The B-1 and B-2 will be on the Chopping Block but Not the Buff

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

 

[IsaacNewton]

The 60 year old B-52 still does the job. Drop large amounts bombs on a football field. But the Pentagon and the defense contractors are always looking to spend another 100 billion dollars on some 'weapons system' we don't need.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

The 60 year old B-52 still does the job. Drop large amounts bombs on a football field. But the Pentagon and the defense contractors are always looking to spend another 100 billion dollars on some 'weapons system' we don't need.

In a radar rich invironment, the Buff can't do that job. Neither can the Bone. The facts remain that we need the B-21 much more than the Bone or B-2.

It's not the Buff that can do the job. It's what it can carry. The Buff can be used for conventional weapons but it just has to get within 1500 miles of it's target to launch it's Air launch weapons. BTW, the F-35 can carry one of them as well making it a real threat as a nuclear platform. And so can the F-15E. The difference is, the Buff can carry a whole bunch of them. so it sticks around another 30 years or more.

 

[westwall]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Considering that the B-1 is not able to handle the extreme long ranged Air Launch Nuclear Cruise Missiles, that omits them. You now have a hole in the bomber fleet very soon. The Buff can do that job for conventional bombing including dropping a Jdam within a few feet for CAS.But the Bone has to get too close in a Nuclear conflict. Without the replacement by the B-21 there are about 100 bombers no longer there.

The B-2 is sooner or later going to become vulernable. Russia and China are not standing still. In order to make more B-2s, they are 2 billion a copy. You can have B-21s that are light years ahead for 500 million. In the end, the B-021 will cost leas than the B-2 and B-1 if you try to keep them flying and do a better job.

Yah, I inow 550 mil sounds scary. But 2 billion scared the hell out of everyone including the Russians (Soviets).

 

[rightwinger]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Where do you get your figures? I bet it was uncomforable taking it out your shorts. Your Cruiser, if made today, would cost more than 2 billion. You can buy 4 B-21s for that cost or one brand new B-2. The B-21 can do a job in the future that nothing else can do.

YOu have inflated the cost of the B-21 while soft peddling the cost of your Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, The Ticonderoga Class Cruiser cruiser origianlly cost 1 billion per cop but today would cost 2 billion. It's 20 years later and the price went up. The B-2 cost 2 billion when it was first introduced. This is why only 21 went into service. And the AF doesn't dare put it in harms way with only 20 in service today. With the work done on the F-35, the cost of the B-21 will be 500 million. The B-2 can't raid the bone yard like the Bone can since there aren't any B-2s in the bone yard. This why the B-2 is the first to go.

New B-2s would be the boondoggle you claim the B-21 is. And if you make new 2.5 billion dollar B-2s you get less of a bomber than the B-21. Is that what you want?

 

[westwall]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Where do you get your figures? I bet it was uncomforable taking it out your shorts. Your Cruiser, if made today, would cost more than 2 billion. You can buy 4 B-21s for that cost or one brand new B-2. The B-21 can do a job in the future that nothing else can do.

YOu have inflated the cost of the B-21 while soft peddling the cost of your Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, The Ticonderoga Class Cruiser cruiser origianlly cost 1 billion per cop but today would cost 2 billion. It's 20 years later and the price went up. The B-2 cost 2 billion when it was first introduced. This is why only 21 went into service. And the AF doesn't dare put it in harms way with only 20 in service today. With the work done on the F-35, the cost of the B-21 will be 500 million. The B-2 can't raid the bone yard like the Bone can since there aren't any B-2s in the bone yard. This why the B-2 is the first to go.

New B-2s would be the boondoggle you claim the B-21 is. And if you make new 2.5 billion dollar B-2s you get less of a bomber than the B-21. Is that what you want?

The B2 cost quoted is in 1998 dollars. The Tico cost is in current dollars.


"There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of the vaunted B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, quoted by the Air Force as $1.157 billion in 1998$. Surely one of the most significant reasons for this enormous price tag is the extensive measures taken to ensure the stealth characteristics of the design. The aircraft requires very careful shaping of both exterior and interior components which requires exacting tolerances during manfacture and assembly of the components. In addition, assembly workers must take special care in how they attach the components and even in where they can step or lay tools lest they damage the careful contours and increase the radar cross-section of the plane. The B-2 is also equipped with expensive classified electronics equipment and external coatings all designed to make the aircraft invisible to detection. To top it all off, the plane must be constructed under intense secrecy measures that require additional manpower for guarding the plant, conducting investigations of employees, and limiting the number of people who are exposed to the classified nature of the aircraft's technology. All of these features and precautions add time and complexity to the B-2 manufactring process, and the end result of such measures is always increased cost."
Aerospaceweb.org | Ask Us - B-2 Spirit Cost


"Unit Cost: About $1 billion each."

The US Navy -- Fact File: Cruisers - CG

 

[westwall]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Where do you get your figures? I bet it was uncomforable taking it out your shorts. Your Cruiser, if made today, would cost more than 2 billion. You can buy 4 B-21s for that cost or one brand new B-2. The B-21 can do a job in the future that nothing else can do.

YOu have inflated the cost of the B-21 while soft peddling the cost of your Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, The Ticonderoga Class Cruiser cruiser origianlly cost 1 billion per cop but today would cost 2 billion. It's 20 years later and the price went up. The B-2 cost 2 billion when it was first introduced. This is why only 21 went into service. And the AF doesn't dare put it in harms way with only 20 in service today. With the work done on the F-35, the cost of the B-21 will be 500 million. The B-2 can't raid the bone yard like the Bone can since there aren't any B-2s in the bone yard. This why the B-2 is the first to go.

New B-2s would be the boondoggle you claim the B-21 is. And if you make new 2.5 billion dollar B-2s you get less of a bomber than the B-21. Is that what you want?

I haven't mentioned the B-21 on this Board ever, so i have no idea where you got that.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

 

[westwall]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Where do you get your figures? I bet it was uncomforable taking it out your shorts. Your Cruiser, if made today, would cost more than 2 billion. You can buy 4 B-21s for that cost or one brand new B-2. The B-21 can do a job in the future that nothing else can do.

YOu have inflated the cost of the B-21 while soft peddling the cost of your Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, The Ticonderoga Class Cruiser cruiser origianlly cost 1 billion per cop but today would cost 2 billion. It's 20 years later and the price went up. The B-2 cost 2 billion when it was first introduced. This is why only 21 went into service. And the AF doesn't dare put it in harms way with only 20 in service today. With the work done on the F-35, the cost of the B-21 will be 500 million. The B-2 can't raid the bone yard like the Bone can since there aren't any B-2s in the bone yard. This why the B-2 is the first to go.

New B-2s would be the boondoggle you claim the B-21 is. And if you make new 2.5 billion dollar B-2s you get less of a bomber than the B-21. Is that what you want?

The B2 cost quoted is in 1998 dollars. The Tico cost is in current dollars.


"There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of the vaunted B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, quoted by the Air Force as $1.157 billion in 1998$. Surely one of the most significant reasons for this enormous price tag is the extensive measures taken to ensure the stealth characteristics of the design. The aircraft requires very careful shaping of both exterior and interior components which requires exacting tolerances during manfacture and assembly of the components. In addition, assembly workers must take special care in how they attach the components and even in where they can step or lay tools lest they damage the careful contours and increase the radar cross-section of the plane. The B-2 is also equipped with expensive classified electronics equipment and external coatings all designed to make the aircraft invisible to detection. To top it all off, the plane must be constructed under intense secrecy measures that require additional manpower for guarding the plant, conducting investigations of employees, and limiting the number of people who are exposed to the classified nature of the aircraft's technology. All of these features and precautions add time and complexity to the B-2 manufactring process, and the end result of such measures is always increased cost."
Aerospaceweb.org | Ask Us - B-2 Spirit Cost


"Unit Cost: About $1 billion each."

