1952: The Boeing XB-52 Stratofortress prototype, 49-230, made its first flight at Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, with test pilot Alvin M. “Tex” Johnston in command. Lieutenant Colonel Guy M. Townsend, U.S. Air Force, acted as co-pilot. The first of two prototype long-range, high-altitude, heavy bombers, had been damaged during ground testing and extensive repairs were required, which delayed its initial flight. Ironically, the second prototype, YB-52 49-231, made the type’s first flight nearly six months earlier, on 15 April 1952.
