Rolls-Royce, along with associated subsystems, followed by comprehensive integration and testing.

依照現行時程，整體系統整合與測試作業預計持續至2033年5月底。然而，由於計畫推進過程出現延宕，換裝新型發動機的B-52機隊，最快須至2033年才能達成「初始作戰能力」（IOC），而全數轟炸機完成換裝的時間點，亦將延後至2036年左右。
According to the current schedule, system integration and testing are expected to continue through May 2033. Due to program delays, the re-engined B-52 fleet is now projected to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) no earlier than 2033, with full fleet conversion slipping to approximately 2036.

CERP被視為B-52延壽與戰力強化計畫中的核心項目之一。F130發動機已於去年順利通過關鍵設計審查（CDR），未來將全面取代已停產的TF33發動機，使B-52在推力輸出、燃油效率與妥善率等方面獲得顯著提升，進一步延伸航程與作戰持續力。
CERP represents a cornerstone of the B-52 life-extension and capability enhancement effort. The F130 engine successfully passed its Critical Design Review (CDR) last year and will replace the obsolete TF33 engines, delivering improved thrust, fuel efficiency, and reliability, thereby extending range and operational endurance.

除動力系統更新外，B-52亦同步接受航電層級的深度現代化改裝。透過「雷達現代化計畫」（RMP），機隊將換裝AN/APQ-188主動電子掃描陣列（AESA）雷達，大幅強化合成孔徑雷達（SAR）與移動目標指示（GMTI）能力，提升對地打擊精準度，並增進對空域與潛在威脅的整體態勢感知。
Beyond propulsion upgrades, the B-52 is undergoing comprehensive avionics modernization under the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). The aircraft will be fitted with the AN/APQ-188 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, significantly enhancing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) capabilities to improve strike accuracy and overall situational awareness.

隨著發動機與航電系統同步升級，美軍預期B-52將可延續服役至2050年代，持續擔任長程精準打擊與核嚇阻任務的關鍵平臺，在未來高強度衝突環境中，維持美國空中戰略投射能力的核心地位。
With propulsion and avionics upgrades proceeding in parallel, the U.S. Air Force expects the B-52 to remain operational into the 2050s, continuing to serve as a central platform for long-range precision strike and nuclear deterrence in future high-intensity conflict scenarios.