Eglin AFB in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
B-52 Stratofortress
The B-52 was designed by Boeing Aircraft in October 1946 in response to the Army Air Corp request for a long range bomber capable of carrying a 10,000 lb payload 3000 miles at 300 mph. The B-52 flew for the first time on 15 April 1952. It's the only aircraft in the world with eight jet engines. The first B-52A was delivered in 1954 and the last B-52H was delivered in October 1962, a total of 744 B-52s were built for the USAF.
The B-52 has been the flagship bomber of the USAF for more than four decades. The Gulf War involved the longest strike mission in the history of aerial warfare when B-52s flew from Barksdale AFB, LA., launched conventional air launched cruise missiles over Iraq, and returned to base. A 35 hour non-stop combat mission. The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the US inventory. This includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions. Current analysis of the B-52 shows its lifespan to extend beyond the year 2040.
This B-52G S/N 58-0185 was first assigned to the 4135th Strategic Wing (SAC) at Eglin AFB, FL in September 1959. It was last flown by the 2nd Bombardment Wing (SAC) at Barksdale AFB, LA. During its time at Barksdale AFB, this aircraft flew missions during Desert Storm. During Desert Storm the B-52s completed approximately 1,620 sorties, in fact, the B-52s managed to drop almost a third of the entire tonnage of bombs dropped by US aircraft.
Specifications for the B-52G
Manufacturer Boeing Aircraft Corp
Thrust Eight — Pratt & Whitney J57-P-43WB Turbojet engines rated at 13,750 lbs of thrust w/water injection
Length 160 ft 11 in
Height 40 ft 8 in
Wingspan 185 ft
Weight 168,445 lbs Empty / 488,000 lbs Max
Speed 636 mph Max / 523 mph Cruise
Range 7,976 miles w/tanks
Ceiling 47.000 ft
Armament Four — 50 cal M3 machine guns in tail turret, can carry a 50,000 lb payload, up to 20 — AGM- 86 ALCMs, Four — B83 nuclear weapons, 36 — Mk84 bombs or 27 — M117 or Mk83 bombs and can be equipped to carry AGM-86Cs and AGM-142s
This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military.
Location. 30° 27.936′ N, 86° 33.694′ W. Marker is in Eglin AFB, Florida, in Okaloosa County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Pinchot Road (State Road 189) and Museum Drive, on the right when traveling south. Located at the Air Force Armament Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Museum Drive, Eglin AFB FL 32542, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile (a few steps from this marker); Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist (within shouting distance of this marker); Bernard A. Schriever Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); SR-71 Blackbird (within shouting distance of this marker); AN-M56 General Purpose Bomb (within shouting distance of this marker); GBU-43/B MOAB (within shouting distance of this marker); MIG-21 Fishbed (within shouting distance of this marker); Nurses Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eglin AFB.
Also see . . .
1. Air Force Armament Museum. (Submitted on April 12, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Boeing B-52 Stratofortress on Wikipedia. (Submitted on April 12, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 317 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 12, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.