Staying Power B-52H
by Peter Chilelli
Title
Staying Power B-52H
Artist
Peter Chilelli
Medium
Digital Art
Description
The B-52H is the US Air Force’s long-range, large-payload multirole bomber and is known as the Stratofortress or the Buff (big ugly fat fellow). It is the USAF’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform, and supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions.
The B-52H is a very large aircraft, with a length of 159ft 4in (48.5m) and a take-off weight of 488,000lb (220,000kg). The all-metal skin bears a high proportion of the flight loading. When on the ground, the surface of the aircraft on the forward section of the fuselage has a wrinkled appearance. The skin expands and becomes smooth as the crew compartment is pressurised when the aircraft gains altitude.
The B-52 celebrated its 50th anniversary (first flight April 1952) in April 2002 and is the longest serving combat aircraft in the world – a total of 744 were built.
The B-52H entered service in 1961 and 104 were built. The last was delivered in October 1962. However, due to an extensive system and structural upgrades, its service life is expected to continue beyond the year 2030.
The USAF retired 18 B-52H aircraft leaving 76 aircraft in service, stationed at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and Minot AFB in North Dakota.
Uploaded
January 23rd, 2018
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