I worked on the D models (and KC135s) as an aircraft machinist at Larson AFB in 62-65. That included a short period of time at Defcon 2 (Cuban crisis). I also lived in line with the runway in the town of Moses Lake, WA. It was an experience to watch and listen to an alert pull a MITO. B52s and KC135s 15 seconds apart with the KCs being water injected. One time at the Fairford air show in the UK I was with a B52 crew and a British Vulcan crew. The Vulcan had just taken off and the Brits were owing and awing on how beautiful it appeared as it took off and being disparaging at the appearance of BUFF. The BUFF could never do that! One of the B52 crew replied, well your Vulcan can't carry 35 tons either. Touché.
Reminds me of the story of the fighter jock escorting a BUFF. He bragged about how he could do all sorts of maneuvers, did some rolls, etc. Said :"OK now let's see you do that!" He backed off and watched as the BUFF flew straight and level. the BUFF pilot came back on and said: "How was that?" The fighter jock said 'What, I didn't see you do anything!'. The BUFF pilot said: "Yea, I did. I got up, took a pee, got a cup of coffee and came back and sat down. Let's see YOU do that!"
I worked on the D, G and H models at KELLY AFB, TX. I was a civil service flight prep mechanic. Performed post PDM operational checks. Prepared the aircraft for FCF. I used to do the fuel control adjustments to include the screaming G models during high powered water injection checks!! I also went to Utapao, Thailand in 1975 with my Air Force Reserve unit to help close down Udorn and Thakli. I used to stand on the flightline and watch the buffs launch missions into viet nam. Man, they would take off fully loaded over the water at Utapao...they would reach the horizon and still be low over the water. Wow, what an experience....not mention the thai boxing on Fridays at the NCO club!!!
Great old bird and dead on reliable. First flew the B-52 in 1957 models B,C and D's. Flew many Chrome Dome and other 24 to 26 hour alert missions with one crew. My crew usually took 4 to 6 hour shifts at controls then took a rest .
I flew B-47's during 1955 and 1956 out of Barksdale then went to B-52's in 1957. Flew them ( B,C and D's) at Castle, Westover, and Mc Coy. Logged a few thousand hours in them. Totally reliable and out dated . but still useful, unlike me.
my grandmother had a camp on a small and very sparsely populated lake in Northern Maine I would spent a couple weeks at every summer and these beasts would buzz the tops of the trees on multiple daily training runs flying over the lake. Imagine being a kid sitting in a rowboat out on the water when you hear it coming and then there it is, this massive bomber powering down to cruise so low and slow all I could do was hold my ears ,cower, and look up at the guys in the cockpit as they chugged over my head. I loved it! Everybody loved it. this happened every day a few times a day. Sadly the base closed in 93. Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine was home to that squadron.
I recall looking up at the unmistakable sight of the B-52, using high power binoculars and seeing the distinctive eight engine vapour trails, very high up in the sky, over Manchester, England back in the 1970s. A wonderful sight and very reassuring during the Cold War. The B-52s were always up there, I would see them day after day, especially during the summer months when I was doing some gardening etc. As regards to this particular video of a B-52, Wow just such a marvellous aircraft, and indeed the crew are so professional, the practice bombing run was spot on target. One image that I can’t get out of my head is Slim Pickens as Major “King” Kong riding a nuclear bomb to oblivion, whooping and waving his cowboy hat, in the film Dr,Strangelove. God bless the USAF and the United States of America.
I still recall watching b52 returning from a bombing mission on the island of Okinawa. Impressive watching a stream of bombers lining up at base then making that left turn to final landing pattern. Amazing to this day. Thanks for the awesome vid
What a MIGHTY aircraft that bomber was! Just beautiful, with her 8 engine pods and long wings! She certainly DOES stand for our freedom and power! I worked as a musician at the Officers' Club at a SAC AFB for about 3 years. I loved watching the aircraft come and go! And the guys who flew them were great guys also.
I used to be a crew chief on the G model B52's many years ago. Loring, Anderson, and Castle AFB. Had a great tour, got pushed out during that first BRAC. Hated to leave the AF, but really enjoyed working and flying on that plane. Never got the chance to turn wrenches on the H, but did get to work along side some crew chiefs when they visited our bases. Having a "bed" on the upper flight deck was an improvement from having to "sleep" on the floor of the G's. Thanks for sharing this video.
My favorite aircraft throughout my military career. She was a lady through and through. I remember the smells and the feel of 8 engines ( jet engine mechanic ) from startup to shutdown. B-52G banging water and watching the smoke roll while running ground during engine runs. Thank God for Boeing and B-52! God Bless America and all who love and protect her! Liberatum Defendimous 2 FMS 2 Bombardment Wing , Barksdale AFB. 4300 PBW Diego Garcia BIOT , Desert Storm
This still amazes me. I was a crew chief on the B-52 in the late 80's, early 90's. I have flown on both during an aerial refuel. The boom on a KC -135 is only 17 ft long. Going hundreds of miles per hr only 17 feet apart.. nerve racking!
You might get a kick out of this story, that was a young Airman I went to tech school at Sheppard Air Force Base, one day it was time to learn how to use a crew chief ladder, and learn to take a soap sample, so I pushed the ladder up to the engine of the B-52 climbed up, opened up the little door on top of the engine, Placed the little soap sample jar over the opening and proceeded to stick the straw into the engine, as soon as I did that the wind blew, causing the b-58 wing to come up And the little door knock the soap sample bottle out of my hand, and into the engine! Needless to say our instructor was not happy with me on that occasion
Since I'm as old as dirt, I've seen the B-47 and B-58 Hustler up close, yet, the B-52 still flies and is expected to last for a couple more decades, or so I've heard. I've seen some kind of ad or some such about adding new updated engines to the 52. Awesome.
