B-52 Stratofortress : The Complete History of the World's Longest Serving and Best Known Bomber

The B-52 is the longest serving and most versatile of the U.S. Air Force's combat aircraft. The Stratofortress entered active service in 1955 and is scheduled to continue as part of the air force's inventory through 2040. B-52 Stratofortress covers every aspect of the aircraft's development, manufacture, and modification. The aircraft began its career as a potential nuclear bomber during the Cold War, but its active combat duty has been with more conventional weapons. Its service in key campaigns in Vietnam is covered, as well as its return to prominence in the Gulf Wars and Afghanistan, taking part in massive bombing campaigns in both of these wars. The books ends with a discussion of the continuing upgrades that will keep the B-52 an integral part of U.S. airpower for many years to come.