B-52 honors legacy with “test orange” paint scheme

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  • By 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In a celebration of its storied history, the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron unveiled a distinctive “test orange” paint scheme for the B-52 Stratofortress on Sept. 30. This initiative marks a significant moment in the aircraft’s modernization while paying homage to its legacy.  

NB-52E

NB-52E equipped with meters and monitors to test for turbulence impact on the bomber. It now resides in the "Boneyard" at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.
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“A heritage orange test and evaluation paint scheme represents a rich history of substantial advancements and progress within the U.S. Air Force, the test enterprise, and the B-52’s life cycle,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Silva, 49th TES commander.  

Silva emphasized that the color choice draws inspiration from testing practices established during the 1950s and 60s, reflecting a critical chapter in the B-52’s evolution.  

Orange has long been associated with testing and experimentation in aviation, with its roots tracing back to the 1940s. The paint scheme was intended to aid in recovery of downed aircraft and to decrease midair collisions. Some aviators wore orange jumpsuits to improve visibility in case they needed to eject.  

X-1 in flight

The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1-1 (#46-062) in flight. The shock wave pattern in the exhaust plume is visible. The X-1 series aircraft were air-launched from a modified Boeing B-29 or a B-50 Superfortress bombers. The X-1-1 was painted a bright orange by Bell Aircraft. It was thought that the aircraft would be more visable to those doing the tracking during a flight. When NACA received the airplanes they were painted white, which was an easier color to find in the skies over Muroc Air Field in California. This particular craft was nicknamed "Glamorous Glennis" by Chuck Yeager in honor of his wife, and is now on permanent display in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. There were five versions of the Bell X-1 rocket-powered research aircraft that flew at the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station, Edwards, California. The bullet-shaped X-1 aircraft were built by Bell Aircraft Corporation, Buffalo, N.Y. for the U.S. Army Air Forces (after 1947, U.S. Air Force) and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The X-1 Program was originally designated the XS-1 for EXperimental Sonic. The X-1's mission was to investigate the transonic speed range (speeds from just below to just above the speed of sound) and, if possible, to break the "sound barrier." Three different X-1s were built and designated: X-1-1, X-1-2 (later modified to become the X-1E), and X-1-3. The basic X-1 aircraft were flown by a large number of different pilots from 1946 to 1951. The X-1 Program not only proved that humans could go beyond the speed of sound, it reinforced the understanding that technological barriers could be overcome. The X-1s pioneered many structural and aerodynamic advances including extremely thin, yet extremely strong wing sections; supersonic fuselage configurations; control system requirements; powerplant compatibility; and cockpit environments. The X-1 aircraft were the first transonic-capable aircraft to use an all-moving
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The iconic Bell XS-1, which was painted orange to enhance visibility, set a precedent in 1947 when U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles “Chuck” Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier in the aircraft known as “Glamorous Glennis.” This historic flight marked a turning point in aviation, paving the way for generations of test pilots and engineers.  

The use of orange for test aircraft was further formalized in 1959, when a study recommended this bold color for marking test vehicles. By 1968, the Society of Flight Test Engineers had adopted “flight test orange” as part of its motto, solidifying the color’s significance to aerospace testing.  

The B-52, known affectionately as the “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fellow), has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force since its introduction in the 1950s. With its long-range strike capabilities and versatility, the B-52 has served in numerous conflicts and missions worldwide, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Today, as it undergoes modernization efforts to enhance its systems and weapons capabilities, the 49th TES is committed to blending the aircraft’s rich heritage with the technological advancements of the 21st century. 

“By showcasing the test orange scheme, we are reminding everyone of the B-52’s incredible journey and the continuous progress made within the Air Force,” Silva said. “This aircraft has been a symbol of power and precision, and we are excited for this next era of modernization.”