New Kids on the Block X/YB-52

[Shay]

Well new atleast back then.....

I've always like the lines of the X and YB-52s, alway pegged my as a sharp looking design. And I learned Gen. Lemay was extremely insistant that it be changed.

Final disposition:

The two prototypes continued an extensive series of flight tests in support of the Stratofortress program. Both the XB-52 and the YB-52 ended their days at the Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. In 1957, the XB-52 was sent to the Wright Air Development Center at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. It later flew as a six-engined aircraft, with four J57s inboard and two J75s outboard. After logging 783 flying hours, the YB-52 was donated to the USAF Museum at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio on January 27, 1958. Unfortunately, both aircraft were scrapped in the mid-1960s. They were victims of Lady Bird Johnson's national beautification program, which sought to remove eyesores such as surplus military hardware from the landscape.

What a shame.









Boeing test pilot A. M. "Tex" Johnston



If they only back then had the smallest of hints as to the legacy the Stratofortress would leave behind when all is said and done.


Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[mustangdriver]

Why politicans have no business in aircraft preservation.

[B29Gunner]

Let not your heart be troubled Shay, for at least one part of her survives

[The Inspector]

Photo #2 was taken West of Edmonds WA. over Puget Sound heading NNW. The area covered in trees is now covered in houses and apartments,

I remember as a little kid watching the XB being rolled out on TV on a rainy night, under a huge tarp of muslin so them Rooskies couldn't see it's real shape.

How much would you give for that 51 FORD woody in photo #3?

Boy if that comm panel could talk!!!

[ww2John]

We had a '51 Ford Beach Wagon, back in the day.
A Rust Bucket by 1954...

[Fouga23]

Shame they didn't save the XB-52 cockpit. Would make a great museum item next to a "normal" B-52!

[Django]

Man, that cockpit is cool looking!

[Ztex]

Can you imagine flying that beast from a fighter pilots cockpit!?! Sitting out in front all alone...wow!

[Shay]

Shame they didn't save the XB-52 cockpit. Would make a great museum item next to a "normal" B-52!

I think a neat project would be to take an available B-52 cockpit and convert it to XB-52.

Very cool keepsake B29Gunner.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[Holedigger]

Might be easier to start from scratch than "modify" and existing!

[Matt Gunsch]

Why politicans have no business in aircraft preservation.

add to that certain Generals and Admirals