In service since 1955, the Boeing B-52 is a dinosaur in the USAF still doing its duty. Developed in the early 50’s, making its first flight April 15th 1952, destined to be the major long distance (nuclear) bomber for the United States in the earliest years of the cold war.
Developing Nation: | United States |
First Flight(s): | YB-52 : April 15th 1952 B-52A : August 5th 1954 |
First operational: | B-52B June 29th 1955, 93rd Bomb Wing, US Airforce Strategic Air Command at Castle AFB. |
Crew: | 6 |
Wing Span: | 56,39 m |
Wing: | 371,6 m² |
Length: | – B-52D: 47,72 m – B-52G,H: 49,04 m |
Weight empty: | 87.090 Kg. |
Weight Max. Load: | – B-52G: 221.350 Kg. – B-52H: 229.060 Kg. – B-52H after mid-air refueling: 256.730 Kg. |
Engines: | – B-52D: 8x Pratt & Whitney J57-19W turbojets with 5443 Kg. Thrust. – B-52G: 8x Pratt & Whitney J57-43W or 43WD turbojets with 6237 Kg. Thrust – B-52H: 8x Pratt & Whitney TF33-1 turbofans with 7711 Kg. Thrust |
Max. Speed: | – B-52D: 982 Kph. – B-52G: 1019 Kph. – B-52H: 1009 Kph. |
Max. Height: | – B-52D: 13,7 Km. – B-52G: 14 Km. – B-52H: 14,3 Km. |
Weapons: | – B-52D: 108 HE, or 4 Atomic Bombs – B-52G: 27 HE, or 8 Atomic Bombs, or 20 SRAM/ALCM missiles and 4x 0,5 inch Guns. – B-52H: Like the B-52G, only with 1x 20 mm Gun. |
The B-52 is only in use by the United States Air Force.
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