B-52 Stratofortress

Brand: Boeing
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 650 mph (1,046 km/h)
Range 8,800 miles (14,080 km)
Payload Capacity 70,000 lb (31,751 kg)
Crew 5

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
Manufacturer	Boeing Defense, Space & Securit
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1955
Status	Active / Modernized
Category	Long-range strategic bomber
Crew	5
Unit Cost	Approx. $84 million (modernized)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	159 ft 4 in (48.5 m)
Wingspan	185 ft (56.4 m)
Height	40 ft 8 in (12.4 m)
Wing Area	4,000 sq ft (372 m²)
Empty Weight	185,000 lb (83,250 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	488,000 lb (221,350 kg)

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	650 mph (Mach 0.86)
Range	8,800 miles (14,080 km)
Combat Radius	4,480 miles (7,200 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,200 m)
Rate of Climb	6,270 ft/min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	8 × Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan (to be replaced by Rolls-Royce F130)
Thrust (per engine)	17,000 lbf
Total Thrust	136,000 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	70,000 lb
Weapons Bay	Central internal bay + 12 external hardpoints
Compatible Weapons	JDAM, JASSM, ALCM, HARM, nuclear bombs
Hardpoints	12 external

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	AN/APG-79 AESA radar (planned upgrade)
Navigation	GPS/INS + digital flight control
Electronic Warfare (EW)	AN/ALQ-172 jamming suite
Stealth Features	None (non-stealth design)

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	U.S. Air Force (Global Strike Command)
Conflict Usage	Vietnam, Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq
Notable Missions	Operation Linebacker II, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom

8. Additional Information

Variants	B-52A through B-52H (B-52J under development)
Successor / Future Replacement	B-21 Raider
Notable Features	Long endurance, large payload, global reach
Estimated Operational Life	Through 2055

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Stealth Capability 2 / 10
Payload Capacity 10 / 10
Range & Endurance 10 / 10
Electronic Warfare 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional range and payload capacity
Proven reliability over 70+ years
Compatible with nuclear and precision-guided munitions
Continuous modernization ensures relevance
Cost-effective compared to newer bombers

CONS

Non-stealth airframe vulnerable to modern SAMs
Requires long runways and support infrastructure
High maintenance and fuel consumption
Slow subsonic speed
Limited survivability in contested airspace

B-52 Stratofortress: America’s Long-Range Strategic Bomber

For over seven decades, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has served as a cornerstone of U.S. airpower and strategic deterrence. First flown in 1952 and entering service with the U.S. Air Force in 1955, the B-52 was designed as a long-range, subsonic heavy bomber capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional ordnance across intercontinental ranges without refueling.

Manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the B-52’s longevity is a testament to its adaptability and robust engineering. It can carry up to 70,000 pounds of mixed ordnance, including cruise missiles, precision-guided bombs, and nuclear weapons. The aircraft’s unrefueled range exceeds 8,800 miles, and with aerial refueling, it can remain airborne for more than 24 hours—projecting American power anywhere on the globe.

Equipped with advanced avionics upgrades, modern AN/APG-79 radar, and digital communication systems, the Stratofortress remains a vital platform for modern warfare. The upcoming B-52J variant will feature new Rolls-Royce F130 engines, extending its operational life beyond 2050.

Despite lacking stealth characteristics, the B-52’s unmatched range, payload, and flexibility make it indispensable for missions including strategic bombing, maritime strike, and close air support. Its operational record spans conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning it a place as one of history’s most successful and enduring combat aircraft.

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