The venerable B-52 bomber continues to amaze, flying close air support missions over Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Air Force officials say that over the past eight months, B-52 aircrews have flown more than 450 combat sorties, roughly 7,500 hours. They have released more than 150 weapons. To ensure the old bomber is up to snuff, the service has ground crews in 17 different specialties working 24/7 to maintain the BUFFs in theater. Air Force journalist MSgt Scott King reports that their job is complicated by their operating location, which makes it difficult at times to receive parts “in a timely manner.” And, that’s where the on-site “back-shop” specialists come in, repairing broken parts on the spot.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.