The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s.
The B-52D was a dedicated long-range bomber without a reconnaissance option. The Big Belly modifications allowed the B-52D to carry heavy loads of conventional bombs for carpet bombing over Vietnam. Because of these upgrades and its long range capabilities, the D model was used more extensively in Vietnam than any other model. Aircraft assigned to Vietnam were painted in a camouflage color scheme with black bellies to defeat searchlights.
NB-52A The last B-52A (serial 52-0003) was modified and redesignated NB-52A in 1959 to carry the North American X-15. Its first flight with the X-15 was on 19 March 1959, with the first launch on 8 June 1959. The NB-52A, named The High and Mighty One carried the X-15 on 93 of the program's 199 flights.
B-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, California.
Include textures: B-52D, NB-52A, B-52B