B-52 “Stratofortress”

The Boeing B-52 “Stratofortress” has been the principal bomber of the Strategic Air Command since the 1950s. In 1990, it was operated by 12 of SAC’s 18 bomb wings. The B-52 was designed to provide a high-altitude strategic bomber with intercontinental ranges. However, the range goals were not met during design, and the B-52 gross weight was “frozen” at about 480,000 pounds, with in-flight refueling to permit long-range missions.  

The B-52 is capable of both conventional free-fall bomb delivery and air-to-ground missile launch missions. B-52s were used in conventional bombing roles in the Vietnam War. Although originally designed as a nuclear bomber, the existing B-52 force may be deployed in various conventional missions, including a show of force (as in Desert Storm), precision strikes and defense suppression. The plane’s capabilities also include sea surveillance, surface ship air interdiction with anti-ship missiles and aerial mining.  

The Museum’s B-52 was manufactured by Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington, and delivered to the USAF on June 28, 1955. B-52B(RB), S/N 52-8711 was the first operational B-52 to be assigned to the Strategic Air Command.