B-52 Future Stratofortress: The Upgrades That Will Transform The B-52H Into The B-52J

[@psychocuda]

The year is 2573. After a devastating sneak attack by the Zorg aliens on planet earth, the enemy thought they had dealt us a fatal blow. But screeching into the distant planet's alien atmosphere, a strange craft appears, cutting its warp engines. The B52-ZX9 opens the bomb bay doors and the aliens hear a communication on the radio. "YEEEE HAA!"

[@thewarzone]

Oh for sure, will be photon torpedoing Klingon Battlecruisers in 2345

[@MrKeepnit100]

Would you intercept me? *Sniffs* I'd intercept me

[@gsmollin2]

“ Toe - to - toe with the Zorgies in nuclear warfare.”

[@TDurden527]

Maj. 'King' Kong (Slim Pickens). Who can forget him. I love that guy! I wish I was on that nuke with him!

[@jacobchandler2083]

Hear a loud. LEROY JENKINS 🤣🤣🤣

[@lawrencegore6647]

This is an excellent video. I helped design the B-52G/H in 1956, and was involved in its development and operation until 1969. The original B-52G was designed for high-altitude bombing, with the emphasis on minimum weight, to maximize range. But in 1961, at the height of the Cold War, we redesigned the structure to meet SAC's new, more severe usage and service life requirements. These notably included low level terrain avoidance training, often under extreme gust and maneuver conditions. The emphasis in structural design shifted to toughness and durability. The primary structural components are never replaced. The main reason for their longevity is that the usage has not been as severe as was projected. As Chief of Structures Technology at Boeing-Wichita at the time of the redesign. I am honored to say I chose the materials, the analysis methods, and the limiting stress levels for the redesign. I am now 97and I am thrilled to see these planes still flying, and projected to do so for many more years.

[@lawrencegore6647]

@@dalecomer5951 Sorry, don't know.

[@Paqza]

Thank you, truly!

[@wingnut71]

Wow. That's so interesting. Thanks for your comment. I have an old 'Flight International' magazine from the 60's that has a great feature on the then new B52. Perhaps you are mentioned or even pictured in the photographs? I will have to see if I can find it.

[@dejiamoo]

Wow. That’s just amazing. Thank you for your great work!

[@jaylerman7864]

Bravo Sir! You may need to speak to Boeing's current employees to remind them that company's former culture!

[@Justa_Normal_Gamer]

To put it into perspective the last B-52 pilot has yet to be born yet

[@thewarzone]

No doubt. Generations of the same family have flown the same exact airframes.

[@The_ZeroLine]

To put it into, perspective you also need to include the fact that some of its former pilots were born at a time when cars were still uncommon in many places. Or that the plane will be a century old at the time of its scheduled retirement.

[@manuwilson4695]

No need for a second yet. That's American English.🙄

[@taylorc2542]

There are already families that can say not only did my dad fly this plane, but my grandpa too. Theoretically you could have four generations by now.

[@jlandon6028]

wonder how many current pilots flying these there father flew them also. Has to be a couple.

[@YouTube_user3333]

When the B-21 retires, it will be escorted by the B-52 😂

[@thewarzone]

you never know!

[@openbabel]

We must assume that the new rr engines consume less gas,increased payload and increase range also. Hope the crew get comfort upgrades too ?

[@SergioMollari]

And for the trip back, the B-21 crews will be catching their ride back home in a Buff.

[@b1ts3m45]

very odd indeed, like a still able bodied son being sent off for retirement by the father still on duty

[@briancooper2112]

There will be a home theater in crew rest area.

[@stevearnold100]

I used to see the B-52's flying out of March AFB in Riverside, California when I was a kid. And I'm creeping up on being 70! One of the greatest planes to ever fly!

[@thewarzone]

Those were busy days for March!

[@MichaelWiedemann-hl5ir]

I saw them at Kadena in the early 70s.

[@TDurden527]

"If the pilot's good, see, I mean if he's reeeally sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low... oh you oughta see it sometime. It's a sight. A big plane like a '52... varrrooom! Its jet exhaust... frying chickens in the barnyard!" General "Buck" Turgidson

[@MaticTheProto]

size wise yeah otherwise no

[@jlandon6028]

Wonder how many they have left?

