The Big, The Bad,
The Buff
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress first flew in prototype form as the YB-52
on April 15th, 1952. The BUFF affectionately know as the "Big Ugly Fat F_ _ _ _ _
", while starting life strictly as a strategic nuclear bomber, has shown a remarkable
versatility and life-span in it's multi-role delivery capabilities. Unique features to
this aircraft also include the four tandem offset landing gear. In addition there is an
outrigger landing gear mounted on each of the wings. The B-52 uses eight Pratt &
Whitney TF33-P3 turbofans, with a water injection system to assist on takeoff. The water
injection adds approximately a 17% increase to the takeoff power, also leaving the runway
covered in a dense smoke screen.
Truly a remarkable aircraft, when one considers the time at which it was designed, and the
fact it's life span has been extended almost to the 21st century, now. I might imagine
that this marvelous air frame has surpassed it's designed limit several times. If you get
a chance to see one up close, have a look at the skin of the plane for it's characteristic
skin rippling.
Retired it will be remembered as a Big Fine Flyer.
Specifications;
Engines- Eight 17,000lb st (75.6 kN) Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3 turbofans with water
injection. Updated with P&W J57-P-43WB Turbojets
Wing Span- 185' (56.39m)
Length- 157' 7" (48.03m)
Maximum take off weight- 488,000 lbs. (221,350 kg)
Max Speed- 650 mph (1,040 km/h) @ 20,000 ft.
Range- 12,500 miles (20,120 kilometers)
Armament (among many)- One M-61 20mm gun in GE turret, Up to 20 SRAM attack missiles on a
rotary launcher, nuclear free fall bombs
The B52G pictured here is from the 319th Bomb Wing, Grand Forks Air Force
Base, North Dakota. Squadron; 46th Bomber Squadron
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The B52G makes a pass with flaps down
and gear going up. The outriggers can be seen retracting on the left photo. |
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As the gear is nearly hidden you get a
nice look at the flaps and the EVS (LLLTV)blister (port side below the nose) and the FLIR
blister (starboard side.) The light blister on the side of the nose is the ALQ-117 radar
warning antenna. |
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Flaps down and spoilers up |
Flaps up and spoilers up |
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| The B52G moves in "clean"
at speed. |
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| This photo, by the greenery looks
like the European "theater" |
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Landing 'chute deployed |
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Three generations, B-52 G, B-1B, and
B-2 |
Ready to run up the P&W's |
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Nice in flight photos |
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In the Pacific "theater" |
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