The B-52 bomber turns 60

CNET ^ | April 25 , 2015 | CNET

[LeoWindhorse]

It was at the vanguard of aviation technology in the 1950s, and it's still going strong today: meet the B-52 Stratofortress.The B-52 heavy bomber continues to show that old doesn't have to mean outdated, even in an era of rapid technological change. Just the opposite: through good maintenance and occasional updates, vintage tech can hold its own against flashier but more expensive, and more finicky, next-generation (and next-next-next-generation, even) designs.

The very first flight of a Boeing B-52 took place 60 years ago this weekend.

[Paladin2]

The physics of air haven’t changed much in the last 60 years.

[hosepipe]

X-47b trumps B-52

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw3m7bqrQ64

[beelzepug]

First one flew in 1952. 63 years ago.

[ChicagahAl]

I’m betting the Air Force will still be flying the Buf when it’s 100 years old.

And... they’ll be trying to use it for close air support, to replace the mothballed A-10’s.

You heard it here first.

[Farmer Dean]

It’s just a great design.To think that 10 years before the B-52 first flew,the Army Air Force was flying B17’s in combat.Talk about rapid advancement.

[lee martell]

Maybe that B-52 can be stored in The Love Shack.

[M Kehoe]

Well, it's still not as old as I am.

I just thought of this, it could still be there after I'm gone.

I just scared myself.

5.56mm

[dfwgator]

Maybe that B-52 can be stored in The Love Shack.

Or Planet Claire.

[SandRat]

You and I both.

[wetgundog]

The bombing starts in five minutes - President Ronald Reagan

[Jack Hydrazine]

“The physics of air haven’t changed much in the last 60 years.”

They only change when Democrats inhale!

[dfwgator]

"Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff."

[max americana]

“The physics of air haven’t changed much in the last 60 years.”

But according to leftards, it turned really hot, then cold, and it’s all our fault or whatever the F these pukes come up with.

[DJ Taylor]

The B-52 is remembered by Vietnam Veterans as “A thing that goes bump in the night.”

[grey_whiskers]

That's still younger than Hillary...

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

The physics of air haven’t changed much in the last 60 years.

Air defense technology definitely has. One thing, high altitude, high speed missiles are cheaper and more prolific. The Buff is a great delivery system after you've attained air superiority and suppressed the enemy's air defenses. It also makes a great stand off delivery system for cruise missiles. I would not fly it against even a second rate air defense, e.g., Iran.

[NormsRevenge]

I am in awe of the saturation bombing runs a formation of these big birds could make.. Need craters..?? No problem.

I can only imagine the sensations and concussive waves as they popped in the foliage, paths and paddies of Nam.

To those who fell from the sky on that fateful day. We salute you.

[Pontiac]

I was just thinking we should all watch Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb) in honor of the B52.

[oh8eleven]

The B-52 is remembered by Vietnam Veterans as “A thing that goes bump in the night.”
Thirteen months on the DMZ ('67-'68) and I experienced dozens of B-52 strikes.
Saw them, heard them, smelled them, felt them.