Boeing B-52H Stratofortress US Air Force 61-0028 (1:200)

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress US Air Force 61-0028 (1:200)

This Herpa 573726 B-52H model is a precision 1:200 scale die-cast replica, representing aircraft 61-0028 in the distinctive “Test Orange” heritage livery of the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron.

The model accurately reproduces the massive Boeing B-52H Stratofortress eight-engine strategic bomber, featuring its swept wings, underwing engine pods, and long-range strategic configuration. The bright orange and grey paint scheme is inspired by historic USAF test aircraft used for experimental programs.

The “Test Orange” scheme references the heritage of earlier NB-52 test aircraft, which were used as airborne launch platforms for experimental programs such as the X-15 hypersonic aircraft and later NASA space shuttle-related testing.

With a wingspan of 282 mm, this is one of the largest and most visually dominant 1:200 models, designed for serious collectors of military aviation and Cold War–to–modern transition aircraft.

Unlike standard operational bombers, this release captures the engineering continuity and experimental legacy of the B-52 program, making it a standout centerpiece in any 1:200 military collection.

Features

• Aircraft Type: Boeing B-52H Stratofortress
• Operator: United States Air Force
• Unit: 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron
• Registration: 61-0028
• Livery: Heritage “Test Orange” grey/orange scheme
• Material: Die-cast metal
• Scale: 1:200
• Wingspan: 282 mm
• Role: Strategic bomber and operational test platform
• Era: Modern USAF test and evaluation operations

Historical Background

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress entered service in 1961 and remains one of the most important strategic bombers in U.S. Air Force history. Despite its age, continuous upgrades ensure it will remain in service well into the mid-21st century.

The aircraft represented in this model is operated by the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, a unit responsible for operational testing of the B-52 weapons system, including evaluating new mission capabilities, avionics, and weapons integration.

The “Test Orange” livery is a heritage-inspired scheme introduced to honor the legacy of earlier NB-52A and NB-52B test aircraft, which played a critical role in experimental aviation. These aircraft acted as launch platforms for high-speed research programs such as the X-15 and supported early NASA testing efforts.

The modern application of this livery connects today’s B-52H test operations with decades of aerospace innovation, symbolizing the aircraft’s continuous evolution from Cold War strategic deterrent to modern multi-role test and evaluation platform.