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
YB-52 © AF GlobalStrike, CC BY 2.0
X-15 Film © PublicResourceOrg

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[dillboi]

People flying the 1st b52: "wow I wonder what bombers they will have in 2050"
2050: grandkid flying the same airframe.

[jonmcgee]

You just have to love Grandpa Buff. Eventually the upgrades will include warp nacelles and photon torpedoes.

[Rhubba]

Very fitting this video is being published in the week of James Earl Jones' death as his first film role was as a B-52 bombardier in Dr Strangelove. And considering the production team were denied information about what a B-52 cockpit looked like, they built an uncannily accurate set.

[soonerlon]

I worked at the USAF depot where the B-52, B-1, E-3 and KC-135 were overhauled. The secret to aircraft like the B-52 and KC-135 having such longevity was the construction method. These aircraft were designed with slide rules plus 20 percent for structure components. Boeing also built the aircraft off a very thick ship-like lower keel. The B-52 and KC-135 will still be flying when the B-1, B-2 and KC-46 are parked at Davis-Monthan Air Force base. Back in the day Boeing really knew how to build very high quality aircraft.

[BHuang]

It never gets old hearing stories of B-52 pilots who are grandkids of the first pilots that first flew them!

[thestanleys]

Don't fix what isn't broken...but you can upgrade it

[heffPaul]

The B-52 is the aircraft equivalent of Trigger's broom. It's been flying for over 60 years but has had 4 new handles and 6 new heads! 😂

[duster]

I was a Marine grunt in the Vietnam War and witnessed several B-52 airstrikes. We never saw the planes and had no idea they were even up there until we saw the huge explosions in the distance, followed by the sound of the bombs falling and the subsequent detonations. We were also witness to the strikes at night when it seemed the whole countryside was lit up by blinding lights of the explosions.

[fmhdzwq]

I saw 689 at Duxford in 1987 when it was still kept outside. Holy cow that was a long time ago.
Thanks for the video particularly answering why it is still flying.

[paulwheeless]

The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is special. The living flying exhibits are unique. The construction of the American Air Museum is a fitting tribute our shared sacrifice. During my 4 year service at RAF Mildenhall, I lived in a tiny village just 20 miles from Duxford...LOVED when the Spitfires would fly over my garden during the summer airshow!

[MaconMedia]

I love the Star Trek meme that shows a B-52 with warp nacelles next to the Enterprise-D of the Star Trek: The Next Generation:

"Captain's Log, Stardate 43125.8. In preparation for the decommissioning ceremony for the USS Enterprise NCC-1701D, we have the exceptional honor of being escorted by one of the newly re-engined Federation ships...the B-52X"

[burntsider]

Well written and presented doc. Excellent narration.

[BulletSponge]

"I'm gonna get them doors open if it hairlips everybody in Bear Creek."

[roypiltdown]

very proud to have served as USAF ground crew on B52 in the mid 80s - so many stories, but my fave? me and dad brother sitting around drinking a few years ago - dad (ex-T37 pilot, one engine) griping about how loud the Tweet was, brother (ex-F15 engine specialist) tells him, "that's just one little engine, we had two big ones on the Eagle" - i looked over my glass at them & said, "you two are just adorable..."

[wonkothesane]

Hard to improve on a overbuilt bomb truck. The re-engine program is going to add decades to it's operational life.

[mgtf]

Funny. I heard a different last word for the acronym BUFF 😂😂😂

[miguelmederos]

My dad was a Radar Navigator aboard B-52s, and participated in Operation Desert Fox

[shed]

Saw it in '88 as an Air Cadet during our summer camp at RAE Bedford, jaw dropping to say the least. Concord was there too - know which one I'd rather have been able to fly in, leg room on Concord was terrible.

[byefelicia]

I've always been fascinated by the extremely well thought out engineering that allowed this thing to last and adapt with the times this is called good engineering folks!

[gregcarlson]

8:40 I'm so glad that you mention "chrome dome". Before the ICBM, this is how nuclear war was prevented. B-52s taking off from Texas to patrol western Europe. Multiple jets airborne every minute of every hour. Brought to you by the United States and their taxpayers ... our condolences to Greenland for the accident.

Really impressive video! Thumbs up, new sub.!