Western Estimates – Historical Review

Estimated start of flight testing 1953 First discovery Bear A 1955 Bear B July 9, 1961 Bear C February 1962 Bear D March 1965 Bear E April 1965 Bear F April 1972 Estimated start of series production 1954 First public display in practice for May Day flyby April 21, 1955 Public display of three (some observers say nine) aircraft May 1, 1955 Initial operational capability 1956 Significant operational capability 1959

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