With the installation of the new radar, a modified variant of the F/A-18EF Super Hornet’s APG-79 AESA radar, the B-52 is also getting a facelift, with a more streamlined profile and a cleaner look. The B-52 Is So Old It’s Nicknamed Stratosaurus. First flown in 1952, the venerable Boeing B-52 could well be the first military aircraft to remain in service for a century. by Stephan Wilkinson 12/3/2018. A B-52D Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base on Guam for a mission over North Vietnam during Operation Linebacker II in The B-52 is the longest serving and most versatile of the United States Air Force's combat aircraft. The Stratofortress entered active service in 1955 and is scheduled to continue as part of the air force's inventory through 2040. The B-52 Stratofortress is one of the most massive (and impressive) bombers currently flying. It is also a rare sight, given how under 60 of them are around, and very expensive to take out and fly The B-52: it’s the plane that the Air Force just can’t say goodbye to. The Air Force has recently decided to extend the service life of the B-52 through the 2040s. At that point, some of the B-52 airframes will be approaching an incredible 90 years old, making the planes considerably older than anyone flying them. Credit: US Air Force photo. . One of the most well-known strategic bombers is the B-52 Stratofortress. The B-52 can carry up to 70,000 pounds and has a combat range of over 8,800 miles. The Northrop B-2 Spirit (Stealth Bomber) is also currently in service. It can carry 80 500-pound GPS-guided bombs or 16 2,400-pound nuclear bombs. 2. Tactical Bombers B-52 Stratofortress Marker. Inscription. The B-52 was designed by Boeing Aircraft in October 1946 in response to the Army Air Corp request for a long range bomber capable of carrying a 10,000 lb payload 3000 miles at 300 mph. The B-52 flew for the first time on 15 April 1952. It's the only aircraft in the world with eight jet engines. Boeing B-29 Superfortress next to Convair B-36 Peacemaker (size comparison) Pretty amazing. 230ft wingspan in 1946! The Spruce Goose flew in '47 with a 320' wingspan! * Water. I was in Oregon for a wedding a few weeks ago and carved out an extra day to go see it in McMinnville. Worth the trip, and worth the extra $30 for the flight deck tour The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. Pictured: A B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Bomb squadron, lands on the flight line during Exercise Prairie Vigilance 23-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is one of the three strategic bombers that are currently serving for the United States Air Force. The aircraft was built by the Boeing which to this day is continuing its support and further upgrades. The aircraft has been serving for the US Air Force since 1950s. This is one of the world’s top class bomber

b 52 stratofortress size comparison