Ron J
Active member
[attachment 73474 b52006.jpg]While visiting my niece Judy, at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, i saw alot of great sights, on the grounds alone,there were all kinds of Planes on display. One here,two there..etc. The grounds the Academy covers must be huge. I managed a few shots of different planes,even though i am not a flying person, they still draw my attention. This baby was kinda large,and i just had to inspect it closer. Diamond Lil, is a Early fifties B-52 model D. [attachment 73474 b52006.jpg]The Air Force still flies B-52's but different models.[attachment 73476 b52008.jpg] This giant was initially delivered to the Air Force in October 1956, and retired in October 1983. She was hauled 17 miles from Peterson Air Force Base,minus her wings and tail, in December 1983,and final reassembling was completed Sept. 7th,1984. She served the Strategic Air Command, in which by the way,most of the pilots were graduates of this academy! She is only 48' tall,[attachment 73480 b52002.jpg]weighs in at 172,000 lbs., empty that is. 156 ft in length,185 ft wingspan! [attachment 73479 b52001.jpg]Wider than her length! Her speeds could reach 650 mph,and could fly non-stop for 6000 miles! She also carried 4 .50 cals.[attachment 73478 b52009.jpg] with a crew of six. You wouldn't want to feed her,with an inner tank of 41,000 gallons of fuel,and another external tank of 3000 gallons. Imagine filling her for around $ 130,000 a pop? [attachment 73481 b52007.jpg] Rj