What is a B-52 bomber?

The B-52 is the most combat capable bomber in the U.S. inventory. Due to its high mission-capable rate, large payload, long range, persistence and ability to employ both nuclear and conventional precision standoff weapons, the B-52 continues to be a critical contributor to the U.S. National Security Strategy.

How many B-52 Stratofortresses are in the Air Force?

As of June 2019, there were 58 B-52s in use with the Air Force and 18 more with the Reserve. A B-52 bomber carrying a new hypersonic weapon.

When did the B-52 Stratofortresses first fly?

Some form of the B-52 has been in use since 1955. The B-1B took its first flight in 1974, and the B-2 celebrated its 30th year in the skies in 2019. A new stealth bomber, the B-21, is in production and is expected to fly in December 2021, although details about it are scarce.

What was the B-47 bomber called?

The B-47, called the Stratojet, was the first all jet-engine bomber. It was much more powerful than its predecessor, and because the nuclear arsenal was now churning out vast numbers of weapons, the Strategic Air Command was finally reaching the potential Air Force General Curtis LeMay had envisioned.