@ USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
August 2014
Soaring over the mountains of Colorado Springs, this B-52D, “Diamond Lil”, shows off its impressive array of over 200 mission markings plus a jet fighter stencil. This bomber has the distinction of being the final of two B-52’s to have shot down an enemy aircraft with her own guns. Note the thermal curtains are drawn, protecting the crew from the flash of nuclear detonation and keeping the cockpit cool. The B-52 first flew in 1952, has been in service since 1955 and is expected to serve into the 2040’s. Nikon D300 w/18-200mm, processing with Photomatix Pro and iPhoto.
