The awesomeness of the B-52 is unquestioned. A platform that is feared. Yet with proliferation of high tech weapons even among goat humpers, is it a wise investment to extend the aircraft’s longevity?
“...with proliferation of high tech weapons even among goat humpers, is it a wise investment to extend the aircraft’s longevity?” [buckalfa, post 11]
The Air Force, Joint agencies, and other offices within the national security establishment conduct tests, simulations, and studies to determine of the B-52H is still effective and capable of performing is assigned missions (an activity carried out by all armed services for all systems, in compliance with public law, on an ongoing basis). Like many other DoD actions, results are not often disclosed to the public.
If deficiencies are discovered, actions are taken to remedy or counteract them. These cover a wide range: changes in procedures, tactics, planning, equipment modifications/ upgrades, new systems are just some of the options.
The B-52 is equipped with more sophisticated, more capable defense systems than many smaller, faster, more maneuverable warplanes.
The general public is under the impression that smaller, higher-performance warplanes (F-18, F-15, F-22 etc) are better at avoiding or evading modern air defense systems than larger aircraft like the B-52 or the B-1. The impression is wrong.
It was not even true during American involvement in Southeast Asia, when US forces sustained high loss rates among the “fast movers.” Electronic defense experts from Strategic Air Command did offer assistance but were turned away by senior leaders in Tactical Air Command.
The blunders and the outcomes of those days are still being ignored by the fighter pilotry, who have been attempting to kill it with silence and distract citizens with their braggadocio, ever since.