Rolls-Royce has started testing its F130 engine for use in the US Air Force B-52 fleet, in anticipation of supplying 600 engines.
The work is being undertaking at its outdoor test facility at the NASA Stennis Space Center, in Mississippi, as the US prepares to replace the existing powerplants in the bomber fleet.
Rolls-Royce, which has its global base in Derby, England, said the multi- billion dollar order to supply the engines will be serviced by its production lines in Indianapolis. Rolls-Royce has invested $1 billion modernising the manufacturing and testing facilities in recent years.
