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Designation: B-52A

Boeing B-52A

Boeing NB-52A (B-52A) Stratofortress

A picture of the Boeing B-52A Stratofortress

Designed as a long-range heavy bomber to carry nuclear weapons deep into Soviet territory, the B-52 has proven to be a highly adaptable and versatile aircraft.  Serving as a strategic nuclear bomber, conventional heavy bomber, and as a test aircraft, the B-52 has flown in the U.S. Air Force for more than sixty years and late models of the Stratofortress are expected to serve until 2040.  Design work for what would become the B-52 Stratofortress began in 1945.  After several major design changes, the first of the eight-engined bombers took to the air on October 2, 1952.  The first of the eight major production variants of the B-52 were built in 1954 with production of the last versions ending in 1963.  Only three of the “A” model Stratofrtresses were built and all served solely as test aircraft for both Boeing and the Air Force.  The oldest B-52 in existence, this is the third “A” model built.  This is one of two B-52s modified to carry the X-15 rocket plane.

Wingspan 185 ft

Wingspan

Length 156 ft

Length

Height 48 ft

Height

Weight 450,000 lbs (loaded)

Weight

Max. Speed 650 MPH

Maximum Speed

Service Ceiling 50,000 ft

Service Ceiling

Range 6,000 miles

Range

Engines Eight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-1W turbojets with 9,000 pounds of thrust each

Engines

Crew 6

Crew


Manufacturer
Boeing

Markings
Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, 1960s

Serial Number
52-0003

Designation
B-52A “The High and Mighty One”

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