Kapitelklicken springt direkt hin
Shownotes
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Mike hosts Col. Joseph Little, callsign “Little Joe,” to discuss how the US Air Force is modernizing the legendary B-52 BUFF to keep it flying into the 2050s—100 years after its first flight.
Col Little is a B-52 Weapons Systems Officer, a US Air Force Weapons School graduate, a former test squadron commander, and currently serving as the Detachment 5 Commander of the Air Force Operational Test and
Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), where he oversees the B-52J program.
The B-52J modernization program is a $48 Billion
transformation designed to extend the bomber's life into the 2060s. It includes new engines, advanced cockpits, upgraded radar, and more, making it the most
significant overhaul in the aircraft's history.
This episode covers not just the tech but also tactics,
weapons, historical milestones, and untold war stories. Whether you're a fan of military aviation or interested in strategic operations, this insider’s look at the B-52 is a must-listen!
For those interested in #military #nationaldefense #warfare #nationalsecurity #defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #innovation #b52 #BUFF #bomber #aviation #airplanes #aerospace
Links
• Sign up for our amazing newsletter (themerge.co)!
• Support us on Patreon (patreon.com/the_merge)!
• Mike Benitez (LinkedIn) (linkedin.com/in/mike-benitez)
• Joseph Little (LinkedIn) (linkedin.com/in/joseph-little-179133205)
• AFOTEC, Det 5 (LinkedIn) (linkedin.com/company/afotecdet5)
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Show Notes
intro
yesterday vs today
B-52 in 2024
changing the crew roles
bombardier wings
The youngest oldest B-52s
BUFF origins
Orange BUFF
test units
test lessons from Vietnam
B-52 modernization
the B-52J
radar upgrade
quad crew concept
Fox-4 kill
new engines - why 8?
fixing the tanker bill
Iraqi Freedom tankers
engine nacelle issues
testing validated the model
rest of the engine mods
alert start requirements
cockpit upgrades
BUFF legacy - James Earl Jones
culture and change
the nuke consideration
AEHF radio upgrade
B-52 nose job?
Story 1 - aerial mining
Story 2 - CBU-105 combat drop
brakes?
outro