The USAF is working with three different suppliers to replace the T-33 turbofans with a new power plant that will take the b-52 into 2050. It will remain an EIGHT ENGINE weapon.
I was just 18 when I went to work on the B-52G. We really didn't have much trouble with the airframe. The problems were in all the electronics. They are probably a lot better today with solid state electronics. Everything had tubes back in 62. By the way, I am 74 now and still have a lot of respect for the old bird.
God bless you brother, I was a security specialist 81130, stationed at carswell afb fort worth, December 1978, went through lackland and police training just across the base, if any one was there they would remember camp bullis,
This bomber will out-live us all!! It was conceived in the late 40s, early 50s! She is STILL carrying out missions in the 21st century! Due to upgrades, she will carry on well into this century!
James Grigg my husband worked in armaments maintenance squadron. He came to Amarillo AFB, from Ellsworth South Dakota. Was stationed at Ellsworth, Amarillo, Guam, Plattsburgh, Thailand, and then Fairchild AFB where he retired in 1977. He could sure work on these 50 cals, he fire out rate was 95 to 98% most of the time.
A great video I must say. To see the majestic B52 take off, refuel, bomb and land all in one video from inside the plane is not something I have experienced before. Thanks for posting it.
Larry Lee was in. charge of customer support at Boeing from 1957-1981 when he retired on the B-52.He passed away in 1984,he would be proud to see the Good old b-52 is still alive and well today.
As I remember, the Initial training course was 6 months long...but the pilot's and co-pilot's had to undergo qualification training at their assigned bases for several months. I believe it was the longest in the Air Force. At least that's what I was told.
Survival training was brutal and all the certifications and schooling you needed in order to handle a nuclear arsenal platform. Grueling to say the least!!!!
Most typically, SAC designed it's alert areas to resemble a christmas tree, with the taxiway leading to the runway being the trunk. The aircraft were parked on stubs of the taxiway at 45 degree angles for easy egress to the runways. Depending on the SIOP plan was the amount of stubs designed into a alert pad as known. Off to one side was the entry control point, and the alert building. This building was half below ground and above ground, having bedrooms, offices, it's own chow hall or dining facility and parking bays for the alert force and security police. Both alert force and security police had to back their vehicles in to provide a very quick egress to the aircraft which sat full of fuel and weapons. The Klaxon was the signal to race to the bombers and have them at the runway threshold in 15 minutes from the furthest point on base. Failure to meet the 15 minute time would result in that crew or responsible person standing in front of the Wing Commander, obviously not a visit you wanted. To Aid this 15 minute time, when the klaxon was sounded were red lights on particular routes to the flightline would come on similar to what police vehicles have. This meant all non essential traffic was ordered to exit the roadway without question. Only command personnel, the alert force, fire and security police were allowed to drive on the roads. This worked very well in ensuring the alert force could be with-in the time limits. Why 15 minutes? If a enemy submarine was off our coast, it would take about 15 minutes for it's missiles to reach the base and wipe it out, we wanted the bombers and tankers gone to survive an attack on the base. The base I was assigned to had 5 stubs, a chain link fence with razor wire, double alarm systems monitored from a tower 50 feet up and bullet proof along with low light closed circuit television cameras. We also had 100 foot baseball light towers to turn the alert pad into daylight at midnight if need be. We had a compliment of two fire teams with automatic weapons to defend the restricted area. On the fence were restricted area signs every 100 feet, under those signs were another, reading: Use of Deadly Force IS Authorized! We never had to shoot anyone thankfully, but would have if it was called for. This is what won the cold war, the bombers and tankers on 15 ground alert, ready to go at the President's order. SAC was the command, I personally loved serving with SAC, strict with a heavy boot, but very efficient. That is why Russia never attempted a first strike nuclear war with us, we were ready anytime day or night, no matter the weather!
God bless our guys and gals who sacrifice their daily lives to protect us all. Thank you to each and everyone including all the support personnel and their families who give up so much. Gods speed. Amen
@creto Olsen, When I came back from Ubon Thailand in Aug 71 I was assigned to 416 SPS stationed at Griffiss Aug 71 'til Aug '72. Not only some great 52 action there but also lots of time to play straight pool. The best of both worlds.......
One of my Dads best friends was a colonel cat S.A.C. "Big Jim Pundt" ! They would fly alternating shifts around the Arctic 24 -7 A great testimont to a greatly engineered plane that has be retro fitted upgraded and is still in service. c
Worked as an Avionics Maintenance Tech on Buff's and KC-135's in SE Asia in the late 60's and early 70's. Loved watching the beautiful Buffs taking off and landing. On Guam they always disappeared over a cliff at the end of the runway, and came back into view quite a ways out to sea.
Nothing like the BUFF taking off, nothing! There is just something about those eight engines screaming! I retired from the Air Force in 1989 and I still miss it!
saw 33 buff's a day take off, and most landed, from Guam towards the end of the Vietnam war. was a defensive fire control technician; tail gunner. Impressive birds!
The majestic B52 has proved itself to be a valuable asset to our military when we need to deliver a large payload of bombs. Refined as much as it has over the decades of service it also is a impressive plane to see in flight and a thing of beauty in it's own way.
