B-52 Stratofortress Strategic Bomber | USA Long-Range Subsonic Jet Aircraft | High Alert

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, high alert,vsubsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s. The bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles (14,080 km) without aerial refueling.
Beginning with the successful contract bid in June 1946, the B-52 design evolved from a straight-wing aircraft powered by six turboprop engines to the final prototype YB-52 with eight turbojet engines and swept wings. The B-52 took its maiden flight in April 1952. Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions, the B-52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. A veteran of several wars, the B-52 has dropped only conventional munitions in combat. The B-52's official name Stratofortress is rarely used; informally, the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fucker/Fella).
The B-52 has been in service with the USAF since 1955. As of June 2019, there are 76 aircraft in inventory; 58 operated by active forces (2nd Bomb Wing and 5th Bomb Wing), 18 by reserve forces (307th Bomb Wing), and about 12 in long-term storage at the Davis-Monthan AFB Boneyard. The bombers flew under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) until it was disestablished in 1992 and its aircraft absorbed into the Air Combat Command (ACC); in 2010, all B-52 Stratofortresses were transferred from the ACC to the new Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Superior performance at high subsonic speeds and relatively low operating costs have kept them in service despite the advent of later, more advanced strategic bombers, including the Mach 2+ B-58 Hustler, the canceled Mach 3 B-70 Valkyrie, the variable-geometry B-1 Lancer, and the stealth B-2 Spirit. The B-52 completed 60 years of continuous service with its original operator in 2015. After being upgraded between 2013 and 2015, the last airplanes are expected to serve into the 2050s.
Throughout the Cold War, B-52s and other US strategic bombers performed airborne alert patrols under code names such as Head Start, Chrome Dome, Hard Head, Round Robin, and Giant Lance. Bombers loitered at high altitudes near the borders of the Soviet Union to provide rapid first strike or retaliation capability in case of nuclear war. These airborne patrols formed one component of the US's nuclear deterrent, which would act to prevent the breakout of a large-scale war between the US and the Soviet Union under the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction.
General characteristics:
Crew: 5 (pilot, copilot, weapon systems officer, navigator, electronic warfare officer)
Length: 159 ft 4 in (48.5 m)
Wingspan: 185 ft 0 in (56.4 m)
Height: 40 ft 8 in (12.4 m)
Wing area: 4,000 sq ft (370 m2)
Airfoil: NACA 63A219.3 mod root, NACA 65A209.5 tip
Empty weight: 185,000 lb (83,250 kg)
Gross weight: 265,000 lb (120,000 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 488,000 lb (219,600 kg)
Fuel capacity: 47,975 U.S. gal (39,948 imp gal; 181,610 L)
Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0119 (estimated)
Drag area: 47.60 sq ft (4.42 m2)
Aspect ratio: 8.56
Powerplant: 8 × Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofans, 17,000 lbf (76 kN) thrust each
Performance
Maximum speed: 650 mph (1,050 km/h, 560 kn)
Cruise speed: 509 mph (819 km/h, 442 kn)
Combat range: 8,800 mi (14,200 km, 7,600 nmi)
Ferry range: 10,145 mi (16,327 km, 8,816 nmi)
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
Rate of climb: 6,270 ft/min (31.85 m/s)
Wing loading: 120 lb/sq ft (586 kg/m2)
Thrust/weight: 0.31
Lift-to-drag ratio: 21.5 (estimated)
Armament
Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan cannon originally mounted in a remote controlled tail turret on the H-model, removed in 1991 from all operational aircraft.
Bombs: Approximately 70,000 lb (31,500 kg) mixed ordnance; bombs, mines, missiles, in various configurations.
Avionics
Electro-optical viewing system that uses platinum silicide forward looking infrared and high resolution low-light-level television sensors
ADR-8 chaff rocket (1965-1970)
LITENING Advanced Targeting System
Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
IBM AP-101 computer
#b52 #bomber #aircraft

[@foxman105]

As a former Soviet satelite state member, it never ceases to amaze me how much logistics, money and manpower Cold War has required from both sides. I really hope we never come to such a messy state of affairs. Civilisation was balancing on Razors Edge. Let's never repeat it for the sake of entire human race.

