Purpose: To Inform

Introduction: The B-52, called "Stratofortess" was intoduced as a long-range, jet propelled bomber. It was made by Boeing aircraft, and the first flight was April l5, 1952. During its long history of operations the B-52 set several world records. However, the most important use of the B-52 came during the Vietman War.

Body:

Main point : According to The History of the U.S. Airfoce the B-52 bomber set three world records.

A. On January 18, 1957 three B-52's completed the world's first non-stop round-the-world flight by jet aircraft. This trip too 45 hours and 19 minutes. During the filight there were three air refulings.

B. The second record came on May 21, 1956. This was the first airborne hydrogen bomb drop over Bekini Atoll in the South Pacific.

C. The last record came during the Vietnam war where the B-52 flew 126,615 sorties or missions in Vietnam. During these missions seventeen B-52's were lost.

Main point II: B-52's role during the Vietnam War.

A. The B-52 was structually rebuilt and redesigned for the Vietnam War. It was redesigned for HDB (High Density Bombing) with conventional bombs and for sustained operation at low levels. Neither HBD or low altitude flying were orginally intended for the B-52. With the redesigns the B-52 could not carry 108 bombs weighing 89,000 lbs., and it could fly at low altitudes for long periods of time avoiding enemy radar.

B. In the late 1960's the B-52's unloaded vast tonnages of conventional bombs over North Vietnam. The U.S. used the constant bombing of Viet Cong targets to force the North Vietnam to the negotiating table. And accoring to The History of the U.S. Airforce, the B-52 was the most hated weapon of the Viet Cong.