50th anniversary of the LAST B-52 built!

[JDK]

we can still reach out over half way around the world to bring serious force to bear in a pin point ...

Provided they don't have a first world level air defenc/se setup. And that's my point. That role - its primary, design one - is no longer within the B-52's capability. As you'd say to your students, don't squirt ink to try and cover having mixed functionality with role.

Regards,

[The Inspector]

I'll wager that it will still be covering my wrinkled old heiney when I die, and long after the vaunted F-22 RUPTU......er...RAPTOR has gone to the crusher.

[wendovertom]

I remember reading in Air & Space I think, a long time ago, about a group of B-52s shaming a bunch of fighter pilots pretty good. As I recall, in the late 80's/early 90's the fighter pilots were always getting the best of the BUFFs when they flew the mission as briefed. Finally the BUFF wing commander asked and got permission to fly a low level terrain following attack. Every single plane got through and made its 'drop' before the fighters knew what was going on.

Granted, a fighter today would know that a low level attack is in the playbook, but the BUFF is still an incredible, valid, piece of hardware!

Tom P.