B-52H Stratofortress

The B-52H Stratofortress is America's long-range heavy strategic bomber. Despite its age, it remains one of the most capable and cost-effective aircraft in the U.S. fleet. It can carry nuclear gravity bombs, cruise missiles (AGM-86 ALCM), and an enormous variety of conventional precision weapons including JDAM, JSOW, and JASSM-ER.

First flew 1952, entered service 1955. Only the H model remains in service (76 aircraft). The USAF is currently upgrading the fleet under the B-52J "CERP" program with new commercial Rolls-Royce F130 engines and an open mission systems architecture. Projected service life extends beyond 2050.