The US Navy -- Fact File: Cruisers - CG

Unit cost for the Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, was that much in the 90s. It's a 20year old design. Yes, it still works but it's closer to 2 billion if made today. Much like the B-2 would be 2 billion per copy (also from the 90s) if it were to be made today. The B-21 estimate is 500 million in todays money.

 

[westwall]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Where do you get your figures? I bet it was uncomforable taking it out your shorts. Your Cruiser, if made today, would cost more than 2 billion. You can buy 4 B-21s for that cost or one brand new B-2. The B-21 can do a job in the future that nothing else can do.

YOu have inflated the cost of the B-21 while soft peddling the cost of your Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, The Ticonderoga Class Cruiser cruiser origianlly cost 1 billion per cop but today would cost 2 billion. It's 20 years later and the price went up. The B-2 cost 2 billion when it was first introduced. This is why only 21 went into service. And the AF doesn't dare put it in harms way with only 20 in service today. With the work done on the F-35, the cost of the B-21 will be 500 million. The B-2 can't raid the bone yard like the Bone can since there aren't any B-2s in the bone yard. This why the B-2 is the first to go.

New B-2s would be the boondoggle you claim the B-21 is. And if you make new 2.5 billion dollar B-2s you get less of a bomber than the B-21. Is that what you want?

The B2 cost quoted is in 1998 dollars. The Tico cost is in current dollars.


"There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of the vaunted B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, quoted by the Air Force as $1.157 billion in 1998$. Surely one of the most significant reasons for this enormous price tag is the extensive measures taken to ensure the stealth characteristics of the design. The aircraft requires very careful shaping of both exterior and interior components which requires exacting tolerances during manfacture and assembly of the components. In addition, assembly workers must take special care in how they attach the components and even in where they can step or lay tools lest they damage the careful contours and increase the radar cross-section of the plane. The B-2 is also equipped with expensive classified electronics equipment and external coatings all designed to make the aircraft invisible to detection. To top it all off, the plane must be constructed under intense secrecy measures that require additional manpower for guarding the plant, conducting investigations of employees, and limiting the number of people who are exposed to the classified nature of the aircraft's technology. All of these features and precautions add time and complexity to the B-2 manufactring process, and the end result of such measures is always increased cost."
Aerospaceweb.org | Ask Us - B-2 Spirit Cost


"Unit Cost: About $1 billion each."

The US Navy -- Fact File: Cruisers - CG

Unit cost for the Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, was that much in the 90s. It's a 20year old design. Yes, it still works but it's closer to 2 billion if made today. Much like the B-2 would be 2 billion per copy (also from the 90s) if it were to be made today. The B-21 estimate is 500 million in todays money.

I'm not talking about the B-21. I'm talking about the B2, and it was boondoggle. Far better would have been to build four or five of them to be used for development purposes and use the other money for better projects. But, even if the Tico cost the same as the B2, which it doesn't, it had the ability to project far more power than the B2 did, and it could survive being hit by a bird.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

It's still the same airframe dating back to 1962. It flies until it runs out of air frame time or has enough cracks in the air frame it can no longer be repaired. Luckily, there are quite a few H models that can be brought in from the Boneyard. And if we run out of H models, there is a number of rows of G models that can be brought up to H specs and fly on. The Gs got caught up in the Start Agreements.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Yep, yet another example of a USAF boondoggle. Just taken as a thought experiment the cost for a B-2 was ridiculous. For the cost of a single aircraft we could have had a complete Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, fully equipped and manned.

Where do you get your figures? I bet it was uncomforable taking it out your shorts. Your Cruiser, if made today, would cost more than 2 billion. You can buy 4 B-21s for that cost or one brand new B-2. The B-21 can do a job in the future that nothing else can do.

