US B-52 bomber fleet to get powerful hypersonic missile upgrade, new engines
A new B-52 variant, the B-52J is currently on the way with better engines and hypersonic missile capability.
Updated: Sep 23, 2024 07:33 AM EST
Christopher McFadden
The United States Air Force’s (USAF) venerable B-52 “Stratofortress” fleet is to get another round of upgrades to extend its life and enable it to carry hypersonic missiles. The new parts will include brand-new engines, avionics, and other gear that could well mean the aircraft hits a century in service.
The B-52, also known as “big ugly fat fellow” or Buff, is the USAF’s primary long-range, large-payload multirole bomber. It serves as the nation’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform.
First entering service in 1961, the B-52 celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002 and is now officially the longest-serving combat aircraft in the world. The new upgrades will further extend its illustrious service well into the 1940s.
https://interestingengineering.com/military/b-52-fleet-to-get-hypersonic-missiles
