NZFF

Amazing the age of some of the USAF airframes, I spotted these four old girls underway in Alaska this morning. Two are 57 years old, one is 58 and the one on the screen is 60.
Saw one yesterday that was 63! I wonder how many 787's or similar will make it to 60 ?

Splitpin wrote:Amazing the age of some of the USAF airframes, I spotted these four old girls underway in Alaska this morning. Two are 57 years old, one is 58 and the one on the screen is 60.
Saw one yesterday that was 63! I wonder how many 787's or similar will make it to 60 ?

Indeed it is amazing Marty! I really don't think the 787 will last that long haha, don't the KC-135s look great with the CFM56-2 Engine upgrades?

Although definitely wont sound as good as the old JT8D

Interesting after doing a bit of research on the KC-135 they say with the new CFM56-2 Engines combined with new avionics "The Air Force says these additions could keep the aircraft airworthy and capable through at least the 2040 fiscal year and possibly for another decade after that"

Pretty incredible really - shows how well the frames were built back then and how capable they are

Interesting article here https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/1 ... ss-cockpit

"don't the KC-135s look great with the CFM56-2 Engine upgrades?" Yes indeed, and a great link thanks Dash.
It's not just the K series, of course, the old B-52's could become 100-year-old airframes. It really is a testament to a different era, where longevity mattered ...sadly lost now I feel.