[@marstuv5068]

Hear Hear!!!

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

Tell that to Putin & Xi

[@stephenhood2948]

@@theccpisaparasite8813 As if the US is any better.

[@NoNo-ce8xb]

this comment is Aging well ...LOL

[@justlucky8254]

​@@NoNo-ce8xbwe are nowhere the same state of affairs as OP referred to.

[@lawrencegore6647]

This is an excellent video. The remaining 76 operational B-52H's are 60 years old, We designed the B-52G/H in 1956 for high-altitude bombing. The emphasis in the structural design was minimum weight, to maximize range. But in 1961, at the height of the Cold War, we redesigned the structure to meet SAC's new, more severe usage and service life requirements. These notably included low level terrain avoidance training, often under extreme gust and maneuver conditions. The emphasis in structural design shifted to toughness and durability. The primary structural components are never replaced. The main reason for their longevity is that the usage has not been as severe as was projected. As Chief of Structures Technology at Boeing-Wichita at the time of the redesign. I am honored to say I chose the materials, the analysis methods, and the limiting stress levels for the redesign. I am now 95 and I am thrilled to see these planes still flying, and projected to do so for many more years.

[@nivramsleumas7411]

No kudos for you since you contributed to the design of a machine designed to kill and devastate other humans in great numbers.

[@pointingdog7235]

Sorry but I thought they were lovingly called a BUMF? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@toddtraxler3878]

@@pointingdog7235 your recollection is incorrect, it is indeed the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat F***er) not BUMF.

[@lastfirst78]

Thank you Sir!

[@g-manracer1997]

@@nivramsleumas7411 haha! What a gracious gem you are. Cry us a river.😥😥

[@christophersmith2102]

I've been painting B52 bombers for 24 years . Still I feel a great sense of pride when I'm putting the Flag on the vertical. Only a few have the training to touch up the flight Deck . Maybe I'll be retiring within next 10 yrs . But these airframes will continue to protect our country for many many more years after I'm gone .

[@WendyGlover-lt8ld]

I am now 95 and I am thrilled to see these planes still flying, and projected to do so for many more years.

[@Dronescapes]

👍🇺🇸 Great planes!

[@lawrencegore6647]

You stole this line from my top comment. Are you in fact 95, as am I?

[@justlucky8254]

This comment is strangely familiar....in a not positive way.

[@mateostaplez7497]

Proud to say that my father flew B-52s from 1958 to 1965 during the cold war and was a veteran of Chrome Dome. He flew West in 2004.

[@bantumwt]

I was aboard a Navy ship stationed just outside Haiphong Harbor in December 1973 during Operation Linebacker II. And my job was to track and communicate with, along with several others, the flights of 120+ B-52's flying together overhead into their targets around Hanoi and Haiphong. It was a sight and experience never to be forgotten.

[@gregoryjclark81]

I bet. Monitoring the B-52 cell from Andersen AFB on Guam during Linebacker II--that must have been one of those 'you had to be there to understand' experiences, no doubt. May I inquire as to the naval vessel on which you were serving?

[@badguy1481]

Wow! I didn't know we had a ship that "close to the action". Too bad you didn't have a camera. That film would have been "one for the history books"!

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

Did you enjoy hearing them get shot down?

[@samsamaniego3251]

I was stationed at Anderson AFB, Guam 1972 for LINEBACKER 1 and the base had 150 B-52s . Although rarely mentioned it lasted from early 1972 till November 72. We were launching 3 B-52s at the top of the hour and recovering 3 at the bottom of the hour 24 hours a day 7 days a week . Seen a lot of buffs come home with gaping holes from SAM hits. Loved SAC, 8th AF. I later retrained into working on Titan ll ICBM Missiles.

