Boeing B-52H Stratofortress

US Air Force

Overview

   This is the US Air Force's heavy hitter today. Probably the last in a long line of these gigantic flying machines, the H model can deliver conventional or nuclear weapons, and when combined with the latest technology in weapons delivery, it is able to rain down, literally, hell from above. With an electro-optical viewing system and a global positioning system, the B-52 is even more accurate in weapons delivery. Pilots are now outfitted with night vision goggles for increased safety and accuracy in low-level nighttime operations. Flying up to 50,000 feet, the Stratofortress performs air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations, and anti-ship missions. The defensive rear guns have since been removed from the B-52H, along with the tail gunner position. Continual upgrades and improvements upon the Stratofortress include various sensors, a global positioning system, smart bomb capability, and night vision goggles for the pilots. The first H models were delivered in the May of 1961, with the last in October 1962. Although more modern designs such as the B-1B and the B-2 are able to perform a mission more efficiently, the B-52's lifespan is speculated to serve on until 2045. For information on the older B-52s, check the page here.

B-52H Stratofortress Specifications

Primary function: long range strategic heavy bomber
Manufacturer: Boeing Military Airplane Co.
Power plant: eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines
Thrust: 17,000 pounds each engine
Length: 159.3 feet (48.5 meters)
Height: 40.7 feet (12.4 meters)
Wingspan: 185 feet (56.4 meters)
Speed: 650 mph (Mach 0.86)
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,151.5 meters)
Maximum takeoff weight: 488,000 pounds (219,600 kilograms)
Range: 8,800 miles (7,652 nautical miles) unrefueled
Armament: approximately 70,000 pounds (31,500 kilograms) of mixed ordnance (modified to carry air-launched cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship and Have Nap missiles)
Deployment date: February 1955
Unit cost: $74 million