Stratofortress

The Stratofortress, officially the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, is a long-range strategic bomber developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force. It first flew in 1952 and entered service in 1955. It remains in active service into the 2020s, making it the longest-serving bomber in U.S. military history. The aircraft is recognizable for its eight jet engines mounted on four underwing pylons, a tall vertical tail, and a distinctive swept-wing configuration.

Designed for both nuclear deterrence and conventional strategic bombing, the B-52 can carry a wide array of weapons, including gravity bombs, precision-guided munitions, and air-launched cruise missiles. The typical payload can reach about 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg). Its range is greatly extended by aerial refueling, enabling intercontinental missions and worldwide reach.

Operational history includes extensive use in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and later conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. The aircraft is valued for its long endurance, high payload, and relatively low operating cost. Over its decades of service, the B-52 has undergone numerous upgrades to engines, avionics, navigation, and defensive systems to maintain its viability in modern operations.

Variants and modernization: The B-52H is the current and most numerous variant, featuring upgraded engines and electronics. The tail gunner position was removed in later upgrades, and the airframe has received ongoing modernization to enhance navigation, communications, and precision-strike capabilities. The aircraft remains a core element of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet and is expected to remain in service for the foreseeable future.