Why the B-52 is outliving newer bombers
For nearly 70 years, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been the backbone of the United States’ strategic bomber force. It’s flown in more conflicts than any other aircraft. While BUFF may not be the easiest or most glamorous aircraft to fly, no other bomber can lay claim to such a long and distinguished service record. A new engine overhaul will potentially see the B-52 remain in service until at least the 2050s, at which point the airframes will be around 100 years old.
So how has the B-52 out-lasted the bombers designed to replace it? And what role can a centenarian bomber play in the US air force of the future?
CREDITS
USAF Footage of B-52s via National Archives and Records Association
XB-52 Boeing designs © 2002-2024 Aircraft Engine Historical Society, Inc via enginehistory.org
YB-52 © AF GlobalStrike, CC BY 2.0
X-15 Film © PublicResourceOrg
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