Ah, the smell of JP4 exaust in the morning, smells like.........VICTORY! great video thank you, use to work on F8 and F4 during the Vietnam war (AE3)......best of times, worse of times)
Very cool Ray! My bro in law was an ejection seat guy and radio DJ on a few carriers back then. Thats what he says about it too. Best of times, worst of times.
Like it, I love it, was a crew chief on B-52 D models in my the 70's. These Buffs are as Old as I am, into,service in 55, the,year I was born. Amazing 61 and still performing jus like me...
I worked with a gal once whose dad was in the airforce and she told me that in the 60's she lived in Guam and at night she would fall asleep to the sound of B-52's taking off for Vietnam
1152jerry I lived about a mile across the south end of BAFB’s runway and the BUFFs you flew were a constant companion. I was was a USAF O-3 with five years active - in TAC.
I grew up in Orlando, FL and we used to watch the B52's fly out of McCoy AFB. Those things would lumber down the runway, wings seemed to be almost flapping, and they'd use up almost all of the runway before lifting off, the scream overhead. I was in first grade during the Cuban missile crisis and those things were taking off one after another and would fly over teh school. The teacher had to stop talking - nobody could hear her. We were blissfully ignorant that the plane flying over our school was loaded with nukes.
I was working as a surveyor in Alberta Canada in 1983, when the first cruise missile test took place. I saw a large plane coming toward me from the north, and turned my survey instrument to look at it. Sure enough, there was no mistaking that profile. You could clearly see the cruise missile strapped underneath. Apparently the missile guidance system was flying the plane. They banked to the SE about a mile from me, and soon disappeared. Funny thing was, there were protesters about 100 miles off the flight path, which had been kept secret.
My dad flew B-52s and when we were stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento California my brother’s and sister and I used to play inside them when they were on the tarmac great fun And they are huge absolutely huge.
Guys the B 52 video. THE BEST.THANKS TO ALL YOU MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE AMERICAN'S. IN THE FORCE. GREAT JOB.The American military personnel are the best.
B-52 has been around over 50 years with several modifications, I will say that it was a heavy payload to get this plane loaded and in the air 50 years ago in SAC.
I had the privilege/honor of watching B-52's from Barksdale and Eaker AFB (now closed) being refueled from the vantage of the boom operator's stations of KC-135's and KC-10's, respectively. It was the high point of my otherwise lackluster "career" flying a desk. Oh, and I got to watch a MITO (Minimal Interval Take Off) from the edge of the flightline. THAT was pretty cool too!
My goodness! Look at the accuracy of those bombs dropped at 4:34 and hitting the center of that biggest island on the stretch, about 14 seconds later! Amazing! Anyone know where that island was?
They don't start 4 engines that way, just two. The #2 and #8 engines are the two used when starting with that method. The other engines are started using the #2 and #8.
I was stationed at Ramey AFB, 1965-66, to see these behemoths taking off at 11 seconds apart and than the KC 135 tankers lifting off to refuel them was an incredible site to see, the entire base was shaking.
Once read an article that mentioned that a full aerial refuel - usually shown as a coupe of 5 second grabs - can take up to 4 hours. That is pretty intense flying. Any one got any info re the average time spent hooked up to the tanker ?????
That was soooo coool! I used to live on the glide path of Carswell, In Ft. Worth. Originally, it was Convair back when it was a SAC base. I'd see those huge tails all lined up sticking up above the tree level and I knew we had an Air force. Gotta love those BUFF's! They may not be stealthy, but man, when you see one of them coming, you knew you were FUBAR!
Some of the nicest B-52 film ever! / the front shots with flaps down is so cool. The bombs away clip rocks: is it the “secret” film Bud Holland got his crew to make back in ‘93?
No. Arthur "Bud" Holland was indeed a talented pilot (and senior pilot trainer) but definitely NOT A GOOD PILOT. Holland should have been PERMANENTLY GROUNDED before the incident. His superiors knew of his dangerous antics WELL BEFORE his fatal flight. The actual crash was caught on video and is disturbing to watch. He cost taxpayers a very good plane (call sign CZAR 52 ) and needlessly killed himself and three other officers with his actions. Should you want to see just what a B-52 is capable of, including what Holland did during that last practice, look up Fairchild AFB B-52 crash.
I always thought that the B-52 and the F-4 were the most reliable and most useful war aircraft ever. Obviously I guess, because theyve been around for 50 years lol
I was a ground refueler at Mather AFB, CA 1985-89. 323 SUPS, 323 FTW, 320 Bombardment Wing (B-52G). Fueled/defueled MILLIONS of gallons of JP-4 on these over 4 years.
Who would have thought, back when this Big Ugly Fat Fellow was first designed that it would still be protecting us this many years later. This aircraft is one of the few true legacy/legendary aircraft in the world - it's a one-of-a-kind that's still doing what it was designed/intended to do way back when. I stood by on quite a few of these in my Air Force fire department days and will never forget the day I watched some of them take off in response to the 'USS Pueblo sinking.' The impression and knowledge about what it meant was pretty deep to this (then) 19 year old kid. Long live the BUFF, and long live America.
I remember being near castle AFB and watching a flight of B-52s taking off. These were earlier models with the j57 turbo jets, and the amount of black exhaust those eight engines pumped out, especially with the water injection, was staggering. By the time all of the ships were airborne you could hardly see the sky. Those turbofans sure make a difference.
I went through Guam on the way to Philippines and V.N. in '67. The 52's were taking off on bombing runs to the Nam. You couldn't see for 15 minutes for the black smoke. Didn't know they have different engines now.
