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Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
Variants (Continued from Page 1)

B-52B/RB-52B - The B-52B was the first version to enter service with the USAF on 29 June 1955, with the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle AFB in California. This version included minor changes to engines and avionics, in the attempt to fix minor problems. Temporary grounding of the aircraft in February 1956, after a crash, and the following July, caused training delays, and at mid-year there were still no combat-ready B-52 crews.


Three B-52Bs of the 93rd Bomb Wing prepare to depart Castle Air Force Base, California, for their record-setting round-the-world flight in 1957 (U.S. Air Force Photo)

Of the 50 B-52Bs built, 27 were capable of carrying a reconnaissance pod as RB-52Bs (the crew was increased to eight in these aircraft). The 300 pound (136 kg) pod contained radio receivers, a combination of K-36, K-38 and T-11 cameras, and two operators on downward-firing ejection seats. The pod required only four hours to install.

Seven B-52Bs were brought to B-52C standard under Project Sunflower.

NB-52B - The NB-52B was B-52B number 52-0008 converted to an X-15 launch platform. It subsequently flew as the "Balls 8" in support of NASA research until 17 December 2004, making it the oldest flying B-52B. It was replaced by a modified B-52H.

NB-52B Stratofortress/52-0008. (NASA Photo)

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Sources:
Wikipedia: B-52 Stratofortress
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