The B-52 still an important part of our defense after 69 yrs
Jun 9, 2023 7:39:44 GMT -5
Ralph likes this
Post by Clipper on Jun 9, 2023 7:39:44 GMT -5
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The B-52 continues to play a major role in the US Air Force. From the first one produced in 1954 to the latest H model now being flown, the B-52 continues to fill a front line critical mission, along with more modern airframes such as the B-1 and B-2.
The last B-52 H model was produced in 1962 and 61 years later it is receiving an overhaul of it's vital radar and avionics systems.
The B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber was designed to carry nuclear weapons. It has been in service with the US Air Force since 1955. A total of 744 B-52 strategic bombers of all versions have been built. Since its introduction the Stratofortress was constantly upgraded. The B-52H is the ultimate model. Despite the introduction of newer aircraft the B-52 remains operational due to its superior performance and low operating costs. Currently 85 of these bombers are active with the US Air Force. It will continue to give valuable service well into the 21st century. The type is planned to remain active until 2044.
I had the distinct pleasure and privilege to have literally been over, under, around and through the B-52 H model, as well as the G models, many times over the years while riding on the rescue truck at Griffiss. We used to hold rescue egress drills on the aircraft which required two of us to climb a ladder and stand on top of the fuselage while opening escape hatches in the roof if the airplane landed with the landing gear up, dropping into the cockpit to push the crew members up through the hatch so the person on the top of the airplane where a rope was attached to their parachute harness in order for us to lower them down a ladder to the ground. A task that could be a bit tricky and dangerous if the top of the aircraft was wet or slippery from rain or firefighting foam. If the landing gear was down we lowered the crew through the hatch in the belly that was used as the normal entry and exit.
Our first act when entering the aircraft was to put pins in the handles of the ejection seats so that the crew member AND the rescuer weren't launched into the air by the seat's rocket motor pack.
It amazes me and pleases me to hear that the plan is to keep the B-52 flying until 2044. It is truly an awesome aircraft, still able to adapt to new technology and system upgrades.
The B-52 continues to play a major role in the US Air Force. From the first one produced in 1954 to the latest H model now being flown, the B-52 continues to fill a front line critical mission, along with more modern airframes such as the B-1 and B-2.
The last B-52 H model was produced in 1962 and 61 years later it is receiving an overhaul of it's vital radar and avionics systems.
The B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber was designed to carry nuclear weapons. It has been in service with the US Air Force since 1955. A total of 744 B-52 strategic bombers of all versions have been built. Since its introduction the Stratofortress was constantly upgraded. The B-52H is the ultimate model. Despite the introduction of newer aircraft the B-52 remains operational due to its superior performance and low operating costs. Currently 85 of these bombers are active with the US Air Force. It will continue to give valuable service well into the 21st century. The type is planned to remain active until 2044.
I had the distinct pleasure and privilege to have literally been over, under, around and through the B-52 H model, as well as the G models, many times over the years while riding on the rescue truck at Griffiss. We used to hold rescue egress drills on the aircraft which required two of us to climb a ladder and stand on top of the fuselage while opening escape hatches in the roof if the airplane landed with the landing gear up, dropping into the cockpit to push the crew members up through the hatch so the person on the top of the airplane where a rope was attached to their parachute harness in order for us to lower them down a ladder to the ground. A task that could be a bit tricky and dangerous if the top of the aircraft was wet or slippery from rain or firefighting foam. If the landing gear was down we lowered the crew through the hatch in the belly that was used as the normal entry and exit.
Our first act when entering the aircraft was to put pins in the handles of the ejection seats so that the crew member AND the rescuer weren't launched into the air by the seat's rocket motor pack.
It amazes me and pleases me to hear that the plan is to keep the B-52 flying until 2044. It is truly an awesome aircraft, still able to adapt to new technology and system upgrades.
