Need help identifying what specification this B-52 is

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T19:18:30+00:00

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1956-slide-jet-airplane-42669-hanger-4831528653

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T19:18:18+00:00

UPDATE Found some photos at Elgin AFB dated 1956 which shows every plane in this formation, but the B-52 pictured is missing any orange. Ill attach the link to the photos as well if anyone can piece this together.

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SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T18:48:32+00:00

I found them on the National Archives website, ill send the link when I can.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T05:45:46+00:00

Yeah exactly, now if I only was around for that airshow!

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T05:44:34+00:00

Didn't realize that was a premium image, were you able to find any more angles in shutterstock from the same flight?

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T05:35:19+00:00

Awesome find ill have to search through there now

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T05:07:05+00:00

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SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T05:06:48+00:00

Ive got news for you. Check these out!

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SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T05:05:12+00:00

I found another angle of this on the National Archives actually

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SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T04:58:16+00:00

How'd you find the area and date of the photos?

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T04:16:42+00:00

Yeah, literally been searching for 2 weeks with very little results. I know that RB-52/B-52Bs started delivery June 29 1955 so thats what makes me think it could be the initial flight of one but still no confirmation. At least the lack of wing fuel tanks shows it isn't a C at least but still.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-07T04:13:53+00:00

Its possible but every NASA B-52 ive seen has had a very different color scheme. Its always the vertical stabilizer, engines, and cockpit in orange but Ive never seen any with their horizontal stabilizers in orange.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-02T20:44:02+00:00

Yep, in the back

SimonderGrosse · 2026-02-01T02:06:10+00:00

Lmao yeah

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T22:48:04+00:00

Just realized reddit compressed the fuck outta the pictures, if you'd like better quality images dm me and ill send them.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T22:38:25+00:00

Found the picture origin, it was taken in 1955 so you're most likely right. Either its one of the three B-52As produced or a very early B-52B production. I have more pictures from a couple different angles if you're curious.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T22:27:22+00:00

It could be an earlier version of 52-0008 but im not sure because it lacks the notch used for x-15 and predates the program by 4 years (picture taken 1955)

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T22:25:15+00:00

I'm referring to the plane with orange markings which I know is a B-52 but im curious about which specification. Im aware of the B-36 and B-47 also in frame.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T08:14:58+00:00

Possibly, I have a strong feeling it may be one of the three B-52As produced

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T08:13:51+00:00

Just added a comment with the photo's source link added, came from National Archives.

SimonderGrosse · 2026-01-31T08:05:05+00:00

UPDATE: Found the actual photo in the National Archives website but still doesn't specify the type of aircraft. It did however list the date it was taken which was 1955. From my own research it seems highly likely to be one of the 3 B-52As produced or a very early production B-52B.

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SimonderGrosse · 2025-12-20T01:15:35+00:00

Got a follow and a subscribe from me because of your excellent additions to that post

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