The B-52 is going to end up flying for 100 years.

[Thrift Store Scott]

freeradical wrote:
100 years. Just crazy.

They're getting new fuel efficient engines to replace the TF33 that has been in use since the 1960's.

From what I understand, it costs something like $2 million dollars to overhaul a TF33 engine. The B-52 has eight of them.


https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/...-contract/

I'm willing to bet any more modern engine costs considerably more to overhaul per unit but produces dramatically more thrust and requires an overhaul much less frequently. The engine replacement program for B-52s will likely result in them having four engines, not eight, with net gains in overall thrust AND fuel efficiency plus a significant drop in emissions.

Yoyodyne ArtWorks wrote:
Bah, throw a few bottles of Sea Foam in there and they’ll be fine…

You're joking, but they already do something similar to jet engines. A mild abrasive such as crushed walnut shells, usually in demineralized water, is sprayed through the engine to clean internal parts between overhauls. Apparently doing so can result in a noticeable positive change in performance, depending on how dirty the engine was.

https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=752259&hilit=walnut+shells&sid=97a7e464afd5fc60723ce2e4858c1723

[Racer X]

If the tool still continues to do the job it was designed to do, why replace the tool?

[Rolando]

I've read some about this. As a bomb truck, C-130s are starting to replace it. I can see a 747 or equivalent launching dozens of stand off missiles.
https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/americas-pl...-missiles/

https://jalopnik.com/why-boeings-design-...1605150371

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Yoyodyne ArtWorks wrote:
Bah, throw a few bottles of Sea Foam in there and they’ll be fine…

...preferably NOT by crashing it into the ocean.

[Speedy]

The B52 is a placeholder until the Space Force gets off the ground.

[bfd]

The indefinite use of weapons that continue their use from wars they were designed to fight decades ago just seems so … American.

It's like the multi-gazillion dollar aircraft carriers. Does anyone really think the next war will be fought like the Battle of Midway? The Navy apparently does…

[freeradical]

The B-52 is meant to be a weapons truck to haul around stealthy stand off weapons such as the JASSM.

The short range JASSM has a range of 230 miles, the upgraded versions have ranges of 575 miles, and 1200 miles.

There's no need for a stealthy plane if you're taking your shot from 1200 or even 575 miles away.

[Speedy]

bfd wrote:
The indefinite use of weapons that continue their use from wars they were designed to fight decades ago just seems so … American.

It's like the multi-gazillion dollar aircraft carriers. Does anyone really think the next war will be fought like the Battle of Midway? The Navy apparently does…

We use carriers for all the smaller wars we are always getting involved in.

[Acer]

These B-52s have also had some "work" done, I'll wager.

[Spock]

bfd wrote:
The indefinite use of weapons that continue their use from wars they were designed to fight decades ago just seems so … American.

It's like the multi-gazillion dollar aircraft carriers. Does anyone really think the next war will be fought like the Battle of Midway? The Navy apparently does…

The Admirals and Generals are always fighting the last war, not the next one.