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The first B-52 production model that became operational with SAC was B-52B serial number 52-8711 on 29 June 1955. The first B-model, RB-52B serial number 52-0004 rolled out of the assembly hangar on 14 July 1952, and first flew operationally on 3 March 1955. The first SAC wing to receive the B-model was Castle AFB, CA, the SAC training center (see Feelin’ BUFF 45: Key B-52 Wings: 93d Bombardment Wing (Heavy), Castle AFB, CA). 50 B-models were built; 23 were built as bombers, and 27 were reconnaissance versions with cameras, capsules and bomber kits. There was no difference in specifications between the A’s and B’s as far as weight, fuel capacity and operating radius was concerned. Improved engines raised the thrust to 12,100 lbs of thrust, with water injection. As with many new technologies, the B-52B had teething troubles with bombing, fire-control (for the guns in the tail), and navigation systems onboard. Although built with the MA-2 system, the updated MA-6A would be installed in the B’s. The A-models were built without guns in the tail, but B’s came with a four-pack of .50 caliber machine guns, complete with gunner in the tail.
All the B’s assigned to Castle AFB were testing and development aircraft. By the mid-1960s, the B’s were ready to be retired. All except one, NB-52B 52-0008 (known as Balls-Eight) and the NB-52A served NASA at Edwards AFB, CA for X-15 aircraft mother ship testing and other programs.
To find this cache, calculate the coordinates from the information in this listing.
N 48° 19.ABC W 101° 17.DEF
A= Serial number of first B-52B operational with SAC, serial number 52-NXXX, A=(N-2)
B= Day in July 1952 first RB-52B serial number 52-0004 rolled out of the assembly hangar, NX July, B=(N)
C= Day in March 1955 RB-52B serial number 52-0004 first flew, N March, C=(N+2)
D= Number of B-52Bs built as bombers, XN bombers, D=(Nx2)
E= Total thrust with water injection for improved engines lbs, XN,XXX lbs thrust, E=(N/1)
F= Serial number of NB-52B that served NASA, serial number 52-XNXX, F=(Nx7)
Dorr, R. & Peacock, L. (1995). Boeing’s Cold War Warrior: B-52 Stratofortress. London, UK; Osprey Aerospace.
Remak, J. (2016). Boeing B-52 Stratofortress: Warrior Queen of the USAF. Fonthill: Croyden, United Kingdom.