Gents,

Thanks for the pointers: I had wondered about Yenne, and though I agree that maybe a B-52 book is a bit pointless, I had thought that some good, well-researched work might be out there. Shame really, but not totally unexpected. As with many aircraft subjects, unless a dedicated enthusiast comes along most will be covered by authors writing to a quota. It’s not a scenario which encourages proper research.

My renewed interest started when I was talking to someone who told me (with some conviction) that ’40’ were still in service, but that the USAF had ‘hundreds’ in store: the figure (considering only the H model is still active) can’t be more than the just over 100 produced, and it seems that 73-ish are still active (or at least ‘not in storage’) and 15 or so in special storage for Immediate Reserve (or whatever the USAF term is these days). The ’73’ includes NASA’s B-52H, and a couple assigned to the Edwards TW.

I’ll see if I can find the Key special, which brought to mind a World Air Power Review of Winter 1996 (now retrieved from the garage) memory served well that it did a good job of covering more recent events/developments [edit: up to 1996 obviously]. Ditto the Crowood book: theirs seem to be a mix of ‘quota’ and ‘enthusiast’ writers, and sometimes they did produce a gem: I hadn’t seen the BUFF book I have to say.

From here — http://www.af.mil/News.aspx

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England (AFNS) — With the sharp screech of rubber meeting asphalt, two B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, touched down June 2 at Royal Air Force Fairford.

Third arrived yesterday; and one out/in to ILA at Berlin. Despite what The Mail might say, no further B-52s expected. Although one should never say ‘never’.