Man, did you see them? I mean ALL of those "Steam Gauges," at around 2:30. Did my old heart good. "Round" EPR gauges - round RPM gauges - round EGT gauges! Wow! And, they are all "range marked" correctly. Again, Wow! I thought all of the "52's" had converted to all flat screens. But, I guess, not all have been changed over. Also, seems to me that those are TF-33 engines - if so, it's the same one that was on the old C-141B's - only worked on those for about 20 years! Great engine - does consume a lot of oil, however. What was it, 3 or 4 quarts per hour? And, it is a 60's vintage engine. Think the USAF is thinking about a replacing the TF-33 with a PW 2000 - same engine as is on the C-17. Looking at a lot of money there- to keep the fleet in the air until 2040. I suppose, later on, we will see the demise of those wonderful round gauges. Hate to see that date. MSgt. USAF, Ret. Avionics/Instrument Systems. N-6395T B-6370
By the time I retired in 1994, the USAF had been through 6 re-engine studies of the BUFF. And, yes, those are TF-33s, but they put out less thrust than the C-141s had.
Thank you for your service! Current engine troop on the 52 here. Our present limit is 2q/h up to a certain point, but we rarely fly long enough between servicings for that long distance limit to be considered. All buffs are still fitted with old school round gauges. Although many updates are being installed, the power plant and indication systems are still largely untouched. You take it easy!
Michael Donavon They are set up to produce less. We have a whole stage of fan removed, compared to what's on the other frames running 33s. The running theory is that back in the day, the fully built 33s were pulling the wings too much, and causing damage. So, engineers called for 17k thrust class engines.
What a wonderful aircraft! How many American lives were saved by these planes and their brave crews? We will never know but we should always be grateful for their service to our country!
I made a brand new B52 compilation for you guys! You can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/YoPVqPd9qa4/видео.html
Thank you
Looks and sounds the same when I was in Guam ✅
I worked on the D models (and KC135s) as an aircraft machinist at Larson AFB in 62-65. That included a short period of time at Defcon 2 (Cuban crisis). I also lived in line with the runway in the town of Moses Lake, WA. It was an experience to watch and listen to an alert pull a MITO. B52s and KC135s 15 seconds apart with the KCs being water injected. One time at the Fairford air show in the UK I was with a B52 crew and a British Vulcan crew. The Vulcan had just taken off and the Brits were owing and awing on how beautiful it appeared as it took off and being disparaging at the appearance of BUFF. The BUFF could never do that! One of the B52 crew replied, well your Vulcan can't carry 35 tons either. Touché.
Reminds me of the story of the fighter jock escorting a BUFF. He bragged about how he could do all sorts of maneuvers, did some rolls, etc. Said :"OK now let's see you do that!" He backed off and watched as the BUFF flew straight and level. the BUFF pilot came back on and said: "How was that?" The fighter jock said 'What, I didn't see you do anything!'. The BUFF pilot said: "Yea, I did. I got up, took a pee, got a cup of coffee and came back and sat down. Let's see YOU do that!"
I worked on the D, G and H models at KELLY AFB, TX. I was a civil service flight prep mechanic. Performed post PDM operational checks. Prepared the aircraft for FCF. I used to do the fuel control adjustments to include the screaming G models during high powered water injection checks!!
I also went to Utapao, Thailand in 1975 with my Air Force Reserve unit to help close down Udorn and Thakli. I used to stand on the flightline and watch the buffs launch missions into viet nam. Man, they would take off fully loaded over the water at Utapao...they would reach the horizon and still be low over the water. Wow, what an experience....not mention the thai boxing on Fridays at the NCO club!!!
Great old bird and dead on reliable. First flew the B-52 in 1957 models B,C and D's. Flew many Chrome Dome and other 24 to 26 hour alert missions with one crew. My crew usually took 4 to 6 hour shifts at controls then took a rest .
I put in +4000 hrs in Gs and D's in the 60s and 70s.
I t was an honor to be allowed to serve in the BEST with the BEST... Salute!!
I flew B-47's during 1955 and 1956 out of Barksdale then went to B-52's in 1957. Flew them ( B,C and D's) at Castle, Westover, and Mc Coy. Logged a few thousand hours in them. Totally reliable and out dated . but still useful, unlike me.
my grandmother had a camp on a small and very sparsely populated lake in Northern Maine I would spent a couple weeks at every summer and these beasts would buzz the tops of the trees on multiple daily training runs flying over the lake. Imagine being a kid sitting in a rowboat out on the water when you hear it coming and then there it is, this massive bomber powering down to cruise so low and slow all I could do was hold my ears ,cower, and look up at the guys in the cockpit as they chugged over my head. I loved it! Everybody loved it. this happened every day a few times a day. Sadly the base closed in 93. Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine was home to that squadron.
I recall looking up at the unmistakable sight of the B-52, using high power binoculars and seeing the distinctive eight engine vapour trails, very high up in the sky, over Manchester, England back in the 1970s. A wonderful sight and very reassuring during the Cold War. The B-52s were always up there, I would see them day after day, especially during the summer months when I was doing some gardening etc.
As regards to this particular video of a B-52, Wow just such a marvellous aircraft, and indeed the crew are so professional, the practice bombing run was spot on target. One image that I can’t get out of my head is Slim Pickens as Major “King” Kong riding a nuclear bomb to oblivion, whooping and waving his cowboy hat, in the film Dr,Strangelove.
God bless the USAF and the United States of America.
