Life Inside Dangerous US City in The Sky: B-52 Stratofortress Bomber
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- Опубликовано: 27 дек 2022
- Stepping inside the United States B-52H is like stepping into a small city in the sky. Did you know that the Stratofortress' ability to stay in the air for so long depends on the endurance of its crew members? Life aboard The B-52H is considered tough and exhausting by pilots. The aircraft is refueled from the air, air pressure can drop, requiring crew members to wear oxygen masks, and pilots must wear night vision goggles during night operations.
Life on board a B-52H Stratofortress can be challenging, as it is a military aircraft and the crew members are expected to perform their duties to the highest standards.
Let’s take a look inside the $84 million B-52H "Stratofortress".
As you may know, the B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber aircraft that has been in service with the United States Air Force since the 1950s. It is known for its versatility and has been used in a variety of missions, including air-to-surface attacks, air-to-air refueling, and strategic bombing.
The B-52H Stratofortress is a massive aircraft, with a wingspan of over 185 feet and a length of 159 feet. It is powered by eight jet engines and can reach speeds of up to 650 mph.
The B-52H Stratofortress is also equipped with a variety of weapons, including bombs, missiles, and mines. It can carry up to 70,000 pounds of payload, making it one of the most heavily armed aircraft in the world.
The living quarters on a B-52H Stratofortress are cramped, as the aircraft has limited space. The crew members sleep in small bunk beds and have access to a small kitchen and bathroom area. They often eat meals in the cockpit, as there is not much space in the living quarters. #usnavy #airforce #bomber
In addition to the onboard crew lounge and workout room, the B-52 H model also has a coffee bar, a eucalyptus steam room, a hot tub, and a combination ping pong/pool table.
Dont forget the observation deck...in the back
OMG! How do these clowns get away with this crap? Love your reply. "A workout equipment room"???? Thats the funniest thing I 've ever heard! But what do you expect from the Navy!!
Don’t forget the golf ⛳️ driving range
@@jbirdgolf6331 Shit! How could I forget about the golf driving range? Thanks for reminding me!
@@jbirdgolf6331 That took the place of the tail gunner.
Humming "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again."
Proud of these people.
I was talking to a couple old B-52 pilots at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH. We were looking at all the gauges in the middle of the cockpit. They said it's really not that bad. You just learn the one row and when you look at them, all the gauges should look almost the same down the rows. You can tell instantly if one of the gauges are off. I wish I would have recorded them now.
@@jlefeb6973 Makes sense.
I flew the B 52 D & G model over Vietnam in 1972-73 on TDY 6 month tours. Flew G’s in Linebacker II DECEMBER 1972. Then on to Thailand in 74 and 75 before Saigon fell in April of 75.
thank you sir! glad you made it home......I was DaNang and Udorn air bases 1970-71
I flew the H's, starting in 1973. I trained on the B model at Castle in 1972. The B's, D's and G's were completely different airplanes than the H's. Different utility systems, different electical systems, different engines, on..and...on...and...on! When I reported to my H base, I had to spend 6 months on the H's "Dash-1" aircraft manual just to figure out how it worked.
On the G, the gunner sat up front with you. A friend of mine worked on the ASG-15 FCS; he told many stories. He was there from 1962 to 1966. Did you guys miss having a gunner?
I too flew in B-52D's during my time in Thailand. My job was special! I got to fly with B-52D crews over Vietnam. I was a "Bomb/Nav" technician. When there were system problems with the aircraft bomb/nav systems, instead of parking a otherwise ready B-52D, and "bag dragging" to another aircraft, I would take off with the crew and be on-board to fix the problem enroute to the target(s). Exciting times for me! Pilots gave me many hours of "stick time" flying time back to U-Tapao AFB!
How many missions did you fly? How many missions would a crew fly before they finished their tour?
Due to its 160 ft length, the crewmembers can enjoy a first-class driving range just behind the crew lounge and wet bar. My worst memory of life flying the old Buff was those days when I forgot my golf clubs and shorts. When not golfing the crew is sure to be shopping at some of the many duty-free shops on board. Point of fact that's where I bought my first Rolex!! Shopping can really work up your appetite, that's why there's a fine steakhouse right on board. Before returning to base, you'll want to be sure to visit the amusement park for some nuclear funnel cake and ride the thrilling Dr. Starangelove-themed roller coaster!
Hey, asshole, you plagiarized my post from last month! (Mather/Griffiss, ‘87-‘92)
Lol
Hahahahahaha! I humped BUFFF's for almost five years!
Yes but what about the Olympic sized pool and bowling alley
I love those crackers in the MRIS! I love all the MRIs really.
Much respect for the crew members of the aircraft . Doing a dangerous & very difficult job ( very well ) .
My favorite airplane of all time. In '68 I was in the A F and got to spend some time around these fantastic planes. Good memories. I was 18 at that time.
The copilot does not sit left of the pilot. Its the other way around. The pilot (aircraft commander) sits in the left seat the the co-pilot (1st officer) sits to the right of the aircraft commander.
Amen!!
Ok kjji🎉❤😢😮 3:18 😮😅
The Aircraft commander isn’t the pilot and usually takes the left seat, the pilot sits to the right.
@@jamjardj1974 Wrong!
@@jamjardj1974 The pilot IS the aircraft commander. ALWAYS sits in the left seat. True for all military and commercial aviation.
The researchers in this video were amazing, probably best not to smoke pot before writing the script though 😂
These jets are amazing. When I was stationed at Tay Ninh Vietnam there was a mountain named Nui Ba Din and right next to it was a lesser mountain. Every so often the B52's would bomb the saddle in between those mountains. It was done at night and the effects of those missions were spectacular to see. With being several miles away from the strike area we could still feel the concussions and hear the noise.
I was stationed in Tay Ninh as well. I was with the 4th & 9th Infantry (Manchu's, First in Last out) & Keep Up the Fire. From Nov 67 to Nov 68 I was in Bravo Company, mostly out in the boonies though. I was in 2 human waves before Christmas that year and at FSB Burt when it got overrun. I was also at the Hoc Mon Bridge when Charlie Company (4th & 9th) got ambushed and we lost about 90 KIA that awful day. One medic got the Congressional Medal of Honor (Posthumously) for his outstanding bravery in helping the wounded, he died helping our brave soldiers. I have a boatload of memories. Thank you for your service!
@@tdinaz9420 I served with A/battery/2nd of the 20th Aerial Rocket Artillery, (Blu Max) 1st Cav Div. I was there from June of 1969 to August of 1970. I am glad you made it home, especially after all the activity. Welcome home brother, stay safe.
I was also visited for a short time near the base of that Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain). There was an Army radio relay unit at the top of it and a few miles away the "Old French Fort" where I was at. Around the base and up the mountain was hands off for whatever reason and a sanctuary area for the enemy. At night one could see lights and smoke from the enemy locations. But the areas away from the mountain were bombed like crazy though. The B52 raids were something to see as the sky lit up and as mentioned one could feel and hear the rumble for miles away.
I lived in Shreveport/ Bossier City for 20 years & would often hear & actually feel the ground shaking as theses massive impressive aircraft’s took off. Made the hair on my back stand and a lump in my throat. Proud to a citizen of 🇺🇸 ❤
My Dad was a gunner on the earlier B-52's. I miss those days, never a dull moment. Even when you got that first big unexpected moment..."we will be leaving this base in 4 months." The new base is in a foreign country or another part of the U.S. Dad goes there first, we come a few months later. That happened every three years!!
That was my dream job; unfortunately, the Air Force phased out the gunner AFSC the year before I was old enough to enlist.
Major "King" Kong, best damn B-52 pilot ever.
The worst pilot is Bud Holland.
@@alexrebmann1253why?
@@caramassa985 look up 1994 B-52 crash Fairchild AFB. You will get your answer. Videos of crash story on RUclips.
@@caramassa985look it up
@@caramassa985 he intentionally flew a b 52 in a way that made the aircraft stall, killing all aboard in 1994 at Fairchild Air Force base.
Somewhere in the USAF there is a pilot whose father and grandfather flew the B-52.
With the son in training to take over....
And now grandsons and granddaughters now.
I worked on test equipment used to maintain the B-52 electronics in the early '70s. It amazes me that it's still the "go to" aircraft to deliver large quantities in explosives anytime, anywhere.
No wonder. Carpet bombing civilians is favourite strategy of US army when it comes to protecting freedom
in oil rich countries.
It's good to know B-52 crews require extensive training before operating the aircraft.
LOL!
I thought they just went to the burning barrel and got a pick up load of folks.
Most of the training is devoted to learning how to operate the weight-lifting machines in the gym next to the crew lounge under combat conditions. The BUFF will nearly fly itself.
Did you know that the Stratofortress' ability to stay in the air for long periods is dependant upon the endurance of the crew? Frankly, I was shocked.
The co-pilot sits to the RIGHT of the Pilot-In-Command. The tail gunner was deleted in the 90's.
Soon as I heard that I knew someone would have corrected it
The commentator goes awry at 2:52. I think his comment "When they are not on duty" originally meant when they were at their base, and not airborne. There is no onboard "rest area or galley," or "exercise room," or "medical bay." Thus, the whole theme of a "city in the sky" is fallacious.
I concur. I mean, the commentator should have added: 8 lane bowling alley, basketball court Walmart and TacoBell. Sounded like he was describing facilities at RAF Lakenheath! 😂
Agree. That was a little too ridiculous to believe, especially on an aircraft like that. The B36s were even bigger and had far less "rest space"; also, there were no broads onboard back then..
You got to got downstairs...hang a left and use the secret password
@@jameshartley8301 yall had walmarts...damn....😂😂😂😂😂
@@barrygordon1173 That’s funny!
An absolute AWSOME aircraft. It’s nice that it is ours and our U.S. Airforce🇺🇸
A medical bay and a workout room? Lol. You forgot the theater and strip club.
Fond memories of my days on a SAC base in the early 80s. Not a pilot, but supported this AC on base! Thank you to all those that serve!
I love the B-52! Probably my favourite modelling subject. I like especially the early cold war era versions with anti flash white and aluminium surfaces...a mighty sight with those endless wings!! Thank you for the video!
Cool, me too , I modeled the B-52 but the plane model was from the 50s era. 👍
I just finished building the old 1/72 Revell B-52B, "Balls 8" and the X-15. Not a lot of detail but a great subject!
@@TheSuperStarCarWash Nice! You mean your model kit was produced in the 50s? Nice piece of collection! I love 50s B-52s! I am also working on a B-36 now but it takes time! I love all that shiny metal stuff!!🙂
@@bobnewkirk7186 I fully agree with you sir! Some Monogram kits, like the B-52 were lacking a lot of interior detail like landing gear bays etc... It's a pity. Anyway, the shape of the finished model is basically perfect! Spot on! A Monogram B-52 is a 1/72 B-52 reproduction...An Esci-ERTL / Italeri B-52 is a model with 8 engines that resembles a B-52. Too many inaccuracies: wings anhedral, very thin aft fuselage, strange, inaccurate shape of the windshield! That's at least my humble opinion. You should show your "Balls 8" B-52!! Happy modelling!! 🙂
They forgot to mention the amusement park in the lower mid-section of they aircraft for use by family if not over hostile territory
All the B-52 versions are IMPRESSIVE !
WAIT! WHAT? "The weapons systems officers [plural] sit in the back of the cockpit..." REALLY? Back in the day the electronic warfare officer and the tail gunner (since deleted) sat behind the pilots. The navigator and the radar navigator sat on the lower level on downward firing ejection seats. Maybe they changed this since the last time I was in a BUFF. They probably needed room on the lower level for the air hockey table. Honestly, nobody but nobody could have made a video this bad unintentionally. This is "Springtime for Hitler!"
"Crew rest area, galley, medical bay and exercise equipment room"? I worked B-52 maintenance for 4 years. No such amenities exist. A long duration flight sitting on a hard ejection seat with only one place to stand up fully (lower deck by the entry hatch and ladder to the upper deck) must be miserable for the crews. This video has to be a joke.
I worked on the "D" and I KNOW this video was completely false.
I was thinking the same thing. Was he joking or serious or just dumb?
B-52 does not have a crew rest area....no room...whoever does these videos needs to learm before they make
I've read the FLIGHT OF THE OLD DOG and FATAL TERRAIN by DALE BROWN, and since then I've been so fascinated by that 'BUFF'.
Flight of the old dog would make an awesome movie
I worked on and suppoerted these bombers while stationed at Utapao Thailand back in 1972. I was amazed of the technology and engineering that went into one of these flying giants. Also amazing is they will outlive me!
Me too in 1972.
I saw them while I was a young boy in Thailand too!!!
My dad was in the air force for 29 years, dad's gone, I'm 65, and must say that in my opinion, the DC-3 and the B-52 are two of the top 3 grooviest and most iconic looking aircraft of my time spent on this planet. !
Love the Tall Tails versions but the shorter ones are tactically better. Next to the Liberator, my favorite heavy. This is a superb aircraft!
One thing you forgot to mention is the fact that it is capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
THAT IS WHY IT WAS BUILT!
It's just amazing that it been in service for so long
As a former B-52 pilot, this guy needed to do a bit more research rather than just making stuff up.
I'm looking forward to be in the airforce and hopefully fly the buff do you have any advice for me?
@@user-jn8li6rm3t First, graduate from college with good grades and top physical condition and eyesight. Next, get selected for pilot training. Then, graduate in the top 10% of your class so you have a better chance of getting the aircraft assignment that you want. There might not be any B-52's available for your class, since assignments are based on the needs of the Air Force at the time. If you want, I'd recommend taking a top-line fighter such as the F-15, F-22 or F-35.
I know an ol' boy (in his early 90s) who flew the B-52D for 25 years. He flew Cold War missions (i.e., Chrome Dome, carrying thermonuclear bombs) to the Christmas Bombings (Operation Linebacker II) over Vietnam. Chrome Dome missions he said were, "23 to 27 hours, depending on winds." Linebacker II missions out of Guam were about 12 hours. Both missions required aerial refueling. Long missions for crews. Great people!
Great plane,stood the test of time.
The B52 and the A10 are the most Awesome Aircraft in the Airforce
I love the B52, lived at Minot AFB in the 80s. Watching them take off, sitting at the Christmas tree, doing their MITO take offs awesome. Then went to live at an A10 base, equally awesome aircraft.
a very well informative and interesting doco. thanks for showing us.
Wow apparently nobody bothered to proofread or post-edit the narration prior to posting on RUclips. Anyways this Navy video has very good intentions and some cool video shots, enjoyed watching it just try to get the narration information correct next time
Great vid, r e t a r d e d Commentary. Yea there is a strip bar back there too!
Very informative video ! Awesome
It will be cool to see an updated version...💯✌️
I used to guard these monsters in the 80s as a SAC cop. It was impressive when they would taxi them out, one behind another, during an alert crew response.
I thought this was documentary about the B-52s musical group. Loooooove Shack!
I'm glad to know the pilots sit in the front of the cockpit. What a relief.
A fabulous jet! 😊
My favorite B52-H was 0005 at K.I. Sawyer AFB in the mid 60s. The video showed maint folks in T shirts. Our guys were fixing them in minus 30 degrees F with wind up their parka and their hands raw covered with hydronic fluid. The MPs had to stand guard in blizzards. We issued them special boots that you pumped up with air for better insulation. (Bunny Boots) Fully loaded, our B52s climbed out nose down and disappeared over the horizon until they reached flap up speed. You could still see them as they were still putting out black smoke.
Still have a set of bunny boots.
@@Jaysqualityparts
You should know I ran the 538 section at Sawyer for a while. I don’t think they were Expendable, but it has been a long time. Do still have the felt liners?
I worked tail guns on the H in 90-91 at Sawyer. Summers were great- all weekend of them. ;)
I was an SP at KIS when the last B-52 departed in 1994. I still remember sitting in a vehicle on an empty ramp for hours just in case the aircraft had to return to base.
1972-1974 at Sawyer flying the B-52. What a great base. Went back 2 years ago to see how "de-commissioning" had treated it. A bit depressing.
Watched them take off from Guam as we passed late one night as we were on the last leg of our transit to Subic Bay to begin our Vietnam tour in October 1967 USS Mauna Loa AE-8
The B-52 also has a secret gaming room for the crew to relax in during long nights of flying
You forgot the Olympic size swimming pool, and the Michelin Guide Book rated chef, in the dining lounge!
I was a Corpsman with the Marines up north in Vietnam in 66-67. At a class reunion some years later we were telling war stories and I learned that the classmate I was chatting with was a Navigator on a B52. I was telling him of an Arc Light and it’s location. He informed me he remembered that precise flight that he was on that flight, small world, huh?
H model entered usaf in 1960. It had a cannon in its tail. Others had 4 50 caliber machine guns.
I was in the Air Force Security Squadron in the 70's and spent a lot of time with "THE BUFF".That rotary cannon is real scary when you are walking around the tail. It is one of me favorite aircraft !
@@danduffy7974 my dad's too. Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸
Gatlin not cannon
With 8 new warp engines, quantum torpedoes, and multi-phasic shielding, it gives the Federation another tool in defeating the Borg!
Ka'plaa!!
@@h.h.6171 😂😂😂😂...love it
Rumor has it all B-52H variants are being upgraded with an Olympic size swimming pool and a rooftop deck.
SIMPLY AWESOME 👌!!!
I refueled the B-52G model from 1974-1976 at Fairchild AFB when SAC was still a thing. Those long 3 hour refueling tasks were hot in the summer and freezing in the winter.
Last one built was in 1960 and was delivered to Homestead AFB, FL in 1962. Tail number was 60-040. I was there from 1961 to the end of 1966. Was an instuctor and chief standboard Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO}. Gunner and myself set side by side facing backwards on the top deck. Gunner position was eliminated sometime in the 90 's I think. EWO equipment was classified so no pictures shown. Had coffee pot, small warming oven and one bunk. The honey bucket was hardly ever used but it was the instructor EWO's seat at the left rear elbow of the EWO. I was under the impression designers built the plane then were told to make space to squeeze in some crew seats.
1961 was the last year built. Took 610022 (1022) to England for bomb competition in 1981
I worked on every type B52 from the D's through H's. There used to be six crew members: pilot, co pilot, navigator, bomb navigator, electronic warfare officer and tail gunner. When I was first introduced to the B52 the tail gunner was in the tail of the aircraft where he had his own toilet! Then he was moved to the main crew compartment. He was the only enlisted member of the crew. The toilet was a "box" at the top of the ladder between the upper and lower deck. The least popular member of the crew was the first one to use the toilet for #2!
😹Fitness Center..... time to recheck those specs...😹@2:55
2:20 -- anyone notice that he got the seating of the pilot and co-pilot backwards? What does he think bombing is, if not an air-to-surface attack? He said that the Stratofortress was one version of the B-52. No -- they're all the Stratofortress, but there are variants, mostly distinguished by updates. There's pretty good footage in this video, but the script could use a little polish.
These crews are awesome.
She’s a mean machine !
Amazing for an old lady of aircraft!!!!! ❤
The Aircraft Commander sits in the Left seat.
The Pilot (actually the co-pilot) sits in the Right Seat.
When WW3 breaks out. These guys know they’re not coming back. Kudos and a big thank you to our brave Military personnel
I guess I missed that exercise equipment room when I was flying on B-52s. LOL.
Love the BUFF!
Maintenance Technician on the buff, incredible machine.
If I remember correctly, the B52 was used as a low-level tactical bomber in Desert Storm. It surpassed the expectations of the experts.
Gotta love Buff ❤️ 😍
Older BUF (0original term) pilot to younger copilot: "Yeah, I used to know what all those switches were for." I have over 5,000 hours in the B model!
Thanks!
Rhis old girl is as old as I am! You go girl.................... This bird is amazing..........
Very informative video! Well presented and easy to listen to. Good job!
Video sucks
OVERLY inaccurate
D's, Kc's and B1's oh the memories.
In addition to the onboard crew lounge and weight room, the B-52 H also has the very little publicized “Spank Room” providing valuable “Me Time” for those long lonely flights in the air.
Amazing Plane 🤙🏻👏👏👏👏
Fascinating, thanks
🥝🇳🇿😎
I worked on B-52s most of my life and the thing I remember the most is how much it hurts when you hit your back on those antennas on the bottom of the fuselage! I cringe every time I see people going under ole Buff!
I've been a fan since seeing the movie, dr strange love when I was a child in the 1960's .I'm not sure why it's nicknamed buff cause I think it's a beautiful aircraft and yes, still capable of mass destruction, great video. 👍🏽
It became my favorite plane after watching the movie Bombers B-52, and The Gathering of Eagles. Another good movie with B-52s is By Dawns Early Light with James Earl Jones, and Rebecca Demornay.
Big Ugly Fat Flying Fu*ker... BUFFF... it was a term of "endearment"! :-)
please, I have a doubt: the co-pilot is sit to the left of the pilot..... (02:20)? So, the chief/commander pilot is in the right seat???
"This is still a formidable aircraft " ? No kidding ! I submit that every aircraft that has been produced by the US since 1944 is still a formidable aircraft giving their insistence to always posses the cutting edge of technology
Great!
Excellent ❤
That guy in the white jumpsuit in the engine intake. I used to do that job. You are supposed to cover the boots too I think
I had an uncle that worked and flew and a B-52. I got the tour one and not North Dakota when I was a little kid.
I know I'm getting old and my last mission in a B-52H was in 1987, but I don't remember the exercise room or the medical bay.
I suppose those could have been added later...
Hey...As a co-pilot on the H model, I don't remember EVER having time to get up out of my seat. I was busy from the time I climbed into the monster to the time I climbed out. It was a VERY "labor intensive" aircraft to fly. Just doing all the check lists (pre-flight, take off, air-refueling, low level, pre-landing)...let alone all the equipment monitoring, fuel tank switch changes, etc.....FORGET-ABOUT-IT!
The pilot sits in the left hand seat and the copilot sits in the right hand seat. Your dialog is backwards from the correct arrangement. The Pilot in Command always sits in the left seat!
Thats when you're straddling the nose looking in. Common, catch up...
Did we forget it's primary mission, 3rd arm of the NUCLEAR TRIAD🤦♂️🤷♂️
I hear the B-52 also has an Olympic sized swimming pool.
😂😂😂😂
Buff ( b-52) is the David you need, when your enemy has sent its Goliath to try and defeat you.
The B-52 also saved many lives in the Vietnam war eg Khe San
mindblower huge bomber plane!
Once made machined parts for the B52, I thought the blueprint was as old as I was.
Training in the 80's, drown you in FL, freeze you in Washington.
Luckily, I did it the opposite. Went from snowy winter in upstate Washington to beautiful, sunny Homestead to defrost. Would have sucked doing it the opposite! Shit, just read that they moved water survival from Pensacola to Fairchild in 2015 to cut down on TDY costs! That must suck!
Pilots must wear night vision goggles during night operations...
I wonder how much research was done to figure that out.
That would only be done in a combat situation, not routine flying.
"BUFF" is a beast
Man I thought the drive across the state of kansas was boring. Could you imagine just looking at sky the whole time youre flying for hours and hours on end. Or blackness at night.
What’s the latest on the new engines that I understand have been approved for the B-52? What’s the schedule for the install?
They are supposed to be starting the upgrades now. It will be called the J model.
I am really surprised that you didn't mention the side guns and tail guns that it has.
First H model went into service 1960 final H rolled off Boeing assembly line in 1962.