B-52B Stratofortress 52-0013

B-52B Stratofortress 52-0013. . , Designed by the Boeing Company, the first flight of the B model was made on January 25, 1955. Of the first thirteen B-52s delivered to the United States Air Force, ten were B models., The B model was outwardly identical to the A model, but had an increased reconnaissance capability. The B model also had the improved MA-6A bombing navigation system. Fifty B-52Bs were produced before production began of the B-52C. , The B-52B on exhibit was accepted by Major Jerome L. Blanchard on April 29, 1955 at the Boeing Plant in Seattle, Washington. Major Blanchard then flew it to Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. This aircraft was assigned to the Special Weapons Center at Kirkland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM. It participated in several nuclear test series. In May 1956, during Operation Redwing Cherokee, it was the first B-52 to drop a hydrogen bomb. In 1962, it participated in Operation Dominic, which were the last atmospheric tests conducted by the United States., General Specifications: B-52B , Armament: Two 20mm cannons or four 50 caliber machine guns, 43,000 lbs. of bombs , Engines: Eight Pratt and Whitney J57-P-1W , Maximum Speed: 630 , mph. at 20,000 ft. , Cruising Speed: 525 mph. , Range: 3590 miles at combat weight. 7, 350 miles maximum ferry range , Service Ceiling: 47,000 ft. at combat weight , Span: 185 ft. , Length: 156 ft. 7 in. , Weights: Empty 164,081 lbs; combat 293,100 lbs; maximum take-off 420,000 lbs , Crew: Six to eight depending on mission , Source: United States Air Force, This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force.