B-52H STRATOFORTRESS BOMBERS CONTINUE TO FLY ABOVE THE REST


By bblouin
A B-52H Stratofortress bombers sit on the flightline on Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, March 19, 2020.

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bombers have decades of experience within the U.S. military. The long-range B-52 bomber is capable of doing a wide range of missions, including the obvious. However, if you’re thinking this aircraft is only good for dropping explosives, you’re dead wrong. Operated by pilots in the U.S. Air Force and NASA for decades, B-52H Stratofortress bombers are an engineering marvel. They continue to be an important part of our national defense. Suggested read: General Dynamics Electric Boat, Leading Sub Contractor, Facing Delays

The B-52H Stratofortress Bomber: Nuclear Capable but Capable of Much More

B-52H Stratofortress bombers have been around since 1962, whereas the B-52 as an aircraft predates the model, first flying in 1954, before entering service a year later. What makes the B-52H so special is that it’s capable of taking on multiple roles. This includes carrying a ton of bombs to whatever unfortunate target lies below. However, it also means carrying 70,000 lbs of weapons and equipment over a large distance for troops to easily access supplies. Refueling an aircraft is important. Luckily, B-52H Stratofortress bombers can fly with a range of about 8,800 miles before needing more fuel. The B-52H bomber is a cornerstone of the U.S. strategic bomber force. It has a wide range of weapons, including gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided missiles, and joint direct attack munitions. As a crucial element of national defense, the aircraft continues to prove its worth. It will remain operational until at least 2050. It is serving out of Minot AFB, North Dakota, (5th Bomb Wing) and Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, (2nd Bomb Wing) under the Air Force Global Strike Command. Today, the B-52H bomber model is the only one still active in the Air Force inventory for conflicts and operations. This includes Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The bombing capability of the B-52H Stratofortress aircraft is important and helps with nuclear deterrence as it is capable of nuclear strikes. But because of its payload capacity and large fueling capabilities, crews can also assist with resupply efforts and easily surveil large portions of a region. There is noted importance of the surveillance capabilities brought by B-52H Stratofortress bombers when it comes to monitoring the ocean. Additionally, there is a heightened need for such capabilities with tensions rising in the Pacific. However, while the aircraft is proving its usefulness in the USAF, you’ll find that it has a much different unofficial moniker used among troops.

Why the Military Loves Its BUFF Aircraft

Depending on who you ask, aircrews will have a different definition; however, the feeling remains the same no matter what level of crassness you apply to the B-52. The aircraft, also known as the BUFF, isn’t here to win the prettiest design award. However, it’s getting the job done. With that being said, it’s not exactly a looker. This is why BUFF stands for “Big Ugly Fat Fellow.” You can replace “Fellow” with another F-word, but my boss won’t let me print that one. The BUFF really found itself finding love due to its service in Vietnam and today, everything from maritime operations to offensive counter-air operations are on the table. Once B-52s weren’t being made anymore, the USAF kept advocating for their use, evolving their function through a variety of tests. It only takes two B-52H Stratofortress bombers two hours to conduct surveillance over 140,000 square miles over the ocean and the aircraft helps the U.S. Navy lay mines. Upgrades keep the BUFF going as does national defense. This includes rising tensions throughout the Pacific region. Related read: The Lean, Mean, Lethal B-52 Bombers – Wise Guy & Ghost Rider – Are Back!

Are the B-52H Stratofortress Bombers the Key to Peace in Asia?

It can launch nukes, it can find enemies in the sea, and it’s a great solution for maintaining peace in Asia. The U.S. officially sent its first B-52H bomber for a joint patrol with the Philippine military to monitor the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Of course, these actions inspired a response by China. They sent its own aircraft to the region. Three FA-50 light fighters belonging to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were joined by American forces. Capable of reaching an altitude of 50,000 feet at subsonic speeds, the B-52H is a show of force. The joint flyover was part of the ongoing Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the U.S. and the third of such MCAs ever, which began in November 2023. China pointed fingers at the countries accusing them of raising tension in the region. The maneuver came after actions by the Asian superpower affecting neighboring nations. For now, there is no declaration of war. Nations are continuing to find ways to deter direct conflict. The PAF reported the MCA originally featured two B-52H Stratofortress bombers. However, one had to turn around and go back to Guam. Read next: Operation Just Cause: Coups, Drugs, and Equality for Women


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