U S AIR FORCE B-52 STRATOFORTRESS Challenge Coin w/ Presentation Box

Description: This is a great looking US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress challenge coin. Coin has reeded edges and is about 1 9/16" in diameter. Front side of coin is printed and colorized while the rear side is raised lettering and gold plated. Coin is contained in an acrylic air tight holder and is displayed in an attractive blue velvet presentation box which will make this a very impressive gift or presentation. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s. The bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons, and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles (14,080 km) without aerial refueling. 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 has been in active service with the USAF since 1955. As of December 2015, 58 were in active service with 18 in reserve. The bombers flew under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) until it was disestablished in 1992 and its aircraft absorbed into the Air Combat Command (ACC); in 2010 all B-52 Stratofortresses were transferred from the ACC to the newly created Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Superior performance at high subsonic speeds and relatively low operating costs have kept the B-52 in service despite the advent of later, more advanced aircraft, including the canceled Mach 3 B-70 Valkyrie, the variable-geometry B-1 Lancer, and the stealth B-2 Spirit. The B-52 completed sixty years of continuous service with its original operator in 2015. After being upgraded between 2013 and 2015, it is expected to serve into the 2040s. Role Strategic Bomber National origin United States Manufacturer Boeing First flight 15 April 1952 Introduction February 1955 Status In service Primary users United States Air Force NASA Produced 1952–1962 Number built 744 Unit cost B-52B: US$14.43 million (1956); US$126.93M (2016 with inflation) B-52H: US$9.28M (1962); US$84M (2012 with inflation) *COMBINED SHIPPING AVAILABLE* For combined shipping place all items in cart then purchase all items together from cart for 1 combined shipping charge...

Price: 19.99 USD

Location: New Braunfels, Texas

End Time: 2024-09-11T14:49:59.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD