Why This Obsolete Bomber Will Outlive EVERYTHING

While “newer” bombers like the B-1 Lancer and the stealthy B-2 Spirit are slated for retirement in the early 2030s, the B-52’s longevity is projected well into the 2050s, prompting the question: What makes this aging behemoth a timeless force to be reckoned with?

B.U.F.F.

Often affectionately referred to as “BUFF,” short for Big Ugly Fat Fella, the B-52 Stratofortress first took flight in 1952, heralding a new era in strategic bombing capabilities.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it stood as the linchpin of the USAF’s nuclear deterrent strategy against the Soviet Union, poised to deliver devastating payloads in the event of global conflict.

However, the evolving landscape of aerial warfare, characterized by advancements in Soviet air defenses, initially rendered the B-52 vulnerable and seemingly outdated.

Flying Dump Truck

The B-52 found new life and purpose during the crucible of the Vietnam War.

Transformed into colossal “flying dump trucks,” these venerable bombers unleashed torrents of conventional bombs upon enemy strongholds. With a staggering payload capacity of up to 70,000 pounds and an impressive range of 8,800 miles, the B-52 earned a fearsome reputation on the battlefield.

In 1966 alone, it was dropping 8000 tons of bombs in South Vietnam every month!

Cutting Costs

When the Soviet Union collapsed, the Pentagon decreased the number of B-2 bombers from 132 to 21. Also, as part of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia, B-1s would no longer carry nuclear weapons, leaving the nuclear role just for B-2s and B-52s.

Although ICBMS and SLBMS are the main systems in delivering nuclear weapons, BUFF is retained for nuclear missions as it can be quickly launched in a crisis and then called back mid-flight if senior officials conclude that there’s a falsely identified nuclear threat.

Still Kicking

70 years later, BUFFs are still here. Even after a rocky start, they proved to be highly reliable. In recent years, BUFF’s availability is over 60% compared to B-1’s 40% and B-2’s 35%.

Also, in many ways, BUFF is younger than planes produced in the 1980s and 90s.

Every four years, the aircraft’s panels are removed, and everything is inspected and repaired if necessary. Now and then, they also get re-winged, re-skinned, re-tailed, and regularly get new upgrades.