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Boeing B-52H Stratofortress | Long-range strategic bomber

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress

Militarymedia.net | By normal standards long considered obsolete due to its immense vulnerability to surface-to-air missiles, the mighty Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has seen two potential successors fall by the wayside. It remains a key element in one of the three US strategic barriers and will continue to provide a valuable service well into the 21st century.

The B-52 entered life in 1948 as the successor to the B-50 turboprop. In 1949, changes to the Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet power plant were made and the prototype XB-52 made its maiden flight on April 15, 1952. The B-52 evolved through the B-52A model to the increasingly upgraded B-52G, the last of which remained in service. until the end of 1994.

The main B-52H was characterized by two major changes: the introduction of the TF33 turbofan which provided greater thrust along with significantly reduced specific fuel consumption, and structural changes that allowed the B-52 to fly at low altitudes without excessive fatigue problems.

The last B-52H was launched in June 1962 and with the B-1B and B-2A entering service only in limited numbers, the B-52H has been continuously upgraded to allow it to remain a credible frontline type. With the B-1B increasingly assuming the free-fall nuclear role of the B-52H, the latter type has been reallocated to the power projection role, with weapons now including the conventionally armed and Nap missile variants of the AGM-86C nuclear cruise missile. The importance of the B-52H to the USAF's continuing need for a fighter with global reach while carrying a very heavy war payload is demonstrated by the fact that comprehensive upgrades to the remaining aircraft, both in terms of avionics and weapons systems, are still being planned.

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress

The current B-52 bomber design is more than 60 years old. The type is slated to remain in service with the US Air Force until 2044. There are further plans to reengineer the B-52 fleet to remain in service until 2050.

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Variant

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress

The B-52J is a planned new version of the B-52, with a number of improvements, including a new engine, new radar, new communication system, and so on. It will be able to carry new weapons. The B-52J may be a replacement for the Cold War-era B-52H bomber.

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