Boeing B-52G Stratofortress

The Boeing B‑52G Stratofortress is the most produced variant of the United States Air Force’s iconic long‑range strategic bomber. First delivered in 1959, the G model represented the culmination of early B‑52 development, incorporating lessons learned from the previous B‑52A through F versions. A total of 166 G‑models were built, serving as the backbone of the SAC fleet throughout the Cold War and later conflicts. The aircraft features a 185‑foot wingspan, a length of 160 feet, and eight turbo‑fan powered Pratt & Whitney TF33‑A-1 engines that give it a cruise speed of Mach 0.86 and a combat radius exceeding 8,800 nautical miles without refuelling. Distinctive upgrades include new avionics, an enlarged fuel capacity, and the ability to carry a diverse payload of up to 70,000 pounds, ranging from nuclear weapons to conventional ordnance, cruise missiles, and precision‑guided munitions. The B‑52G’s rugged airframe and adaptable systems have allowed it to remain in service for more than six decades, proving essential in operations from Vietnam to the present day’s Middle‑East campaigns. Its enduring presence underscores the strategic flexibility and longevity that have made the B‑52 series a cornerstone of modern air power.

Boeing

Boeing B-52G Stratofortress

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Design & Classification