YOu have inflated the cost of the B-21 while soft peddling the cost of your Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, The Ticonderoga Class Cruiser cruiser origianlly cost 1 billion per cop but today would cost 2 billion. It's 20 years later and the price went up. The B-2 cost 2 billion when it was first introduced. This is why only 21 went into service. And the AF doesn't dare put it in harms way with only 20 in service today. With the work done on the F-35, the cost of the B-21 will be 500 million. The B-2 can't raid the bone yard like the Bone can since there aren't any B-2s in the bone yard. This why the B-2 is the first to go.

New B-2s would be the boondoggle you claim the B-21 is. And if you make new 2.5 billion dollar B-2s you get less of a bomber than the B-21. Is that what you want?

The B2 cost quoted is in 1998 dollars. The Tico cost is in current dollars.


"There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of the vaunted B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, quoted by the Air Force as $1.157 billion in 1998$. Surely one of the most significant reasons for this enormous price tag is the extensive measures taken to ensure the stealth characteristics of the design. The aircraft requires very careful shaping of both exterior and interior components which requires exacting tolerances during manfacture and assembly of the components. In addition, assembly workers must take special care in how they attach the components and even in where they can step or lay tools lest they damage the careful contours and increase the radar cross-section of the plane. The B-2 is also equipped with expensive classified electronics equipment and external coatings all designed to make the aircraft invisible to detection. To top it all off, the plane must be constructed under intense secrecy measures that require additional manpower for guarding the plant, conducting investigations of employees, and limiting the number of people who are exposed to the classified nature of the aircraft's technology. All of these features and precautions add time and complexity to the B-2 manufactring process, and the end result of such measures is always increased cost."
Aerospaceweb.org | Ask Us - B-2 Spirit Cost


"Unit Cost: About $1 billion each."

The US Navy -- Fact File: Cruisers - CG

Unit cost for the Ticonderoga Class Cruiser, was that much in the 90s. It's a 20year old design. Yes, it still works but it's closer to 2 billion if made today. Much like the B-2 would be 2 billion per copy (also from the 90s) if it were to be made today. The B-21 estimate is 500 million in todays money.

I'm not talking about the B-21. I'm talking about the B2, and it was boondoggle. Far better would have been to build four or five of them to be used for development purposes and use the other money for better projects. But, even if the Tico cost the same as the B2, which it doesn't, it had the ability to project far more power than the B2 did, and it could survive being hit by a bird.

When the B-2 was introduced (and even today but not tommarow) nothing could stop it. It's still more stealthy than even the F-22 and F-35. It scared the hell out of the Russians and the Chinese and still does today. It always was a maintenance hog. The B-2 has the highest operating cost of any one type of AC in the AF inventory. But there were no other choices at the time. In the middle 20s, an option comes online that is cheaper by 1/4 and costs less to maintain. We can't afford to keep it past the time that the B-21 when it comes into service.

I relate the B-2 with the B-36. Neither are or were used in the manner they were designed for. Both kept things from heating up because they were head and shoulders above everything else. And yes, in it's day, the B-36 was thought to be too expensive by many. I was but there wasn't anything else until the Buff came onto the scene. The B-21 does the same to the B-2 and the B-1.

 

[westwall]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

It's still the same airframe dating back to 1962. It flies until it runs out of air frame time or has enough cracks in the air frame it can no longer be repaired. Luckily, there are quite a few H models that can be brought in from the Boneyard. And if we run out of H models, there is a number of rows of G models that can be brought up to H specs and fly on. The Gs got caught up in the Start Agreements.

There were only 102 H models ever built. I believe there are 74 of them remaining. All the rest of the B-52 fleet has been consigned to Davis Monthan, where the majority have already been scrapped, and those that remain are stripped of parts to keep the H models going. And you may want to take a gander at the boneyard, there are only TWELVE B-52's on the base. And some of those are looking pretty peakid.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

It's still the same airframe dating back to 1962. It flies until it runs out of air frame time or has enough cracks in the air frame it can no longer be repaired. Luckily, there are quite a few H models that can be brought in from the Boneyard. And if we run out of H models, there is a number of rows of G models that can be brought up to H specs and fly on. The Gs got caught up in the Start Agreements.

