USAF Boeing B-52H Stratofortress

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The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 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 and NASA for over 40 years. The bomber can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of around 8,800 miles without aerial refueling.

Beginning with the successful contract bid in June of 1946, the B-52 design evolved from a straight wing aircraft powered by six turboprop engines to the final prototype YB-52 with eight turbojet engines and swept wings. The B-52 took its maiden flight in April of 1952. The B-52 has been in service with the USAF since 1955. Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War deterrence missions, the B-52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. The B-52B was followed by progressively improved bomber and reconnaissance variants, culminating in the B-52G and turbofan B-52H. Production ended in 1962 with the B-52H, with 742 aircraft built, plus the original two prototypes

This Boeing B-52, 76474 aircraft was assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque New Mexico for special weapons fit-up testing. With a camouflage finish, the Vietnam era aircraft was used throughout 1970 and half of 1971. Another B-52 (see CoW #18) aircraft is on display at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque and is the first and only aircraft to drop a hydrogen bomb during the Pacific test programs.

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