Since the B-52 Stratofortress took its first flight in 1952, the Air Force has made periodic enhancements to the plane’s design to keep the fleet in service. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) seeks to put new engines into all B-52s over the next several years.
The HPCMP had a critical role in the CERP’s engine acquisition process. Using CREATE Kestrel tools, the Air Force sought to accurately model potential B-52 engine designs and virtually “fly” the aircraft early in the acquisition process to aid their trade-space analysis.
The models allowed the Air Force to examine velocity, temperature, and pressure forces and reduce risk ahead of engine selection, integration, and flight testing. HPCMP’s contributions helped the Air Force select a manufacturer for the new engines, which will be integrated into the fleet and keep the B-52 flying.