B-52 Retirement Time

[DONTREADMYUSERNAME]

Don't worry about metal fatigue, all that is needed is there to be another bad crash and a fire breathing congressman with a cause, will shoot it down faster than any SAM.

[Dr.bob7]

My dad was in the air force I beleve he said around 2030 but with the post above me it might be before that

[loomex]

When in depot, major portions of the B-52 are replaced. There are two bases currently flying the B-52. Barksdale AFB in Louisiana and Minot AFB in North Dakota. Each base has about 25-30 planes assigned to them. The only model left is the "H" model.

[OVERLORD_CHRIS]

When in depot, major portions of the B-52 are replaced. There are two bases currently flying the B-52. Barksdale AFB in Louisiana and Minot AFB in North Dakota. Each base has about 25-30 planes assigned to them. The only model left is the "H" model.

So basically they want the plane to fly forever regardless of there being better newer tech out.

[C]

When in depot, major portions of the B-52 are replaced. There are two bases currently flying the B-52. Barksdale AFB in Louisiana and Minot AFB in North Dakota. Each base has about 25-30 planes assigned to them. The only model left is the "H" model.

So basically they want the plane to fly forever regardless of there being better newer tech out.

Nothing can beat it if you want a plane load of JDAMS loitering around in theatre though.

[OVERLORD_CHRIS]

It's got to get there first to do that, and with it range it could do that....But the B-1B has it beat in payload and speed. If the B-1B is loitering around, the range it covers can be redirected in a matter of min do to it's speed, while still carrying JDAMS getting to the targets in 1/4 the time it takes the B-52......but the B-1B breaks alot when on the ground so this nice feature can't be counting on 100% like the B-52.

But that is an example of why we need a new high speed stealth bomber, with the simplicity of the B-52......A giant F-22 would work, super cruise, stealth, range, 3rd gen stealth paint that is easier to work with and is all weather, and computer and avionics that are interchangeable with other birds like the F-22, F-18, and B-2. That would be the prefect bomber.