The 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) has officially revealed the completed heritage orange livery of the B-52H Stratofortress, tail number 61-0028. This striking new look pays homage to the legendary NB-52A and NB-52E, aircraft that played a crucial role in aviation and spaceflight history.
Months after its first sighting with an incomplete color scheme, the B-52H now sports all the missing decals, transforming it into a fully realized tribute to its predecessors. The 53rd Wing, the lead operational test wing of the U.S. Air Force, shared images of the completed Orange BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow) on its official Facebook page. The aircraft was proudly displayed during the Barksdale Air Force Base Air Show on March 29-30, 2025.
During the event, the 49th TES showcased the bomber’s newly added details:
- The Operational Test “OT” tail flash
- The squadron’s Wolfpack emblem
- A black arrow point on the tail
- Classic USAF roundels
“This throwback design pays tribute to the legendary NB-52E while keeping our heritage alive,” the squadron stated in its Facebook post. They further elaborated that the NB-52A, NB-52E, and even the iconic X-1 rocket plane inspired this livery. The bold orange roundels and “USAF” markings mimic the aesthetics of past experimental aircraft, bringing together multiple historical influences.
The B-52H first appeared with its new paint scheme on September 30, 2024, when it was spotted taking off from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Aviation photographer Rob Stephens of Redhome Aviation captured the aircraft’s transformation journey, noting that it arrived at Tinker AFB on August 26, 2024, with minimal paint and an orange rudder before heading into a special paint shop.
The B-52H 61-0028 “Wolfpack” features an orange forward fuselage, wing tips, engine nacelles, and vertical stabilizer, contrasting with the standard dark gray of modern Stratofortresses. Initially, the aircraft lacked identification markings, as the “OT” and “49 TES” tail insignia, black arrow point, and “U.S. Air Force” fuselage text were scheduled to be applied upon its return to Barksdale AFB.
This retro livery closely resembles the famous NB-52B (52-0008) while incorporating elements from the NB-52A (52-0003) and the lesser-known NB-52E (56-0632). The U.S. Air Force emphasized that this test orange scheme serves as a reminder of the B-52’s rich history and its ongoing evolution.
NB-52 Legacy
The decision to honor the NB-52 series is rooted in the aircraft’s historic role in U.S. aviation and space research.
- NB-52A & NB-52B: Launch Pads for the X-15
- In 1957, NASA selected the B-52 Stratofortress to replace the aging B-36 Peacemaker as the launch platform for the X-15 hypersonic research program. The NB-52A “The High and Mighty One” (tail number 52-0003) and its successor, the NB-52B “The Challenger” (52-0008), became iconic as flying launch pads for experimental aircraft.
- NB-52A (52-0003): Conducted 93 X-15 launches between 1959 and 1969 before being retired. It is currently preserved at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona.
- NB-52B (52-0008): Took over the X-15 program, launching aircraft 106 times. It continued in service until December 17, 2004, when it was retired after completing its final mission with the X-43A. “Balls 8,” as it was affectionately known (due to its tail number 52-008), remains on display at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
- These aircraft contributed significantly to NASA’s space shuttle program, helping develop steep gliding landings and testing parachute recovery systems for solid rocket boosters.
NB-52E: Experimental Innovations
While the NB-52A and B are well-known, the NB-52E (56-0632) played a quieter but equally critical role in aviation research.
This aircraft was modified for flutter suppression and low-level flight testing, crucial for improving the B-52’s structural integrity.
- Swept winglets near the nose
- Electronic flight control systems
- Additional control surfaces on the wings
These innovations laid the groundwork for modern fly-by-wire technology, reducing stress on the airframe and enhancing flight stability. The NB-52E was later used in the Load Alleviation and Mode Stabilization (LAMS) project, which helped mitigate structural fatigue caused by wind gusts.
One of its most significant achievements came in mid-1973, when it successfully flew 10 knots beyond the speed at which flutter would have normally destroyed the aircraft. Today, the NB-52E rests in the “Boneyard” at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group in Arizona, a silent witness to groundbreaking aviation progress.
By adopting the heritage orange livery, the B-52H 61-0028 not only honors these past experimental aircraft but also symbolizes the continued modernization of the Stratofortress fleet. Despite entering service in 1961, the B-52H remains a cornerstone of U.S. strategic air power, with upgrades ensuring its viability until at least 2050.
B-52 Fleet
- The B-52H fleet is undergoing major modernization efforts, including:
- Re-engining project: Replacing the aging TF33 engines with Rolls-Royce F130 engines.
- Radar and avionics upgrades: Enhancing targeting, navigation, and electronic warfare capabilities.
- Integration of hypersonic weapons: Supporting next-generation strategic deterrence.
While the Orange BUFF pays tribute to history, it also represents the B-52’s ability to evolve. The aircraft remains a testbed for new technology, just as the NB-52s were in their time.
The B-52H 61-0028’s heritage orange livery is more than just a paint job—it’s a symbol of innovation, resilience, and progress. From the X-15 launches of the 1950s to the cutting-edge research of today, the B-52 continues to play a vital role in shaping aviation and defense technology.
As the Orange BUFF proudly stands on the tarmac at Barksdale, it reminds us of the bold experiments and visionary engineering that have propelled aviation forward. The legacy of the NB-52A, B, and E lives on, ensuring that the B-52 Stratofortress remains a force to be reckoned with for decades to come.
