B-52 Stratofortress
Design and Development
The B-52 Stratofortress, often referred to as the B-52, is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The bomber was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s.
The B-52 was designed to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions. It replaced the Convair B-36. The B-52's official name Stratofortress is rarely used in informal circumstances, and it has become common to refer to the aircraft as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella).
Operational History
The B-52 has been in active service with the USAF since 1955. As of December 2015, 58 were in active service with 18 in reserve. The bombers flew under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) until it was disestablished in 1992 and its aircraft absorbed into the Air Combat Command (ACC). In 2010, all B-52 Stratofortresses were transferred from the ACC to the newly created Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC).
Design
The B-52 shared many technological similarities with the preceding Boeing B-47 Stratojet strategic bomber. The two aircraft used the same basic design, such as swept wings and podded jet engines, and the cabin included the crew ejection systems.
Variants
Over the years, the B-52 has been modified and upgraded to enhance its capabilities and prolong its service life. The B-52A first flew in 1954, and the B model entered service in 1955. A total of 744 B-52s were built with the last, a B-52H, delivered in October 1962. The final delivery to the USAF was the last B-52G, in 1961.
Operators
The B-52 has only been operated by the USAF, although a number of aircraft have been converted for civilian use. The aircraft has seen service in a number of conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War in Afghanistan.