B-52 Stratofortress Model

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been in service with the United States Air Force since the 1950s. It is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of around 8,800 miles without aerial refueling. The B-52’s design evolved from a straight wing aircraft with six turboprop engines to the final prototype YB-52 with eight turbojet engines and swept wings. It took its first flight in April 1952 and was built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War deterrence missions, replacing the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. Despite being used in several wars, the B-52 has only dropped conventional munitions in combat. It is informally known as the “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fucker/Fella). 

As of June 2019, there were 76 B-52s in operation, with 58 being used by active forces (2nd Bomb Wing and 5th Bomb Wing), 18 by reserve forces (307th Bomb Wing), and about 12 in long-term storage at the Davis-Monthan AFB Boneyard. The bombers were originally operated by the Strategic Air Command until it was disbanded in 1992 and its aircraft were absorbed into the Air Combat Command. In 2010, all B-52 Stratofortresses were transferred to the new Air Force Global Strike Command. Despite the development of newer and more advanced strategic bombers, the B-52 has remained in service due to its superior performance at high subsonic speeds and relatively low operating costs. It is expected to remain in service until the 2050s after undergoing upgrades between 2013 and 2015.

Made from Mahogany / 18 inches