Quote:
Originally Posted by tcar
The Martin B-57, although modified, is still in use. By NASA, not the AF.
It's been around longer (slightly) than the B-62.
Edit: I remember (I think) that the Civil Air Patrol still uses DeHavilland Beavers in S&R. They would be older. I know, the CAP is not AF, an auxiliary, I think.
We thought we were pretty important.
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The CAP is almost Air Force but they are not really considered an armed force. I really want to know what aircraft is the oldest in active service in the USAF. My dad flew C-47s for the USAF in the 1970s. It is still in service with Colombia, El Salvador, and South Africa today, but that is not the USAF.
I know the Navy considers the 223 year old USS Constitution "in service" but is sure is never really going to be used in any active duty in the Navy except in ceremony.
The Army has the MA Deuce or M2 Browning in service since 1933. It is just amazing a gun made in 1933 is still in active duty, and nothing really can replace it for that purpose.
Right now if the USAF was tasked to heavy bomb an enemy target, a 60+ year old B-52 is likely to complete the order. There is no aircraft currently in line to replace it that I know of. It may well be in service for 100 years. In the mightiest armed forces of the USA.