Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

The long-range bomber built to sustain strategic airpower for decades.

B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 307th Bomb Wing. © Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo, USAF

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Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: B52 1952–1962 Active $84 million (2012)

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber introduced in the 1950s. Designed for nuclear deterrence, it later adapted to conventional strike missions. The aircraft remains in service more than half a century after introduction.

Live Fleet Activity (B52)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
8 × Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
8 × 17,000 lbf · 76 kN
Avionics
AN/ASQ, AN/ASQ-151 EVS, IBM AP-101
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
5
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
159 ft 1 in  ·  48.50 m
Tail height
40 ft 8 in  ·  12.40 m
Fuselage diameter
9 ft 2 in  ·  2.80 m
Wing span
185 ft 0 in  ·  56.40 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
485,000 lb  ·  220,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
69,500 lb  ·  31,500 kg
Fuel capacity
48,000 gal · 181,600 L · 145,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
560 kt  ·  644 mph  ·  1,037 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
7,652 nm  ·  8,810 mi  ·  14,170 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
6,270 ft/min  ·  32 m/s
Takeoff distance
9,850 ft  ·  3,000 m
Landing distance
9,850 ft  ·  3,000 m
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Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

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Operational Context

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress — strategic long-range bomber

The B-52 first flew in 1952 and entered service in 1955. It features a swept wing and eight-engine configuration mounted in four twin pods. The aircraft was designed for intercontinental missions during the Cold War.

Powered by eight turbofan engines producing approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust (76 kN) each in modern variants, the B-52 cruises at around 450 knots (833 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 488,000 pounds (221,353 kg). The aircraft carries a wide range of conventional and nuclear weapons.

The B-52 has participated in numerous conflicts since Vietnam. Ongoing modernization programs aim to extend its service life into the 2050s. The aircraft remains one of the most enduring bombers in aviation history.