The Most Dangerous Military Weapons Ranked By Length Of Service – SlashGear

This example differs in that it is a specific model rather than a broad category of weapons, but it is so remarkable that it deserves its own mention. Following WWII, the U.S. Air Force needed to upgrade its bombers from the B-29 Superfortress that valiantly fought and defeated the Axis Powers. An upgraded bomber was needed after the war, and that need would eventually deliver the B-52 Stratofortress long-range bomber.

The B-52 is an extraordinary aircraft equipped with eight turbofans — it was originally equipped with turbojets — that was first flown in 1952 for testing and delivered to the Air Force for service by 1955. It was developed as an aircraft that could deliver nuclear weapons to targets thousands of miles away, and its range of 8,800 miles at an altitude of 50,000 feet, but can also be refueled in-flight. Its payload capacity is 70,000 pounds and can carry a combination of bombs and missiles and is equipped with four .50 caliber machine guns. The B-52 has served over the skies of almost every conflict in which the U.S. Air Force has been involved and has also received many updates over the years, including sophisticated avionics, surveillance, and communications equipment.

With the latest updates, the B-52 is expected to continue in service for many more years, meaning there is a possibility it could be flying on its 100th anniversary of service. While the Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 may have been put into service a few years earlier, the B-52 still beats it where it counts by being the superior aircraft with the best technology and firepower.

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