Last B-52 Built In 1962 Still Flies Today.

Aviation Nexus ^ | June 23, 2026 | Editor

[Leaning Right]

On this day in 1962, the final Boeing B-52 Stratofortress ever produced rolled out of Boeing’s Wichita factory, marking the end of a historic production era. More than six decades later, that same aircraft continues to serve with the United States Air Force.

The aircraft, a B-52H with serial number 61-0040, was the 744th and final B-52 built and left the production line on June 22, 1962. Today, it remains operational with the 23rd Bomb Squadron of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base.

---

TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: b52

[Leaning Right]

The aircraft has certainly been upgraded many times. Nevertheless, it’s nice to remember a time when America deliberately built things to last.

[Feckless]

I’ve often said that if the Feral Gubbmint got the same value for everything it buys as the B52, the 1911, and the M2 that our taxes would be less than 1%.

[ComputerGuy]

I can vouch for the 1911. My grandson spoke highly of his USMC M2.

[Wayne07]

There are ~76 B-52s still in service, this one, built in 1962, would be the newest!

An amazing platform, but something is wrong with us if we are still relying on 64+ year old planes as part of our core Air Force.

[Abathar]

We have 72 of them still flying, with 58 in active duty.

I guess Russia is totally screwed with their bomber fleets across the board, they can’t even produce any of their older versions, much less newer ones these days. Ukraine is taking a heavy toll, not just in losses in combat or through drone attacks, but simple maintenance and losses to heavy use while cannibalizing what few are in salvage.

[GMMC0987]

I’m not surprised that the last one built is still flying. I’m more interested in what is the oldest still flying.

[DFG]

The oldest B-52 Stratofortress still in active service is a B-52H model with serial number 60-0001, nicknamed “Memphis Belle IV”. Delivered to the United States Air Force in May 1961, it is currently assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

[StormEye]

I was stationed at Minot in 1975-1976.
I have no doubt that I worked on that plane
at some point during my stay there.
I was an Avionics comm tech for B-52s, tankers
other aircraft.

[DFG]

The oldest B-52 on display is at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. It is the 3rd ‘A’ model built and was the mothership for the X-15 program. It was used in 90 X-15 launches.

https://pimaair.org/museum-aircraft/boeing-b-52a/

[IYAS9YAS]

An amazing platform, but something is wrong with us if we are still relying on 64+ year old planes as part of our core Air Force.

I disagree. Why fix what ain't broke. It works. It works well. Nothing else today can replace it. Same with the C-130, A-10, and many rotary-winged aircraft. Why reinvent the wheel?

[Joe 6-pack]

"I’ve often said that if the Feral Gubbmint got the same value for everything it buys as the B52, the 1911, and the M2 that our taxes would be less than 1%."

I don't know if this still holds true, but when I was in the Army back in 90's, I read the last Department of Defense project that had come in ahead of schedule and under budget was the C-141 Starlifter.

The last of those were retired in 2006.

[Red6]

If that’s the last one. Uilt still in service, I’d like to know what the oldest one in service is?!?!

[JoeRender]

Well the B52 is well built, it’s huge, and especially and most importantly, it can haul the heavy ordinance. And it can do it transcontinentally. As long as the skies are clear of anti-aircraft missiles or other dangers, it has a place to deliver heavy hitting ordinance.

[FrankRizzo890]

I’ve always thought it was interesting that there are pilots flying what could be the EXACT same plane that their grandfather flew.

[Hyman Roth]

Rock lobster

[Seaplaner]

Good on ya, fellow Zoomie!

I was in ECM, not on BUFFS, but on a different AC that flew hot missions.

I do recall, in the late 60s, as a young Airman TDY in an Asian AFB, watching in awe as B-52s with 24 underwing bombs and who-knows how many in the bombays lined up to deliver their ordinance (Dunno, Ho Chi Minh trail?).

The bombers were so heavily laden that they took off w minimum fuel, each right behind a KC-135 for topoffs as soon as airborne.

[RitchieAprile]

We heard the rumble of bombs from our FB out in War Zone C in 1970. Almost felt sorry for the Charles under that bombardment..