Timing of B-52 Engine Upgrades May Lead to Higher Costs and Delays, GAO Says

Timing of B-52 engine upgrades may lead to higher costs and delays, GAO says

The Air Force’s B-52 modernization effort will likely continue to face significant challenges.

GAO Slams B-52 Engine Program After $3 Billion Overrun, Urges Production Delay

Ten of the 13 programs in the U.S. Air Force’s $21 billion effort to keep the B-52 Stratofortress flying through 2050 face cost growth, schedule delays, or performance problems, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found in a report released July 31. The largest effort, the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), will replace the bomber’s eight […]

U.S. Air Force B-52 modernization slips more than three years as engine costs rise 38% and radar fielding moves to 2030

GAO published its findings on July 31, covering program conditions through March 2026. It found total costs had increased by more than 30% since early development began. Ten of the modernization portfolio’s 13 projects reported cost, schedule or performance problems. The engine replacement and radar programs face the largest difficulties. The Air Force plans to upgrade the B-52’s engines, radar, communications systems and airframe. The work is i…