Why The B-52 Is Outliving Newer Bombers

The B-52 Stratofortress has been the backbone of the United States’ strategic bomber force for nearly 70 years. While it’s not the easiest plane to fly, no bomber could match its long and distinguished service record. After a new engine overhaul, the B-52 will stay in service until the 2050s.

How did this iconic plane outlast other bombers designed to replace it?

Roots

The very notion of the heavy bomber has been part of the American military mindset since 1935 when the Boeing B-17 first took the skies. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress which dropped atomic bombs, had advanced the big bomber design in a new direction, laying the groundwork for jet bombers that followed.

It also gave Boeing the war-proven experience it needed to think bigger. Months after the Second World War ended, the US started a competition for a new long-range strategic bomber. Boeing’s proposal for a straight-wing aircraft powered by six turboprop engines was declared the winner and the B-52’s development started.

Hell of a Good Airplane

The airframe’s design was heavily based on the company’s B-47 Stratojet, and powering eight turbojet engines housed four under-wing pods.

After flying the B-52 for its first test flight in 1952, pilot Tex Johnston concluded, “I’m convinced that this is not only a good airplane, it is a hell of a good airplane.”

The B-52 entered service with the Strategic Air Command in April 1955 as an atomic bomb carrier and a total of 744 B-52 were built before production ceased in 1962. During production, the design went through several modifications, finishing up with the H-model, the only variant still in service today.

Impressive Aircraft

Throughout its entire career, the B-52 has been the mothership for different aircraft including NASA’s X-15’s hypersonic rocket-powered plane. But to truly understand why it has such an impressive record, one needs to get inside the plane.

Three factors were combined to give the B-52 its impressive lifespan. First is the adaptability of the original design. Outdated equipment can easily be replaced without threatening the aircraft’s viability. It’s also more generic than its modern contemporaries and can be adapted for a greater range of missions.

The second reason is the cooperation between Boeing and the US Air Force in carrying out modifications to keep the aircraft viable. Upgrades in avionics, weapon systems, and other subsystems have allowed it to keep pace with ever-evolving mission needs.

Finally, the last reason is the crew concept. Because of the great lengths of time that B-52s can be in the air, crew compatibility is crucial. B-52 crews have trained as a single unit, ensuring maximum air efficiency.