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
Length
156 ft
Height
48 ft
Weight
450,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
650 MPH
Service Ceiling
50,000 ft
Range
6,000 miles
Engines
Eight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-1W turbojets with 9,000 pounds of thrust each
Crew
6
Manufacturer Boeing
Markings Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, 1960s
Serial Number 52-0003
Designation B-52A “The High and Mighty One”
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.