I still recall watching b52 returning from a bombing mission on the island of Okinawa. Impressive watching a stream of bombers lining up at base then making that left turn to final landing pattern. Amazing to this day. Thanks for the awesome vid
What a MIGHTY aircraft that bomber was! Just beautiful, with her 8 engine pods and long wings! She certainly DOES stand for our freedom and power! I worked as a musician at the Officers' Club at a SAC AFB for about 3 years. I loved watching the aircraft come and go! And the guys who flew them were great guys also.
Great video. No bs music, or sound tracks. Just the sounds of the plane as it should be.
I used to be a crew chief on the G model B52's many years ago. Loring, Anderson, and Castle AFB. Had a great tour, got pushed out during that first BRAC. Hated to leave the AF, but really enjoyed working and flying on that plane. Never got the chance to turn wrenches on the H, but did get to work along side some crew chiefs when they visited our bases. Having a "bed" on the upper flight deck was an improvement from having to "sleep" on the floor of the G's. Thanks for sharing this video.
I trained at Castle in the F’s then transitioned to the G’s in the late 50’⚙️
I thought the G also had a bunk.
Great Buff video...especially the cockpit shots. Nice job.
Worked the D models while an ECM tech 1968-1971...ARC Light out of Guam, UT, and Kadena....lot of memories....
Brings back memories. I worked on B-52G & H models 319th AMS BombNav. 1979-1989. Thanks for the memories.
My favorite aircraft throughout my military career. She was a lady through and through. I remember the smells and the feel of 8 engines ( jet engine mechanic ) from startup to shutdown. B-52G banging water and watching the smoke roll while running ground during engine runs. Thank God for Boeing and B-52! God Bless America and all who love and protect her! Liberatum Defendimous 2 FMS 2 Bombardment Wing , Barksdale AFB. 4300 PBW Diego Garcia BIOT , Desert Storm
This still amazes me. I was a crew chief on the B-52 in the late 80's, early 90's. I have flown on both during an aerial refuel. The boom on a KC -135 is only 17 ft long. Going hundreds of miles per hr only 17 feet apart.. nerve racking!
You might get a kick out of this story, that was a young Airman I went to tech school at Sheppard Air Force Base, one day it was time to learn how to use a crew chief ladder, and learn to take a soap sample, so I pushed the ladder up to the engine of the B-52 climbed up, opened up the little door on top of the engine, Placed the little soap sample jar over the opening and proceeded to stick the straw into the engine, as soon as I did that the wind blew, causing the b-58 wing to come up And the little door knock the soap sample bottle out of my hand, and into the engine! Needless to say our instructor was not happy with me on that occasion
Isn’t it’s nickname big pile of shit or something like that?
@@MikesGarageReviews Big Ugly Fat Fucker BUFF
Since I'm as old as dirt, I've seen the B-47 and B-58 Hustler up close, yet, the B-52 still flies and is expected to last for a couple more decades, or so I've heard. I've seen some kind of ad or some such about adding new updated engines to the 52. Awesome.
The USAF is working with three different suppliers to replace the T-33 turbofans with a new power plant that will take the b-52 into 2050. It will remain an EIGHT ENGINE weapon.
The Air Force has looked into engine replacement for 35 years. I will believe it when I see it.
My Dad flew 58’s, 47’s & 52’s during the Cold War (the chrome dome missions) & Vietnam periods.
One of the all time great jets. Possibly the best ever in its category role. A grand aircraft
I was just 18 when I went to work on the B-52G. We really didn't have much trouble with the airframe. The problems were in all the electronics. They are probably a lot better today with solid state electronics. Everything had tubes back in 62. By the way, I am 74 now and still have a lot of respect for the old bird.
God bless you brother, I was a security specialist 81130, stationed at carswell afb fort worth, December 1978, went through lackland and police training just across the base, if any one was there they would remember camp bullis,
So do I, not respecting tht beast is not a wise attitude. God but they fly!.
I was 21 when I started loading Nukes @ Castle AFB but that was in 1965!
Jim Keith Nice u l feel ur Action
My dad was an all purpose mechanic on B52's in Altus, Oklahoma in the 1950's.
This bomber will out-live us all!! It was conceived in the late 40s, early 50s! She is STILL carrying out missions in the 21st century! Due to upgrades, she will carry on well into this century!
I was flight engineer. but the brains were mechanics. they were specialists in systems. supported by factory tech reps. heros
James Grigg my husband worked in armaments maintenance squadron. He came to Amarillo AFB, from Ellsworth South Dakota. Was stationed at Ellsworth, Amarillo, Guam, Plattsburgh, Thailand, and then Fairchild AFB where he retired in 1977. He could sure work on these 50 cals, he fire out rate was 95 to 98% most of the time.
Get goosebumps watching these, so proud of these guys, they protect us. I give thanks.
A great video I must say. To see the majestic B52 take off, refuel, bomb and land all in one video from inside the plane is not something I have experienced before. Thanks for posting it.
And at 4:48 and 4:50 bombs on exact previous target area ,that is what I call magnificent precision bombing by the professionals ! Awesome .
Thanks again for sharing this with me and everyone else!!! 😋😊😁😎 Thanks again for all of our military ❤️💖
US technology and equipment are matchless! Great feeling.
Larry Lee was in. charge of customer support at Boeing from 1957-1981 when he retired on the B-52.He passed away in 1984,he would be proud to see the Good old b-52 is still alive and well today.
The training those pilots must go through is mind boggling...We have no doubt the best Forces in the World...
As I remember, the Initial training course was 6 months long...but the pilot's and co-pilot's had to undergo qualification training at their assigned bases for several months. I believe it was the longest in the Air Force. At least that's what I was told.