[@yourmanufacturingguru001]

Wow those memories are priceless. Thank you for your service.

[@dotmurphy7279]

My brother just missed that. Probably would have interfered with his fishing. But my other brother was in Vietnam so he wouldn't have minded.

[@thomasmoeller2961]

My father-in-law was also stationed in Guam and flew Linebacker 1 and 2 missions. Totally over 5000 hrs on B-52´s. He received his Distinguished Flying Cross for saving the 52 over Hanoi. In between he flew on B58´s until they got scraped. He passed 2 years ago and I have all his documents and photos from that time which a dearly cherish.

[@TonyGingrich]

I remember my tech school training as an offensive avionics technician for the B-52. Instructors said that the "Buff" had virtually no glide characteristics. Shut down its 8 engines, and the plane would fall like a rock. That is to say: a plane is only as good as the personnel supporting it. The success and longevity of the B-52 is a testament to the thousands of Airmen charged with keeping it airworthy. Transcending that, there are the fighters who escort these planes safely throughout their missions. The B-52 is more than a plane; it is the U.S. Air Force.

[@melissahamilton1192]

Love this information!!!

[@reynaldoflores4522]

That's why it has 8 engines. Two or three might be taken out during combat, but all 8 engines failing is almost impossible.

[@curtisbacon7856]

@@apollomoonlandings 67 years is not nearly a century

[@lilblackduc7312]

@@curtisbacon7856 I'm 64yrs old. It feels pretty damn close to a century. 😁

[@lawrencegore6647]

The B-52 should have excellent engine-out glide characteristics. It has a higher aspect ratio (length to width) wing that the 747, which has a glide slope of 15.5. So at 40-000 ft altitude a B-52 would glide about 120 miles.

[@kikupub71]

I used to live just north of Pine Castle AFB in Orlando during the 50s and 60s. The enormous roar of the engines blanked out the tv 📺 as they flew over our trailer park while the smoke barely cleared up before the next B52 followed. An awesome sight and sound!! It is why I am an aviation enthusiast today at age 69.

[@just_kos99]

LOL, yeah, living so close to the runway at Pease SAC, every time a B52 took off we'd just pause any conversation or TV show (well, missing it 'cause we couldn't pause back then) till the noise abated.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I grew up in Peru Indiana, not far from Grissom ARB. Back in the 70's it was a SAC controlled base, running several squadrons of aerial refueling tankers. But almost every aircraft in the inventory made stops there all the time. I used to stand on the fence line of the base with my bicycle and watch them take off and land all day. B52s, C5s, C141s, F111s, F4s, the list goes on. My mom threw me into the tub when I got home because I stank of jet fuel and covered with grit and dust. Then one day the greatest thing that ever happened to me happened. As I was standing there watching one day, I hear a truck coming down the country road that ran along the perimeter. Just assumed it was a farmer, they were everywhere around there. But then I heard the squeak of brakes and when I turned around, it was an Airforce Jeep with two MPs. One got out and walked up to me. I almost fainted. He dropped down to a knee and began talking to me. I thought I had done something wrong! But he told me that they have been watching me on the security cameras and his supervisor told him to stop and pick me up and take him (meaning me) around with me on his rounds. What? He walked my bike up to the jeep and threw it into the back. He then got into the back with it and pointed to the passenger seat. I remember my mouth was so dry I could not swallow. They took off and we drove the entire perimeter of the base, then they whisked right past the entrance guard shack and drove the flight line. The first plane I ever seen up close in person was the B52. There was like 6 of them in a row. Then we went to the MP command post and they gave me all kinds of swag. They all came up, roughed up my hair, talked to me like I was the base mascot. They showed me the monitors that they watched me everyday on and how everything worked. They gave me all kinds of swag. Stickers, patches, a lighter (yeah, a Zippo lighter to an 8 year old kid) with the Airforce logo and then took me back to the fence where they picked me up. I went home like I had just woke up from a dream. I am 54 years old now, every time I see a B52, I think of that time. Things like that just cannot happen today. But back then it was a different world.

