[RayChuang88]

The reason for the re-engine proposal is not only eliminating the smoke contrails, but also more power at takeoff (220,000 lb. thrust from four F103's versus 144,000 lb. thrust from eight TF33's) and way lower fuel consumption. Just the more engine power makes it easier to carry the massive GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb that weighs 30,000 lb., some 8,000 lb. more than the famous World War II Grand Slam bomb.

[tanknetter]

On a different board (aviation related) there was a discussion on the reengining that included some guy that were involved in the last proposal to do that (1980s, I think)

Apparantly there’s a big issue with engine out asymetric thrust that makes the eight engine configuration more desirable. The BUFF needs five engines to stay airborne, and can’t lose more than two engines on a side. Proceedure for losing two engines on one side is to shut down an engine on the other side as well to reduce stresses on the airframe.

I’m guessing that current day engine management software can compensate by varying the power of the remaining engines if one is lost. And that two-engine sustained flight is possible given the extra power available. But which engine goes out probably matters a lot too, with the loss of both inboards putting the aircraft and crew into a very, very bad situation.

[af_vet_rr]

The reason for the re-engine proposal is not only eliminating the smoke contrails, but also more power at takeoff (220,000 lb. thrust from four F103's versus 144,000 lb. thrust from eight TF33's) and way lower fuel consumption. Just the more engine power makes it easier to carry the massive GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb that weighs 30,000 lb., some 8,000 lb. more than the famous World War II Grand Slam bomb.

If the re-engine proposal goes through, combine it with the internal upgrades, and it will be an aircraft that is even more amazing than it already is.

And the savings in fuel could easily pay for the engines - some of the original studies about new/different engines were extremely flawed.

[Paleo Conservative]

I wonder how if would perform with 4 GE90’s?;)