B-52s to be re-engined by Rolls Royce!
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Looks more like an advertisement than an official announcement.
Good for them. I suppose they know a thing or two about making quality products. 
I see that the B-52s were introduced in the early 1950s.
How old are the air force's current planes? Are the original models from the 50s still flying? Or have they been replaced?
This article implies that the current planes are the originals from the 1950s and 60s: https://www.veteranaid.org/blog/5-oldest-us-aircraft-still-in-operation
I see that the B-52s were introduced in the early 1950s.
How old are the air force's current planes? Are the original models from the 50s still flying? Or have they been replaced?
This article implies that the current planes are the originals from the 1950s and 60s: https://www.veteranaid.org/blog/5-oldest-us-aircraft-still-in-operation
the oldest versions got retired, but even the B-52H was introduced in 1961
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So when that article mentioned a 90 year life cycle, they were referring to the program itself, and not individual aircraft.
So the 52Hs from that time, are still flying?
So the 52Hs from that time, are still flying?
I suppose so, but they got modernised a few times by now.
The russian bears (TU-95) are probably of a similar age
The russian bears (TU-95) are probably of a similar age
Gonna share my B52 memories that no one else cares about (old person syndrome). I started my career in the mid 70's in Michigan's eastern upper peninsula, less than 5 miles away from Kincheloe Air Base and 2 hours away from K.I. Sawyer Air Base, both SAC units. I was living the dream, often working in remote forest areas, only to have huge B52's occasionally rumble directly overhead so low that one imagined they could see the pilots! Very magnificent!
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The last B-52 was delivered in 1962
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104465/b-52h-stratofortress/
4wd
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Guess the overall feasibility was not there - sticking with 8 - but better engines … ?
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Yeah … assumed the structural mods on old equipment would be crazy expensive … and I’m sure loaded heavy with bombs and having one engine go down (with 4) is a big deal …
The existing TF 33s have been out of production since the mid-80s and maintenance is becoming more and more of a headache. TF-33s are a low-bypass engine and far less fuel-efficient than the RR replacements, so the re-engined aircraft will have much increased range and less demand for tanker support. TF-33s require expensive overhauls at 6,000 hour intervals while RR expects their engines will not require removal over the B-52s lifespan.
This result was the outcome of a three-way competition (RR, GE and Pratt & Whitney) using off-the shelf, proven hardware, so seems like a low-risk proposition.
This result was the outcome of a three-way competition (RR, GE and Pratt & Whitney) using off-the shelf, proven hardware, so seems like a low-risk proposition.
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