B-52 "Stratofortress"

The first of two B-52 prototypes flew on 15 April 1952, and B-52A production models first flew on 5 August 1954. One significant change from the production model was the flight deck layout, which changed pilot tandem seating to side-by-side. Strategic Air Command received its first B-52B in June 1955, and deliveries continued until October 1962. The B-52 accommodated a crew of six: pilot and co-pilot, navigator, radar navigator, electronic counter measurer operator, and gunner. It carried a wide variety of electronic countermeasure systems, as well as 60,000 pounds of internal weapons, missiles, pylons, and a 20mm Vulcan gun. B-52 units based in Thailand began combat operations in Vietnam in 1965, with support of ground forces first occurring in November 1965. Between June 1965 and August 1973, Strategic Air Command scheduled 126,663 B-52 sorties and launched 126,615.

Lackland AFB, Texas · United States