loading…
Specifications of the United States Mainstay B-52 Bombers. PHOTO/Reuters
WASHINGTON – United States of America (USA) has bomber plane legendary that is very old, namely the B-52. Until now, the aircraft was first used in the 1950s and is now 71 years old.
The US government plans to extend the service life of the B-52 by 100 years. That way, the US will have the first aircraft in service for a century. The B-52 is a highly potent US treasure used on the battlefield.
Besides having high capabilities, the B-52 can also accommodate a large payload, have a long range, and can be used to carry nuclear weapons. Accordingly, the B-52 continues to be the most important contributor to US security strategy.
This prestigious bomber has a length of 48.5 meters with a wingspan of 56.4 meters. In addition, the B-52 also has a height of 12.4 meters and a maximum weight of 219,600 kg when it takes off. Unmitigated, the payload that can be carried by the B-52 is 31,500 kg.
There were 5 crew members who participated in the flight, consisting of the pilot, aircraft commander, navigator, radar navigator and electronics officer. In addition to missiles, this aircraft can also carry missiles, bombs, mines and various other weapons.
In order to operate until 2050, the US government is updating or upgrading the aircraft. Launching Sindonews, the first step to carry out this update is to replace the old aircraft engine with a new engine.
It is known, the B-52 has an older Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-103 turbofan engine and will be replaced with an F130 engine produced by Rolls-Royce. This brand-new engine was deliberately chosen because it was recorded to have accumulated more than 27 million flight hours. This has greatly strengthened that the F130 is a quality and tough item.
On the other hand, the presence of the new engine is also said to improve fuel efficiency and expand range. Not to mention the lure of very easy maintenance. As an aircraft manufacturer, Boeing will be tasked with integrating engines into aircraft.
Eura Asian Times reported that the B-52’s radar will also be upgraded because so far it has been considered very old-fashioned. The confirmed new radar selection is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet’s Raytheon AN/APG-79. The radar will provide aircraft with greater air-to-ground detection. The tracking range will also be massive with no less capable fire control capabilities.
(esn)
