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B-52
Stratofortresses
During desert
storm B-52 "delivered"
40 percent of all bombs.
The plane is very useful for navy
operations of ocean surveillance, and can
help in navy anti-ship missions.
For 2 hours two B-52 are capable
of patrolling (and grading) 364,000 square kilometers
of ocean surface. Airplanes flexibility
was evident during the Vietnam War and was
repeated in operation Desert storm. For more than
35 years B-52 is the head strategic bombarder
of US air forces. B-52A had its first flight in 1954.
Model
B-52B entered the service in 1955.
In
1962. the plane had another modification
B-52H which is still in service.
Today all Stratofortresses are equipped with
night vision goggles (NVGs). These goggles provide higher
flight safety during night operations and
are improving pilots capability to visibly "clean" the
area and like that avoid enemy radar systems.
Airplane also has an ability of air
refueling so its range is raised to the crew's endurance.
Purpose Heavy bomber
Constructor Boeing Military Airplane Co.
Engines 8 Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines
Range 8,800miles (without air refuling)
Speed 650 miles per hour (Mach 0.86)
Weight 83,250kg(empty), 219,600kg(full)
Armament mines, bombs, and rockets
(some modifications can even take air
launched cruising missiles)
a total of 31,500kg
Crew five (operation commander, pilot,
radar officer, surveillance officer,
and electronic interference officer)
