Wow, a munitions expert answers the questions. And here all I expected was a yes.
Then there’s the possibility of modifying the bomb bay to accommodate the MOAB.
“...Then there’s the possibility of modifying the bomb bay to accommodate the MOAB.” [Doc91678, post 79]
I used to conduct operational tests on a number of B-52 systems. Can’t be perfectly sure - I no longer have the exact dimensions at my fingertips - but I’d say there is not much chance of increasing the size of the B-52H bomb bay.
Front and rear main wheels are mounted to bulkheads and other airframe structural members immediately forward and immediately aft of the bomb bay. They cannot be moved. The upper interior surface of the bomb bay is tight against the bottom of a fuel tank, and that cannot be moved either.
The only other option is to use mounts attached to the underwing hardpoints. Munition size there is subject to fewer constraints, but - given the weight of the munition - there might be strength limits. Hence the potential requirement for modifications.