Some aircraft are remembered for their unique designs, rugged capabilities, and even pop culture influence. The B-52 incorporates all of these elements and is absolutely impressive, with a wingspan of 185 feet. Its size may have played a role in an incident where a B-52 that nearly hit a plane actually almost hit another plane as well. Nevertheless, many observers noticed strange ripple effects in the body of this huge aircraft during normal flight or taxiing on the runway.
Fortunately, this odd wrinkle isn’t a sign that something is wrong with the B-52; on the contrary, it exhibits masterful design. This large bomber, like all aircraft, is designed from lightweight aluminum, which includes the outer panels that form the exterior. These ripples can occur in flight when the force of air flowing around the fuselage compresses certain panels, or on the ground when the airframe bends under load.
Because the B-52’s outer “skin” is very thin, this is a common occurrence, but not always visible unless sunlight hits it just right. Although these aluminum panels are thin, each of them is designed to withstand the load, like all other components of the airframe. However, the B-52’s creases are usually seen near the front of the bomber for a specific reason.
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Why is the crease usually only visible near the front of the B-52?
Bottom view of a B-52 aircraft in flight above – CSWFoto/Shutterstock
One of the reasons why this undulation is often seen in a particular area of a bomber is due to its construction. The forward area between the wings and the cockpit is loaded as the aircraft reaches lift. This area is below the center of lift and therefore flexes.
It’s not just the B-52 that has wrinkles: the Boeing 757 also had a weird look, but again, it seems to only be visible on a certain part of the plane. Unlike the B-52, the 757’s dons ripple along the lower rear fuselage. This may be related to the proximity of this area to the tail, which may be responsible for bending the outer plates.
The fuselage is made to flex to a certain degree, and you may not know that the walls of commercial airplanes are only 4 inches thick and hollow. Fortunately, being heavy and thick doesn’t require the aircraft to be strong, as the frames, beams and skin work together to provide more than enough structure to withstand the stresses of flight.
Could the waviness also be related to the age of the aircraft?
Black and white image of a B-52 flying over Vietnam – Bettmann/Getty Images
An older B-52 may wrinkle more due to an aging airframe, as the metal can fatigue over time. Again, structural integrity is nothing to worry about. Greater swell would have little effect on the airworthiness of the aircraft as it is required to operate within normal parameters and still be serviceable. Boeing tests the aircraft’s structural fatigue using hydraulic equipment that simulates various forces during flight, which provides a much better indication of flight suitability.
Considering that the airframes of some of the B-52s still in service were originally built in the early 1960s, they seem to be holding up pretty well. In fact, the Air Force has extended the B-52’s service life through 2040, eventually making these airframes 80 years old. Fortunately, these bombers will be upgraded in several ways with newer Rolls-Royce engines, switching and advanced navigation technology.
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