The story
The B-52 Stratofortress first flew in 1952 and is expected to serve into the 2050s, nearly a century for one design. It has been rewired, re-armed and upgraded again and again, and Rolls-Royce F130 engines are on the way for the B-52J, but that iconic silhouette hasn't changed.
Every B-52 still in service is a B-52H, and the last one left the Wichita factory in October 1962. If they fly into the 2050s as planned, some airframes will pass 90 years old.
Quick answers
How do you identify a B-52 Stratofortress?
Eight engines in four paired pods under an enormous swept wing that flexes visibly. Bicycle main gear with small outrigger wheels near the wingtips. Long, slab-sided fuselage and a tall flat fin.
What does a B-52 Stratofortress sound like?
Eight engines create an unmistakable low-frequency roar. On takeoff, the sound is earth-shaking.
How fast is the B-52 Stratofortress?
Top speed is 565 kts.
How far can the B-52 Stratofortress fly?
Range is about 7,650 nmi.
How big is the B-52 Stratofortress?
It is 159 ft 4 in long and 185 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the B-52 Stratofortress first fly?
Its first flight was in 1952.
How many B-52 Stratofortresss have been built?
744 built.
What do crews call the B-52 Stratofortress?
The BUFF.
How rare is a B-52 Stratofortress in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first B-52 Stratofortress catch is worth 1,000 points.
