"Century-Old Bombers: The Air Force's Challenge to Keep B-52s Flying"
The U.S. Air Force is preparing to extend the operational life of its aging B-52 bomber fleet, with plans to modernize the aircraft with new engines, radar, avionics, and weapons systems, aiming to keep the fleet operational until about 2060. The modernization effort, which includes a $48.6 billion overhaul, is intended to integrate the B-52 with the upcoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber, creating a powerful and integrated force capable of conducting a wide range of operations and striking an array of enemy targets. Despite the challenges of maintaining and upgrading the aging aircraft, the Air Force is counting on the B-52 to continue serving as a vital component of its long-range strike capabilities.