B-52s Going Into Storage

Strategy Page ^ | January 2, 2009 | News As History

[LeoWindhorse]

August 1, 2008: The first of 18 U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers has been retired. All 18 will have been decommissioned and put into storage by next Spring. That will leave 76 still active. The retired B-52Hs have been in service 47 years. These aircraft could continue for another decade or more, but it was decided (between Congress and the air force) that the money saved from not maintaining such elderly aircraft could be better used elsewhere.

[LeoWindhorse]

What a powerful message it would be if President Bush were to release some of these bombers to the IAF , in support of it's defense of Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists and Iran . 2 weeks to go and a mere signature would probably do the trick

[bicyclerepair]

Rest on call old friends. Thanks for your service. Hopefully, you’ll be well cared for in retirement.

[trumandogz]

We should build a monument to the B-52 as they have served the country with great success over the last 50 years.

An amazing aircraft that will continue to serve for years to come.

[mkjessup]

What a powerful message it would be if President Bush were to release some of these bombers to the IAF , in support of it's defense of Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists and Iran . 2 weeks to go and a mere signature would probably do the trick

It's an absurd idea. Israel does not need B-52 bombers to handle the likes of Hamas and/or Hezbollah. Furthermore, turning over the B-52 to ANY foreign nation, ally or otherwise would not be in the national security interests of the United States.

Just prior to the Iranian revolution when the Assahollah seized power, the Shah's Navy made discreet inquiries as to the possibility of acquiring soon to be mothballed SSBN subs from the U.S. (we're talking old George Washington-class), and the answer was a firm but polite "no effin way" because providing a fully nuclear capable platform (sea or air) to a nation that you can't guarantee will always be your friend is a foolish thing to do.

If we're not going to fly those H model 52s, the best thing to do is mothball them and preserve them "just in case", not to put them up for sale to the highest bidder, that's just plain stupid.

[SeeSharp]

I think the Air Force is having to maintain fabrication facilities for the parts it can't get. The Buff's wouldn't do the IAF much good.

Besides, doesn't the B-52 need a runway longer than Israel to get airborne anyway?

[anymouse]

B-52s Going Into Storage

huh that's strange, I thought they were pretty much "out of the closet." ;)

[mkjessup]

Besides, doesn't the B-52 need a runway longer than Israel to get airborne anyway?

10,560 feet, i.e., 2 miles fully loaded.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

It was determined decades ago that it would be cheaper in the long run to build new aircraft ( even more B-52s ) than to continue rising maintenance costs on the older Buffs but congress never has approved such action.

[Loud Mime]

The Air Force Academy has one on display; it flew over Colorado Springs for a while before landing, as it was its last flight.

[BIGLOOK]

Buff ping.....

But there's more in the article that warrants reading.

[miliantnutcase]

yeah, but they have rocket pods for fully loaded take-offs to get them in the air quicker.

[RC one]

Gotta love the B52...unless it’s bombing the shiite out of you.

[ffusco]

IAF receives B-52s- Launches Operation “Would it killyou to call you mother” considered a major success.

[ffusco]

JATO!

[valkyry1]

The B52 is about the only platform that can carry the largest of the deep earth penetrator weapons (the 15,000 to 30,000 lb class of weapon) which would be necessary for the Iranian nuke sites.

[Mobile Vulgus]

Rock Lobster is kinda good. So is Love Shack. But, I guess they have been around too long and....oh... never mind.

[Always Independent]

I believe the B-2 can carry it also.

[oblomov]

Their best song was “Dirty Back Road”. That was 30 years ago, back when they were still an edgy new wave band.

[valkyry1]

Yes there you go

http://www.strategypage.com/military_photos/military_photos_2007122813124.aspx

It can penetrate 200’ deep

[ricks_place]

Picture Credit - A Former Soviet Client!