Why Does The B-52 Have Wheels On The Wings?

Summary The B-52 uses wingtip wheels for support and during taxi, preventing bending on the ground. The B-52 is equipped with advanced targeting pods for battle assessment & combat engagements. The B-52 has two sets of wheels under each wingtip & can crab on the ground for crosswind landin The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber designed for close air support and air interdiction missions.

Capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 ft (15,160 m), the aircraft can carry both conventional and nuclear ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. The B-52 is unique in its design, particularly known for having a set of wheels under each wing. Those wheels are different than the main landing gear, and can be deployed or retracted for ground operations.

The set of wheels near the tips of the wing supports the large-span wings, taking the fuel weight. B-52 Superfortress Power plant: Eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines Thrust per engine: Up to 17,000 pounds Wingspan: 185 feet (56.4 meters) Length: 159 ft, 4 in (48.

5 m) Height: 40 ft, 8 in (12.4 m) Weight: 185,000 lbs (83,250 kg) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 488,000 lbs (219,600 kg) Fuel Capacity: 312,197 lbs (141,610 kg) Payload: 70,000 lbs (31,500 kg) The B-52 Superfortress features state-of-the-art armaments and systems to excel in air interdiction, counter air and maritime operations. The aircraft is equipped with electro-optical sensors, infrared, and advanced targe.