Ghostrider returns - an old B-52 recommissioned for service

[CCIP]

A very cool story for all you warbird lovers :up:

http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/fun-facts/return-ghost-rider.html


For the first time, an old B-52 has been taken out of storage in the Boneyard and returned to flying status, with the aim of re-entering frontline service by 2016. The B-52H "Ghost Rider", originally built in 1961, was decommissioned and arrived at Davis-Monthan for storage in 2008 - but after another B-52 was damaged beyond repair recently, the USAF has requisitioned the old bird, and last Friday she took to the air!

http://i.imgur.com/Zg6vddC.jpg

Rock on, Ghost Rider :rock:

[Stealhead]

Not much can stop a BUFF. Won't see any G's coming back though now the USAF only flies the H models of course they are the youngest having been built from 60-61. Still that makes the youngest H at least 54.

[GoldenRivet]

I read an article some years back about the B-52. The article theorized that as resilient as the airframe is with engine, avionics and weapons system upgrades it is entirely possible that the aircraft could be in service in one capacity or another for almost if not up to 100 years. (not necessarily 100 year old airplanes... but a 100 year old airframe design/class)

She'll put 63 years of service behind herself this April, combine that with her anticipated service life stretching on for another 25 years, I wouldnt be surprised if the B-52 was a successful airframe closing in on at least 90 years.

:huh:

[Jimbuna]

I wish we could have done similar with our Vulcans and Buccaneers.

[Stealhead]

I read that there have been proposals to re-engine the fleet even when earlier models where still in use. Each time for budgetary reasons the Air Force chooses not to. The G and H where built with better engines which provided more power still they are 50's technology and much less fuel efficient than modern engines and even engines that where designed 30 years ago.

I'm betting that eventually they probably will at some point re-engine at least some of the H models. As not only would fuel efficiency increase but maintainace costs would improve as the older TF-33s require much more TLC than a more modern turbofan.