[@Slonge92]

I was in SAC at MAFB in 1974, ‘75, &’76, and USAFE in 1977. At MAFB we kept four ‘D’ model BUFF’s and four tankers on nuclear alert (these birds had flown missions over Vietnam just a few years earlier. They were so old that the tail gunner sat in the tail, with quad 50’s at his fingertips. There are too many stories to share in a comment. But, the one thing that so many airmen have in common is the outright respect and admiration we have for a machine that our fathers flew, crewed, and supported (as we did) during the Cold War. They were scary times, and many of us lived life like there was no tomorrow. Thanks for the memories.

[@thewarzone]

Great comment, thanks so much for sharing. Yeah big tail Ds with the 50s!

[@JohnCompton1]

Thank you for your service....

[@glennpetree8554]

@@Slonge92 they weren't quad .50's.

[@Gregfromyeg]

The landing gear on these Buffs has to be one of the coolest sets of gear put on a huge plane like this.

[@thewarzone]

Was top secret during the early days.

[@nutsackmania]

Yeah it has to have that ridiculous landing gear because understanding of airframe design for jets of this scale was in its infancy. Couldn't give the rudder enough authority to decrab in a crosswind or trim out a modern turbofan failure because the tail will snap off or, if slow, will stall before the wing.

[@NoManClatuer-pd8ck]

It's designed to assist B52 pilots with "crabbing" the aircraft in landing conditions with high crosswinds. The pilot dials in the crosswind data and the wheels face the runway while the aircraft faces at an angle.

[@wyskass861]

@@NoManClatuer-pd8ck And because it can't land with wind down in crosswind due to to geometry.

[@NoManClatuer-pd8ck]

@@wyskass861 that's what "crabbing" means bro. 🙂👍

[@haakonsteinsvaag]

The B-52 is like an old fridge, It will outlive you, your children and their children.

[@thewarzone]

Some things were just built to last.

[@michaelmicek]

And is not very energy-efficient?

[@haakonsteinsvaag]

@@michaelmicek It does not need to be. It has everything it need to do the job it's designed for. It's a case of "if it's not broken, don't fix it".

[@Istandby666]

MayTag refrigeration

[@craigquann]

I believe there's one B-52 that actually has a 3rd generation airmen currently serving on the same plane that both their father and grandfather crewed when they were in the service.

[@christopherstone2691]

Grandpa Buff’s bones may be old but are stronger than ever.

[@thewarzone]

Grandpapa BUFF now !!

[@matt8145-d4d]

So what you are saying is that as a middle age guy, who made B52 models as a kid, will not outlive the plane my models were made from. That's awesome. I still remember running out of paint and having to go get new bottles to finish it.

[@thewarzone]

Look at it this way...you can keep those models on your shelf and they will always be current.

[@jsdreyer2031]

This was really excellent. What made it stand out was the history and very specific detail of the upgrades that TWZ went into. I really appreciate not shying away from the technical aspects and trusting the audience to keep up, or at least pause the video and go look something up. And great use of imagery and video footage, there was no way I was treating this video as a podcast and just listening while I worked. Also, the narrator does a good job, very definitely human in an era of AI-narrated videos (which must have been tempting). I know it took a a great deal of effort to make this, so these will likely be every few weeks, but I'm really looking forward to the next one. Thanks!

[@thewarzone]

We can safely say there was never any temptation to use AI here. We can understand why some people will use it, but if you have the ability not to, there is no reason to use it.

[@spacedock873]

It is amazing to think that this iconic aircraft has outlasted the two "modern" types that were meant to replace it! As regards the "Big" tag, these things are relative. It was big in its time and is definitely big for a combat aircraft in the era of stealth but compared to modern civilian aircraft it is quite weedy! Nearly 30 years ago I visited the Boeing plant in Seattle and did the bus tour of the flight line. There was a B52 (accommodated until the local museum could build a hardstanding big enough for it) parked between two new B777-300's. The 777's completely dwarfed the B52! 😯

[@Kr0N05]

In the early 90's I was taking a course in FortWorth TX and got to see them training by briefly touching down on the runway and then taking off again. A grand old bird!

