Boeing's mighty B-52 Stratofortress has seen continuous operational service with the United States Air Force since the type was introduced in 1957. The aircraft has been upgraded several times and has assumed many different new roles since it was originally conceived and then provided the key airborne platform for America's strategic nuclear force. It is predicted that it will serve as a front-line aircraft until 2040. Apart from the formidable threat it provided during the long years of the 'Cold War', the aircraft has played a significant part in all US overseas operations since Vietnam. The more recent include Desert Storm in 1991, the Balkan conflict, Afghanistan and the liberation of Iraq. Over 700 were built and around 80 remain in service. This book includes chapters on Concept Requirement, Design and Development, Production, Evolution and Variant Models, Operational Tasking, Operational History (with first-hand accounts from crews), Weapons and Equipment Carried, Flying the Aircraft and Current Service Operations. t will be highly illustrated with many original shots taken aboard B-52s, together with archive material and also color profiles.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Very comprehensive history of B-52:
This book is one of the most comprehensive B-52 books I have seen. A lot of never-before seen pictures and very comprehensive history of the B-52's role in Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Good for the novice or expert:
I liked this book because it delivers a good balance of old information, along with new and up to date info on current B-52 combat operations.The author also provided some rare pictures that I found interesting. Good job!
Changing designs, models, concepts captured under cover!:
Martin W. Bowman's STRATOFORTRESS: THE STORY OF THE B-52 (1844152340, $50.00) covers the Boeing Stratofortress, another highly notable US craft which was introduced in the late 1950s. It's been updated numerous times over the decades, and chapters follow its evolving design, concept, different models, and history, including source material accounts from pilots and military men who flew the plane in battles. Accompany the history and battle survey are many original photos taken aboard B-52 during a recent... more info
