Wanna Fly a 100-Year Old Airplane?

[Palmpilot]

Looks like some Air Force pilots will get the chance. The pentagon want to keep the B-52 flying through at least 2050!

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/air-force-plans-keep-legendary-201813259.html

 

[GRG55]

Interesting.
By contrast, today if the forces were still flying 100 year old bombers they would be wood and fabric contraptions from WW1; Vickers Vimy, Caudron, Handley Page, Gotha...

 

[Ted]

More accurate would be calling it a 100 year old design given the amount of refurbishing that these planes go through, not to mention upgrades. It won't surprise me if there's an engine upgrade on them in the near future - they're making a lot of noises about it. Plus the results of an engine upgrade would likely be similar to what was seen on the KC-135. Long range would go to insanely long range, plus quieter, more power, etc. etc.

 

[Zeldman]

Nothing like getting a point across by sending the buffs out for a good carpet bombing....

 

[BigBadLou]

It won't surprise me if there's an engine upgrade on them in the near future - they're making a lot of noises about it.

Pun intended?

 

[Ted]

Pun intended?

Yes.

 

[Zeldman]

And when they finally retire the buffs, the pilots will be flown out in a Huey....

 

[Sundancer]

Nah, in a C-130 most likely.

 

[Tantalum]

The dreaded 7 engine approach!