Animal_Prong t1_jaagk2z wrote on February 28, 2023 at 12:45 AM

Yah they are gonna get phased out of use and replaced by the b21

Thunderbird120 t1_jaaqq3u wrote on February 28, 2023 at 2:00 AM

Nope, they live on. The B-21 replaces the B-1 and the B-2 but the B-52 continues. There are a lot of roles which don't need stealth but do need significant payloads, range, and the ability to bolt large, oddly shaped things under the wings. The B-52s theoretically take some pressure off the B-21s for things like chucking long range cruise missiles or deploying MALDs. You can technically do that out of cargo planes these days but the B-52s already exist, are a little better for the role, and don't really cost that much to operate.

hpshaft t1_jab7abq wrote on February 28, 2023 at 4:09 AM

B52s are also in the beginning stage of FINALLY getting new commercial based engines. That alone will help prolong its lifespan.

nuxes t1_jaapq5z wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:53 AM

More likely the B-2 will be retired before the B-52. They are enormously expensive to maintain and shelter. One of the goals of the B-21 was to significantly reduce the operating cost.

Animal_Prong t1_jaaq0nl wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:55 AM

Yep them bad boys ain't cheap. There where what 20 b2 made and they are planning on making 500 b21?

Thunderbird120 t1_jaarrg9 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 2:08 AM

100-200 is the likely range for number of B-21s built.