B-52H Stratofortress

Manufacturer: Boeing Defense
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed ~650 mph (Mach 0.86)
Range 8,800 miles
Payload Capacity 70,000 lbs
Crew 5

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	B-52H Stratofortress
Manufacturer	Boeing
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1961 / Present
Status	Active, Modernizing
Category	Long-Range Heavy Bomber
Crew	5
Unit Cost	~$84 million (modernized value)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	159 ft 4 in
Wingspan	185 ft
Height	40 ft 8 in
Wing Area	4,000 sq ft
Empty Weight	~185,000 lbs
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	488,000 lbs

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	~650 mph
Range	8,800 miles
Combat Radius	~4,400 miles
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	~6,000 ft/min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	8× TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines (future: F130 engines)
Thrust (per engine)	17,000 lbf
Total Thrust	136,000 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	70,000 lbs
Weapons Bay	Conventional & nuclear capable
Compatible Weapons	JDAM, JASSM, HARPOON, ALCM, mines, nuclear gravity bombs
Hardpoints	12 external stations

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	AN/APQ-166 (upgraded AESA planned)
Navigation	GPS/INS, digital cockpit
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Defensive avionics & jamming suite
Stealth Features	None (non-stealth)

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	Vietnam, Gulf War, OEF, OIF, Middle East operations
Notable Missions	Linebacker II, Desert Storm strikes, anti-ISIS operations

8. Additional Information

Variants	B-52A–H series
Successor / Future Replacement	B-21 Raider (partial replacement)
Notable Features	Extreme range, high payload, nuclear capability
Estimated Operational Life	Into 2050s–2060s

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.4

Stealth Capability 7 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Electronic Warfare 7 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10

PROS

Extremely long operational range
Massive 70,000-lb payload capacity
Proven in decades of combat operations
Compatible with advanced standoff weapons
Undergoing modernization for service into 2050s

CONS

Non-stealth airframe limits survivability in contested airspace
High maintenance requirements due to age
Slow compared to modern bombers
Relies heavily on tanker support for global missions
Older avionics still being replaced through ongoing upgrades

B-52H Stratofortress Long-Range Heavy Bomber

Few military aircraft symbolize U.S. airpower as powerfully as the B-52H Stratofortress, a long-range heavy bomber designed and built by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force. Introduced in the early 1960s and continually modernized, the B-52H remains one of the world’s most enduring and versatile strategic strike platforms. Its mission is straightforward yet critical: provide the United States with the ability to project conventional or nuclear firepower anywhere on the planet.

Powered by eight turbofan engines, the B-52H delivers exceptional range—over 8,800 miles (14,080 km) without refueling—and can remain airborne for extended missions with tanker support. Its maximum speed of around 650 mph (Mach 0.86) allows it to swiftly deploy across global theaters, while its heavy-lift design supports a payload capacity of up to 70,000 lbs, including precision-guided munitions, cruise missiles, naval mines, and nuclear weapons under U.S. strategic command.

Advanced Systems & Capabilities

Modernization upgrades continue to extend the bomber’s life into the 2050s, including advanced radar systems, digital communications, electronic warfare suites, and new Rolls-Royce F130 engines. The aircraft features a multi-mission capability set covering long-range strike, maritime operations, close air support, and strategic deterrence.

Operational Legacy

The B-52H has seen combat in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and numerous precision strike campaigns across the Middle East. Its ability to loiter for long durations while delivering large volumes of firepower ensures it remains a cornerstone of America’s strategic bomber fleet.

B-52H Stratofortress Price

While the U.S. no longer manufactures new B-52H airframes, the estimated value of a fully modernized aircraft—considering upgrades, avionics, and engines—can exceed $84 million per unit, depending on configuration and lifecycle enhancements.

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