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| B-52s: They Keep On Ticking |
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| DESCRIPTION |
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| 16 x 11.5 Inch Collector Size Unframed Lithograph $40.00
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has played a major role in America's defense for nearly forty years. In his dramatic painting appropriately entitled B-52s: They Keep On Ticking aviation artist Stan Stokes depicts an early big-tailed B-52B and a more contemporary B-52G which saw service during Operation Desert Storm. The origins of the development of the B-52 begins way back in the early 1940s. All major aircraft companies were interested in developing the first truly intercontinental bomber. Shortly after WW II the Convair XB-36 and the Northrop XB-35 were developed and both had intercontinental range. However neither of these aircraft were capable of penetrating deep into Soviet airspace and defense planners in the early 1950s presumed that the Soviets would be our prime adversaries for years to come. In 1946 the Air Force issued a requirement for its next generation of strategic bombers. Required was a range of at least 5000 miles with a minimum 10000 pound bomb load a top speed in excess of 450 MPH and an operational ceiling of at least 40000 feet. Boeing entered this competition with the XB-52 which incorporated six turboprop engines. Part way into prototype development Boeing's designers decided to scrap this design in favor of a swept wing jet powered aircraft. The first XB-52 was rolled out in November of 1951. One major change in the prototype was a complete redesign of the forward fuselage to allow the pilots to sit side-by-side. The B-52B was the first true production model of the Stratofortress. It became operational in 1955 with the Strategic Air Command. On January 16 1957 SAC demonstrated the amazing capabilities of the B-52 with a non-stop around the world flight covering over 24000 miles in 45 hours and 19 minutes. The B-52B was phased out in the mid 1960s. The B-52C was the first of these aircraft to be painted gloss white on its entire underside to reflect the heat from nuclear blasts. The C remained in service until 1971. The B-52D saw significant service in Vietnam. Many of these models were modified to carry up to as many as 108 conventional bombs. During a major offensive strike at Hanoi in December 1972 a total of 729 B-52 sorties were flown. Only 15 aircraft were lost despite the fact that Hanoi was heavily protected with SAMs and anti-aircraft batteries. The B-52G was the first of the short tail models. The manned rear gun turret was removed on these models and the fuel capacity was significantly increased. The G model was the first of the B-52s to carry cruise missiles a development which significantly lengthened the useful service life of this aircraft. The B-52G is like its predecessors a very large aircraft with a wingspan in excess of 185 feet and a maximum take off weight of 488000 pounds. With a range in excess of 7000 miles and a maximum speed of 634 MPH the Gs were successfully utilized in the Gulf War and no doubt will continue to see service for many more years into the future. The B-52 is clearly one of the most unique of all post-WW II military aircraft and it is interesting to note that it is one of only a very few aircraft designs which is older than most of the pilots who fly it. |
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