What makes the B-52 such a hardy bird? Weren't they on the drawing table in 1948? What about metal fatigue? They must make replacement parts for them.
Yes the B-52 is a post-WWII design. Plans were first drafted in 1946. First test flight was in 1952.
Excellent design is one crucial element. Boeing's engineers foresaw the need for "retrofitting" before the term existed.
Another is its inherent toughness. No frills meant less to break. 8 engines means staying in the air when you lose one -- or two, or three, or four...
Yes, metal fatigue is a factor. Every so many flying hours (I forget the number) the bombers are towed into special hangars for full inspection, including careful attention to metal stringers, wing roots, and the like. Parts are often fabricated on-site (like wing sheet metal), unless they are integral or load-bearing. Such parts are often made by contractors (spendy). I don't think Boeing can make ANY parts for this aircraft anymore.
I do know that a new fiberglass nose radome cost the taxpayers in the neighborhood of $12,000 in 1987 (no, I'm not the one who broke it) and now the DoD needs a new contractor to make more radomes! See here:
http://www.cbd-net.com/index.php/search/show/568439 The DoD expects to use this aircraft for another 25 years!
This B-52G was assigned to the 8th Air Force's 2nd Bombardment Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (where I served). It is displayed with the ordnance it could carry.
