Big Ugly Fat Fellow

Boeing B-52H s 

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range strategic bomber. Also known as BUFF or big ugly fat fellow to its own crew, it has been the face of the US might and superiority since it first entered service in 1955. It has a wingspan of 185 feet and a length of 160 feet 10.9 inches, powered by eight jet engines mounted under its wings in four twin pods. Maximum speed is at 595 miles per hour or 957 kilometers per hour. With its built and might it can carry 70,000 pounds of load and dispose of it within combat range of 8,800 miles without refueling.

Originally, it was built with a conscious effort to carry the atomic bomb to its rival then known as USSR. Within the span of ten years from 1952, a total of 744 B-52s were created in eight versions classified from A to H. B-52A is the test version, B-52B is the long range nuclear bomber that entered the US Strategic Air Command, B-52s C to F are versions with larger fuel capacity with in-flight fueling capacities, B-52G is fitted with even bigger fuel capacity and has the ability to launch an air to surface and anti ships missiles,  B-52H  switched from turbojet engines to a much better turbofans. During the 1980s, the versions of G and H were equipped to carry air launched cruise missiles. After 1994 the B-52H is the only version in service.

The BUFF flew under the Strategic Air Command until it was transferred to Air Combat Command in 1992 after its first unit was disestablished, then in 2010 all B-52 Stratofortress were moved to its new unit Air Force Global Strike Command. 

The B-52 Stratofortress completed six decades of service in 2015, as of that year there were fifty eight units still in active service with eighteen in reserve. It is expected to be in service until 2040.

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