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by H. J. Campbell (Author)
The "Iron Fist" in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) shield depicts strength, power, and loyalty, and the science and art of employing far reaching advantages in securing the objectives of war - characteristics which are embodied in the powerful and venerable B-52 Stratofortress. The B-52 quickly became the mainstay of the SAC nuclear deterrence strategy beginning in the mid-1950s and continued in this role, as well as new conventional roles, until SAC's demise in 1992. Amazingly, the B-52H still continues in active service as a critical element in the Air Force Global Strike Command arsenal.
The B-52 is a formidable weapon system capable of carrying the widest array of weapons and armaments of any Air Force aircraft. Initially designed as a standard-wing, six-engine turboprop bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, it eventually evolved into the swept-wing eight-engine jet bomber we know today This evolution brought continuous improvements in aircraft performance and capability, culminating in the TF-33 powered B-52H.
In this configuration, the Stratofortress performs multi-mission capabilities including long-range precision strike, close air support, air interdiction, defense suppression, and maritime surveillance. It has a maximum take-off weight of 488,000 pounds and carries up to 70,000 pounds of armament and weapons. The maximum speed is 650 miles per hour, and unrefueled range is 8,800 miles. The remaining 76 aircraft continue to receive regular upgrades and are expected to remain in service until the 2050s - nearly 100 years since they were first introduced.
The B-52A first flew in 1954 and the three aircraft produced were used for test purposes. The B model was the first operational aircraft and entered service in 1955. A total of 744 B-52s were built, with the last B-52H delivered in October 1962. The B-52 served gallantly with SAC for over 35 years in every major conflict throughout the Cold War period. They flew more than 2,000 airborne alert sorties during the Cuban Missile Crisis equipped with nuclear weapons. They flew thousands of sorties carrying conventional iron bombs during the Vietnam War and finished out their service with SAC by launching conventional cruise missiles and dropping thousands of precision weapons and iron bombs during the Gulf War in 1991.
The B-52 Stratofortress was once considered an interim weapon system, which was expected to be replaced by faster and more capable aircraft such as the B-58, B-70, and B-1 within just a few years. But it flies on, defying all odds, and continues to amaze even the most diehard fans with its continuing evolutions. It has truly become the most versatile strategic bomber ever built!
