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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