[@daviswall3319]

I remember the late 70’s to mid 80’s when I was a kid on the farm in Mississippi. On those dark clear nights in the winter with little light pollution seeing the delta shaped lights of the 52’s refueling high overhead.

[@fredjoeme1284]

Thank you for the longer format!

[@thewarzone]

It's in our DNA ; )

[@williamlloyd3769]

Whenever the Air Force had a dispersal exercise, several BUFFs were deployed to our local AF base. You could really tell when B-52s were taking off which shook the house not to mention the long contrails.

[@Retro_Sean]

GD this channel is a breath of fresh air on KZbin. Thank you for supplying clear, concise, technical information without unneccesary flare that will not attract followers that have a hard time with critical thinking skills.

[@thewarzone]

When we looked at doing this, we knew this would be a tough road. No reaction shot tumbnails, no over the top hot takes etc. No just random ass b roll. Long, in-depth, no hyperbole or youtube stars. We hope it pays off. Incredible amounts of work goes into producing something like this.

[@davehutchins2820]

She's a stone cold killer. The B1, B2 and B21 are impressive, but the B52J will be the Queen of the fleet. It's hard to conceive of the B52 as anything less than the number one symbol of U.S. Military power.

[@KairiPrime]

Grandpa BUFF lives forever. His bones may be old, but they are as strong as ever.

[@steve_wilson]

This was a fabulous bit on the BUFF, probably one of the best. I can't wait to see the B-52J first fly. Lots and lots of Flights left in this Old Dog!

[@thewarzone]

It'll be amazing, but at the same time a bit odd to see a different look to the B-52J

[@DarkFire515]

Old Dog... I see what you did there 😀

[@steve_wilson]

@@thewarzone I'm particularly interested in the new schnozz at this point - I've already gotten my head around the new high-bypass nacelles. We don't see the artist's concept in sufficient profile, but it looks a lot more like an F-model and earlier nose than the longer profile added with the G. Which I rather like!

[@steve_wilson]

@@DarkFire515 Oh yeah... I'm just a bit sad that it's not going to be a B-52I - with apologies to Dale Brown! I think they went with J since an "I" looks too much like a "1."

[@DarkFire515]

@@steve_wilson He was one of my favourite military thriller authors. Wasn't he an actual B-52 crew member?

[@jedijc5411]

Very old (But Updated) Joke: When the last C17, F15, F16, F/A18, F22, B1, & B2 Lands at the Bone Yard. A B-52 will be Fly Over And, the Crew of that B-52 will watch each Aircraft's Crew Step abroad a C-130 to go Home.

[@thewarzone]

The F-16 has hit 50 years in flight and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down either. Maybe F-16's will fly CAP for the B-52 on that Boneyard flyover.

[@jedijc5411]

@@thewarzone We... (My Tech School Classmates & others Classes in Formation) was told the Original Version of that Joke by a Training Instructor after a B-52 Flew over Sheppard AFB, TX. This happened in December 1990. So Like I said... Old Joke. Otherwise yes.. It looks like a Contest is starting on which will be replaced 1st by the F35 and/or NGAG/FA-XX. The F16 or FA18. I Say the FA18 will Bond Yard 1st. PS... Go Air Force.

[@tomschmidt381]

I was a Marine Corps avionics tech in the late 1960s so spent a lot of time as a passenger in C-130s.

[@castlerock58]

Imagine 100 year old planes in service.

[@thewarzone]

I mean we have F-15s that are nearly half that.

[@bigchungus1848]

Except they’re not 100 years old. The B52 will be a completely new aircraft. The only thing that will be (mostly) original will be the fuselage, and maybe the wings.

[@DavidGourley-ce1tf]

as a child living at home with B52 waking me up every morning to them taking off @ 0530 every morning

[@thewarzone]

That's a heck of an alarm clock!

[@rikisan6346]

Carswell AFB??

