Data Quality84%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the strategic bombers category.
01 / Overview
Boeing B-50 Superfortress
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
STRATEGIC BOMBERS · EARLY COLD WAR
22
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the strategic bombers category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight1947
- Service Entry Year1948
- Crew8
- Primary RoleStrategic bomber
- GenerationPiston-engined
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant7MOD.7
- Engine TypePratt & Whitney R-4360-35
- Engine ModelPratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major
- Number of Engines4
- AfterburnerNo
- SupercruiseNo
- Thrust VectoringNo
- Internal Fuel21,000 kg
▣Performance8MOD.8
- Top Speed634.025 km/h
- Cruise Speed440 km/h
- Service Ceiling11,247.12 m
- Ferry Range7,500 km
- Combat Radius3,400 km
- Rate of Climb5.5 m/s
- G-Limit2.5
- Takeoff Run1,200 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Length30.175 m
- Wingspan42.977 m
- Height9.754 m
- Wing Area159.793
- Empty Weight38,426.27 kg
- Loaded Weight55,271.16 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight78,472.8 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
- Hardpoints2
- Weapons Payload20,000 kg
- Internal Gun; ** 13 × .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns in 4 × remote controlled turrets and 1 × manned tail turret
- Internal Weapons BayYes
- Air-to-Air MissilesNo
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
- Anti-Ship MissilesNo
- Nuclear CapableYes
▤Avionics & Stealth8MOD.8
- RadarSHORAN (RB-50F)
- AESA RadarNo
- Stealth / Low ObservableNo
- IRSTNo
- Electronic Warfare SuiteNo
- Helmet-Mounted SightNo
- Tactical DatalinkNo
- Targeting PodNo
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built370
- Operators1
- Variants54
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year1965
- Production Start1947
- Production End1953
- Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1947Production started
- 1953Production ended
79
years in service
6
years in production
370
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
STRATEGIC BOMBERS RANKING Strategic Bombers · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
54STRATEGIC BOMBERS22EARLY COLD WAR · STRATEGIC BOMBERS1367UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS24PERFORMANCE/PRICE · STRATEGIC BOMBERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theStrategic Bomberscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
An internal compartment within a military aircraft designed to store and deploy weapons, reducing radar cross-section and aerodynamic drag.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources