Actually, the first two B-52s had the tandem cockpit. These were the XB-52 and the YB-52. The YB (at that time referred to as the service test article) was the first to fly. This was out of order from the standard AF test flight procedure. Normally, in the 1950's the X model (experimental flight test article) flew first. When the concept was proven, then the service test arcicles would be put through their paces. It was Curtis Le May that rejected Boeing's tandem arrangement and demanded a side-by-side (often called airliner style) cockpit.