Happy Birthday To The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

This is picture was taken three weeks ago at AMARG. This B-52G is known by AMARG's personnel as "The last cut."

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress: Timeles...
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress: Timeless Workhorse of the Skies

This is picture was taken three weeks ago at AMARG. This B-52G is known by AMARG's personnel as "The last cut."
This is picture was taken three weeks ago at AMARG. This B-52G is known by AMARG’s personnel as “The last cut.”

By Aviation Enthusiasts LLC

Sixty-two years ago today, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress took flight for the first time.  The B-52 began life as a proposed replacement for Strategic Air Command’s B-36s and B-50s.  Originally designed to be powered by turboprops, Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines were selected as the powerplant of choice.  At the roll-out ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff General Nathan Twining said: “The long rifle was the great weapon of its day…today this B-52 is the long rifle of the air age.”  The BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow) is the longest-serving front-line warplane in history and is one of the best-loved of all aircraft.  Although it was designed as a nuclear bomber, the BUFF is capable of carrying a huge conventional payload.  The B-52 was widely used in the Vietnam War and flew 1,624 sorties during Operation Desert Storm.  Production of the B-52 ended in 1962 after 744 aircraft were built and 94 remain in Air Force and Reserve inventory.

Here is a photo of a "BUFF" at the 2010 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.
Here is a photo of a “BUFF” at the 2010 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.

Visit the website at www.aviation-enthusiasts.com for more aviation and air show memories!

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