[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

The truth is that compared to more advanced bombers, the B-52 is like a diesel semi-truck bomber. However, in howsoever long, what the Air Force has *needed* more than advanced bombers, are diesel semi-truck bombers.

Sure, having some advanced bombers is hunky-dory. But more importantly, the Air Force needs work horses. Cargo aircraft that carry bombs.

So instead of perpetually refitting B-52s, we should have a whole new production line of workhorse, lower tech bombers, to be produced at a quarter of the cost and four times the number.

[Pecos]

Wouldn’t a cargo plane with bomb bay doors cut in the fuselage have the same structural problem as a converted airliner? Somehow, you have to make up for all of the longitudinal members that have been removed. Although, skipping to the end of your post - the idea of a new subsonic tactical bomber might make sense for some roles.

[Rodamala]

I would hazard a guess that the B-52 engine upgrade never came because... the engines on the aircraft WORK. Like a 19074 Mack Cab Over, maybe they smoke a bit a LOT... but it gets the payload delivered on time.