[@Dronescapes]

😮👍 wow!

[@MrDinFla1]

Absolutely awesome!!

[@justlucky8254]

😲 Wow! That's just incredible!!!

[@fastone942]

Kind of funny when you think about it the B-52 bomber is the last aircraft signed off and approved by the US Army air Corps that is still flying on Active duty and technically older than the Air Force itself original design and approval was created before the US Air Force was created

[@publicuser2534]

The U-2 as well.

[@rickevans3959]

A friend of mine had a nuke artillery shell he could fire he would fire it off just to see how big a bang it would make he used to get a pocket full of primers and throw them up in the air on the forth of July he was accurate when it came to putting steel on target he was dead on.

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

heck they are older than any of their pilots.

[@dotmurphy7279]

Didn't know that. Pretty interesting. Thanks for the info.

[@arcticwolf8313]

@@theccpisaparasite8813 If they retire when the Air Force currently plans, the oldest B-52 will be almost a century old.

[@Sternodox]

I was a Bomb/Nav tech on B-52s in the early 70s. In-flight maintenance required us tech guys to sit on the toilet in the lower deck. Turbulence caused the six crew members to miss frequently. The smell could be horrendous. Plus there are no windows in the lower deck. So long missions meant sitting in a dark, foul-smelling cramped space for many hours waiting for something to break. I loved it!

[@observer4916]

Sounds like a diahrrea poopie plane

[@VibeXplorer]

It never ceases to amaze me how ungainly the B-52 looks on the ground and yet how sleek it looks in the air.

[@davidsoule1252]

I was aboard a couple of guided missile destroyers during the Vietnam War. When we were on the gunline, we had to cease fire when the B-52's were dropping their bombs in the area. The warships would operate on the gunline around 7 miles off the coast. The ship would rock back and forth for several minutes starting a few minutes after the bombs started exploding. Plus how many miles inland did the B-52's drop their bombs. They were like mini-earthquakes. B-52's rock!

[@JechtAruon]

I was a crew chief on the H model in the early 90s and was shocked at how reliable the Buff was. For its age and what it was being used for. It had a better FMC rating than the B1. You learned real quick to fall in love with the old gal. Sure she could make you bleed,cuss, and cry. Yet to see her break ground to fly off to her mission rally make it all worth it. She is something the AF will never recreate as she’s a once in a lifetime creation. You’re looking at 60 years for the H model right now and just now they are going to put new RR engines on her to extend her life some more. You gotta tip your hat to Boeing as they know how to make a bomber. The 135 seemed to receive the same magic from them. I miss crewing them as it was the most fun I ever had. May they fly on after I depart this earth.

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

It is amazing that such a dinosaur is still in active status.

[@terrypbug]

It's awesome that's why

[@DemonratsRevil]

Look at the potus. Planes don’t get dementia. So the plane is far better at it’s age than the man controlling who it attacks.

[@sillywill72]

Darf, arf arf 😆

[@rael5469]

@SilverJustice Not really. It's a piece of garbage. I used to work them. It should have been replaced 30 years ago.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

@@rael5469 Not sure what you mean by, “I used to work them.” Also, what specifically makes the aircraft ‘garbage’? Also, the aircraft has been augmented in inventory by the B-1 and B-2. I think your post is a tad suspicious.

[@jeffheupel9173]

Saw several B-52s taking off in a row at Grand Forks AFB years ago, what an awesome sight, and sound!

[@michaelcomisse9478]

This is why I love this Channel the most. The extended interview at the end is awesome

[@MichaelSkelton]

Mr. Yuill's story telling is just brilliant.

