The B-52 Stratofortress
The B-52 Stratofortress is a heavy, long-range bomber designed to undertake a wide range of missions. It can fly at high subsonic speeds and reach altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). Equipped to deliver either nuclear or precision-guided conventional weapons, it can navigate globally with precise accuracy.
B-52 bombers are fitted with advanced targeting pods that enhance their ability to detect, identify, and monitor targets over long distances. These pods ensure steady surveillance and improve mission performance, including providing close air support for ground troops. The advanced imaging and targeting systems significantly boost the B-52’s combat capabilities, allowing it to effectively engage ground targets both day and night and in challenging weather. This technology supports the use of a range of standoff weapons, such as laser-guided bombs, standard bombs, and GPS-guided munitions.
B-52 folding tail
As illustrated by the pictures in this post, all B-52 Stratofortress bombers have an important but often overlooked feature: a folding vertical fin.
According to Scott Lowther’s book, Boeing B-47 Stratojet & B-52 Stratofortress Origins and Evolution, the B-52’s vertical fin was—at least before the G-model—a huge component, making the plane too tall to fit inside standard hangars. To remedy this, the fin could be folded down more than 90 degrees, substantially lowering the aircraft’s height.
Unlike the folding wings of naval aircraft that are designed for compact storage on aircraft carriers, the B-52’s folding fin does not operate autonomously; it requires an external crane to lower or raise it.
Changing the B-52 tail or rudder
Additionally, the B-52’s fin must be folded when it’s necessary to replace the tail or rudder, which, along with the spoiler and elevator, is one of the aircraft’s three main control surfaces for roll, pitch, and yaw. Changing the rudder is a complex procedure that requires several Airmen and takes many hours to complete.
“First, we fold the fin to the right side of the B-52, then we disconnect the seal, remove the bolts, and then remove the rudder with a crane,” said Senior Airman Jacob Dunn, 2 MXS R&R, in the article Fold, Fix, and Fly, by Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony, 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs.
Raymond notes that simply folding the fin takes over two hours to finish.
“We take a giant jackscrew and attach it to the aircraft’s fuselage and vertical stabilizer,” he said. “Once that is on and all the components are disconnected, you can start hand cranking it down, which takes four Airmen approximately two to four hours.”
Eight hours to raise the B-52 tail
Raymond explains that the 2,600-pound fin is moved into position by hand-cranking. After the fin is fully folded, it is locked securely to ensure the safety of the Airmen working on it.
“Removing the rudder takes five to six hours, depending on whether or not you have to install a new one or if sheet metal has to work on it,” said Raymond. “After that, it takes another five to six hours to put it back on.”
After installing the rudder, Airmen inspect to make sure it meets all standards. Once the new rudder has passed inspection, the maintenance team spends the next eight hours raising the B-52’s fin. When the fin is fully upright, the aircraft is ready to return to the flightline.
Boeing B-47 Stratojet & B-52 Stratofortress Origins and Evolution is published by Mortons Books and is available to order here.
Photo by Unknown via Reddit and Staff Sgt. Melissa B. White / U.S. Air Force
