Specifications

The B-52 was used to launch the X-15, hypersonic rocket plane.  The pilot of the X-15 would get in through the B-52 when the B-52 reached the altitude of 45,000 ft. and a speed of Mach 0.83.  The X-15 was then dropped and the rocket engines were engaged.

Aircraft - B-52 Stratofortress (U.S.A.)

April 15, 2002 was the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the B-52.  

One of the most widely recognized and effective aircraft of all time, the B-52 has been THE heavy strategic bomber of the U.S. military.  Much of the design and many of the systems on the B-52 were developed at WADC.  Many of the modifications throughout the 1950's that were done to the B-52 were done as a result of studies being conducted at WADC, particularly in the panel and control design and in materials. 

It's wide range of nuclear and conventional ordinance capabilities, as well as it range made the B-52 a major player in the Cold War, and in every other conflict that involved U.S. air power.  The U.S. used the B-52 in Korea and Vietnam, and most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

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Specifications of the B-52

Primary Function: Heavy bomber

Contractor: Boeing Military Airplane Co.

Power Plant: Eight Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 turbofan

Thrust: Each engine up to 17,000 pounds (7,650 kilograms)

Length: 159 feet, 4 inches (48.5 meters)

Height: 40 feet, 8 inches (12.4 meters)

Wingspan: 185 feet (56.4 meters)

Speed: 650 miles per hour (Mach 0.86)

Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,151.5 meters)

Weight: Approximately 185,000 pounds empty (83,250 kilograms)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 488,000 pounds (219,600 kilograms)

Range: Unrefueled 8,800 miles (7,652 nautical miles)

Source: GlobalSecurity.org