The fuselage has been flying since 1955 and is known as “Damage Inc. II.” The vessel is currently making its way to the Boeing facility in Oklahoma City, where it will be assembled and serve as a test prototype for modernization efforts. The modernization of Boeing B-52 was contracted from the United States Air Force (USAF), which include letting Boeing upgrade the engines on the B-52.
The iconic aircraft began its journey at Davis-Montham Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ on Jan. 3, making its way through southern Arizona and New Mexico. The fuselage is scheduled to make its way through the southwest portion of Oklahoma before it will arrive in the OKC Metro area, where it is expected to arrive on Jan. 22.
When the bomber arrives in OKC, crews will then maneuver the aircraft into the Boeing facility for engineers to begin the process of integrating new F130 engines recently selected by the USAF. These new engines will give the 60-year-old aircraft the power, range and speed necessary to remain mission ready through 2050 and beyond.