The B-1 Stealth bomber seems like cutting edge technology—and it was, 30 years ago. But in view of growing threats around the world, the U.S. bomber fleet is beginning to look a bit “dogeared.” The fact is, that the backbone of the U.S. strategic bomber force depends on a 60-plus years old aircraft.
The Air Force’s long-range plan is to develop a replacement for the B-2 Spirit and the supersonic B-1B Lancer. The long-range plan to strengthen the strategic force also includes another round of upgrades to the venerable B-52 bomber and extend its operational life to 2050.
This means that the US strategic bomber force strength will depend heavily on upgrades to an aircraft that was first flown in 1952. According to a report in Combat Aircraft, “the B-52 offers an affordable roadmap to lower and less complex operational costs than its stablemates despite its age. The USAF has also chosen to retain the B-52 because of its versatile payload and mission adaptability as well as its ability to carry new weapons…”