[@JSFGuy]

Whereabouts?

[@Awesomes007]

The F4 Phantom II did the same for me. Windows and walls shaking. 🫨

[@dorianlindberg1662]

Hot damned, and I thought that the Hercules and heavy military helicopters flying overhead when I was a kid were noisy!

[@PDXDrumr]

I had the pleasure of working on G, H, and the occasional D model in the early 80s. It was a good aircraft to work on as a CC at least, almost like Boeing intended maint to easy 😊 the airframe, at this age, is solid, if it works, dont fix it. 😉

[@thewarzone]

It certainly isn't broken...glad to hear you had some great moments working on the BUFF!

[@themacker894]

Amazing video! Very well produced and quite informative. I put off watching it because 25 min sounded like quite a long time, but once I started I found myself at the end before I knew it. Nice job!

[@thewarzone]

Awesome! Thank you! Yeah we try to keep you engaged with information and presentation, not hyperbole.

[@themacker894]

@@thewarzone Absolutely. Sure enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@dormandavis2767]

It’s amazing how far we have come the last 100 years.

[@thewarzone]

And at the same time, not right?

[@dormandavis2767]

@@thewarzone sometime I think about that too

[@airplanespotter117]

First the C-5M, the C-130J, the MC-130J and now the B-52J! Cool!!

[@thewarzone]

Tough to replace any of these. The C-5s will be interesting when they finally age out.

[@andrewday3206]

@@thewarzone The C-5M should have been powered by the new GEnX engines. The CF6 is obsolete and inefficient compared to a modern design. The B-52J would have been cool with the Pearl 10x variant of the Rolls Royce engine. That would increase the bypass ratio by over 50%

[@TheCerebralDude]

All of the new military technology and equipment now available nothing else sends chills through me like the site of a B-52 taking to the sky

[@teddeebayre3433]

I was a B52G/H instrument and flight controls tech. 93rd AMS Castle AFB, CA. When I got out in 1985, I never imagined that the Buff would make it to 2000, never mind 2050.

[@Tarllybob]

Great breakdown of the BUFF upgrades. HLC will love this! Granpa Buff is forever.

[@brealistic3542]

In Vietnam the USA eventually used the B52 on the Vietcong tunnel system in the South. It completely destroyed it. F4 fighter bombers never did a thing to it but the B52 sure did. Vietcong caught in the tunnel system were either obliterated or went insane. By this time in the war it didn't much matter because the USA was leaving Vietnam.

[@thewarzone]

The amount of destruction a B-52 can bring in area attack is really sobering.

[@phil20_20]

Peace ✌ ✌ with honor!

[@kennytuan4233]

Ở việt nam nó chỉ là đống sắt vụn thôi

[@vmpgsc]

Excellent summary! This is the first video I've seen that encapsulates the full slate of mods that make up the Juliet model.

[@thewarzone]

Thanks! We made a real effort to make sure we had the most up-to-the date info on the J-model in this thing, even if some of it was difficult to encapsulate in a video because you're talking about things that are conceptual or in the classified realm, and how do you show something only people with a clearance have seen?

[@lpec2231]

I like the longer format. Great video

[@thewarzone]

Thanks we do too!

[@RobertRochetto]

Outstanding presentation, the B52 has to be one of Boeings finest moments, maybe with the problems they are facing today with there commercial fleets, they should go back to what made this Bomber the most effect feared and long lasting aircraft in the history of the USAF and use some of those common sense practices on the new B737max series , the B787 series and the future problems with the airframe that scare the daylights out of Boeing, even the newer B777 max series. Thank God for the B52h and now the new variation the B52J. this keeps our country safe and God bless the men and women who serve as the flight crews and the maintenance professionals. thank you.

[@thewarzone]

It's an amazing piece of machinery. If you have never been up close with one I highly suggest it.

[@markwhittington5020]

Excellent update on the B-52's modernization effort.

[@thewarzone]

Glad you enjoyed it! More to come!

[@herojh]

Great video. I'm hoping that there will be some improvements for the crew's comfort to prevent fatigue, especially with a longer loiter time.