Survival training was brutal and all the certifications and schooling you needed in order to handle a nuclear arsenal platform. Grueling to say the least!!!!
I flew Tornados in the RAF. Fast and furious. B52s huge and amazing.
Most typically, SAC designed it's alert areas to resemble a christmas tree, with the taxiway leading to the runway being the trunk. The aircraft were parked on stubs of the taxiway at 45 degree angles for easy egress to the runways. Depending on the SIOP plan was the amount of stubs designed into a alert pad as known. Off to one side was the entry control point, and the alert building. This building was half below ground and above ground, having bedrooms, offices, it's own chow hall or dining facility and parking bays for the alert force and security police. Both alert force and security police had to back their vehicles in to provide a very quick egress to the aircraft which sat full of fuel and weapons. The Klaxon was the signal to race to the bombers and have them at the runway threshold in 15 minutes from the furthest point on base. Failure to meet the 15 minute time would result in that crew or responsible person standing in front of the Wing Commander, obviously not a visit you wanted. To Aid this 15 minute time, when the klaxon was sounded were red lights on particular routes to the flightline would come on similar to what police vehicles have. This meant all non essential traffic was ordered to exit the roadway without question. Only command personnel, the alert force, fire and security police were allowed to drive on the roads. This worked very well in ensuring the alert force could be with-in the time limits. Why 15 minutes? If a enemy submarine was off our coast, it would take about 15 minutes for it's missiles to reach the base and wipe it out, we wanted the bombers and tankers gone to survive an attack on the base. The base I was assigned to had 5 stubs, a chain link fence with razor wire, double alarm systems monitored from a tower 50 feet up and bullet proof along with low light closed circuit television cameras. We also had 100 foot baseball light towers to turn the alert pad into daylight at midnight if need be. We had a compliment of two fire teams with automatic weapons to defend the restricted area. On the fence were restricted area signs every 100 feet, under those signs were another, reading: Use of Deadly Force IS Authorized! We never had to shoot anyone thankfully, but would have if it was called for. This is what won the cold war, the bombers and tankers on 15 ground alert, ready to go at the President's order. SAC was the command, I personally loved serving with SAC, strict with a heavy boot, but very efficient. That is why Russia never attempted a first strike nuclear war with us, we were ready anytime day or night, no matter the weather!
I spent several years in that underground hotel. The fence and dogs were to keep us in, not to keep others out. LOL.
God bless our guys and gals who sacrifice their daily lives to protect us all. Thank you to each and everyone including all the support personnel and their families who give up so much. Gods speed. Amen
I worked at carswell air force base in 1978, 7th security police squadron, I guarded b52 bombers with neaclear weapons on board, I miss those days
@creto Olsen, When I came back from Ubon Thailand in Aug 71 I was assigned to 416 SPS stationed at Griffiss Aug 71 'til Aug '72. Not only some great 52 action there but also lots of time to play straight pool. The best of both worlds.......
One of my Dads best friends was a colonel cat S.A.C. "Big Jim Pundt" ! They would fly alternating shifts around the Arctic 24 -7 A great testimont to a greatly engineered plane that has be retro fitted upgraded and is still in service.
c
Was a survival instructor under SAC before they moved it to ATC11
@@charleswetzel4163 В Арктике в 80-х перехватывал на Ту-128 , а затем на МиГ-31 разведчик SR-71. Перехватывать В-52 не приходилось.
Chrome Dome!
I flew Chrome Dome in the early 60’s. Home base was Blytheville, Arkansas.
Yeah man it's only 70 years old
That cockpit view sent shivers down my spin.
Worked as an Avionics Maintenance Tech on Buff's and KC-135's in SE Asia in the late 60's and early 70's. Loved watching the beautiful Buffs taking off and landing. On Guam they always disappeared over a cliff at the end of the runway, and came back into view quite a ways out to sea.
Great video. Flew on C-5's numerous times and they are incredible.
Nothing like the BUFF taking off, nothing! There is just something about those eight engines screaming! I retired from the Air Force in 1989 and I still miss it!
saw 33 buff's a day take off, and most landed, from Guam towards the end of the Vietnam war. was a defensive fire control technician; tail gunner. Impressive birds!
skibusch1 my uncle flew a b-52 during the Vietnam war off of Guam....
Where were you I was at Travis doing the same thing on the G model?
The majestic B52 has proved itself to be a valuable asset to our military when we need to deliver a large payload of bombs. Refined as much as it has over the decades of service it also is a impressive plane to see in flight and a thing of beauty in it's own way.
fasx56
Ah, the smell of JP4 exaust in the morning, smells like.........VICTORY! great video thank you, use to work on F8 and F4 during the Vietnam war (AE3)......best of times, worse of times)
Very cool Ray! My bro in law was an ejection seat guy and radio DJ on a few carriers back then. Thats what he says about it too. Best of times, worst of times.
Like it, I love it, was a crew chief on B-52 D models in my the 70's. These Buffs are as Old as I am, into,service in 55, the,year I was born. Amazing 61 and still performing jus like me...
I was Hyd Spec on D's in the early 60s. They were 1955 & 56 years.
robert
Great brings back many memory's 419BW A&E63 to 66
How many generations have flown this aircraft..? Must now be up to the great-great grandchildren of the original air crews...
America's graceful big bird, a thing of beauty, great engineering, power and endurance. it is IRON in the sky!!
Alan Mcneill lower back exercise for more
I was ground crew chief in mid 60's in Arkansas and Guam. A real thrill - impressive machines.
