Trump Flexes Muscle: B-52s Patrol Venezuela's Coastline

15 minutes ago, billd766 said:

A single B52 consumes on average 3,300 US gallons of fuel per hour.

 

As the nearest point to Venezuela from the USA is over 1,500 miles away and a minimum of 3 hours flying time for a B52,it means that the B52 will consume perhaps 10,000 US gallons just to get to its search zone.

 

The B52 holds almost 48,000 US gallons, so 40% of the fuel is consumed just to get there and back, given that it will be loitering in the area, the fuel consumption will be less, perhaps as low as 2,000 US gallons per hour, giving it a time over the area a maximum of 8 hours before it has to return.

 

So IMO there will need to be a replacement B52 sent out to cover the area for the rest of the daylight hours, and a 3rd prepped as an on the line standby in case of a problem with either of the first 2.

 

That is a hell of an expensive way just to sink a small boat, that may or may not be there.

 

Especially as the B52 is no longer manufactured and 14 airframe hours per aircraft per day, plus the fuel cost, will cost the USAF a lot in extra expenses over a period of time.

I doubt they are there he’s just doing his regular intimidation tactics that pretty much sums up his art of the deal…unless he’s dealing with someone he’s frightened of….then it’s taco and retreat.