![]() Almost intolerable stresses were placed on the airframe and the crews in this flight regime, but the rugged B-52 just flexed its wings and pressed on with its nuclear mission.Īlong the way, the B-52 was tasked with many missions that had not been envisioned, including photoreconnaissance of Soviet shipping and carriage of systems ranging from anti-ship missiles to high-speed reconnaissance drones. However, when Soviet surface-to-air missiles downed the U-2 spyplane piloted by Francis Gary Powers, the B-52 was given new tactics it was to evade enemy radar by skimming over the terrain at altitudes of 300 feet or less. When Soviet air defenses improved, the B-52 broke new ground by carrying Hound Dog stand-off missiles designed to suppress enemy defenses. In the early years it functioned exclusively as a high-altitude strategic bomber, built to overpower Soviet defenses with speed and advanced electronic countermeasures and deliver nuclear bombs totaling up to nine megatons in explosive power. The B-52’s stunning longevity is matched or exceeded by its versatility. ![]() Early in its eventful life, the B-52 was given the affectionate nickname “BUFF,” which some say stands for Big Ugly Fat Fellow. What’s more, its career is assured for at least 20 years more. ![]() However, its success has depended mostly on the talented individuals who built, flew, maintained, and modified it over the decades.Ĭalled to combat once again in the War on Terror, the B-52 continues to give front-line service in a variety of roles. The original B-52 design was a triumph of engineering. The B-52 began projecting global airpower with an epic, nonstop round-the-world flight of three aircraft in January 1957, and it continues to do so today. ![]()
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