[@thewarzone]

Haven't heard anything on that but one would hope

[@Kroggnagch]

Naming the engine F117 makes me think theres a tiny stealth bomber powering all the bigger bombers, and no less, powering the bigger bombers since before it even existed. How fantastic.

[@thewarzone]

The B-52 is just four Stealth Fighters in a trenchcoat?

[@andrew22800]

I am glad TWZ has made the leap to videos! Well done and good luck for all that is to come in the future!

[@thewarzone]

Thank you!

[@slypear]

Yep, and why I'm now subscribed to this channel. So well done.

[@jpotter2086]

Fuck'em up, future Buffs! Thanks for the rundown. Pairs nicely with a *60th* anniversary copy of Dr. Strangelove. The -H models were primarily delivered in '62, 2yrs before the premiere of th eno 60yr old film. The planes have outlived just about everyone involved in its production.

[@Trojan0304]

Excellent outline of B-52 future but will serve beyond 2050👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@thewarzone]

Thank you, we will be back on this subject soon.

[@ProfessorPesca]

What a brilliant video, definitely earned my sub. I’ve become a bit wary of military KZbin videos recently due to the tsunami of garbage content on this site but this is well-researched, interestingly delivered and novel content.

[@thewarzone]

Thanks so much! We really want to bring folks content that is in our own voice, with insightful analysis and points-of-view. Glad to have you along for the ride!

[@playloud90278]

Grandma BUFF getting a new upgrade: “What’s a photon torpedo?”

[@RomanZhvanskiy]

and antimatter bombs!

[@captainyossarian388]

Great comprehensive video. Love the BUFF!

[@thewarzone]

We do too! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@ronaldQdobbs]

BUFF is forever.

[@thewarzone]

Will outlive many of us. Maybe all!

[@jsdreyer2031]

"Big Ugly Future Fellow." 😀

[@stephenhall3515]

This is a fair and calm video unlike too many from the USA. The BUFF was actually hurried into production when the Hustler proved to be such a failure and the Soviets had proved that flying strategic bombers very high and not necessarily fast and hot had advantages which could be surprising. Over the pole nuclear delivery using ICBMs had caused many planners to argue that bomber aircraft were obsolete but French and British military designers fought hard against ignorant politicians to have an air alternative to submarine ICBMs. Their reasonable point was that ballistic missiles have predictable courses over many possibilities and even if several nukes are in each missile the last seconds of fall (note not flight) could conceivably be disarmed. British radar (EW we call it now) continued to develop and accelerate after 1945 while large teams from WW2 were still in teams. Many transferred straight to universities to work on sophisticated development of 'counter measures' alongside guidance concepts. They worked on theories of pinpoint guidance but also turned obstacles into the opposite field of jamming and "cold control". It was known by the mid-1960s that the Soviets had stuck to radar research and had established research towns in the Russian far east specifically to compete with each other pursuing different ideas in secret each with different duties while incidentally having teaching faculties for the next batch of specialists. The USA was way behind in EW but had massive forces and plenty of ICBM launch sites. When the Avro Arrow and BAC TSR 2 appeared in Canada and the UK and both had secret electronics it was suspected (and now known) that the USA played a big part in their cancellation, partly because of ignorance and mainly because of wanting to dominate military aviation, as was happening in civil aviation. The roles of the cancelled planes were not able to be made clear but both had EW and ECM equipment and internal missiles to stop Soviet bombers and last resort impedance of ICBMs. The B-52, as it became, had turboprop and straight jet lines of development and Boeing's experience of very high altitude and highly pressurized flying environments was the obvious answer to Soviet 'Bear' bombers but would be able to fly from numerous places, gain altitude and change course to evade sweep-radar scanning without a pattern being discerned. The aft section was supposed to be refined but there was urgency when the Hustler failed then, by happenstance, the angular fin and tailplane was found to have a favorable 3/4 rear radar cross section long before 'stealth' became the fashion. The new nacelles for the R-R engines and 'nose job' should help in this too. Some designs simply refuse to age.

