Wed. Mar. 31/10 Pace51
Real world facts about the B-52 Strato Fortress
Manufacturer: Boeing
Range: 16,000 Km
Armament: One 20mm tail mounted M61A1 cannon, 81 bomb (1000 pounders), or 20 AGM-86 or AGM-129 Cruise missiles, or 4-6 nuclear tactical bombs. Older B-52’s carried varied bomb loads, and featured 4 50. cal browing machine guns instead of the M61A1 cannon.
Speed: 958 KpH
Maiden Flight: April 1952
The B-52 is the oldest bomber that is still operational. Built and operated post-ww2, this giant behemoth is capable of razing cities and emplacements with its massive bomb loads and nuclear weaponry. Although it can pull an “operation desert storm” and block out the sun with its ridiculous 81 bombs, bombing can be risky, since it renders the aircraft vulnerable to AA fire and enemy fighters. So, cruise missiles are used in modern times to take out targets. In the past, B-52’s featured several gun turrets and average armour. Today, the B-52’s now have a computerized rear turret, a very complex cockpit dominated by every lever imaginable, and its wings have been strengthened immensely to support the 8 engines. Also, the wings are filled with fuel, giving it a huge range boost. K class tankers can increase a B-52’s range to allow it to travel the world. In fact, it can reach any point in the world in 18 hours, maximum. 744 were originally built, and the last was completed in October of 1962.
B-52 are nicknamed “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fellow). A stratofortress taking off is a sight to see, as the 8 engines billow smoke and the enormous wingspan make it look like a black swirling cloud is pushing the B-52 upwards. The B-52 Can carry nuclear missiles, making it a super powerful weapon of destruction. However, the B1B Lancer has taken over from the B-52 as the USA’s chief tactical nuclear bomber. Under the cockpit, there is a mounted radome carrying the bombing radar scanner. B-52’s were heavily involved in Vietnam, incinerating North Vietnamese and damaging the environment. They were also active in the gulf war, where they launched cruise missiles at large Iraqi cities, like Mosul. The ultimate H model carries a 20mm Vulcan for defense.
The mass produced E series cost 6 million, but the first A series cost a whopping 29 million, which is a lot in the 50’s.
Real world facts about the B-52 Strato Fortress
Manufacturer: Boeing
Range: 16,000 Km
Armament: One 20mm tail mounted M61A1 cannon, 81 bomb (1000 pounders), or 20 AGM-86 or AGM-129 Cruise missiles, or 4-6 nuclear tactical bombs. Older B-52’s carried varied bomb loads, and featured 4 50. cal browing machine guns instead of the M61A1 cannon.
Speed: 958 KpH
Maiden Flight: April 1952
The B-52 is the oldest bomber that is still operational. Built and operated post-ww2, this giant behemoth is capable of razing cities and emplacements with its massive bomb loads and nuclear weaponry. Although it can pull an “operation desert storm” and block out the sun with its ridiculous 81 bombs, bombing can be risky, since it renders the aircraft vulnerable to AA fire and enemy fighters. So, cruise missiles are used in modern times to take out targets. In the past, B-52’s featured several gun turrets and average armour. Today, the B-52’s now have a computerized rear turret, a very complex cockpit dominated by every lever imaginable, and its wings have been strengthened immensely to support the 8 engines. Also, the wings are filled with fuel, giving it a huge range boost. K class tankers can increase a B-52’s range to allow it to travel the world. In fact, it can reach any point in the world in 18 hours, maximum. 744 were originally built, and the last was completed in October of 1962.
B-52 are nicknamed “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fellow). A stratofortress taking off is a sight to see, as the 8 engines billow smoke and the enormous wingspan make it look like a black swirling cloud is pushing the B-52 upwards. The B-52 Can carry nuclear missiles, making it a super powerful weapon of destruction. However, the B1B Lancer has taken over from the B-52 as the USA’s chief tactical nuclear bomber. Under the cockpit, there is a mounted radome carrying the bombing radar scanner. B-52’s were heavily involved in Vietnam, incinerating North Vietnamese and damaging the environment. They were also active in the gulf war, where they launched cruise missiles at large Iraqi cities, like Mosul. The ultimate H model carries a 20mm Vulcan for defense.
The mass produced E series cost 6 million, but the first A series cost a whopping 29 million, which is a lot in the 50’s.