Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Josiah6
I once walked under a B-52 with its bomb bays open that was on display at an air show. To be honest about it, it didn't look like all that stuff would fit in there. What was most interesting were that the electric motors and machinery and etc. were obviously all so old. It really looked like something out of the '50s, it was a different style that we haven't see in consumer products for 40 years or more. It was like looking at an old manual typewriter. But, as it turns out, I suppose they were built to last, although I doubt anyone thought they'd last this long.
26 posted on 09/30/2001 7:10:26 PM PDT by PUGACHEV
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]


To: PUGACHEV
It really looked like something out of the '50s,
There's a reason for that

Since becoming operational in 1955, the Boeing Stratofortress B-52 has been the main long-range heavy bomber of the Strategic Air Command. Affectionately known as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella), it first flew on April 15, 1952.
Nearly 750 B-52s were built when production ended in October 1963, of which 170 were D models. The D models were modified to carry conventional bombs externally, and later series had provisions for Hound Dog air-to-surface missiles and Quail decoy missiles.
On January 18, 1957, three B-52Bs completed the world's first non-stop round-the-world flight by jet aircraft, lasting 45 hrs., 19 mins., with only three aerial refuelings en route.

A B-52 also made the first known airborne hydrogen bomb drop over Bikini Atoll on May 21, 1956.
Engines: Eight Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines. Weight (max. takeoff): 420,000 lb. Speed: Maximum 597.68 mph.
Armament: One M-61 20mm gun in General Electric rear turret with Emerson ASG-21 automatic fire control system.

37 posted on 09/30/2001 7:55:30 PM PDT by Valin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies ]

To: PUGACHEV
I flew as navigator in first operational B-52 squadron, 42nd Bomb Wing at Loring AFB Maine 1955. They are still the best and flying!! genben@hal-pc.org Kingwood,Texas
42 posted on 09/30/2001 8:14:14 PM PDT by genben
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson