Vintage Aviation News is the best source for vintage WWII era aircraft news, classic jets news ,warbird and modern day air show information with links to all the best Air Museums!
Vintage Aviation News is the best source for vintage WWII era aircraft news, classic jets news ,warbird and modern day air show information with links to all the best Air Museums!
Sixty-two years ago today, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress took flight for the first time. The B-52 began life as a proposed replacement for Strategic Air Command’s B-36s and B-50s. Originally designed to be powered by turboprops, Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines were selected as the powerplant of choice. At the roll-out ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff General Nathan Twining said: “The long rifle was the great weapon of its day…today this B-52 is the long rifle of the air age.” The BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow) is the longest-serving front-line warplane in history and is one of the best-loved of all aircraft. Although it was designed as a nuclear bomber, the BUFF is capable of carrying a huge conventional payload. The B-52 was widely used in the Vietnam War and flew 1,624 sorties during Operation Desert Storm. Production of the B-52 ended in 1962 after 744 aircraft were built and 94 remain in Air Force and Reserve inventory.
Here is a photo of a “BUFF” at the 2010 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
The B-52 is Big! But it is neither ugly or fat!
..climbed around about every inch of those guys..hard to believe the BUFF is still going..