what will replace the long running B-52 Stratofortress and when?

Hopefully the B-1 or B-2 bombers, but they are too expensive. The B-52, though a slow plane still serves its job well. Im not sure whats happening to the B-52's now, but it would be sad to see them go. In my opinion they will still be sufficient for the modern and near future battle.

B-1 and B-2s are not meant to replace the B-52

Under current air force projections they plan to keep the B-52 in service until 2032.

Damn.....2032?? The B-52's been around a loong time as it is. I'm surprised they've made it this far...they still do delivery quite a punch though.

yes but they arnt the b-52's of old... they have been constantly upgraded... engines, electronics, weapons, cockpit etc etc...

I have heard that every piece of equipment on the B-52 has been changed over the years.

i always liked the hustler....now THAT was a sexy lookin aircraft

Originally Posted by chewie_nz

i always liked the hustler....now THAT was a sexy lookin aircraft

So was the Valkyrie XB-70 but that was cancelled. The B-52 is still a superb carpet bombing platform that does exactly what's asked of it.

This is the evidence of an extremely successful design.
Quite frankly I see nothing in the world that can replace this thing. Who knows... they might be around for so long that they may actually end up being UAVs. lol

Originally Posted by The Other Guy

I have heard that every piece of equipment on the B-52 has been changed over the years.

Not only equipment but it's whole structure is replaced piece by piece over the years.
A 20 years old aircraft has no part on it that it left the factory with.
All this is due to aging / stressed material. Even unused spare parts in stock have an expiration date (like food). After expiration these parts have to be certified new or they go to the scrap yard.