This photograph of the Boeing XB-52, The Air Force's 8 jet heavy Bomber, was made public by the Air Force today as engine run-ups of the aircraft at Boeing field, Seattle, Washington required moving of the aircraft to a more exposed area as well as removal of camouflage. The XB-52 has been under camouflage since it was rolled out from the Boeing factory on November 29. In releasing the photograph, Air Force Secretary Thomas K. Finletter Issued the following statement: "The Air Force is releasing a photograph of the Boeing XB-52 which shows the least amount of information that could be of value to an enemy. We are making this photograph available inasmuch as the engine run-up test requires that the aircraft be more exposed. To protect the security of other information concerning the bomber, it is requested that news photographers and the public cooperates with the air force by refraining from taking any other photographs. We will make every effort to continue to protect the physical security of this aircraft. The cooperation of the news media since the aircraft's roll out has been splendid in this connection. We feel sure we will continue to receive such understanding and cooperation in the interest of making the gathering by a potential enemy of information about our classified projects as difficult as possible." The Boeing XB-52 has been previously announced as a long ranged jet bomber equipped with 8 - J- 57 turbojet engine made by Pratt and Whitney.

General Electric Company1951-12-29