[@printer1105]

Thanx to all the servicemen that endured these long lonely missions. Thank yo so much for protecting my family.

[@mcmarkmarkson7115]

Yea a pointless sacrifice if you ask me. And a huge tax burden. If russians really were serious they would have just intercepted the bombers first since they kept flying the same route every day.

[@richardhighsmith]

People call the B52 a dinosaur - It is more like an Alligator - Sure it’s a dinosaur, but it will outlive humanity because it is hard to kill, strong as a bull, and has a hell of a bite.

[@donnacook5552]

Well said from AF brat who loves these planes. Grew up around planes and missiles, flight lines and missile launches. The crews are amazing and I was in awe. My Dad was always on call 24/7 and bag always packed to go. God bless our military and USAF! 🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲💕

[@mjc11a]

The B-52: Peace the old fashion way. Thanks for posting and be safe 🙏

[@frankbodenschatz173]

The decal on my rear window of my pickup!

[@johngrey8044]

I was a gunner on B52 G’s and H’s. I was there the day the Cold War ended at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth Texas. I’ve got about 1000 hours on the old buff. I went on to become a flight engineer on a C141 at McChord AFB in Washington. I love this old airplane. It stunk, it was cold, but it was steady and it was exciting. I cannot believe it’s still flying today. But old JAGUAR misses the BUFF. I’d like to give a shout out to Big Dawg, John, Barney and Eric along with Don and so many others. Fly fight and win baby Ooooorrrrraaaahhhhhh

[@reddygaru5041]

Love the RANGE of 8,000 miles, that is totally SICK

[@thelight3112]

@Pete Singletons "Sick" is a common colloquialism meaning "awesome" or "amazing".

[@marstuv5068]

@@PietriGuitars Amazing!!

[@marstuv5068]

Or "Sick", if you will. Lol

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Around the world!

[@Dan.d649]

Hail to an American iconic legend, the B-52 Stratofortress!! The very fact that it's an airplane, to this day, that kept America on it's feet. Nothing even close to it on paper, or otherwise, was as stable enough, and amazing as this very airplane. It was loved by every pilot that ever flew it. That's the main reason the B-52 lasted for so long to this day, with many retrofits that came about it. It was revered for pilot training. It fought battles as a strategic bomber, used as a platform, testbed, or research program vehicle, etc. It always impressed just about anyone. When something comes out right, out of the drawing board and when the Military needed it most, it shows that even the most influential, higher-end officials, would give it a thumbs up. Excellent video, thank you!!!!

[@fredbast6669]

I was jet engine tech from 1961 until 1969 on the B 52 D .This aircraft was used during this time. Flying out of Guam and later out of Utapao Thailand. I was stationed at both bases. I also maintained the KC 135 tanker.

[@jimmycarter2492]

My father started out with fire control on B47s then the B52 until 1974 ,he retired , he loved the 52 , it's a amazing aircraft, and a tuff old bird , can't remember witch bombing mission it was in Vietnam, a BUFF took a lick from a SAM and took the blow on a G model where the gunner sit and made it back home .( TUFF )🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 PS all of these men are a special breed of men,

[@Dronescapes]

👍❤

[@williampomplun6750]

I love the B-52's! B.U.F.F. was a way of life living as a child in Shreveport, LA. My Dad patched up the B-52's as they came into Barksdale AirForce Base (S.A.C. BASE) from the Vietnam War. They came in damaged and the BIG HANGER held 4 B-52s with the tail sections sticking out. I still look up when I hear the 52s pouring the coals, in takeoffs. 8 engines with trailing BLACK SOOT! My Dad 67 Mercury Comet (WHITE) was covered with the BLACK SOOT that settled while he at work. Weekends was CAR WASHING time.

