Not at posted coordinates! Be sure to check the logbook for the bonus codes!
The B-52 was designed from the outset as a high-altitude strategic bomber, but perceived advances in Soviet radar capability made high-level missions too risky, so in order to maintain mission effectiveness, the bombers would fly at low level, evading radar at the treetops. Big Four (see Feelin’ BUFF 34: B-52 Upgrades: Big Four) was a modification program to allow the earlier models to conduct low-level missions, but the E’s were designed with low-level flight in mind. The first E-model (serial number 56-0699) emerged from the manufacturing floor on 7 August 1957, and first flew operationally on 7 October 1957. Otherwise indistinguishable from the D’s, the E-models were 100 aircraft strong, with Wichita’s Boeing plant building 58 and Seattle the other 42 birds. Unlike the D, F and G-models, the E’s never performed conventional bombing operations, remaining in a strictly strategic role for its lifetime. As low-level missions placed an enormous burden on the airframe, the Es were worn out and retired in 1970.
To find this cache, calculate the coordinates from the information in this listing.
N 48° 19.ABC W 101° 16.DEF
A= Serial number of first B-52E, serial number 56-XNXX, A=(Nx1)
B= Day in August 1957 first B-52E emerged from the factory, N August, B=(N/7)
C= Year first B-52E flew operationally, XXNX, C=(N)
D= Total number of B-52Es built, NXX bombers, D=(N+8)
EF= B-52E total built by Wichita plant, NN bombers, EF=(N+30)
Dorr, R. & Peacock, L. (1995). Boeing’s Cold War Warrior: B-52 Stratofortress. London, UK; Osprey Aerospace.
Lake, J. (2004). B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat: 1955-1973. Osprey: University Park, IL.
Remak, J. (2016). Boeing B-52 Stratofortress: Warrior Queen of the USAF. Fonthill: Croyden, United Kingdom.