Subdeacon Joe Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 Big Ugly Fat Fellow Quote On April 15th 1952, Boeing test pilot “Tex” Johnson pulled back on the control yoke of the prototype YB-52 Stratofortress and she took to the air for the first time. Once the design was deemed acceptable by the United States Air Force (USAF), the B-52 went into service in 1955. So began more than 60 years ( ! ) of continuous service by the Big Ugly Fat F***** (BUFF) to the United States Air Force. Because the last of the 744 B-52s built was completed in 1962, the very youngest BUFF is still a card-carrying member of AARP. But the real mind-bending fact here is that BUFFs will most likely serve as this nation’s primary long-range heavy bomber well into the 2040s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 I thought you were referring to the C-47. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 More on the B-52’s longevity.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Pat Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 I had a friend that was listed MIA from being hit over Hanoi during the Christmas bombing. They never found anything. I was told by other aircrews that they used the older models for Vietnam and kept the newer B-52s for the nukes. I understand the reasoning behind the decisions but I still hate losing a friend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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