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Although there are ships like the Constitution which have officially been on the books since\u00a0 the 1700s, effectively most major weapons\u00a0 systems (as opposed to single weapons like the legendary Ma Deuce) last a few decades and then they are gone. The M-1 tank? Been in common use since 1982 or so, but has been extensively reworked. But the B-52? Just keeps going, and going, and going.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is marking the 70th anniversary of the B-52 Stratofortress, also known as the BUFF, celebrating its legacy as a central figure in American strategic airpower. Entering operational service on 29 June 1955, the aircraft continues to support the long-range strike capabilities of the United States.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Seventy years. I suspect that is older than all but a handful of our readers.\u00a0 (You know who you are!) And still going strong, at this point intended to stay in service till 2050 (by which time I will assuredly be gone. Dunno about any other old farts here – mebbe they gots ambitions I don’t have.) Seven decades. Put into perspective –\u00a0 The B-52 predates any fighter, and most other aircraft with the glaring exception of the C-130 which is a year older, and its days as a weapons system (Spooky, Puff, and all the variations) are far more recent, dating from Vietnam. Heck, they started designing it in the ’40s before there even WAS a U.S. Air Force.<\/p>\n
The first operational B-52 was delivered to the 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California, following a seven-hour training mission from the Boeing Moses Lake testing facility at Larson AFB, Washington. Although AFGSC had not yet been established at the time, the mission signified the birth of principles that now define the command: strategic deterrence, long-range strike, and bomber readiness.\u00a0\u00a0Defense Industry EU<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Service ceiling of 50,000 feet? Check. Conventional and\/or nuclear payloads? Check. EIGHT massive engines? Check.<\/p>\n
Despite its age, the B-52 bomber is still able to fly at a service ceiling of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), which is well above the operational range of most surface-to-air missiles and fighter aircraft.<\/p>\n
In terms of range, the B-52 Stratofortress can fly up to 8,800 miles (14,080 km) without refueling, making it a true long-range bomber. This range is essential for global power projection and enables the B-52 bomber to strike anywhere in the world with minimal need for support aircraft.\u00a0DefenseFeeds.com<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Besides, what other plane starred with the immortal Slim Pickens?\u00a0 What other plane could<\/em> have?<\/p>\n
If you’ve never seen one, they are bucket list items. Watching one take off is a near-religious experience (and as you\u00a0 watch the wings rise up well before the rest of the plane, it’s a tad freaky.) Sadly, the interior has been crammed so full that much of the layout you imagine from Dr. Strangelove<\/em> simply doesn’t exist now.\u00a0 But they are grand old planes, the newest ready-to-retire in human years, yet they still keep serving.<\/p>\n
Happy Birthday, BUFFs!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"