[tanknetter]

why are the still flying BUFFs?

Two reasons. First, the BUFF is one heck of a bomb-truck for use in low-threat areas. It can carry a significant load, and loiter for a long, long time.

Second, it's the primary platform in the US inventory for carrying air launched cruise missiles (both AGM-86s - nuclear and conventional warheads - and AGM-129s). The B-1s had the capability removed due to START (the external hardpoints were deactivated by filling them in with epoxy resin) and while the B-2 is allegedly AGM-129-capable, there are just too few of them to be able to cover both the nuclear and conventional mission.

[Wildbill22]

As far as the B-1 nuclear mission, can’t that be reversed? How hard would it be? Drill out the resin, slap on some new hardpoints and you would have a real nice low level nuclear bomber.

[Nabber]

You make some good points about the BUFF, however:

The BUFF has already proven it can fly through the most heavily defended area in the world - NVN in 1972 - with minimal losses (those caused by stupid tactics), BECAUSE it has the Electronic Warfare suite to totally suppress all (or nearly all) RF in an area the size of New England....