Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

The Boeing B‑52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet‑powered strategic bomber that has served the United States Air Force since 1955. Developed by Boeing in the early 1950s to replace the Convair B‑36, the first flight occurred on 15 April 1952 and the aircraft entered operational service on 28 February 1955. Its eight Pratt & Whitney TF33‑P-3 turbofan engines give the B‑52 a cruising speed of about 650 mph and a combat radius exceeding 8,800 km, while its high‑wing configuration and massive internal bomb bay allow it to carry up to 70,000 lb of conventional or nuclear ordnance. Over the decades the platform has been upgraded with modern avionics, precision‑guided weapons, and defensive systems, enabling it to perform conventional bombing, maritime patrol, and long‑range strike missions. The bomber’s remarkable durability is illustrated by a service life projected beyond 2050, making it the longest‑served combat aircraft in history. Its flexible payload, unmatched range, and continuous modernization have cemented the B‑52 as a cornerstone of U.S. strategic deterrence and a symbol of enduring American air power. The aircraft’s iconic silhouette and its participation in conflicts from Vietnam to the present day underscore its adaptability and cultural impact.

Boeing

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

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