Boeing B-52D Stratofortress
Boeing · United States · first flew 1955 · bomber
The B-52D was the first major conventional-bomb variant, its tall fin and J57 turbojet engines distinguishing it from the later short-finned G and H models that became the Cold War mainstays.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 8 × turbojet, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Tall narrow tail fin — the D's fin is approximately 8.0 m, noticeably taller relative to fuselage length than the later G and H |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tall narrow tail fin — the D's fin is approximately 8.0 m, noticeably taller relative to fuselage length than the later G and H
- Four twin-engine pods under the swept wing with J57 turbojets rather than the TF33 turbofans of the H model — longer, slimmer pods
- Manned tail gun position with an optical sight blister — the gunner sits in the rear fuselage facing aft, producing a distinctive rear-fuselage bump
Against the G and H, the D's tail fin is visibly taller; against the G specifically, the D has turbojet pods rather than turbofan pods, giving slimmer engine nacelles; the D also retains the rear gunner's optical sight blister.
Specifications
- The Boeing B-52D Stratofortress has a length of 47.7 m (156 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 56.4 m (185 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1014 km/h (630 mph).
- Typical crew: 6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The D entered SAC service in 1956 and was heavily modified for the Vietnam War, receiving the Big Belly modification that allowed it to carry up to 108 conventional bombs — more than any other aircraft of the era. Over 170 B-52Ds conducted arc-light strikes from Guam and Thailand throughout the conflict.
Variants
The A through F models share the tall-tail configuration; the D was the most modified for conventional bombing and served longest of the early marks.
Where you'll see it
B-52D static displays are found at numerous US air bases and museums; the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin AFB and the Strategic Air Command Museum in Nebraska hold examples with Big Belly bomb loads displayed.
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