Academy 1/144 B-52H - 20th BS 'Buccaneers'

The B-52H had the same crew and structural changes as the B-52G. The most significant upgrade was the switch to TF33-P-3 turbofan engines, which, despite the initial reliability problems (corrected by 1964 under the Hot Fan program), offered considerably better performance and fuel economy than the J57 turbojets. The ECM and avionics were updated, a new fire control system was fitted, and the rear defensive armament was changed from machine guns to a 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon, which were then removed between 1991 and 1994. The final 18 aircraft were manufactured with provision for the ADR-8 countermeasures rocket, which was later retrofitted to the remainder of the B-52G and B-52H fleet. A provision was made for four GAM-87 Skybolt ballistic missiles. The aircraft's first flight occurred on 10 July 1960, and it entered service on 9 May 1961. This is the only variant currently in use. A total of 102 B-52Hs were built. The last production aircraft, B-52H AF Serial No. 61-40, left the factory on 26 October 1962. Surviving B-52Hs are being upgraded to B-52J with new Rolls Royce F130 engines and a new radar.

I bought this kit used where the previous owner had glued together the wings and flaps. He had also taken most of the sprues out of their bags. While the kit does have a three piece cockpit, construction starts with the wheel wells/bomb bay piece. There are several bulkheads that fit into this main section as do the main landing gear. Then a full load of iron bombs is fit into the bomb bay section. There are  sidewall pieces that fit into the right and left fuselage half before the initial assembly is attached and the fuselage halves closed.

The kit provides alternate pieces for a raised landing gear and a closed bomb bay, so it is worth while to look over the instructions before starting to build to determine which configuration you want as it will save some steps. Wings are next and there are options for open or closed outriggers. While the flaps are separate, they are designed to be installed in the neutral position.  Each of the engine pods consists of seven pieces and is designed to eliminate intake seams.

Wing tanks are provided and you'll spend a considerable amount of time building the underwing bomb racks with a myriad of small bombs. Optionally, you can use slightly larger ones. Tailplanes are followed by the cockpit transparency. Academy provides masks for this, which is quite welcome.

Instructions are well done and provide a number of paint references. Three markings options are provided with two assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing in Louisiana and one to the 69th Bomb Squadron in Minot. All three options are overall gunship grey. The decal sheet is nicely printed and the decals should work just fine.

Previously the B-52H was kitted in this scale by Revell, but I'm willing to bet that this one will build better. It is still a pretty large airplane even in 1/144 so have room on your shelf for it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_B-52_Stratofortress#Variants

September 2025 

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