B-52s have been modified for low-level flight, conventional bombing, extended-range flights and transport of improved defensive and offensive equipment -- including cruise missiles that can be launched hundreds of miles from their targets. The B-52 chalked up numerous distance and speed records. It cut the round-the-world speed record in half. In January 1962, it flew 12,500 miles nonstop from Japan to Spain without refueling. This flight alone broke 11 distance and speed records. The B-52s increased in range, power and capability with each variant.