The number of engines in the modernized missile carrier will not change. There will still be eight of them. The current version of the B-52 is equipped with TF33-PW-103 power units from Pratt & Whithey. The modernized bomber will receive F130 power plants from Rolls-Royce.
Rendered image of the B-52K strategic missile carrier
The updated B-52 will be equipped with the latest radar, due to which the contours of its nose will change. Boeing engineers will move optical-electronic sensors from the nose part under the wing. The cabin of the missile carrier will become more ‘glass’. The 47 B-52H bombers in service with the US Army are armed with WCMS, JSOW, JDAM and JASSM precision-guided munitions. The modernized aircraft will carry on board 4-8 hypersonic missiles with large booster units, the tests of which have not yet been completed. Their flight range will reach 15,000 kilometers.
The current version of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber
The first modernized missile carriers will enter service with the US Air Force within three to four years. They will be designated as B52K or B-52J.