b52 bomber Subsequently, in November 1946, the Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research and Development, General Curtis LeMay , expressed the desire for a cruising speed of 400 miles per hour (350 kn; 640 km/h), to which Boeing responded with a 300,000-pound (140,000 kg) aircraft. [ 20 ] In December 1946, Boeing was asked to change its design to a four-engine bomber with a top speed of 400 miles per hour (350 kn; 640 km/h), range of 12,000 miles (10,000 nmi; 19,000 km), and the ability to carry a nuclear weapon ; in total, the aircraft could weigh up to 480,000 pounds (220,000 kg). [ 21 ] Boeing responded with two models powered by T35 turboprops. The Model 464-16 was a "nuclear only" bomber with a 10,000-pound (4,500 kg) payload, while the Model 464-17 was a general purpose bomber with a 9,000-pound (4,100 kg) payload. [ 21 ] Due to the cost associated with purchasing two specialized aircraft, the USAAF selected Model 464–17 with the understanding that it could be adapted for nuclear strikes. [ 22 ]. b52 clud b52 đăng nhập On 23 November 1945, Air Materiel Command (AMC) issued desired performance characteristics for a new strategic bomber "capable of carrying out the strategic mission without dependence upon advanced and intermediate bases controlled by other countries". [ 14 ] The aircraft was to have a crew of five or more turret gunners , and a six-man relief crew. It was required to cruise at 300 miles per hour (260 kn; 480 km/h) at 34,000 feet (10,000 m) with a combat radius of 5,000 miles (4,300 nmi; 8,000 km). The armament was to consist of an unspecified number of 20 mm cannons and 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) of bombs. [ 15 ] On 13 February 1946, the USAAF issued bid invitations for these specifications, with Boeing, Consolidated Aircraft , and Glenn L. Martin Company submitting proposals. [ 15 ]