[@blackryan5291]

25:16 - The face he makes when he says that. His face literally said out loud "I've seen its destruction before!!". Its like when he said it he relived some of those feelings from back then. If his face had a hand it would have open hand smacked the person he said it to. Thats how serious his face was. Powerful stuff

[@jasonbauer5488]

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the flying of this awesome aircraft! This makes me so proud to be an American! You guys are just amazing! My grandfather's served in WW2. And to have gentlemen like you fly to protect our great country means so much to me it brings a tear to my eye! Our service members are the best in the world! You guys are just the best, and you do it for the correct reasons! Thank you!

[@DaveSCameron]

You ain't never seen a Lysander then?

[@kableguy5749]

As a veteran I would just like to say from all of us. You can take this disingenuous crap and shove it you know where. Dismissed.

[@johnyoungblood2771]

AMEN🤔💯✊🏿🙏🏿🇺🇸🌎😇😌#1🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿😌😌😌😌🤔🤔🤔💯💯!!!!

[@snakedoctor8765]

My Favorite Air Force Machine. My Father was involved w/Air Force. Got a Purple-Heart from Iwo-! Proud of him. A good Man ! All WW2 Vets deserve the best.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him.Thank you for his service

[@Klutech]

Such an awesome name for an iconic aircraft; S T R A T O F O R T R E S S

[@8aleph]

I worked the B52 the last ten years of my Air Force career. that Aircraft is amazing It's performance and reliability

[@leontodd1289]

It is so awesome to hear the stories of our brothers that flew to keep us all safe back then. How lucky we all are to have such brave and willing american family

[@marstuv5068]

Yes!!

[@petuniasevan]

I worked on the G model in the USAF back in the 80s. FYI, the LAST B-52 built (an H model) was built in June of 1962. The Air Force got their money's worth with these being on the rolls for well over 60 years now! They do hope to use the H models remaining for at least another 20 - 30 (!!) years.

[@bogart281]

Nothing wakes up a battlefield more than a B-52, you don't hear them but you find out they are there when your whole world around you is gone and then it's too late anyway.

[@kevinweinberger8446]

I’m very impressed with video for many reasons. First, it’s very well done! 2. It demonstrates what the B52 G or H can do to an enemy! 3. It also demonstrates what talents we have in the U.S. has to design an aircraft to protect our country! I’d also, like to mention that I served our country in the USAF 1979-1983 working on that aircraft as a maintenance crew chief!! I proudly served and was honored to work on that bird!!

[@livingexample5322]

I worked on these old beasts during Operation Linebacker ll at U Tapao Royal Thai Navy Air Base. That was 50 years ago and I've heard that with constant updates they could be in service for 100 years! On the flight line whichever aircraft they were assigned to was THEIR airplane. Respects to you, Kevin.

[@johnshields6852]

I've always loved this plane, the payload it can deliver anywhere on the planet makes it a special piece of our military airpower, not just the plane itself but the people who fly and maintain the plane are top notch with the best training in the world.🙏🇺🇸🌎

[@tuanas458]

There's nothing special about this plane. It was easily countered with a single surface to air missile. So basically, it can only be used against goat herders. If it can survive the skies of Russia, then it is special.

[@mdalabs]

@@tuanas458 I mean clearly the Russians can't use AA so...

[@Old_B52H_Gunner]

I miss flying in these.

[@just_kos99]

I grew up about 1/4 of a mile from the runway at Pease SAC AFB (Portsmouth, NH) and LOVED watching these planes & the little fighter jets take off and land, esp at dusk.

[@6milemary419]

My father was stationed at Pease and I was born in Portsmouth!

[@just_kos99]

@@6milemary419 Awesome! I lived in Portsmouth from August 67 till December 73!

[@3ffrige]

The BUFF! I love this aircraft amongst many (Warthog, SR-71 to name a couple). She’s not ‘ugly’ she’s beautiful for what she can do for our country!

[@gregoryjclark81]

The B-52H's still flying the skies bring a whole lotta kickass with them and they look every inch the part. Beautifully ugly.

