The United States Air Force has used the B-52 for many decades. It can be used for both conventional missions and nuclear bombing. To extend the service life of its fleet of B52s by 30 years, the Air Force intends to overhaul them all. This could allow B-52s in service to continue flying into the 100th year.
The B-52 is an aircraft capable of carrying large payloads and is long-range, low-speed. One of its key capabilities is the ability launch precision guided rockets. Another feature is the ability of carrying joint direct attack munitions. Another is the ability of operating from many locations, such Hawaii or New Zealand.
The B-52's unique versatility makes it an important aircraft for the US Air Force. While it was once only useful in a tactical nuclear weapons role, it is now a frontline combat aircraft because of its exceptional range.
For many decades, B-52s have been the primary USF bomber. The B-52 will continue to be the US's bomber force's backbone until the LRS-B is available. The B-52 will continue to be a powerful aircraft until the end of this century. The aircraft's long history has seen it help the US bomb some of the most destructive conflicts in the world.
The B-52's versatility also makes it one of the most difficult aircraft to destroy. It can fire many different weaponry but it isn't as stealthy than the B-2. Its air defenses are deadly. Contrary to the B-2 a single B-52 will destroy most things within a two-mile box, provided its adversary uses a variety of air defences.
However, the B-52's range was limited to about 4,340 nautical miles. Its fuel consumption was also a problem. Jet engines were not available at the time for this type long-range aircraft. While they would have made B-52's more economical, they were not suitable for large craft. The Air Force created turbojets for B-52 to address this problem.
Pratt & Whitney was among those companies that offered a solution to the B-52. It developed the J57-P-29W or WA, which was a 10,500-pound dry thrust, or 13,100-pound wet thrust engine. This design is more efficient that the TF33PW103 engines the B-52 uses.
However, the USAF has been looking into replacing its B-52 engines. The aircraft could travel longer and have a more efficient takeoff. It also has a better loiter time. These benefits could increase the aircraft's range by 20-40%. Moreover, the aircraft could be more environmentally friendly. The newer engines will be quieter.
The Air Force plans to replace 608 engines. The maintenance costs of aircraft should be lower and it will be simpler to repair. An APU (advanced propulsive unit) will allow the aircraft to be less dependent on ground equipment in order to start its engines and run them.