Indeed, it’s not for the first time either. Thus, the Air Force seeks a new engine with which to power the remaining fleet. However, the last of these engines was built in 1985, and continuing to produce parts and maintain the engines is becoming a hassle. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-103 engines, the bomber boasts a range of 8,800 miles (14,162 kilometers) without refueling. The B-52 is known for its distinctive layout of eight engines in four separate two-engine pods. Leaving enough margin in the design has meant that despite flying for decades, the B-52s still in service still have plenty of structural life left in them. Created in the era of slide rules, designers wanted to ensure that the plane would be able to deal with the stresses of the high-altitude nuclear attack mission. Part of the reason for its long service is that the Buff, or “Big Ugly Fat Fella”, as it’s known, was intentionally overengineered and overbuilt. Note the black contrails commonly seen from the eight engines of the B-52.ĭespite its age, the B-52 is still regularly flown and kept in prime combat readiness. B-52H Stratofortress in flight over the Persian Gulf in 2019. To reach that milestone, a new engine package will be key to keeping these birds in the air.īuilt Nuclear Tough A U.S. This fleet is set to go on flying beyond the type’s 100th birthday, into 2050 and beyond. Of 744 B-52s originally built, 76 remain in service with the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Originally developed as a nuclear bomber to carry out the critical deterrence role, changing realities saw it delivering solely conventional munitions in actual operations. First taking to the skies in April 1952, and introduced into the US Air Force in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress has since become a mainstay of American air power.
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