Originally Posted by
ORAC
I wonder which will stay in service longer, the TU-95 or the B-52?
Depends a lot on how you define "longer". If longer means the latest calendar date then the TU-95 has a big advantage in that the last Bear H (TU-95MS) was built in 86 and the last Buff in 62, a 24 year difference. If longer means the most calendar years in continuous service then the TU-95 still has the advantage. Both the Bear and Buff first flew in late 52 and have been in continuous service since. But the Bear enjoyed a much longer production period, with the last Bear being delivered 24 years after the last Buff. On the other hand, USAF is investing a LOT of money to keep the Buff relevant and safely flying for a few more decades. And the Buff has the advantage of being able to accept modern commercially developed and supported engines, while the Bear is dependent on engines unique to the Bear. It's hard to say how much longer those turboprops will remain supportable, and that may be the driving factor rather than airframe fatigue life.