Great Planes : B-52 Stratofortress

For educational purposes

Boeing continuing its legacy of manufacturing notable heavy bombers, developed the B-52 an aircraft used for over 35 years by the Strategic Command.

This film traces that development showing B-45, B-48, XB-47, B-46, YB-60 and the jet-powered flying wing.

The first flight of YB-52 through the various models to the shorter tail and turbo fan engine powered H, the last predoclos version.

From bases in Guam, B-52s were used for tactical strikes in Vietnam and later from Thai- land, cutting sortie time.

Capable of tremendous destructive power, B-52s take part in Operation Linebacker, raids into the north were not without losses as the Communists used every available SAM to prevent them.

Witness low level flight and the loss of most of the vertical fin and rudder of an H model on a research flight, the aircraft continuing and landing safely.

Front line service for over 30 years, still flying and one of the Great Planes.