Monday, February 22, 2010

The B-52 Stratofortress

On 23 November 1945, Air Materiel Command (AMC) issued desired performance characteristics for a new strategic bomber "capable of carrying out the strategic mission without dependence upon advanced and intermediate bases controlled by other countries".
...
First flying in December 1954, B-52B, AF Serial Number 52-8711, entered operational service with 93rd Heavy Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California, on 29 June 1955.

[Wikipedia, B-52 Stratofortress]
Less than 10 years from concept to operational service!
... and: IT'S STILL FLYING!!!

This is the ideal for which the Pentagon ought to strive: from concept to operational service in 10 years, with useful life of 50+ years!

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