
Rolls-Royce said on Friday that its F130 engine passed a U.S. Air Force Critical Design Review (CDR)--a step "clearing the way for final development, test, and production efforts to proceed and taking another step toward delivering the upgraded B-52J" to the service. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) and Radar Modernization Program (RMP) are the Air Force's key modernization efforts for the Boeing [BA] B-52H bomber. The modernized bombers will carry the B-52J designation. The F130's blessing in CDR "is…