Aeroguide 28: Boeing B-52H Stratofortress

Ongar, Essex, England, United Kingdom: Linewrights Ltd, 1990. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Wraps. Very good. The format is approximately 8.25 inches by 11,75 inches. 40 pages, plus covers. Illustrations (some in color). Few airplanes have remained in active service as long as the B-52, which is slated to stay in operation through the turn of the century. Originally designed as a long-range nuclear bomber, the B-52 has seen service in Vietnam and the Gulf War, where its long range and massive bomb load were complemented by the ability to accommodate air-launched missiles. The authors provide several accounts from B-52 pilots and coverage of this magnificent airplane's design and continuing development. Two hunted photographs help document the Stratofortress' distinguished career. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American 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. 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 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 1952. Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions, the B-52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. A veteran of several wars, the B-52 has dropped only conventional munitions in combat. The B-52's official name Stratofortress is rarely used; informally, the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella). The B-52 has been in service with the USAF since 1955. There are 72 aircraft in inventory as of 2022: 58 operated by active forces (2nd Bomb Wing and 5th Bomb Wing), 18 by reserve forces (307th Bomb Wing), and about 12 in long-term storage at the Davis-Monthan AFB Boneyard. The bombers flew under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) until it was disestablished in 1992 and its aircraft absorbed into the Air Combat Command (ACC); in 2010, all B-52 Stratofortresses were transferred from the ACC to the new Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Superior performance at high subsonic speeds and relatively low operating costs have kept them in service despite the advent of later, more advanced strategic bombers, including the Mach 2+ Convair B-58 Hustler, the canceled Mach 3 North American XB-70 Valkyrie, the variable-geometry Rockwell B-1 Lancer, and the stealth Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit. The B-52 completed 60 years of continuous service with its original operator in 2015. After being upgraded between 2013 and 2015, the last airplanes are expected to serve into the 2050s.