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ROCKFORD — A Rockford-based aerospace company will play a key role in modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 bomber as part of the military’s efforts to keep the aircraft flying into the 2050s.

Boeing selected Collins Aerospace, 4747 Harrison Ave., to upgrade the aircraft with a new electric power generation system.

Collins, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, expects to add 60 jobs here to support the B-52 program at its Electric Power Systems Center of Excellence.

“Collins Aerospace is a leading provider of electric power systems for military platforms and the supplier of choice for virtually all U.S. Air Force aircraft,” Stan Kottke, vice president of Electric Power Systems for Collins Aerospace, said in a news release. “Our new EPGS for the B-52 will leverage proven commercial technology to support greener aircraft operation while also paving the way for future platform enhancements that will extend the operational service life of the Stratofortress for decades to come.”

The new system will update the 70-year-old system current used on the B-52. It’s expected to require less power from the engine to operate and contribute to the Air Force’s goal of 30% improvement in fuel efficiency for the B-52, along with a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.

Collins was also selected in April to provide new wheels and carbon brakes for the B-52. The company supplies several systems for the aircraft and is working with the Air Force and the plane’s manufacturer to explore how it can support further B-52 modernization efforts, including communications and avionics upgrades.