I worked with a gal once whose dad was in the airforce and she told me that in the 60's she lived in Guam and at night she would fall asleep to the sound of B-52's taking off for Vietnam
Ed Ga
Trip to balboa park
Trip to balboa park
I flew out of Blytheville in early 60’s. Brand new G Models. Flew lots of Chrome Dome Missions.
1152jerry I lived about a mile across the south end of BAFB’s runway and the BUFFs you flew were a constant companion. I was was a USAF O-3 with five years active - in TAC.
I grew up in Orlando, FL and we used to watch the B52's fly out of McCoy AFB. Those things would lumber down the runway, wings seemed to be almost flapping, and they'd use up almost all of the runway before lifting off, the scream overhead. I was in first grade during the Cuban missile crisis and those things were taking off one after another and would fly over teh school. The teacher had to stop talking - nobody could hear her. We were blissfully ignorant that the plane flying over our school was loaded with nukes.
I was working as a surveyor in Alberta Canada in 1983, when the first cruise missile test took place. I saw a large plane coming toward me from the north, and turned my survey instrument to look at it. Sure enough, there was no mistaking that profile. You could clearly see the cruise missile strapped underneath. Apparently the missile guidance system was flying the plane. They banked to the SE about a mile from me, and soon disappeared. Funny thing was, there were protesters about 100 miles off the flight path, which had been kept secret.
it's amazing the BUFF survived into the 1990's let alone 2020 and beyond!
The current B-52's in service are supposedly being kept around until the 2050's, although that is merely speculation.
My dad flew B-52s and when we were stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento California my brother’s and sister and I used to play inside them when they were on the tarmac great fun And they are huge absolutely huge.
7th Bomb Wing Buccaneers here. Mors Ab Alto!!! Salute to all my brothers in arms.
The B-52's bombs are very precise, they always hit the ground
Hahahahaha
8th Air Force, 19th Bomb Wing, Homestead AFB, SAC, 1959-1963
I worked on the B-52 in Andersen AFB, Guam and on the C-130 in Little Rock AFB, Arkansas!
SAC STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND
Persian Gulf War
Nice. I was a fighter pilot in Vietnam, but appreciated the damage a Buff could deliver.
keep up your hard work, i really appreciate it ♥
@ 4:50 ... " Honey we are so lucky to find this totally empty island so we can chill out away from everything ... " ....
Those old birds still can fly.... amazing and incredible how much they can do,... thanks again so much for sharing this...🤔😎😁
Guys the B 52 video. THE BEST.THANKS TO ALL YOU MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE AMERICAN'S. IN THE FORCE. GREAT JOB.The American military personnel are the best.
I worked B-52 Phase Dock (The BIG hangar), Castle AFB 1977-81, sadly they closed the base down
B-52 has been around over 50 years with several modifications, I will say that it was a heavy payload to get this plane loaded and in the air 50 years ago in SAC.
of the greatest beasts that man builds
Just standing next to a B-52 at the air museum in Dayton Ohio was enough to make my jaw drop.
Was any of this footage from barksdale airforce base ?
I had the privilege/honor of watching B-52's from Barksdale and Eaker AFB (now closed) being refueled from the vantage of the boom operator's stations of KC-135's and KC-10's, respectively. It was the high point of my otherwise lackluster "career" flying a desk. Oh, and I got to watch a MITO (Minimal Interval Take Off) from the edge of the flightline. THAT was pretty cool too!
My goodness! Look at the accuracy of those bombs dropped at 4:34 and hitting the center of that biggest island on the stretch, about 14 seconds later! Amazing! Anyone know where that island was?
Amazing to think that when these finally retire, the youngest examples will be 88 years old!
I was a buff driver in my dreams. I had many of them. Flew many combat missions. Never got shot down.
I'm impressed with the tight low altitude bomb grouping.
Wow still have PLZT mounts on the dual visor. Mounted many of those
Bad ass plane .. Wondering though, is it still effective snd efficient? Huge platform, old engines , only so many bombs
So efficient, everything made to replace it will be retired before it.
great! was that 4-engines simultaneously starting, at the beginning of your video?
Wow, didn't remember to think about original"factory installed" features!
They don't start 4 engines that way, just two. The #2 and #8 engines are the two used when starting with that method. The other engines are started using the #2 and #8.
Great vid! Love these birds.
Is this the B-52 in the new digital upgraded mode.?I have not seen the interior and the new digital instrument panels either.Can you show them.?
I just sent this to a buddy of mine! We were over there working on ' D' s........28th Bomb Wing SAC 68'-72'
bob byo I was at Ellsworth AFB/1986
Ellsworth 28th BW, 77th BS 66,67,68,69 Then FB-111. Long time ago.
I was in the 7th Bomb Wing 74-78, never get tired of seeing b-52s touch and go
7th Bomb wing in the 80s.
I was stationed at Ramey AFB, 1965-66, to see these behemoths taking off at 11 seconds apart and than the KC 135 tankers lifting off to refuel them was an incredible site to see, the entire base was shaking.
Once read an article that mentioned that a full aerial refuel - usually shown as a coupe of 5 second grabs - can take up to 4 hours. That is pretty intense flying. Any one got any info re the average time spent hooked up to the tanker ?????
Not even close. We did IFRs (in-flight refueling) on every sortie. Always lasted just a few minutes.
I have years as hydraulic tech on the B52 the Ds&H a great bird.Have flown on them.
