Air Force BUFF at 60! June 19, 2012 Share Read Later Air Force photo / SrA. Jesse LopezA B-52H Stratofortress strains all eight of its engines as it participates in a rapid launch exercise at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., on June 11. The B-52 flew its maiden flight in April, 1952 – more than 60 years ago.