Mission
Air Combat Command's B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or conventional ordanance with worldwide precision navigation capability.
Characteristics
Primary Function: Heavy bomber
Contractor: Boeing Military Airplane Co.
Power Plant: Eight Pratt and Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 turbofan
Thrust: 17,000 pounds each engine
Length: 159 feet, 4 inches (48.5 meters)
Height: 40 feet, 8 inches (12.4 meters)
Wingspan: 185 feet (56.4 meters)
Speed: 650 miles per hour (Mach 0.86)
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,152 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 488,000 pounds (219,600 kilograms)
Range: Unrefueled 8,800 miles (7,652 nautical miles)
Armament: Approximately 70,000 pounds (31,500 kilograms) mixed ordnance - bombs,
mines, and missiles. (Modified to carry air-launched cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship,
and Have Nap missiles.)
Crew: Five (aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic
warfare officer)
Date Deployed: February 1955
Unit Cost: $30 million per aircraft
Inventory: Active force = 85; ANG = 0; Reserve = 9
