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glyn · 10-19-2007, 06:24 AM

[quote=Jimmy;417496]Almost 40 years ago? The -52 actually references something (a specific year) in this case.

The numerical designation is just a coincidence. Boeing was awarded a study contract for a heavy bomber in 1946. It was almost a 6 turboprop straight wing job, but the Air Force insisted on pure jet propulsion. Back to the drawing board! 8 engines were necessary due to the low power available and the wings were swept back. A Letter of Intent from the AF in March 1951 saw Boeing gearing up for production. The XB-52 was rolled out in November 1951 but didn't make its maiden flight until October 1952. The YB-52 was rolled out in March 1952 and made the first flight of the Stratofortress series the following month.
The B- number that preceded it was the Martin XB-51 ( 3 built ) and the one that followed it was the Convair canard design B-53 which was cancelled before completion.

10-19-2007, 06:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
glyn *Military Professional* Join Date: 09-15-06 Location: Penzance, Cornwall UK Posts: 6,886	[quote=Jimmy;417496]Almost 40 years ago? The -52 actually references something (a specific year) in this case. The numerical designation is just a coincidence. Boeing was awarded a study contract for a heavy bomber in 1946. It was almost a 6 turboprop straight wing job, but the Air Force insisted on pure jet propulsion. Back to the drawing board! 8 engines were necessary due to the low power available and the wings were swept back. A Letter of Intent from the AF in March 1951 saw Boeing gearing up for production. The XB-52 was rolled out in November 1951 but didn't make its maiden flight until October 1952. The YB-52 was rolled out in March 1952 and made the first flight of the Stratofortress series the following month. The B- number that preceded it was the Martin XB-51 ( 3 built ) and the one that followed it was the Convair canard design B-53 which was cancelled before completion. __________________ Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.