According to recent engineering studies, the B-52 will continue to operate after 2040
The stunning old pictures in this post highlight several significant achievements made by the original B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber prototypes.
Noteworthy, the YB-52 (the second XB-52 equipped with greater operational equipment) is taking off from the Rogers Dry Lake bed for an 11-hour basic radius test mission in the picture at the top of the article. The flight, which actually took place on July 7, 1953, proved that the bomber was capable of taking off with a large fuel load, traveling more than 2,700 miles at combat altitude, performing simulated combat maneuvers, and then landing.
The authenticity of the second photograph, which was also used to commemorate the radius test mission, is unknown.
The third image, on the other hand, was made on November 21, 1952, and it depicts the first arrival of the Boeing XB-52 Stratofortress at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), for engine calibration and thrust measurement before Phase II evaluation. On April 15, 1952, the brand-new intercontinental bomber took to the skies over Seattle. As you can see from the photo’s caption.
“The XB-52 ‘Stratofortress’ was powered by eight Pratt & Whitney YJ57-P-3 axial-flow turbojet engines. The speed, range, altitude, and bombload of the big bomber were all satisfactory.”
The B-52 Stratofortress has been the cornerstone of the American-manned strategic bomber force for more than 40 years. The B-52 is known as the “Big Ugly Fat Fucker” (or “BUFF” by its aircrews), and it is equipped with the largest arsenal of weaponry available to the United States. This includes joint direct attack munitions, precision-guided missiles, cluster bombs, gravity bombs, and such (JDAMs). The B-52 will continue to play a significant role in our country’s defenses well into the 21st century after being updated with contemporary technology and being able to deliver the complete complement of jointly designed weaponry. According to recent engineering studies, the B-52 will continue to operate past the year 2040.
Photo by Edwards History Office / U.S. Air Force
Source: U.S. Air Force
