An illustrated study of the ongoing career of the iconic B-52, chronicling its frontline service after Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

First flown in 1955, the B-52 has become an icon of deterrence and the long reach of American air power. The aircraft was conceived as a long-range nuclear bomber, but its versatility saw it used as a heavy-weight 'bomb truck' in Vietnam and a launcher of stand-off air-to-ground missiles during Operation Desert Storm. Following the First Gulf War, B-52s have continued to see combat, undertaking close air support missions during patrols above Al-Qaeda insurgents and Taliban forces in Afghanistan from 2001-03 for example, and have upheld their reputation as America's 'Big Stick' by acting as a deterrent in situations such as the Chinese friction with Taiwan in 2023.

In this illustrated volume, combat aircraft expert Peter E Davies draws on fresh research and first-hand accounts to tell the story of the later career of this iconic and enduring aircraft, examining its service from Operation Desert Storm onwards. Twenty-two newly commissioned profile artworks complement a variety of photographs from both official and private collections, demonstrating the colour schemes, nose art and new weapons that have become features of late-20th and 21st-century B-52 units.

Peter E Davies is a full-time aviation author with more than 50 published books to his credit, including more than 40 for Osprey. He specialises in modern combat aircraft, particularly those involved in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. He has contributed numerous titles to the Osprey X-Planes, Air Campaign, Dogfight and Duel series, in addition to his many Combat Aircraft titles.

Gareth Hector produced the cover artwork for this volume.

Jim Laurier produced the profile artwork in this book.