mpenguin1
Well-Known Member
Boeing Wichita's military modification division could gain some new work if the U.S. Air Force decides to put new engines on its B-52 fleet.
A Defense Science Board task force concluded recently that the military should complete the project -- which could be worth $4 billion -- no later than 2010.
If the Air Force decides to move forward, Wichita would be a prime candidate to do the work, Boeing spokesman Paul Guse said.
Other engineering work, support work, upgrades and modifications on B-52s have been done in Wichita, he said.
"Wichita is where our B-52 program is led from," Guse said.
But, he added, "until the program gets further along, it's impossible to say definitely where we would contract the work."
The Air Force is studying whether to proceed, he said.
New engines for the planes would save fuel, reduce the demand for in-flight refueling and reduce maintenance costs. More than 90 B-52s are in the fleet.
A Defense Science Board task force concluded recently that the military should complete the project -- which could be worth $4 billion -- no later than 2010.
If the Air Force decides to move forward, Wichita would be a prime candidate to do the work, Boeing spokesman Paul Guse said.
Other engineering work, support work, upgrades and modifications on B-52s have been done in Wichita, he said.
"Wichita is where our B-52 program is led from," Guse said.
But, he added, "until the program gets further along, it's impossible to say definitely where we would contract the work."
The Air Force is studying whether to proceed, he said.
New engines for the planes would save fuel, reduce the demand for in-flight refueling and reduce maintenance costs. More than 90 B-52s are in the fleet.
