[simpits-tech] Whats happenin?

[Brian Sikkema]

  On 08/27/2010 11:38 PM, Ido Dekkers wrote:
> the question is not how old is the platform but how old is the oldest 
> actual plane still flying ?

Oldest tanker I'm aware of is a 1957 model.

The B-52s are around the same vintage as us, and some C-130s aren't much 
younger.

An interesting fact I read recently in the tanker debate. Right now the 
Air Force has over 400 KC-135s still in inventory. In the civilian 
world, there are >>>4<<< 707's still in service - ANYWHERE.

Civilian airlines recapitalize their fleets every 10-15 years, because 
it's cheaper in the long run to do it that way. Maintenance costs on old 
planes are substantial. DoD procurement, however, isn't up to that task, 
unfortunately....

Brian