It’s interesting and encouraging to know that older aircraft may be modified and maintained. You make no mention of better engines. Additionally, if true, “maintenance-friendly” architecture is extremely cost-effective – but only if it is created with maintenance in mind.

At my first job, I worked on those outdated B-52H model airplanes at Minot, North Dakota, where the winters were bitterly cold and the summers were oppressively hot. Later, at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana and U-tapao TNAS in Thailand, I worked on the D and G types. The fact that they continued to keep up after such a lengthy flight astounds me. Only enough of the newer models were left after destroying the older ones for the missions that were given to them.

I read about this event that happened in the 1980’s. A group of officials were driven to somewhere in a North African desert. A B-52 had left its Texas base 10(?) hours earlier, flew to near where the officials were located, dropped its bomb load and flew back to Texas non-stop. One of the observers said that they did not hear or see the bomber. Only the explosions keyed them that something happened.

When I see a B52 and a KC 135 and many passenger jets I am very proud to be American and even more fortunate as I am in the Pacific Northwest home to Boeing aircraft company. My neighbors, fathers, mother’s, grandmother’s and grandfather’s built these aircraft and thousands of other types. The hard work and dedication of these men and women saved the world 78 years ago. Their contribution today keeps our nation secure and brings families together. Thanks to all Boeing employee’s past and present. We can never repay you for you contribution to society.