Still in Mil service, after 50 years?

This is the part I find most amusing.....

Can't imagine that happening now

 

I worked on that KC-135 program from 1954 until 1958. I started at Boeing in 1950. I worked on every jet program from the 367-80 ( 707 prototype) up to and including the 777. I retaired in 1992 and went back to my old group in preliminary design TWICE for a total of 48 years. So, I almost made it. More still with the B-52. I worked on that airplane in 1952 and it is still chuggin' along at age 54. They do 'em strong at the KITE FACTORY.
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Remember guys, there are still many DC3's (C-47's) still out there performing yeoman service day-in and day-out. Likely have many more hours on their airframes than KC-135's. (now THAT's and airplane!)

Heck, my own Piper Comanche is now over 40 years old!

Planeflyr

 

I still can't believe that the B52 is still in service.

 

It's like an old pickup truck..... no frills hauling capacity is always usefull.

 

The C-130 will be the same.

 

As will the B-52. The models in service now are scheduled to be in service till like 2040. Its impressive that a design can last for 100 years, and be adapted with the most modern technology. The AF sure got their $'s worth with that one.

 

It will be around for nearly 90years in active service before retired. Thats around the time when the F-15, F-16 F-18 will also be decommissioned as well as a potenal replacement for the F/A-22.

 

Hey,
Thats great to know

 

All of these airplanes will live forever because they hit the nail on the head the first time out of the blocks. Inspired engineering in the B-52 instilled the longevity into it because the correct answers for the mission were derived in the beginning. The mission has never really changed and subsequent designs have not improved on the capabilities of the B-52.
The 367-80 set the criteria for tanker/cargo/passenger vehicles that fly at subsonic Mach. The original design has never been improved... certainly modified in some areas but if one looks at the basic configuration, all successful airliners are the same to this day. Strut mounted engines, landing gear tucked into the fuselage, 35 deg. sweep, flying tail, etc. And the grand daddy of them all, the 747, is still the fastest and best in the skies. The KC-135 will go down in history as one of the most durable and effective birds in the Air Force.
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AND WE'RE STILL BUILDIN' 'EM, TOO! (C-130J)

 

Which goes to show, when you get it "right" it stays right.

The CH47 Chinook helicopter is another example.

 

I am hoping the KC-767 will be the next.

UPS will be taking delivery of a 767 freighter that is number 1000 of the line.

It may be a rather unremarkable A/P in size and speed but very solid and dependable. Last year I read an article that claimed the 767 was the model most often used for trans-Atlantic flights due to the economics and performance. I imagine it will be elcipsed soon by the plethora of new types and models out there.

 

You are correct, Spasso, the 767 is not the fastest or the biggest but it has an impressive track record in reliability, durability, and comfort. Sort of like an overgrown 737. And no wonder! I designed the potable water system on the -300 and also the little guy who shuts off the lights in the wheelwell after the doors close.
It will be a while before another bird takes over completely...767 has good economics.
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Interesting thread. My dad signed the contracts for the B-52 at Wright Patterson AFB. He was a contract negoiating officer for that project. There use to be a copy of the cover page in the Library of Congress with his signature on it.

Just think, a bunch of the general aviation airplanes are about the same age. My Mooney logs in at 44 this year.

Bob Wassam

 

well said.

time to trade in that old F-100 for a new F-150.