Boeing B-52 Stratofortress variant
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress YB-52
The first XB-52 airframe, modified with additional operational equipment and redesignated; it flew before the XB-52 itself and made the type's true maiden flight.
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress sheet
Image pending
- April 15, 1952
- First flight
- 1
- Units built
History
The YB-52 was the first of the two XB-52 airframes modified with more operational equipment and redesignated ahead of its flight. Piloted by Alvin "Tex" Johnston, it first flew on 15 April 1952 from Boeing Field near Seattle, on a 2-hour, 21-minute proving flight to Larson Air Force Base with USAF Lieutenant Colonel Guy M. Townsend aboard. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney YJ57-P-3 engines rated at 39 kN thrust each. Smooth flight testing encouraged the USAF to increase its order to 282 B-52s.