Manufacturer: Boeing
Function: Heavy Bomber
Service Date: 1955
Speed: 650 mph
Crew: Five
Production: 744 Inventory: 94
Commentary: The B-52 is the largest aircraft credited with air-to-air kills (2 in Vietnam). Specially modified NB-52s support NASA and USAF test programs, acting as the launch platform for the X-15, lifting body aircraft, and other test vehicles. One B-52 unit is dedicated to the nuclear mission at all times.