U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber refueling during training mission @mil3010

Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress—affectionately known by its crews as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella)—is the ultimate survivor of the aviation world. Introduced in 1955 to serve as a high-altitude nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, this massive heavy bomber has defied retirement for generations.

The Air Force currently plans to keep flying it through 2050, meaning the airframe will achieve a mind-boggling century of continuous active service.

U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber refueling during training mission

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