[@Gorbyrev]

Rolls Royce, the Rolls Royce of jet engines!

[@thewarzone]

haha yes that's true!

[@TCW838]

Rolls Royce - THE aircraft engine of all engines. See the P-51 Mustang!

[@gaittr]

Lately they've been having a really big problem with reliability

[@paulwarner5395]

AS long as they're not the same ones as on the Boeing 787

[@edwardwilcox6606]

@@paulwarner5395 B52 will get RR F130 engine which the USAF is very familiar with as they are on C-37 & E-11 aircraft. The Trent 1000 on B787 was eventually fixed at the end of 2019 with upgraded combuster blades. Sadly it will take some time to get this engines reputation back but it has had some good orders recently & should do better as it`s due just about now to get upgrades from the Trent 7000 which will make it more reliable & durable.

[@Nerval-kg9sm]

Some designs are nearly timeless, like the much older Colt 45 1911 and the B-52s. You can upgrade the ammo and may improve the material of some of the parts, but the basic design is solid.

[@thewarzone]

You can certainly add things like the M2 .50 and the 40mm Bofors to that list. Some things just say effective forever, it seems.

[@curtisrodgers5326]

imagine a buff, launching drones, finding targets for itself, then eliminating said targets from range, using its own drones to conduct recon and then BDA..... obscene.

[@thewarzone]

oh it's coming.

[@curtisrodgers5326]

@@thewarzone the fully independent buff of the future

[@anthonykaiser974]

Air to air, too. Slap some AIM-260s on it. Meet the F/B-52J.

[@radar_B-52]

excellent descriptions of the new mods and enhancements for the BUFF. As a former BUFF Radar Navigator, I'm excited for all the advanced capabilities these mods will bring to the platform

[@frankthespank]

Great video. Finally someone that knows the history and future of this bomber. 👍

[@williampaz2092]

It’s amazing to think their are crew members who are serving in the same B-52 their Grandfather served in.

[@t5ruxlee210]

Gives the expression "Let's take "the Roller" into town tonight for a bit of fun", an entirely new dimension. lol

[@AlexLee-dc2vb]

replacing the dual-engine pylons with single-engines would require a redesign of the tail rudder and possibly the entire fuselage

[@thewarzone]

wing was biggest concern there and yeah tail rudder authority too.

[@KawaTony1964]

I've know about the nickname "BUFF" for decades, but never until recently gave much thought to it. The B-52 is neither ugly nor is it fat. It's actually sleek and beautiful. And if you've ever seen pictures of it getting refueled in the air, you know it's not really that big compared to other 2 and 4 engine aircraft of similar design.

[@Roadiedave]

Worked on the flightline for a bit at Barksdale AFB, LA. I tell ya doing my postflight inspection behind a running Buff the next ramp over made the air a bit kerosene like, and very crunchy. Had to stop wiping down my canopy because the black flecks would turn into tar smears.

[@Mariner311]

Amusing - I was on active duty with Golf models as the Hotel was brought up.

[@JJLewin1]

Amazing design and engineering considering it was built in the 50's and will go on to 100 or even more years service.

[@keithck3720]

For the algorithm! Great informative video covering the past, present and future of the old girl. Looking like she'll be a centegernarian when she finally retires!

[@thewarzone]

It's crazy to think of a 100-year old warplane, especially when you think about what was flying 100 years ago.

[@miketownsend8247]

Very good well done

[@genebohannon8820]

I had a college professor who flew the plane that is a gate guard at Orlando int. Capt Earl Simpson. The only teacher whos whole name I remember.

[@ottobyte]

Really enjoying these new videos. Thanks a lot 👍

[@thewarzone]

Really glad to hear you're enjoying them!

[@captainbuggernut9565]

You cant go wrong with those famous initials 'RR' down the side.

[@SHINR__]

Very informative, good stuff. Now we have both Alex Hollings and TWZ making longer KZbin videos instead of the click bait AI text to speech grifters.

[@thewarzone]

Thank you more to come!

[@markdesrosiers9179]

Great video, love the comprehensive length. This seems like dipping a toe into longer-form podcast territory, maybe?

