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-52A Stratofortress
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
STRATEGIC BOMBERS · EARLY COLD WAR
2
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
90
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 Flight1952
- Service Entry Year1955
- Crew6
- Primary RoleStrategic bomber
- Generation3rd
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant8MOD.8
- Engine TypeTurbojet
- Engine ModelPratt & Whitney J57
- Number of Engines8
- Thrust (dry, each)43
- AfterburnerNo
- SupercruiseNo
- Thrust VectoringNo
- Internal Fuel177,350 kg
▣Performance9MOD.9
- Top Speed1,047 km/h
- Top Speed (Mach)0.86 Mach
- Cruise Speed819 km/h
- Service Ceiling15,150 m
- Ferry Range14,080 km
- Combat Radius7,210 km
- Rate of Climb15.24 m/s
- G-Limit2.5
- Takeoff Run2,400 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Length48.03 m
- Wingspan56.39 m
- Height14.71 m
- Wing Area371.6
- Empty Weight76,400 kg
- Loaded Weight120,000 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight220,000 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
- Hardpoints12
- Weapons Payload31,500 kg
- Internal GunNone
- Internal Weapons BayYes
- Air-to-Air MissilesNo
- Air-to-Ground MissilesYes
- Anti-Ship MissilesYes
- Nuclear CapableYes
▤Avionics & Stealth8MOD.8
- RadarAN/APQ-156
- AESA RadarNo
- Stealth / Low ObservableNo
- IRSTNo
- Electronic Warfare SuiteYes
- Helmet-Mounted SightNo
- Tactical DatalinkYes
- Targeting PodYes
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built3
- Operators1
- Variants1
▲Service History3MOD.3
- Production Start1952
- Production End1953
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1953Production started
- 1954Production ended
73
years in service
1
years in production
3
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
// SIBLING VARIANTS
06 / MASS Score
STRATEGIC BOMBERS RANKING Strategic Bombers · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
6STRATEGIC BOMBERS2EARLY COLD WAR · STRATEGIC BOMBERS235UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS2PERFORMANCE/PRICE · STRATEGIC BOMBERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theStrategic Bomberscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles designed to engage and destroy naval vessels. They are typically used by aircraft, ships, or submarines to attack enemy ships.
A collection of integrated electronic systems on a military aircraft designed to detect, identify, disrupt, or deceive enemy radar, communications, and guided weapons.
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.
Enables real-time sharing of position, targeting, and sensor data among aircraft and platforms for coordinated combat operations.
A targeting pod is an external sensor module mounted on aircraft that provides laser designation, infrared imaging, and range‑finding to support precision strike and reconnaissance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources