I turned wrenches on B52G’s. Several years after I had gotten out of the USAF I was in Utah and saw a museum. I stopped and noticed a B52 on display. Walked up to it and I saw it was a G model. Looking up at the tail number it was a bomber I had worked on.
I've always been fascinated by the 'quilted' skin. Has it always been like that, or has it worsened over time? Some appear worse than others. Are there any maintenance or repair procedures to address it, or is it not an issue?
@@tjp353 Are you referring to the wrinkled look the skin has when the aircraft is depressurized? If so, some of it "clears up" once airborne and the airframe is "inflated".
James I agree it is something to see an aircraft you flew in during your time in the military now in a museum I haven't seen one of mine but I'm sure there in museums all over the country now thank you for your service. Above the best US Army Aviation
As a former B-52G and B-52H Navigator, I THANK YOU!!! Yours was an exceptionally well-done video and showed me quite a few things about the B model I never knew. AWESOME. VERY well done!!!
It has dropped one Hydrogen bomb for a test. And didn't one drop 4 H-Bombs on Spain in 1966? And I think another accident led to 2 more H-Bombs being jettisoned while breaking up in North Carolina.
One had a mid air collision with a tanker and dropped 4 hydrogen bombs and made a broken arrow head it takes days or months to find all lost hydrogen bombs
I served in Vietnam with the US Army, 1968-1969. At times we could feel the earth tremble during a B52 strike many miles away. I have seen photos of the bomb craters also. One photo showed a tank at the bottom of a crater. The tank looked like a toy compared to the size of the crater. On my trip home in May of 1969 we refueled at a South Pacific airbase. I got to see a flight of B52s take off on a combat mission. Those planes were really loaded - the smoke coming out of the engines was very impressive and it looked like the wing tips were almost touching the runway. Mean looking bas***eds! I would not want to be on the receiving end of their bombs!
Cool story BROTHER!!...Thank you for your service... You're a HERO in my book...My Father served in Vietnam as well from '69 -70....He was stationed way up North on the DMZ...he told me of how WE bombed most of the DMZ 24-7...Must have been a sight to see!
Great video! However, the last B-52, an H model, was delivered to the Air Force in Oct 1962, not 1965. My first assignment as Maintenance Officer was at the 319th Bombardment Wing at Grand Forks AFB, ND in 1986. They were flying G models, with the quad 50 caliber turret in the tail. We transitioned to B-1Bs in 1987. We had the unique opportunity to go from the 25 year old smell you tried to describe (a combination of jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, old wires, contents of the on board urinal, vomit) to the high tech brand new airframes delivered directly from Palmdale. Great memories!
I was also stationed at GFAFB but 16 years before you. I flew the H models, some of which are now stationed at Minot. The H model that I flew had the 20mm gatling gun in the tail. Once a year we would take each aircraft out over Lake Superior and do a "fire out". As a copilot all I heard was a few short periods of vibration in the airframe as the gunner fired the cannon. Fun times.....
@@MrSafetyToo1 I worked on and flew a few times on the E model '52 at Walker AFB NM. Had chance to fly on a scheduled practice gunnery mission one time. We still had the quad-50's back then. I distinctly remember we went out over the Gulf Of Mexico and also recall the short spurts of vibration that you would get each time those 50's were fired. The primary mission at Walker was to train flight crews for the B-52's so got to have lots of different experiences. What always amazed me was the flexibility in that wing. It looked like a sick duck sitting on the ground, but put it in the air and the tips of those wings looked like they were above the fuselage.
My dad was a civilian electronics/avionics technician at Robins AFB, and was sent to Minot to do some work on the F-106 Delta Dart for several months in 1961. I don't remember it - was a baby boy. We rented a basement apartment from a young family whom I was told were wonderful people. Dad did some work on B-52s when Robins was a SAC base (Georgia). In 1983, the bombers were moved out, and it is a Logistical Air Command / Depot for overhaul, refitting, and repair.
THISSS is a 1952 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and it's very impressive. Today we're going to check out all it's quirks and features, take it out for a fly, and then we'll give it a Doug score.
My dad was a pilot on D models at Fairchild in the early 60's. I was always in awe of the plane as a little boy in those days, and eventually was as a gunner on G models at Fairchild in the late 70's.
I’m a musician and the last gig I played right before the quarantine was an event at this museum. Hoping that this museum hangs in there and opens again in the near future.
My first career field (Electronic Warfare, AFSC 328X3 in the 1980's) had me learning all the different radar warning receivers, radar/comms jammers and chaff/flare dispensers on the B52....fun stuff!)
But I never ended up working on one, as I volunteered as Airborne Maintenance Tech on RC135 aircraft.....more fun stuff, and, just 10 more months of school, plus survival school, parachute/survival training, etc)
I never had the honor to serve, but have always been inspired with what our U.S. Air Force has done to protect our way of life. I personally believe the BUFF is the crowning achievement of their effort & loved just gazing at Wings Over The Rockies whenever I visited the awesome museum. This was a great in & out view of the old vs. "new" B-52 & I commend Matthew Burchette & crew for doing such a great job! Keep up the good work "guys", your efforts honor all of our flying military & it's greatly appreciated!
I was a tech. school instructor at Lowry AFB,...when the "museum" was an active maintenance hangar !! Loved that 3 year assignment !! My pops was Wing Commander of the 5th, when it was at Travis,...I was a 10 yr old 4th grader,...and am 63 now !!
I was with the 306th at McCoy AFB in Orlando, Florida in 1971/72 - I still have a golf bag towl I bought while I was there. I was there when Disney World surprisingly opened, and when a 52 crashed and burned down 10 houses in the local community. Shortly after the crash, all the B52s and KC135s were deployed to South East Asia; me too, but I went to Korat Royal Thai AFB in Thailand. While I was in Thailand McCoy AFB was closed down.
my grandfather was apart of operation chromdome he passed away before I could ask him about it. but its so cool to see what he did it in such detail thank you.
From my best friend's grandmother's back yard I've watched F-16s, F-18s, and B-52s take off from Carswell. Over two weeks we had our own airshow about eight times. So awesome!!!
My friend's mother lived south of Carswell. You could hear those 8 engines start to whine, and forget about hearing the TV for several minutes. It shook her house so bad that cracks formed in the walls, and the house literally cracked into two pieces. I never knew if she was compensated or not.
In June of 1965 I got stationed at Minot AFB as a jet engine mechanic. The bombers in this video were only a few years old and I recognized a few tail numbers. I'll never forget the first time I saw a B-52H in one of only two hangers hangers we had at the time, I was impressed as a 19 year old kid. The cold war was going on and the Air Force was building bomber bases and sticking nuclear Minute Man Missles in the ground at all the northern states of ND, Mt, MI. I've been through the Wings Over the Rockies Museum at the old Lowery AFB in Denver and it's a wonderful place to visit.
I know this ol' boy who started flying the B-52D in 1958. Before that, he flew the B-36 for 4 years. He flew the model D until his retirement. From Cold War Chrome Dome missions to Operation Arc Light missions in 'nam, this ol' boy has some stories to tell.
I remember the early 52s in Thailand and then later at Griffiss. Amazing imposing aircraft and fun to watch landing and taking off in a stiff crosswind. I was Air Police then so I spent much of my time riding around the perimeter in my police car doing pretty much what I wanted to do. I never shirked my responsibilities but parking on the hill above the runway was my favorite pastime. Thanks for the memories! Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).
I live in a small village (H.P.) about 15 minutes away from Griffiss AFB, and when I was younger my grandfather would take me there to see that huge B52 that is on display in front of the base, and for the airshows. The B52 was always my favorite U.S. Military aircraft because they flew directly over my house when they were approaching to land, or taking off. Anyway, I just wanted to comment because I did not think I would see a comment from someone that actually worked at Griffiss here. Thank you for your service, Sir!
Thank you. I asked, and you delivered. I love this aircraft. They show up at the Melbourne international air show every two years. It remains my favourite. The Lancer is o.k., but I grew up with this.👏👏👏👏👏
I’ve always loved the B-52 it’s an amazing machine!! Having WWII era veteran grandparents, they would always take us to the 8th Air Force museum on base and to look at all the planes outside on display...that base being Barksdale Air Force base. Growing up in the town right next to the base, there were always B-52’s or KC-135’s and A-10’s in the sky when I was a kid!! A memory I will always have 🤘🏼
Awesome! I've watched most of your other videos, but I love the format of this one! I love the level of additional detail you went into here, and getting to compare an older B-52 to a modern one was amazing! I hope you get the chance to do that with more of your aircraft and give us some videos on more modern aircraft too!
I am so proud of my dad which he was a crew member of this great and beautiful plane. We were stationed at Walker AFB, Loring AFB Aand Castle AFB. II miss military life.
I saw one of this things take off at an air show. Yes, you see them in the air flying, but when it takes off, you still are amazed that something that large will actually get off the ground. Every American and people of the free world owe a lot to this old war horse. And the fact that there is no plans to phase it out of service until the 2040's, wow!, the B-52 is going to outlive me. To the 205 people that disliked this video, really?
Just discovered this channel. Sat through the 90 second intro with low expectations. I was then SHOCKED at how entertaining and informative this video turned out to be!
Both my daughter and husband are serving at the Global Strike Command Center in Minot ND - Hats off love you both!!! She serves in base intel and he is a crew chief - I've been there several times - such young and so very dedicated folks make me proud. The B52 is one of the greatest Icons in aviation history rolled out in 1952 and still has another 50+ years to go form today in 2019 - SHe is by far America's BIG STICK - and when the president needs help they are Americas 911 24/7 !! LOVE YOU ALL OUT THERE!!!
Was able to get into a BUFF in the mid-60s as part of an open house at Glasgow AFB (now closed). Next time I was was in one was in FEB of 2019, when I stuck my head into the tail gunner's section on display at Pima Air & Space Museum. Talk about a flash-back! The smell I experienced as a kid in the 60s still lingered in that tail section!
FWIW: I use to be in the US Coast Guard, and for five years I worked on - and flew as an aircrewman on - USCG Lockheed HC-130H Hercules aircraft. To give you a perspective of that maximum fuel load {290K pounds} mentioned in this video that the B-52 could carry: Our HC-130H _normal gross weight_ {MAXIMUM WEIGHT counting the basic airplane, fuel load, cargo and passengers} was 155,000 pounds. It _could be_ increased to 175,000 with special permission from the Commandant of the Coast Guard should some _out-of-the-ordinary-need_ arise, but I never saw that happen. {AFAIK, it *never* happened during the entire time I was in the Coast Guard.}
@@Wings_Museum >>> When it comes to Coast Guard aviation, my ♥ belongs to: *_"BLEEDAIR BLIMPS"_* *_"HERKY BIRDS"_* *_"TRASH HAULERS"_* *_"4 CESSNAS & A DUMP TRUCK"_* *_"4 CESSNAS & A DUMPSTER"_* *_"4 FANS OF FREEDOM"_* 😝😝😝😝😝😝😝
I worked with the G model Buff way back in 1974 at Barksdale A. F. B I was a missile man with the AGM 28 Hound Dog missile. It was a great experience and times that I will never forget. It was hot, it was cold, it was both wet and dry but I loved working on the flight line at 2AMMS.
Hi Matthew, At 2mins 23secs you can see a bomb leaving the bomb bay. I believe it's a "Grand Slam" developed by Barnes Wallis during the Second World War. It weighed 10 tonnes and the Avro Lancaster was the only plane capable of carrying it. It was also known as the "earthquake" bomb. 617Squadron "The Dambusters"famously destroyed the German battleship "Tirpitz" using this weapon. B36's could carry two of these monsters. After the war the R.A.F. had no use for these bombs and asked the U.S. if they could find a use for them. They were expensive to manufacture as the casings had to be machined to enable the bombs to fall accurately and they exceeded the sound barrier in thier descent. This was so the bombs could penetrate through reinforced concrete up to 60feet in depth before exploding. ( it's amazing what we could achieve to win the war)
My father was a B-52 navigator, then squadron commander in the 60's. I was around B-52's from my earliest memories, and thought they were just the normal thing. The first time I ever saw a F-4 Phantom fly over me, I thought it was the biggest plane in the world, because it flow over at about 500 feet, which B-52's don't generally do (they'd probably shake down the houses under them if the did). Being an A.F. brat was pretty cool.
@@mandarinlearner He was stationed at Barkesdale AFB in Shreveport Louisiana until 1962, when we were transferred to Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters in Omaha Neb. I think those units were transferred out of range of the SR 22's that just might still remain in Cuba after the Cuban Missile Crisis. We transferred right after that.
Kevin Dallas we were at Dyess for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The planes and crews were flown out to be out of range. We had car packed for evacuation orders
@@mandarinlearner Sounds familiar. I wonder what the GDPs of many of the southern states did right after tha. Suppose there's a discernable fall in '63?
There should be so many craters all over Vietnam due to the numbers of bombs dropped there and many of them came from Utapao Thai Naval Base where I spent two years working on the D models after spending about one year at Minot AFB working on the H models. I was at Barksdale AFB also where I got to work on the G models and even flew on some of them to arm the Hound Dog missiles which they had on them. I enjoyed my time working on those aircraft and even flying on them.
Actually, most of the BUFFs from Utapao cratered the Ashau Valley. I worked the scopes at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB in 1971-1972 and the BDA photos were very lunar indeed.
Theres youtube videos showing the destruction in Laos from the aerial bombing of the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War. All the craters are full of water. It's unbelievable.
Grew up in the 1960s just 60 miles from Glasgow AFB (now closed) in Montana. Saw many a B-52 (C & D models) over the years. She had a special place in my heart. Glasgow also had the F-101 there and we heard a lot of sonic booms back in the day. The last time I saw a B-52 in flight was just a few days after 9/11. It, along with a B-1, was flying over my house.
I know of a current B-52 pilot who is the grandson of a B-52 pilot. In history, the first flight of the B-52 took place closer to the Wright Brothers flight than our modern era. The B-52 has been an operational combat aircraft for more than 50% of the history of aviation. Actually 58.1%.
I was an ECM tech on the D model during ARC LIGHT days....spent most of 68 thru 71 at UT and Guam....a lot of TDY's to UT when we stopped flying bombing missions out of Guam in Sep 70. Lot of memories....Also worked at Lowry 79-94 as a civilian instructor and training manager...saw this B model daily..
This was my first video from Wings Over the Rockies and of Behind the Wings. The show did a great job showcasing the aircraft and really instilled a new level of appreciation for American aviation; not to mention for the fellow American citizens who not only invited the U.S. Air Force to move in, but covered the down payment themselves. There is also a level of "cheesiness" about Matthew Burchette’s on-screen persona that seems to pay homage to the educational videos of my grade school years without over-doing it. It’s a nice balance of enthusiasm to encourage excitement from the kids about history and aviation, while not alienating your adult audience by "laying it on too heavy" and losing the stats and engineering details from presentation. I sure hope this is not perceived as some RUclips critical review, but rather an appreciation of specifics that I enjoyed about the content and the host, and plan to start the next one now that I have subscribed for more from the museum. Thanks for a great series Wings Over the Rockies, and sure will make it a point to visit on my next trip to Colorado in order to see the size of that B-52 in person!
Years ago when I was a kid, (in the late 1970's) Dad use to take me to the open house every year at Seymore Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, NC. At the time, SJ was still a SAC base I think. They had an entire wing of B-52s. Let me tell you, there is nothing more impressive to a 10-12 year old kid than watching a B-52 take off and land. Absolutely amazing. I remember asking, ...Dad, how the hell does that thing fly? LOL I got in trouble for saying hell. It all worked out cause mom was not there. LOL
The B-52 is such an icon of the Cold War era, but so much more than that, and not just to America, if you ask anyone in the aviation industry/enthusiast world what is the most important bomber of the Cold War era and to date the answer would probably be the B-52. Certainly in my formative years in the RAF I wished we had these massive beasts, alongside our own Vulcan and Victor aircraft they were a formidable force, whether they could have survived going to Russia is something I am glad we never found out.
The former Blytheville Air Base; later Eaker Air Base in Blytheville Ark was a B-52 base. I live 25-30 miles northwest of it. Sadly, it was closed in the early '90s. I miss seeing this fine aircraft flying over!
I was stationed at Minot back in the early 80's, so it's highly likely I walked around a few of the BUFF's shown. Nothing will make you regret life choices more than standing sentry on a B-52 during an alert when it's 30 below and a 30 knot wind. :D (I kid...I'd do it all again. :) )
I resided on Lowry from 75-77 and my dad was stationed at one of the radars at Buckley (back then it was an ANG base). That whole area looks beautiful. My bucket list includes going back to all of the places that I lived in. I want to do that so I can see your awesome looking museum.
I’ve landed at Castle Airforce base, it’s a class D airport now... my training instructor flew me there to practice engine failure procedures during takeoff/roll on the massive 11,000ft runway, since we could practice several at a time (upon tower approval) ;knew Castle was a big B52 hub , but didn’t know that’s where the first ones were delivered- sweet!
Oh, one more thing, Matthew, here in Nebraska, at our magnificent SAC, and Aerospace Museum, we have the last remaining "B" Model that was delivered to SAC's 93rd Bombardment Wing (Heavy), in 1955, and is the only known BUFF in any Museum Collection configured as an RB-52B, with the MA-8 Gunlaying System, built around two M24 20MM Guns.
You're a good man, Mr B. Thank you so much for this- the way you explain things in lamens terms really helps an Aussie fella out! Many thanks again "-)
WOW Matt! I love how how you did this video, how you went from the tail to the front, showing all the details of the old model then later on the latest re-fab B52. I was shocked to see how much of the old instrumentation and seat arrangements are still the same in the cockpit. The last time I saw a 52 documentation was when they retrofitted the entire plane for chemical attack about 25 years ago. But your video was far more easy going and more revealing. I'm 63 (I think), I can still remember living at the end of the runway at Fort Bliss in El-Paso Texas during the Vietnam war. B-52s were always coming and going over my house around 200 or 300 feet over my house, 24/7 depending on the wind direction. I could clearly see inside the wheel wells and inside the outer wing wheel wells and the paint just warping and chipping. I think they came to El Paso for maintenance, I never really did find out. But anyways, GOOD JOB to you and your staff.
I was a Crew Chief on a D model out of Dyess back in the late 70's. The first plane I was assigned to was 56-657. About a year later I was given my own plane, 56-602. Sadly 602 did not survive ( she was scrapped), however 657 not only survived but is on display up at Ellsworth. Most of the D's that did survive I recall being at Dyess including the infamous Mig killer, 676. When I was there it had a red star stenciled on it's side. I was also on flight status so I got to fly on my bird whenever and especially when going TDY. I think a road trip might be in the works.....gotta see an old friend.........
Beautiful!!!!!. It's amazing how nuclear deterrent is still in the hands of a venerable 64 years young warrior. I can't think of a better validation to the original B-52 design.
Dock 8 is named after my Supervisor from back in the day CMSGT Fred Gantzer. It's an amazing building for the job. The -60 wind chill on the flight line was always a lot of fun.
In a past issue of "Fly Past" they had this article on B-52 tail gunners and interviewed people who actually flew missions as the tail gunner and they told about how incredible the view was as the plane took off. From the B-52G onward, the tail gunner was moved into the main cockpit where he used a remote control for the turret.
I was ALMOST given orders for Minot AFB in the 1970’s! Luckily I got to stay in the California desert instead, about 90 miles from home-George AFB. Sadly, it’s closed down. I was so not looking forward to Minot. “Why not Minot, freezin’ the reason!”
Growing up in Minot I got to visit the base many times and loved seeing both the B-52s flying overhead and doing touch-n-go's at the municipal airport, but also seeing the F-15s of the 5th Fighter/Interceptor squadron as well.
@@texleeger8973 >>> I am originally from Florida. All that is like different levels of being dead. You are STILL dead. The common denominator all those places share: *COLD* 😝😝😝😝
Diving out the tail is perfect. Won't hit the wing or vertical stabilizer. My Father worked all over that machine as the Tec company helping the Airforce. It was Western Electric - he was in Arm. & Electronics Radar and controlled guns were in the first.
If the pilot's good, see, I mean if he's reeeally sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low... oh you oughta see it sometime. It's a sight. A big plane like a '52... varrrooom! Its jet exhaust... frying chickens in the barnyard!
I turned wrenches on B52G’s. Several years after I had gotten out of the USAF I was in Utah and saw a museum. I stopped and noticed a B52 on display. Walked up to it and I saw it was a G model. Looking up at the tail number it was a bomber I had worked on.
I could only imagine that being a touching moment. A blast from your past.
I've always been fascinated by the 'quilted' skin. Has it always been like that, or has it worsened over time? Some appear worse than others. Are there any maintenance or repair procedures to address it, or is it not an issue?
@@tjp353 Are you referring to the wrinkled look the skin has when the aircraft is depressurized? If so, some of it "clears up" once airborne and the airframe is "inflated".
I was just out to the HAFB museum a couple of weeks ago - they do have an impressive collection of aircraft
James I agree it is something to see an aircraft you flew in during your time in the military now in a museum I haven't seen one of mine but I'm sure there in museums all over the country now thank you for your service. Above the best US Army Aviation
This jet is a pain in the ass to work on, but man it’s so cool to watch them fly.
As a former B-52G and B-52H Navigator, I THANK YOU!!! Yours was an exceptionally well-done video and showed me quite a few things about the B model I never knew. AWESOME. VERY well done!!!
Thanks, Justin! I'm glad you liked it. MB
My dad was radar nav. Where you stationed
Radar, Guns--Clear Forward! :) Oh I miss those days. :)
And u worked with Justice League
Did the B model have windows in the bottom? I worked only on the H.
Minuteman troop here from Ellsworth 84-94 .. Proud and honored to have served with this grand fierce lady.. She's old but don't mess with her!
Correction: The B 52 never dropped a nuclear bomb on purpose 😁
It has dropped one Hydrogen bomb for a test. And didn't one drop 4 H-Bombs on Spain in 1966? And I think another accident led to 2 more H-Bombs being jettisoned while breaking up in North Carolina.
It dropped many nuclear weapons during Operation Dominic.
One had a mid air collision with a tanker and dropped 4 hydrogen bombs and made a broken arrow head it takes days or months to find all lost hydrogen bombs
Guys it was joke
Operation Domino was Insane
I served in Vietnam with the US Army, 1968-1969. At times we could feel the earth tremble during a B52 strike many miles away. I have seen photos of the bomb craters also. One photo showed a tank at the bottom of a crater. The tank looked like a toy compared to the size of the crater. On my trip home in May of 1969 we refueled at a South Pacific airbase. I got to see a flight of B52s take off on a combat mission. Those planes were really loaded - the smoke coming out of the engines was very impressive and it looked like the wing tips were almost touching the runway. Mean looking bas***eds! I would not want to be on the receiving end of their bombs!
Ronald Warren My dad was bombardier during Vietnam
Amen !
I was BORN in 1968. Thank you for your service Ron.
Cool story BROTHER!!...Thank you for your service... You're a HERO in my book...My Father served in Vietnam as well from '69 -70....He was stationed way up North on the DMZ...he told me of how WE bombed most of the DMZ 24-7...Must have been a sight to see!
I would not be bragging about the Vietnam war
The stuff the US dropped in Vietnam they should forever hold their heads in shame
Great video! However, the last B-52, an H model, was delivered to the Air Force in Oct 1962, not 1965. My first assignment as Maintenance Officer was at the 319th Bombardment Wing at Grand Forks AFB, ND in 1986. They were flying G models, with the quad 50 caliber turret in the tail. We transitioned to B-1Bs in 1987. We had the unique opportunity to go from the 25 year old smell you tried to describe (a combination of jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, old wires, contents of the on board urinal, vomit) to the high tech brand new airframes delivered directly from Palmdale. Great memories!
I was also stationed at GFAFB but 16 years before you. I flew the H models, some of which are now stationed at Minot. The H model that I flew had the 20mm gatling gun in the tail. Once a year we would take each aircraft out over Lake Superior and do a "fire out". As a copilot all I heard was a few short periods of vibration in the airframe as the gunner fired the cannon. Fun times.....
@@MrSafetyToo1 I worked on and flew a few times on the E model '52 at Walker AFB NM. Had chance to fly on a scheduled practice gunnery mission one time. We still had the quad-50's back then. I distinctly remember we went out over the Gulf Of Mexico and also recall the short spurts of vibration that you would get each time those 50's were fired. The primary mission at Walker was to train flight crews for the B-52's so got to have lots of different experiences. What always amazed me was the flexibility in that wing. It looked like a sick duck sitting on the ground, but put it in the air and the tips of those wings looked like they were above the fuselage.
My dad was a civilian electronics/avionics technician at Robins AFB, and was sent to Minot to do some work on the F-106 Delta Dart for several months in 1961. I don't remember it - was a baby boy. We rented a basement apartment from a young family whom I was told were wonderful people. Dad did some work on B-52s when Robins was a SAC base (Georgia). In 1983, the bombers were moved out, and it is a Logistical Air Command / Depot for overhaul, refitting, and repair.
This guy is the doug demuro of airplanes
THISSS is a 1952 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and it's very impressive. Today we're going to check out all it's quirks and features, take it out for a fly, and then we'll give it a Doug score.
Okay this is true but at least this guy doesn’t use his iPhone to record all his footage.
DeMuro may be a little demonstrative, but he gets the story told.
More More More This longer and more detailed video is what i crave.
Yeah me too .
They're about to launch a Season 2 of this series
Thank you for extending the original film, this was really good
The production quality spiked up real fast recently, love it
We try to get better with each video! Glad you liked this one.
It's so much easier when you have more time to add to the stories! Plus,. we are just getting better with sheer OJT. ;) MB
My dad was a pilot on D models at Fairchild in the early 60's. I was always in awe of the plane as a little boy in those days, and eventually was as a gunner on G models at Fairchild in the late 70's.
I had the pleasure of working maintenance on these 1989-1993, in Minot. Yeah, it gets a bit nippy sometimes. Enjoyed your tour.
Awesome . Thank you Wings Over The Rockies and RMPBS for the extended video. Keep em coming for us outside of RMPBS viewing areas. Thanks Again.
We have three more PBS episodes coming! The next one will be posted here on Friday.
I’m a musician and the last gig I played right before the quarantine was an event at this museum.
Hoping that this museum hangs in there and opens again in the near future.
I really dig this guy's enthusiasm.
My first career field (Electronic Warfare, AFSC 328X3 in the 1980's) had me learning all the different radar warning receivers, radar/comms jammers and chaff/flare dispensers on the B52....fun stuff!)
But I never ended up working on one, as I volunteered as Airborne Maintenance Tech on RC135 aircraft.....more fun stuff, and, just 10 more months of school, plus survival school, parachute/survival training, etc)
Q: How do you clear an Iraqi bingo hall?
A: Stand up and shout B 52!!
Right on 52 likes
I never had the honor to serve, but have always been inspired with what our U.S. Air Force has done to protect our way of life. I personally believe the BUFF is the crowning achievement of their effort & loved just gazing at Wings Over The Rockies whenever I visited the awesome museum. This was a great in & out view of the old vs. "new" B-52 & I commend Matthew Burchette & crew for doing such a great job! Keep up the good work "guys", your efforts honor all of our flying military & it's greatly appreciated!
The Last B-52 an H model rolled of the assembly line in October 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crises
I was a tech. school instructor at Lowry AFB,...when the "museum" was an active maintenance hangar !! Loved that 3 year assignment !! My pops was Wing Commander of the 5th, when it was at Travis,...I was a 10 yr old 4th grader,...and am 63 now !!
"Not too far": flies to North Dakota. :-)
For a Midwesterner it's not far "eh 12 hours? So like a day's drive?"
what I have on my head was driving for 2 hours lol
my town
Why not Minot? Freezin’s the reason!
Old & ugly is still sexy!
I was with the 306th at McCoy AFB in Orlando, Florida in 1971/72 - I still have a golf bag towl I bought while I was there. I was there when Disney World surprisingly opened, and when a 52 crashed and burned down 10 houses in the local community. Shortly after the crash, all the B52s and KC135s were deployed to South East Asia; me too, but I went to Korat Royal Thai AFB in Thailand. While I was in Thailand McCoy AFB was closed down.
Only just found the channel recently. Wanted to say thank you for the documentaries and walk throughs on all the planes. Awesome videos.
my grandfather was apart of operation chromdome he passed away before I could ask him about it. but its so cool to see what he did it in such detail thank you.
From my best friend's grandmother's back yard I've watched F-16s, F-18s, and B-52s take off from Carswell. Over two weeks we had our own airshow about eight times. So awesome!!!
My friend's mother lived south of Carswell. You could hear those 8 engines start to whine, and forget about hearing the TV for several minutes. It shook her house so bad that cracks formed in the walls, and the house literally cracked into two pieces. I never knew if she was compensated or not.
Hats off to Matthew for his respect of the planes and the men/women who fly them. Very entertaining and well-done.
I'm an ex Navy Ordie....I saw a B-52 bomb bay up close. I was amazed. And a loaded A-6 Intruder was once impressive
In June of 1965 I got stationed at Minot AFB as a jet engine mechanic. The bombers in this video were only a few years old and I recognized a few tail numbers. I'll never forget the first time I saw a B-52H in one of only two hangers hangers we had at the time, I was impressed as a 19 year old kid. The cold war was going on and the Air Force was building bomber bases and sticking nuclear Minute Man Missles in the ground at all the northern states of ND, Mt, MI. I've been through the Wings Over the Rockies Museum at the old Lowery AFB in Denver and it's a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks for your service, and thanks for coming to see us! MB
I know this ol' boy who started flying the B-52D in 1958. Before that, he flew the B-36 for 4 years. He flew the model D until his retirement. From Cold War Chrome Dome missions to Operation Arc Light missions in 'nam, this ol' boy has some stories to tell.
I remember the early 52s in Thailand and then later at Griffiss. Amazing imposing aircraft and fun to watch landing and taking off in a stiff crosswind. I was Air Police then so I spent much of my time riding around the perimeter in my police car doing pretty much what I wanted to do. I never shirked my responsibilities but parking on the hill above the runway was my favorite pastime. Thanks for the memories! Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).
I live in a small village (H.P.) about 15 minutes away from Griffiss AFB, and when I was younger my grandfather would take me there to see that huge B52 that is on display in front of the base, and for the airshows. The B52 was always my favorite U.S. Military aircraft because they flew directly over my house when they were approaching to land, or taking off. Anyway, I just wanted to comment because I did not think I would see a comment from someone that actually worked at Griffiss here. Thank you for your service, Sir!
Thank you. I asked, and you delivered. I love this aircraft. They show up at the Melbourne international air show every two years. It remains my favourite. The Lancer is o.k., but I grew up with this.👏👏👏👏👏
I’ve always loved the B-52 it’s an amazing machine!! Having WWII era veteran grandparents, they would always take us to the 8th Air Force museum on base and to look at all the planes outside on display...that base being Barksdale Air Force base. Growing up in the town right next to the base, there were always B-52’s or KC-135’s and A-10’s in the sky when I was a kid!! A memory I will always have 🤘🏼
Awesome! I've watched most of your other videos, but I love the format of this one! I love the level of additional detail you went into here, and getting to compare an older B-52 to a modern one was amazing! I hope you get the chance to do that with more of your aircraft and give us some videos on more modern aircraft too!
Stay tuned, Matt S.! MB
That made my day my father was stationed in Minot AFB for 12 years. It was a really nice place to grow up. Lots of good memories.
I live very close to Barksdale Air Force base and the B-52's and fun to watch and look at. Lived here for 34 years and still amazed at them.
I am so proud of my dad which he was a crew member of this great and beautiful plane. We were stationed at Walker AFB, Loring AFB Aand Castle AFB. II miss military life.
The B-52: Peace the old fashion way! Very interesting presentation. Thanks for posting.
I saw one of this things take off at an air show. Yes, you see them in the air flying, but when it takes off, you still are amazed that something that large will actually get off the ground. Every American and people of the free world owe a lot to this old war horse. And the fact that there is no plans to phase it out of service until the 2040's, wow!, the B-52 is going to outlive me. To the 205 people that disliked this video, really?
Thanks for uploading this to RUclips! The quality and format of the show is great! Keep it going.
Thanks you! More quality PBS episodes coming to RUclips soon....
Just discovered this channel. Sat through the 90 second intro with low expectations. I was then SHOCKED at how entertaining and informative this video turned out to be!
B-2 bomber: why are you still flying?
B-52: I have not received permission to die
Both my daughter and husband are serving at the Global Strike Command Center in Minot ND - Hats off love you both!!! She serves in base intel and he is a crew chief - I've been there several times - such young and so very dedicated folks make me proud. The B52 is one of the greatest Icons in aviation history rolled out in 1952 and still has another 50+ years to go form today in 2019 - SHe is by far America's BIG STICK - and when the president needs help they are Americas 911 24/7 !! LOVE YOU ALL OUT THERE!!!
Best of your vids ever. Congrats
I would agree and now I want to pop in and have a look
I was a civil servant at Minot Air Force Base in the late 90s for the 5th Bomb Wing. I LOVE this plane. The BUFF is an amazing aircraft.
Everyone says this on lots of channels... But this channel is underrated!!! Keep em coming!
That is a great compliment! Thanks so much for watching.
For years I wanted to see the inside of a Buff rear turret. AT LAST. Thanks for that. Bet it smells awesome. Great vid.
They smell a bit like dirty socks after a 20-mile march. :) Believe me, it was a blessing to put on the oxygen mask. :)
Was able to get into a BUFF in the mid-60s as part of an open house at Glasgow AFB (now closed). Next time I was was in one was in FEB of 2019, when I stuck my head into the tail gunner's section on display at Pima Air & Space Museum. Talk about a flash-back! The smell I experienced as a kid in the 60s still lingered in that tail section!
Dude your job is like a dream for me. Crawling through and exploring old planes while talking about all the details would be so fun.
FWIW: I use to be in the US Coast Guard, and for five years I worked on - and flew as an aircrewman on - USCG Lockheed HC-130H Hercules aircraft.
To give you a perspective of that maximum fuel load {290K pounds} mentioned in this video that the B-52 could carry: Our HC-130H _normal gross weight_ {MAXIMUM WEIGHT counting the basic airplane, fuel load, cargo and passengers} was 155,000 pounds. It _could be_ increased to 175,000 with special permission from the Commandant of the Coast Guard should some _out-of-the-ordinary-need_ arise, but I never saw that happen. {AFAIK, it *never* happened during the entire time I was in the Coast Guard.}
We are hoping to film with the USCG this year, but for what I need to keep to myself for OPSEC. ;) MB
@@Wings_Museum >>> When it comes to Coast Guard aviation, my ♥ belongs to:
*_"BLEEDAIR BLIMPS"_*
*_"HERKY BIRDS"_*
*_"TRASH HAULERS"_*
*_"4 CESSNAS & A DUMP TRUCK"_*
*_"4 CESSNAS & A DUMPSTER"_*
*_"4 FANS OF FREEDOM"_*
😝😝😝😝😝😝😝
I worked with the G model Buff way back in 1974 at Barksdale A. F. B I was a missile man with the AGM 28 Hound Dog missile. It was a great experience and times that I will never forget. It was hot, it was cold, it was both wet and dry but I loved working on the flight line at 2AMMS.
Hi Matthew, At 2mins 23secs you can see a bomb leaving the bomb bay. I believe it's a "Grand Slam" developed by Barnes Wallis during the Second World War. It weighed 10 tonnes and the Avro Lancaster was the only plane capable of carrying it. It was also known as the "earthquake" bomb. 617Squadron "The Dambusters"famously destroyed the German battleship "Tirpitz" using this weapon. B36's could carry two of these monsters. After the war the R.A.F. had no use for these bombs and asked the U.S. if they could find a use for them. They were expensive to manufacture as the casings had to be machined to enable the bombs to fall accurately and they exceeded the sound barrier in thier descent. This was so the bombs could penetrate through reinforced concrete up to 60feet in depth before exploding. ( it's amazing what we could achieve to win the war)
@John Davey you mean the Yallboys bomb which was 5.6 tons....
My father was a B-52 navigator, then squadron commander in the 60's. I was around B-52's from my earliest memories, and thought they were just the normal thing. The first time I ever saw a F-4 Phantom fly over me, I thought it was the biggest plane in the world, because it flow over at about 500 feet, which B-52's don't generally do (they'd probably shake down the houses under them if the did). Being an A.F. brat was pretty cool.
Kevin Dallas my dad was radar nav at that time. Where was your dad stationed
@@mandarinlearner He was stationed at Barkesdale AFB in Shreveport Louisiana until 1962, when we were transferred to Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters in Omaha Neb. I think those units were transferred out of range of the SR 22's that just might still remain in Cuba after the Cuban Missile Crisis. We transferred right after that.
Kevin Dallas we were at Dyess for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The planes and crews were flown out to be out of range. We had car packed for evacuation orders
@@mandarinlearner Sounds familiar. I wonder what the GDPs of many of the southern states did right after tha. Suppose there's a discernable fall in '63?
Pretty cool. Didn't expect to see myself in this video. Awesome job
I really enjoyed this episode, and hope to see more. Kudos to PBS for allowing it.
B-52s turned Vietnam into a moon crater.
There should be so many craters all over Vietnam due to the numbers of bombs dropped there and many of them came from Utapao Thai Naval Base where I spent two years working on the D models after spending about one year at Minot AFB working on the H models. I was at Barksdale AFB also where I got to work on the G models and even flew on some of them to arm the Hound Dog missiles which they had on them. I enjoyed my time working on those aircraft and even flying on them.
steven anderson gotta get the job done, Genghis Khan got the job done took over all of Asia.
Actually, most of the BUFFs from Utapao cratered the Ashau Valley. I worked the scopes at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB in 1971-1972 and the BDA photos were very lunar indeed.
Theres youtube videos showing the destruction in Laos from the aerial bombing of the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War. All the craters are full of water. It's unbelievable.
Lance - yet failed to achieve a victory. Something I struggle to understand.
Grew up in the 1960s just 60 miles from Glasgow AFB (now closed) in Montana. Saw many a B-52 (C & D models) over the years. She had a special place in my heart. Glasgow also had the F-101 there and we heard a lot of sonic booms back in the day. The last time I saw a B-52 in flight was just a few days after 9/11. It, along with a B-1, was flying over my house.
"They should call the B52 the claustrofortress".
I know of a current B-52 pilot who is the grandson of a B-52 pilot.
In history, the first flight of the B-52 took place closer to the Wright Brothers flight than our modern era. The B-52 has been an operational combat aircraft for more than 50% of the history of aviation. Actually 58.1%.
"A single Yellow lever to jettison the Rear Turret" - Ye gods be careful what you touch. A brilliant presentation thanks for posting.
Good production values this video. Plenty of detailed info, which many of are looking for. Well done.
Absolutely one of the best aviation channels on the go 🏴
Thanks! We aim to be the best.
I was an ECM tech on the D model during ARC LIGHT days....spent most of 68 thru 71 at UT and Guam....a lot of TDY's to UT when we stopped flying bombing missions out of Guam in Sep 70. Lot of memories....Also worked at Lowry 79-94 as a civilian instructor and training manager...saw this B model daily..
Amazing this is even better than your other b52 videos(which were great :D too) i love it👍
PBS does great things. I support my local channel.
B-52G Gunner 1980-1983...great job, but saw the future and became a boom operator on KC-135s and KC-10s. ;)
This was my first video from Wings Over the Rockies and of Behind the Wings. The show did a great job showcasing the aircraft and really instilled a new level of appreciation for American aviation; not to mention for the fellow American citizens who not only invited the U.S. Air Force to move in, but covered the down payment themselves. There is also a level of "cheesiness" about Matthew Burchette’s on-screen persona that seems to pay homage to the educational videos of my grade school years without over-doing it. It’s a nice balance of enthusiasm to encourage excitement from the kids about history and aviation, while not alienating your adult audience by "laying it on too heavy" and losing the stats and engineering details from presentation. I sure hope this is not perceived as some RUclips critical review, but rather an appreciation of specifics that I enjoyed about the content and the host, and plan to start the next one now that I have subscribed for more from the museum. Thanks for a great series Wings Over the Rockies, and sure will make it a point to visit on my next trip to Colorado in order to see the size of that B-52 in person!
Another brilliant video Matthew!
Great presentation.Thanks for it.
When the last B-1 goes to the boneyard, a B-52 is going to fly the grew home. I loaded the B-52G in Guam for 2 years. Great plane.
I was there 1988-1990
Years ago when I was a kid, (in the late 1970's) Dad use to take me to the open house every year at Seymore Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, NC. At the time, SJ was still a SAC base I think. They had an entire wing of B-52s. Let me tell you, there is nothing more impressive to a 10-12 year old kid than watching a B-52 take off and land. Absolutely amazing. I remember asking, ...Dad, how the hell does that thing fly? LOL I got in trouble for saying hell. It all worked out cause mom was not there. LOL
The B-52 is such an icon of the Cold War era, but so much more than that, and not just to America, if you ask anyone in the aviation industry/enthusiast world what is the most important bomber of the Cold War era and to date the answer would probably be the B-52. Certainly in my formative years in the RAF I wished we had these massive beasts, alongside our own Vulcan and Victor aircraft they were a formidable force, whether they could have survived going to Russia is something I am glad we never found out.
Whenever I got asked of my thoughts about communism, only one image comes to mind: A B-52 dropping its bombs 😂
The former Blytheville Air Base; later Eaker Air Base in Blytheville Ark was a B-52 base. I live 25-30 miles northwest of it. Sadly, it was closed in the early '90s. I miss seeing this fine aircraft flying over!
" Not far from here" = Two and a half states away.
"To Americans 100 years is a long time... to Europeans 100 miles [160 km] is a long way..." =3
MAFB is only 60 miles from me,
I was stationed at Minot back in the early 80's, so it's highly likely I walked around a few of the BUFF's shown. Nothing will make you regret life choices more than standing sentry on a B-52 during an alert when it's 30 below and a 30 knot wind. :D (I kid...I'd do it all again. :) )
Maybe we should have filmed in Minot in the middle of winter to get the full effect! Thanks for sharing!