There were only 102 H models ever built. I believe there are 74 of them remaining. All the rest of the B-52 fleet has been consigned to Davis Monthan, where the majority have already been scrapped, and those that remain are stripped of parts to keep the H models going. And you may want to take a gander at the boneyard, there are only TWELVE B-52's on the base. And some of those are looking pretty peakid.

Ghost Rider has recently been flown and is being prepped to go back into service from DM. There are 12 other H models in Type 1000 storage where they can be prepped for service. There are also about 100 G models there in type 1000 storage as well. But the Gs are used primarily for parts for the H models in service so I don't look for them to be used, for the most part, to upgrade them to H status and Service. But not all of the 100 are used for parts. The 12 H models at DM are NOT used for parts and have to be kept in ready storage in case they are needed to go back into service. As the in service H models run out of Air Frame Time or their Air Frames get damaged beyond repair the 12 H models can fill the need for a few decades. With the aging Air Frames, Ghost Rider is just the first to be prepped to go back into service. BTW, the upgraded parts are taken from another H model that is being decommissioned so no big thing.

Meanwhile, the B-2 is NOT in storage. They made only 21. When they lost the one in a crash that dropped it to 20. Considering that they can only mission 10 of them at a time it means that it's a good decision to get rid of the B-2 first when the B-21 starts to arrive. The first 20 B-21s park in the spots that the 20 B-2s park and the B-2 heads to the boneyard one at a time.

They only made 100 B-1Bs. There are 8 B-1bs on static display, 9 have been lost to crashes, Leaving only 83 usable with 65 in service and the rest at DM on ready reserve or used for parts. There is a reason DM is used as the Depot Level Repair facility since that's where the only parts are located.

The Buff is constructed so that new systems can be added. Unlike the B-2 and the B-1 which do not have that luxury. They are currently prepping an Airborne Laser for the H model which would make it the first Operational USAF Aircraft to field such a thing. I imagine they would have to re engine first to have the necessary excess electric power to power the laser. They are considering replacing each pod of 2 TF-33s with a single pod of F117 engines used on the C-17 and the Boeing 757. But they haven't worked out the funding of it quite yet. But it has to be done sooner or later.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

When the B-21 is introduced, the AF will be replacing the B-2 one for one. When they have all the B-2s out of service, they start going one for one on the B-1. The Buff sticks around since it's by far the most versatile of the current 3.

It goes with cost of operation as much as how versatile the bomber is.; It's the fact that the B-2 is extremely high in operation costs. And they can only get about half of them operational at any given time. Just flying around, the stealthy paint chips which degrades the stealth capability. This means when it degrades enough the whole B-2 has to head for the Paint Shop and have it repaired. This includes at least 3 days of cure time. Plus, the cost of actual operation is one of the highest per unit in the AF.

Then there is the Bone. They are running out of parts for it. They are Cannibalizing from the boneyard at too high a rate. They know the Bone is not long for the world so they aren't spending a lot of money on new parts when the Boneyard has been well stocked. Then there is the Bomb bays. In order to carry more bombs, they used a shorter bomb bay than the Buff. it's slightly shorter. With the new long ranged air launch cruise missiles that are longer than the bomb bay, it has to get closer to fire it's weapons. Making it less important than the Buff which can fire, drop, etc. everything in the AF inventory short of the MOAB. Plus, the Bone has a much higher operating cost than the Buff. The Bone was being looked at as a Missile Truck since it could carry more than 16 AMRAAMs. But with the F-15 being modified to carry 12 of them that pretty well negates the need. Plus, the F-15 does have offensive capabilities where the Bone doesn't have any. Once it launches, if it's too close to the fight, can't disengage. It becomes a missile magnet.

The B-21 can be made at a fourth the cost of the B-2. Plus, like everything else, it's borrowing heavily technology from the F-35 and expanding on it. It ends up making the B-2, in comparison, a wright flyer.

