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.