[az_gila]

...
WHY are we still flying 50 year-old birds that cost an ENORMOUS amount of money to fly operate and maintain, when any number of Civilian platforms could be modified to meet the needs at a far lower cost than these old birds, especially if issued waivers for the 4-minute rule, and MOA’s.
...

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I think the 70,000 ft operational ceiling may have something to do with it...:^)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_RB-57F_Canberra

[tcrlaf]

Given waivers, and some modifications, such as the to pressure bulheads, the newest generation Gulfstreams, and Dassaults are capable of close to that already.

The only thing limiting them to MOA’s below 50K is the 4-minute rule, and Gov. regs. regarding the pressure bulkhead.

I didn’t say it would be off-the-shelf, but modern platforms could be made just as capable, at FAR less operating costs.