<P> Beginning with the successful contract bid in June 1946 , the B - 52 design evolved from a straight wing aircraft powered by six turboprop engines to the final prototype YB - 52 with eight turbojet engines and swept wings . The B - 52 took its maiden flight in April 1952 . Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War - era deterrence missions , the B - 52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B - 36 . A veteran of several wars , the B - 52 has dropped only conventional munitions in combat . The B - 52 's official name Stratofortress is rarely used ; informally , the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF ( Big Ugly Fat Fucker ) . </P>
<P> Beginning with the successful contract bid in June 1946 , the B - 52 design evolved from a straight wing aircraft powered by six turboprop engines to the final prototype YB - 52 with eight turbojet engines and swept wings . The B - 52 took its maiden flight in April 1952 . Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War - era deterrence missions , the B - 52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B - 36 . A veteran of several wars , the B - 52 has dropped only conventional munitions in combat . The B - 52 's official name Stratofortress is rarely used ; informally , the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF ( Big Ugly Fat Fucker ) . </P>
when did the b 52 bomber come out
when did the b 52 bomber come out
1952
1952