Photos: At Air Force Academy, a B-52 tells the story

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.

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.

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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.

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A side view of the B-52D. It was first put into service in October 1956 and retired in October 1983.

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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.

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On the front left of the plane are a series of insignia, including what appears to be the representation of dozens of bombs.

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The right front of Diamond Lil, the B-52D Stratofortress on display at the Air Force Academy.

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A look at one wing of the B-52D Stratofortress on display at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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