Props to Tinker AFB in OKC Oklahoma for keeping this amazing bomber flying.
I resided on Lowry from 75-77 and my dad was stationed at one of the radars at Buckley (back then it was an ANG base). That whole area looks beautiful. My bucket list includes going back to all of the places that I lived in. I want to do that so I can see your awesome looking museum.
Q: Why not Minot?
A: Freezin's the reason.
SAC Motto: Peace is our profession...war is just a hobby.
And SAC's reward for a job well done is no punishment . . . maybe.
I love these long, detailed videos! I speak for everyone when I say: we want more!
Thanks! We are working on more even as I type! MB
@@Wings_Museum thank you!
Wilbur and Orville's first flight would stretch from wingtip to inner nacelle on the wing of a B-52.
I’ve landed at Castle Airforce base, it’s a class D airport now... my training instructor flew me there to practice engine failure procedures during takeoff/roll on the massive 11,000ft runway, since we could practice several at a time (upon tower approval) ;knew Castle was a big B52 hub , but didn’t know that’s where the first ones were delivered- sweet!
Oh, one more thing, Matthew, here in Nebraska, at our magnificent SAC, and Aerospace Museum, we have the last remaining "B" Model that was delivered to SAC's 93rd Bombardment Wing (Heavy), in 1955, and is the only known BUFF in any Museum Collection configured as an RB-52B, with the MA-8 Gunlaying System, built around two M24 20MM Guns.
Now THAT is cool! We may need to come see. :) MB
You're a good man, Mr B. Thank you so much for this- the way you explain things in lamens terms really helps an Aussie fella out! Many thanks again "-)
wow thats amazing there is not more glass in that birds cockpit....love it.
WOW Matt! I love how how you did this video, how you went from the tail to the front, showing all the details of the old model then later on the latest re-fab B52. I was shocked to see how much of the old instrumentation and seat arrangements are still the same in the cockpit. The last time I saw a 52 documentation was when they retrofitted the entire plane for chemical attack about 25 years ago. But your video was far more easy going and more revealing. I'm 63 (I think), I can still remember living at the end of the runway at Fort Bliss in El-Paso Texas during the Vietnam war. B-52s were always coming and going over my house around 200 or 300 feet over my house, 24/7 depending on the wind direction. I could clearly see inside the wheel wells and inside the outer wing wheel wells and the paint just warping and chipping. I think they came to El Paso for maintenance, I never really did find out. But anyways, GOOD JOB to you and your staff.
I was a Crew Chief on a D model out of Dyess back in the late 70's. The first plane I was assigned to was 56-657. About a year later I was given my own plane, 56-602. Sadly 602 did not survive ( she was scrapped), however 657 not only survived but is on display up at Ellsworth. Most of the D's that did survive I recall being at Dyess including the infamous Mig killer, 676. When I was there it had a red star stenciled on it's side. I was also on flight status so I got to fly on my bird whenever and especially when going TDY. I think a road trip might be in the works.....gotta see an old friend.........
Chato Morgan Lived at Dyess in the 60s for B47s. Dad then retrained as radar nav for 52s
Very nice report with a lot of details you'll never see. Thanks !
Thanks for watching!!!!
Beautiful!!!!!. It's amazing how nuclear deterrent is still in the hands of a venerable 64 years young warrior. I can't think of a better validation to the original B-52 design.
it's the 747 of the military world...one of the most successful aircraft designs ever...
Dock 8 is named after my Supervisor from back in the day CMSGT Fred Gantzer. It's an amazing building for the job. The -60 wind chill on the flight line was always a lot of fun.
I really appreciate your work 👍👍👍 very interesting and informative videos. Keep this presentation style, it is unique and cool
Thanks for the comment! We do our best to present aerospace in a "fun" and "engaging" way. Glad that caught on!
Great job - my Son is on his way to Minot AFB following Tech School, thank you for this video, helpful!
This guy reminds me of an old Shaggy from scooby doo.
In a past issue of "Fly Past" they had this article on B-52 tail gunners and interviewed people who actually flew missions as the tail gunner and they told about how incredible the view was as the plane took off.
From the B-52G onward, the tail gunner was moved into the main cockpit where he used a remote control for the turret.
I was ALMOST given orders for Minot AFB in the 1970’s! Luckily I got to stay in the California desert instead, about 90 miles from home-George AFB. Sadly, it’s closed down.
I was so not looking forward to Minot. “Why not Minot, freezin’ the reason!”
Sadly George AFB close down. But it is still flying aircraft everyday, I actually turn wrenches for a company operating out of George.
Growing up in Minot I got to visit the base many times and loved seeing both the B-52s flying overhead and doing touch-n-go's at the municipal airport, but also seeing the F-15s of the 5th Fighter/Interceptor squadron as well.
When someone from *COLORADO* goes somewhere else and says it is *COLD,* it _must be_ *COLD.*
Minot may be cold but let us not forget Loring, Kincheloe, and K. I. Sawyer. Especially Loring. :)
@@texleeger8973 >>> I am originally from Florida. All that is like different levels of being dead. You are STILL dead.
The common denominator all those places share: *COLD* 😝😝😝😝
He should have came in the winter, then he could have seen cold,
RocKITEman _ 2001 its even worse if a person from Alaska would say it was cold
Lived in Minot for 6 years, B52s was a regular thing to see😍
Diving out the tail is perfect. Won't hit the wing or vertical stabilizer. My Father worked all over that machine as the Tec company helping the Airforce. It was Western Electric - he was in Arm. & Electronics Radar and controlled guns were in the first.
I was stationed at Minot from 2003 through 2014. They were still building dock 8 when I left. Nice to see the jets I worked again.
Couldn't help but think about Dr. Strangelove while watching this.
If the pilot's good, see, I mean if he's reeeally sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low... oh you oughta see it sometime. It's a sight. A big plane like a '52... varrrooom! Its jet exhaust... frying chickens in the barnyard!
skylordsix General Buck Turgidson 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