Aircraft Type: B-36J-111, S/N 52-2217A, General Dynamics

Mission: Strategic Intercontinental Bomber.

Number Built: 385

Powerplant: Six Pratt & Whitney R-4360-53 pusher-type radial engines, 3,800 horsepower each; and four General Electric J-47-GE-19 turbojets, 5,200 lbs. thrust each.

Weight: Empty 158,843 lbs., Loaded 410,000 lbs., Maximum takeoff weight 410,000.

Dimensions: Wingspan 230', Length 162'1", Height 46'9".

Performance: Maximum speed 435 MPH at 36,400 feet, Cruising speed 391 MPH, Service Ceiling 45,200 feet.

Significance of Type: The B-36 was first conceived in 1941 as a transatlantic bomber to strike Europe from bases in the United States. Development of the bomber was initially delayed, and then ordered into production in 1943 for use against the Japanese home islands. However, the XB-36 prototypes first test flight wasn't until August 1946.

The B-36 Peacemaker was the largest production aircraft ever built. Known by pilots as the "Magnesium Monster", it reaped two other distinctions during it's career; it was the only U.S. bomber never to drop a bomb in war-time and the only aircraft capable of attacking a target on another continent and returning to home base without having to refuel. A B-36J crew consisted of a pilot, copilot, two navigators, bombardier, flight engineer, radio operator, radar operator, two ECM operators and five gunners.

About Our B-36J-111, S/N 52-2217A : The aircraft was manufactured by the Fort Worth Division of General Dynamics Corporation and delivered to the Strategic Air Command on 22 December, 1953.