60 Years Later: The Long-Standing Symbol Of US Strength Endures

Along with the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, it was one of the defining pieces of military technology during the Cold War, even carrying the British Nuclear warhead during the 1960's.

The B-52 is a plane that consistently beats critics, refusing to die. Originally slated for retirement generations ago, it continues to be deployed in conflict after conflict.

From its first Hydrogen bomb drop in the Bikini Islands in 1956 to its laser-guided bombs in Afghanistan 2006 - the bombers enduring legacy lives on.

'Ghost Rider', became the first B-52 bomber to be 'resurrected' from the 'Boneyard' after initially being retired in 2008.

“There have been a series of attempts to build a better intercontinental bomber, and they have consistently failed,” said Owen Coté, a professor of security studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “Turns out whenever we try to improve on the B-52, we run into problems, so we still have the B-52.”

A crowning moment during its recent deployment in Afghanistan in 2001 when Muhammad Arif, a Commander in the Northern Alliance was quoted saying "The big plane was very good" after bombing armoured divisions in Iraq.

More From Forces TV: We Take a Ride on a B52 Refuelling Flight

RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire is one of the long-range bombers' forward operating bases:

The operational function of the base was as a Forward Operating Location for US Air Force aircraft, a role it played in both Gulf Wars and in NATO operations in the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

The most recent deployment of B-52's to the UK came courtesy of the Baltops and Saber Strike exercises in Eastern Europe, seen below here taking off from RAF Fairford:

Dropping everything from atomic bombs to leaflets, the B-52's effectiveness and versatility has meant it has made up the bulk of the United States Long Range Bomber Fleet for since its introduction in 1952.

In the words of Captain Hyde, the commanding officer of one of the B-52 bombers,  the B-52 is proof that "you can teach an old dog new tricks".

With no replacement due to arrive for decades, the antiquated yet powerful bomber is here to stay.