[@thewarzone]

One day when I have the time I would love to!

[@outshine8]

Love the TWZ content, really happy to see the KZbin presence. More topically, what happens 75 years from now when they need a designator after “Z” for the BUFF?Do we go to B-52AA, B-52Aa, or B-52A(i)? Or are we at WingDings at that point?

[@thewarzone]

B52Z-A

[@bryonmartin8463]

This video is very well researched, and very well done.

[@craigr.h.laurent240]

Background "music" is never needed in any of "The War Zone" productions. This is especially true while anyone is speaking.

[@X-JAKA7]

I bet the B-52 will keep on flying forever, especially past human extinction.

[@melomane2010]

I was a Guidance & Control tech at Castle AFB working on B-52Gs. Obviously this plane is a well-proven design, in some respects like the A-10 - it does its job very well and has far outlived its projected lifespan. Would it be crazy to think they should build new ones?

[@Skorpychan]

It's still unbelievable that it's easier, cheaper, and better to just keep fiddling with the B-52 rather than replace it. I guess they really built the things to last.

[@peterboy209]

The new NGAD platform is a refurbished B-52 👍😸

[@thewarzone]

shhhhhhhhhhh!

[@ProfessorPesca]

Don’t need to be stealthy if you can have an utterly enormous AESA radar and 80+ ultra long range AAMs 😆

[@johnmarshall9945]

Still the best weapons platform in the Air Force

[@joshklein7842]

At this point it should be the B-52 Ship Of Thesseus

[@thewarzone]

There might be more of those airframes that rolled off the production line than one might think. Don't think we've replaced the whole bird, "plank by plank" quite yet.

[@MrKeepnit100]

Grampa Buff is getting a makeover

[@thewarzone]

Great grandpa soon!

[@deadwrx]

Love it...thanks guys (and gals)!

[@thewarzone]

Our pleasure!

[@ArcadiyIvanov]

Great production, thank you!

[@thewarzone]

Thank you we are extremely particular with how it all gets pieced together. Takes a lot of time and reworks!

[@WinterRav3n]

🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:06 *🛫 The B-52 Stratofortress, in service for over six decades, is set for extensive upgrades transforming it into a modern 21st century weapon system alongside the B-21 Raider.* 01:06 *🎯 Evolving from nuclear deterrence to precision strike capabilities, the B-52's role adapts to meet modern threats like 'great power competition'.* 05:22 *🔧 After years of proposals, the B-52H will finally undergo re-engining with Rolls-Royce F130 engines, enhancing efficiency and operational lifespan until 2050.* 09:40 *🚀 The B-52J upgrade includes new engines for increased range, improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and reduced reliance on aerial refueling.* 11:44 *📡 Upgrades include an AN/APG-79 radar, enhancing radar capabilities, electronic warfare, and integration with advanced weapons systems.* 17:21 *💣 The B-52 will support hypersonic weapons like the AGM-183A ARRW, enhancing its stand-off strike capabilities against heavily defended targets.* 20:54 *🚀 The AGM-181A Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) cruise missile will feature advanced survivability with stealth capabilities and potential extended range, enhancing strategic capabilities for the B-52 and B-21 Raider.* 21:25 *🔗 The LRSO will integrate into a networked system with other platforms, supporting cooperative swarms and expanding the B-52’s role in future warfare scenarios.* 22:26 *🛡️ Upgrades to the B-52 will enable it to deploy drones and unmanned combat air vehicles for various missions, enhancing its survivability and operational range in hostile environments.* 22:57 *🔍 The B-52 is slated to receive advanced podded systems and potentially laser systems, providing standoff surveillance, electronic warfare support, and self-defense capabilities, ensuring its adaptability in modern warfare scenarios.* 23:26 *✈️ The longevity and adaptability of the B-52 as a strategic airpower asset underscore its enduring relevance, equipped to operate alongside newer platforms like the B-21 Raider well into the future.* Made with HARPA AI

[@thewarzone]

NICE thank you!

[@macmcgee5116]

With them new engines, its like Grampa Buff is gettin magic legs.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

"The radar module might feature 'self-defense' capabilities". Fascinating!

