B-52


Meaning of B-52 in English

or Stratofortress

U.S. long-range heavy bomber , designed in 1948 by the Boeing Company and first flown in 1952.

Originally intended as an atomic-bomb carrier capable of reaching the Soviet Union, it has proved highly adaptable and has remained in service as a conventional bomber, cruise-missile carrier, and maritime reconnaissance platform. It has a wingspan of 185 ft (56 m) and a length of more than 160 ft (49 m). Powered by eight jet engine s, its maximum speed at 55,000 ft (17,000 m) is 595 mph (960 kph).

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.