Why Does the B-52 Produce So Much Smoke?' #shorts

While the B-52 has served the United States Air Force well for over six decades, its smokey engines have become a symbol of outdated technology and environmental concerns. Efforts to modernize the aircraft's engines are underway, to improve fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.

The B-52's continued service in the modern era depends on the success of these modernization efforts and the adoption of cleaner, more efficient engine technology.

[fidelperez]

The B-52H, the only B-52 still flying, has 8 TF-33 turbofan engines. Soon to be replaced with modern Rolls Royce engines.

[FULLMETALCOUCH]

There’s a saying that the crews that will retire the B52 haven’t been born yet. Those planes and the M2 .50 cal will never die.

[shuhratkessikbayev]

The B-52 Stratofortress is the epitome of the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[aldonapolitano]

The first time I saw a B-52 was at a Point Mugu airshow in 1966. It did a slow speed approach over the runway. It appeared to me to be standing still. It was nothing short of majestic.
To me, it looked like a city, hovering over the airstrip and grandstands and I couldn't stop telling people about it.

[Baelor-Breakspear]

It’s crazy to think that someone flying one of these could be flying the same one their great grandfather flew.

[whatever]

current B-52's are low bypass turbofans, not turbojet

[jeremytaylor]

Go Buff clean em up and give them more range and more takeoff weight. Keep em flying.
If they get Rolls Royse engines built in Indianapolis instead of P&W turbofans then thank you Britain.

[SeriouslyDudes]

I worked the B-52 for 10 years and know for a FACT, that the black smoke is the remnants of its maintainer’s hopes and dreams.

[lawrencelyman]

That's not smoke, that's freedom dust, it's liberally applied to the magnificent craters it leaves in its wake.

[gmanm]

When I need bombs dropped on a target accurately from 40, 000 feet I’m not gonna complain about the environment damage.

[markharris]

A lot of the black smoke is due to the design of the combustion chamber intakes. Vanes to create swirl often have to be cut back as they suffer failures so it’s a compromise. Stanley Hooker’s autobiography mentions a lot of work he did on inlet guide vanes and how prototype engines both suffered with failures and benefited from them with better combustion leading to more power and lower Turbine Inlet Temperatures. Fascinating stuff. This is the Man who reworked the Merlin superchargers to more than double their power, helped to perfect Whittle’s designs into the Derwent and Nene Turbojets and the Avon, plus when at Bristol fixed the Orthious and created the Olympus and Pegasus Turbofans. Some Bloke! He even came out of retirement to fix the RB211.

[truetexan]

I love the smell of B52 exhaust.
Smells like freedom.

[DILLIGAF]

The last B-52G equipped with J57s was parked in 1992. Their last major action was Desert Storm. B-52Hs have TF-33 turbofan engines swiped from the C-141 Starlifter and KC-135E Stratotanker. The proposed B-52J will have 8 Rolls Royce F130 turbofans.

[thomashowlett]

It's almost unbelievable that these are still flying, because metal fatigue is a thing. The maintenance required to stay on top of that must be immense. A lot of good military aircraft have been retired because their airframes timed out.

[Workerbee-zynx]

Awesome bird, been up close and noticed that it had spoilers instead of ailerons...

[rickmaldoo]

I wouldn't change a thing, you're beautiful the way you are B 52❤

[beararms]

Enemy - Looks like a storm is coming in.
B52 crew - 😏

[ericmokry]

Those are PW TF33-103 turbofan engines now since the 60’s. The J57 started it out but the TF33-103 is the main engine. Soon to be replaced with 8 new Rolls-Royce turbofan engines. Capt Rick Mokry USAF veteran.

[richlo]

This bomber makes the enemy rethink which side they are on!! 💪🇺🇸

[rickeyb]

Operations "Linebacker I & II" From the 2rd world jungle to the stone age.