B-52
 Since
becoming operational in 1955, the Boeing Stratofortress B-52 has
been the main long-range heavy bomber of the Strategic Air Command.
Affectionately known as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella), it first
flew on April 15, 1952. Nearly 750 B-52s were built when production
ended in October 1963, of which 170 were D models. The D models
were modified to carry conventional bombs externally, and later
series had provisions for Hound Dog air-to-surface missiles and
Quail decoy missiles. On January 18, 1957, three B-52Bs completed
the world's first non-stop round-the-world flight by jet aircraft,
lasting 45 hrs., 19 mins., with only three aerial refuelings en
route.
A B-52 also made the first known airborne hydrogen bomb drop over
Bikini Atoll on May 21, 1956. Engines: Eight Pratt & Whitney
turbofan engines. Weight (max. takeoff): 420,000 lb. Speed: Maximum
597.68 mph. Armament: One M-61 20mm gun in General Electric rear
turret with Emerson ASG-21 automatic fire control system.
|
