[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          STUDY OF NEW ENGINES

  Lastly, report language accompanying this bill requires the Air Force 
to report to the Congress by March 15, 1997 on a proposal to put new, 
commercially-available engines on the B-52's. Some projections suggest 
that the new engines would save the Air Force 40 percent of the B-52's 
current fuel costs, would increase the plane's range and loitering 
capability, and would improve engine reliability and ease of 
maintenance. Over the planes' projected remaining life (through 2036), 
the new engines could save the Air Force $6.4 billion. These savings 
would likely be enough to pay for the costs of operating and 
maintaining the 28 B-52's that the Pentagon has sought to retire.
  I applaud the defense appropriations conferees for recognizing the 
potential benefits of this innovative plan. And I look forward to 
reviewing the Air Force's analysis of this proposal.
  Mr. President, in closing I would like to thank Senator Stevens of 
Alaska and Senator Inouye of Hawaii, the distinguished chairman and 
ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, for their 
recognition of the value of our B-52 fleet. I look forward to working 
with them to keep 94 B-52's flying for many years to come.

                          ____________________