The B52 subsonic heavy bomber is literally older than I am. Two years older, in fact. The USAF still flies dozens of them. Could someone explain why and how?
I might be the only regular here with an Air Force background. But sure, I'll give it a shot. Yes, the B52 goes back to the 1950s. But not the planes in service now. The only model in service is the H-model, the last one of which was delivered in 1962. Still...that's still pretty old. So what gives? Maintenance and upgrades, are what. The maintenance on these planes is constant and comprehensive. Repairs, refurbishing, depot maintenance, these all contribute to the aircraft's longevity. Then there are the upgrades to control systems, electronics, weapons, engines, etc. The planes themselves have few original parts. Also, while 744 B-52s have been built, only 76 remain in service. The B-52 is so robust that both the B-1 and B-2--introduced long after the B-52--will be retired sooner than the B-52. The B-52 is officially known as the Stratofortress. It is colloquially known as the BUFF. The polite version of BUFF is "Big Ugly Flying Fellow." But I never heard that version of BUFF when I served. Fellow?
They already go back more than halfway to the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, which blows my mind. Even more amazing, I read that the B-52 is projected to remain in service into the 2050's!
A much longer life-cycle than the Ford Model T. And pretty near the same as the VW Beetle, in its various incarnations. The B-52 might be the longest-serving model of any kind of transportation. I don't think anything in railroads or any single ocean liner could beat it for length of service. As for the other B-52s - the drink, I've never even had one B-52. (Kahlua, Grand Marnier and Bailey's) Can't comment. The B-52's the Band? Founded in 1976 and still active. In their 47th year. That should tell us something - but still not a record. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_B-52's
Hm. Oldest transportation device? Hm. Ocean going ships don't last that long. Okay, I might have one...about twenty years ago, I did a training at the Naval War College with a fellow who was second engineer on a Lake freighter. Those folks were still shoveling coal! I don't recall the boat's name but I think he told me she was about 75 years old at the time. Fresh water is a lot easier on iron shell plating than seawater is. I think he also told me that it was her last shipping season before scrapping.
Of course if you include museum operations there are all kinds of steam railroads and steam boats that have run far longer but I think you mean regular revenue service.
Another isolated example is SS Badger, the Lake Michigan car ferry. Launched in 1952 and still steaming in revenue service.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution In active service from 1797 to 1881, remains a commissioned ship in the US Navy to this day, and still sails under her own power (albeit only on very special occasions).
They "turn" her once a year I'm told. Whether they set sail I don't know. I also don't know where they find officers capable of sailing her when she does venture out on her own. Managing a square rigged ship isn't a common skill these days. Then again, the USCG Cutter Eagle (Hitler's erstwhile yacht) is a barque so maybe they train Constitution's officers and crew?
