[rbg81]

We chopped a buncha older B-52’s to make the Ruskies happy.

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At the time, I thought that was borderline criminal. Now, even more so. I think there are B-1s mothballed at Davis-Monthan AFB, but not certain how many. My guess is not more than 30.

You can do a lot with upgrades. And, yes, it should be possible to manufacture these again if necessary. I once heard that all the factory machinery for every bomber line was mothballed—hope that is true. With the coming bankruptcy of the USA due to entitlements, I think the probability of a new bomber is about zero.

[Carriage Hill]

Looks like a LOT of planes:

http://deanoinamerica.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/the-boneyard-at-davis-monthan-air-force-base/

[Paladin2]

Fortunately aerodynamics don't change. The B-52 was apparently a GREAT design, transcending the decades.

I'd suggest that we make some SR-71 based bombers for the future.

[tcrlaf]

Problem is that the B-52 can fill several roles that would require several new systems to replace.

From large area carpet bombing to loitering with large, ready missile loads, it can do a lot of things that would require multiple programs, and megadollars, to replace.