The AF only wishes 2 types of bombers. It's almost impossible to support all 4 so they had to make a choice. And the Buff will be flown by the Grand Kids of the original crew that once flew them. They will be in service at least until 2050. Meaning that the Buff will be around for at least 70 years in one for or another. The Buff went into service in 1955 making it already in service almost as long as the C-130 which was put into service 1954.

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

It's still the same airframe dating back to 1962. It flies until it runs out of air frame time or has enough cracks in the air frame it can no longer be repaired. Luckily, there are quite a few H models that can be brought in from the Boneyard. And if we run out of H models, there is a number of rows of G models that can be brought up to H specs and fly on. The Gs got caught up in the Start Agreements.

There were only 102 H models ever built. I believe there are 74 of them remaining. All the rest of the B-52 fleet has been consigned to Davis Monthan, where the majority have already been scrapped, and those that remain are stripped of parts to keep the H models going. And you may want to take a gander at the boneyard, there are only TWELVE B-52's on the base. And some of those are looking pretty peakid.

In all fairness, there were 744 B-52s produced of all kinds. And ALL of the B through Gs left are at DM or have been recycled or crashed or placed on static display. There are quite a few rows of Gs left at DM as of today. But I doubt if there are any B-D models left since they would have much less in common with the H model today.

 

[westwall]

Amazing the B52 will outlast them both
Over 65 years and still going strong

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

It's still the same airframe dating back to 1962. It flies until it runs out of air frame time or has enough cracks in the air frame it can no longer be repaired. Luckily, there are quite a few H models that can be brought in from the Boneyard. And if we run out of H models, there is a number of rows of G models that can be brought up to H specs and fly on. The Gs got caught up in the Start Agreements.

There were only 102 H models ever built. I believe there are 74 of them remaining. All the rest of the B-52 fleet has been consigned to Davis Monthan, where the majority have already been scrapped, and those that remain are stripped of parts to keep the H models going. And you may want to take a gander at the boneyard, there are only TWELVE B-52's on the base. And some of those are looking pretty peakid.

In all fairness, there were 744 B-52s produced of all kinds. And ALL of the B through Gs left are at DM or have been recycled or crashed or placed on static display. There are quite a few rows of Gs left at DM as of today. But I doubt if there are any B-D models left since they would have much less in common with the H model today.

I just looked at a google earth view of DM and there are 12 B-52's. All the rest are gone.

 

[Daryl Hunt]

It was built right the first time around. It's the C-130 of the Bombers. In all fairness, the ones in service today are the H models made during the 60s so it's only 55 years old. It is going to make it to 90 years though.

Correct, but there is virtually none of the original airframes that dates back to construction in 1962. They have all been rebuilt, and reskinned multiple times.

It's still the same airframe dating back to 1962. It flies until it runs out of air frame time or has enough cracks in the air frame it can no longer be repaired. Luckily, there are quite a few H models that can be brought in from the Boneyard. And if we run out of H models, there is a number of rows of G models that can be brought up to H specs and fly on. The Gs got caught up in the Start Agreements.

There were only 102 H models ever built. I believe there are 74 of them remaining. All the rest of the B-52 fleet has been consigned to Davis Monthan, where the majority have already been scrapped, and those that remain are stripped of parts to keep the H models going. And you may want to take a gander at the boneyard, there are only TWELVE B-52's on the base. And some of those are looking pretty peakid.

In all fairness, there were 744 B-52s produced of all kinds. And ALL of the B through Gs left are at DM or have been recycled or crashed or placed on static display. There are quite a few rows of Gs left at DM as of today. But I doubt if there are any B-D models left since they would have much less in common with the H model today.

I just looked at a google earth view of DM and there are 12 B-52's. All the rest are gone.

You are looking at a very narrow map. On the map I just viewed, I saw 27 total and the map did not cover everything. There are 12 parked together and the rest are scattered throughout DM. But as the G runs out of parts for the H, even the Gs are being scrapped since they have no further use. Those 12 you see are all H models in Ready Reserve (type 1000) storage and not used for parts nor are they to be destroyed.