Is the B-52 still in service?
With its unmistakable silhouette and dual-capable nature, the Stratofortress continues to serve as a visible and credible strategic deterrent for the United States and its allies. The final B-52H model entered service in May 1961 and is still active to this day. Although the B-52 “stratosaurus” (as some have jokingly referred to the aircraft) has served longer than any other bomber in American history, the B-52 isn’t ready to retire yet. In fact, the B-52 will soon receive upgrades that enable it to achieve its mission for decades to come.
Has a B-52 ever been shot down?
Already knowing the B-52s’ route, North Vietnamese fighters reported the bombers’ altitude to the SAM crews, who simply launched unguided SAMs to where they predicted the bombers would be. The communists shot down eleven B-52s before operations halted for Christmas. B52s were lost in combat, all due to hits from SA-2 ground to air missiles. B52s were non-combat losses. Approximately 50 of the 86 were lost between 1965 and 1973 during the Vietnam War era. Approximately seven B52s were lost while attempting to reach North Vietnam on combat missions.A total of 25 crewmen were killed in these losses. North Vietnam claimed 34 B-52s were shot down. During the war 31 B-52s were lost, including 10 shot down over North Vietnam.