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