[@thewarzone]

All of the things the upgraded BUFF can do will be pretty amazing, we think.

[@TheSympathydenied]

I believe congress should declare a day holiday if the B-52 rreach 100 years of operational service

[@Jaysqualityparts]

The only time we actually got our tax money for something that was worth it.

[@ryanpeeples6998]

This is the best thing yall have made woah

[@thewarzone]

Thank you! A lot of time went into it.

[@ryanpeeples6998]

@@thewarzone It shows! Keep it up

[@FutureAIDev2015]

1:02 gotta love Grandpa BUFF! 😂

[@Av8rApollo]

im considering joining the usaf as an officer after collage. (im in highschool) as aviation is my dream and has been for about 10 years now. i love the b-52 and would hope to fly it in the near future! and then join the airlines after.

[@sdcoinshooter]

From a former Navy Pilot I wish you the best of luck in your Military and Civilian aviation careers. I joined after college, on an Officer Candidate program; no regrets.

[@vijeolook]

Amazing. Imagine going on holiday in 2060 on board a 100 year old Boeing 707.

[@skydiver1013]

The Boeing 707 is built like a battleship. I was still working on 707's at TWA in LAX in 1985.

[@gaittr]

From a pilot, very, very good job on this video

[@thewarzone]

Thanks!

[@brianvanveghel7815]

The new J model reminds me of the novel Flight of the Old Dog by Dale Brown

[@thewarzone]

Very much so. The world is stranger than fiction!

[@brianvanveghel7815]

His novels definitely foretold the future.

[@roelej]

The one aircraft where they are going to run out of the alphabet, because of the new upgrades.

[@13JonnyR]

Informative report, thank you.

[@thewarzone]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robclive6892]

Great stuff as always

[@thewarzone]

Thank you!

[@GoatLockerGaming]

The buff is eternal... the buff is time itself.

[@thewarzone]

Will outlive most of us.

[@poop80016]

Good content, well done!

[@thewarzone]

Thank you, glad you dug it!

[@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere]

I've followed TWZ for a long time on Twitter and i am so looking forward to more of these long form content videos

[@thewarzone]

Thanks, we're really excited to be able to bring them to our audience!

[@Old_B52H_Gunner]

I miss flying in this aircraft.

[@thewarzone]

I would love to do a story with a B-52 gunner. Shoot me an email if interested www.twz.com/air/b-52-future-stratofortress-the-upgrades-that-will-transform-the-b-52h-into-the-b-52j

[@MarkHonea-dx6mv]

With the multifaceted integrated offense/ defense planning as the strike control being developed by the u.s. military, it is high time the b52 got the true upgrade required to fill its place in the ever increasing task of fitting into our strategic plan. No one component is being asked to do more than its capability, and this tool will fill the goal required in achieving a fully armed response to threats percieved, or imagined, in all of the regions recognized as needful.

[@israelnicolas9209]

Yep i was born 1956

[@The_ZeroLine]

It’s becoming much easier to list which aircraft can’t aid other aircraft and weapons in targeting and surveillance. By-the-by, in the current info environment, I think it’s important to always note a true hypersonic weapon doesn’t use a ballistic trajectory.

[@mlusiak]

Great video, I didn't know you have a channel, subscribing!

[@thewarzone]

We just started it a little over a month ago...looking forward to growing the channel and happy to have you along for the ride!

[@Opusss]

The B-52 didn't just "stand alert at the height of the cold war." Operation "Chrome Dome" Saw B-52s actively patrolling the skies 24 hours a day 7 days a week with as many as 12 planes in the air at any given time. The pilot program started in 1958 ramping up to a full operation that lasted from 1961 to 1968. It is hard to thing of a greater example of American military might.

[@thewarzone]

We mention the pole patrols

[@craigguinn5423]

Family relative was a ‘52 wing commander, interesting stories.

[@Jetmech01]

With all these upgrades going on the BUFF, can we please get a hand hold for the pilots!

[@zororosario]

Cool updates 😊 thanks cheers