Photos: At Air Force Academy, a B-52 tells the story
A symbol of incredible might and a harbinger of deadly consequences, B-52s were America's long-range bombers for nearly 30 years. They could travel 6,000 miles without refueling and could carry 60,000 pounds of bombs.
Front view of Air Force Academy B-52
Anyone who enters the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., through its north gate is all but certain to drive past one of the most visible features of the school: an old B-52D bomber mounted on giant pedestals.
This is a view of the plane from directly in front of it.
CNET News reporter Daniel Terdiman visited the academy as part of his Road Trip 2009 project. Click here for the full Road Trip package.
This is a view of the plane from directly in front of it.
CNET News reporter Daniel Terdiman visited the academy as part of his Road Trip 2009 project. Click here for the full Road Trip package.
Diamond Lil
According to the Web site Nampows.org, this B-52D is serial number 55-083 and was one of only two such planes to shoot down an enemy MiG.
Click here for the entire Road Trip package.
Click here for the entire Road Trip package.
Rear view of B-52
A rear view of the B-52D that is mounted and on display at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The planes could carry 60,000 of bombs and fly more than 6,000 miles without refueling, according to the Air Force Academy.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
The planes could carry 60,000 of bombs and fly more than 6,000 miles without refueling, according to the Air Force Academy.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
Side view of B-52
A side view of the B-52D. It was first put into service in October 1956 and retired in October 1983.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
B-52D specs
Several plaques near the B-52D spell out the giant bomber's specifications.
Among other things, it had a wing span of 185 feet and stood 48 feet tall at its highest point.
Ciick here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
Among other things, it had a wing span of 185 feet and stood 48 feet tall at its highest point.
Ciick here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
B-52 symbols
On the front left of the plane are a series of insignia, including what appears to be the representation of dozens of bombs.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
B-52 right front
The right front of Diamond Lil, the B-52D Stratofortress on display at the Air Force Academy.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
B-52D engines
A look at one wing of the B-52D Stratofortress on display at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
Click here for the entire Road Trip 2009 package.
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