That was soooo coool! I used to live on the glide path of Carswell, In Ft. Worth. Originally, it was Convair back when it was a SAC base. I'd see those huge tails all lined up sticking up above the tree level and I knew we had an Air force. Gotta love those BUFF's! They may not be stealthy, but man, when you see one of them coming, you knew you were FUBAR!
Some of the nicest B-52 film ever! / the front shots with flaps down is so cool. The bombs away clip rocks: is it the “secret” film Bud Holland got his crew to make back in ‘93?
No. Arthur "Bud" Holland was indeed a talented pilot (and senior pilot trainer) but definitely NOT A GOOD PILOT. Holland should have been PERMANENTLY GROUNDED before the incident. His superiors knew of his dangerous antics WELL BEFORE his fatal flight. The actual crash was caught on video and is disturbing to watch. He cost taxpayers a very good plane (call sign CZAR 52 ) and needlessly killed himself and three other officers with his actions. Should you want to see just what a B-52 is capable of, including what Holland did during that last practice, look up Fairchild AFB B-52 crash.
Arguably, the best airplane ever built
I always thought that the B-52 and the F-4 were the most reliable and most useful war aircraft ever. Obviously I guess, because theyve been around for 50 years lol
Are you flying out of Barksdale here?
Man... what a scary machine...!!!
It is if it's coming after you!
You know what's really scary? When a B-52 enters your airspace there's nothing left that can stop it
Enjoy.
I was a ground refueler at Mather AFB, CA 1985-89. 323 SUPS, 323 FTW, 320 Bombardment Wing (B-52G).
Fueled/defueled MILLIONS of gallons of JP-4 on these over 4 years.
Who would have thought, back when this Big Ugly Fat Fellow was first designed that it would still be protecting us this many years later. This aircraft is one of the few true legacy/legendary aircraft in the world - it's a one-of-a-kind that's still doing what it was designed/intended to do way back when.
I stood by on quite a few of these in my Air Force fire department days and will never forget the day I watched some of them take off in response to the 'USS Pueblo sinking.' The impression and knowledge about what it meant was pretty deep to this (then) 19 year old kid.
Long live the BUFF, and long live America.
Still the most dangerous looking plane ever built.
Walkin the talk.
They are not putting on the ritz, what you see is what they can do daily, which makes them a beautiful deterrent.
@@pyreneesfarm7818 Ruining the enemy's day on a massive scale.
last one built in 1961 still in service
And a fighter built in the 70'2, retired in 2006
Were you a crew chief at Castle in the 80's
Dkpattammal song
Love the gauges,analogue still impressive.
Looks like Barksdale. Right here in my back yard
The best airborne platform for delivering justice to the enemy
Wow....that bombing run was perfect.....every single bomb hit that little island.... great job guys....thank you for your service!
I remember being near castle AFB and watching a flight of B-52s taking off. These were earlier models with the j57 turbo jets, and the amount of black exhaust those eight engines pumped out, especially with the water injection, was staggering. By the time all of the ships were airborne you could hardly see the sky. Those turbofans sure make a difference.
I went through Guam on the way to Philippines and V.N. in '67. The 52's were taking off on bombing runs to the Nam. You couldn't see for 15 minutes for the black smoke. Didn't know they have different engines now.
@@wernercottrill4282
Just the H model. It has TF-33s instead of J-57s.
nice...I grew up on SAC bases all over ...sounds like home to me...Thanks USAFE
Question: what do you have if you have a B1 a B2 and a B52?
Answer: 2 bingo numbers and a strategicbomber.
Haha ha. Good one.
NO b 52 in bingo!!!
Man, did you see them? I mean ALL of those "Steam Gauges," at around 2:30. Did my old heart good. "Round" EPR gauges - round RPM gauges - round EGT gauges! Wow! And, they are all "range marked" correctly. Again, Wow!
I thought all of the "52's" had converted to all flat screens. But, I guess, not all have been changed over.
Also, seems to me that those are TF-33 engines - if so, it's the same one that was on the old C-141B's - only worked on those for about 20 years! Great engine - does consume a lot of oil, however. What was it, 3 or 4 quarts per hour? And, it is a 60's vintage engine.
Think the USAF is thinking about a replacing the TF-33 with a PW 2000 - same engine as is on the C-17. Looking at a lot of money there- to keep the fleet in the air until 2040.
I suppose, later on, we will see the demise of those wonderful round gauges. Hate to see that date. MSgt. USAF, Ret. Avionics/Instrument Systems. N-6395T B-6370
And yet can still turn you to dust. I would that it still can do the job, even with real gauges.
By the time I retired in 1994, the USAF had been through 6 re-engine studies of the BUFF. And, yes, those are TF-33s, but they put out less thrust than the C-141s had.
Why less thrust? Or, were the engines "set up" to produce less - wear & tear? Maybe the "part power" setting was lower? Just curious. Thanks
Thank you for your service! Current engine troop on the 52 here. Our present limit is 2q/h up to a certain point, but we rarely fly long enough between servicings for that long distance limit to be considered. All buffs are still fitted with old school round gauges. Although many updates are being installed, the power plant and indication systems are still largely untouched. You take it easy!
Michael Donavon They are set up to produce less. We have a whole stage of fan removed, compared to what's on the other frames running 33s. The running theory is that back in the day, the fully built 33s were pulling the wings too much, and causing damage. So, engineers called for 17k thrust class engines.
What a wonderful aircraft! How many American lives were saved by these planes and their brave crews? We will never know but we should always be grateful for their service to our country!
I remember watching them fly over at home when I was young from Eaker Air Force Base (SAC)