[@ramonstephens4302]

OK pilots tell us about going up or down like in a elevator. When a fighter is on your tail. I think if I remember correctly 5 to 10 seconds . Ex crew chief 47 52 kc135 great duty for my 20 years

[@dudeamongus5911]

Hmm, I never once thought of the B-52 as ugly, just right, somehow. Big Brother up in the air. Never saw a Warthog, just videos. The Blackbird was crazypants, leaking fuel all over the runway when cooled down finally. B-52 wasn't like either of those, it wasn't nasty durable or fast, just Global superiority. "We have the BUFF. You don't. Sucks to be you.". All nifty planes though. I hope we are never in fear of enemy planes.

[@mikerheynolds2193]

Imagine driving a big 18 wheeler through a neighborhood and back it up. Thats what it feels like to fly a B-52. Fuck, I do that everyday. Where do I get the keys to my B-52!

[@Bill49ish]

I was a Crew Chief on the B-52 F from 1973 to 1976. I use to be on flying status and remember the long flights. I especially remember coming back from a long mission and the pilot let me fly the bomber. I noticed that we were on a slight right turn by looking at the the HSI instrument so i straightened the aircraft by leveling the wings and then the co-pilot asked me what was I doing. I thought we were supposed be flying straight and level it turned out we were actually in a slight right turn and the co pilot quickly put us back on course. I also remember aerial refueling twice on one of our missions. I used the box that the sextant came in on and used it as a seat as I sat between and behind the pilot and co pilot and watched the boom operator of the KC135 fly the boom from in front of the windshield and into the IFR receptackle . It was an experience to see us flying so close to another aircraft and watch how cool the flight crew was during the whole operation. I salute the flight crews who still fly the B-52 's and I am proud to have served in the United States Airforce.

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you for your service±

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Last assigned large base in early 70's had SAC wing. The late night and pre-dawn morning alerts and training exercises were telling when you could "feel" the KC-135's take off first and later the 52's. As someone once said,"you hear that ? It's the sound of freedom !!"

[@williammaruca3223]

This bald guy the pilot is awesome I could listen to his stories for hours

[@dougball328]

Bob Withington, George Schairer, Ed Wells - all names in the Boeing history book. As a young engineer I was fortunate to have interactions with Mr. Schairer during the re-engining of the KC-135 prototype. We were studying the flow mechanics of the nacelle fence (or chine) and how it affected wing stall. Five years later Mr. Withington got Boeing into the high altitude recon business with the Dark Star project (well, it's forerunner). Later in my career Bob's son worked for me. What I remember about them is they listened. My age did not matter (being a young 'punk'). And, they acted quickly and decisively. As testament to their ability and vision, the B-52 is still in service - 60 years after the last one rolled off the Wichita production line.

[@jordiegundersen1465]

The public has no idea what you amazing guys and gals have to go through to protect us..!! Much admiration to the military forces…

[@marstuv5068]

KUDOS

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

That is one massive built bad boy.

[@alexanderleach3365]

THe B-52 is really huge when you come up close to one. In fact I've seen a B-52 Stratofortress at the March Air FOrce Museum. It is one of my favorite bombers.

[@zegotashalom3881]

Thank you guys and ladies for all you have done for freedom, for a few of us understands that Freedom is Not Free. God Bless our Veterans and God Bless the U.S.A.

[@tedsmith3061]

I was born in 1959. Almost '58, twelve days earlier it would have been, that airframe began construction in '49 started active duty in '52. I'm 64 this coming January. The Buff is ten years older than me. Amazing, I know this stalwart is still going to be used in the near future. Here's your at a boy!

[@user-cy2iq1gl1t]

Great documentary and video history of the B-52. However I wish it would have documented more of the stresses and vigilance of the plane maintainers. The around the clock missions involved 4-5 times the number of support personal on the ground than the number of aircrew. Truly a remarkable logistical operation. 24 hours a day 365 days a year of zero fail mission readiness of the greatest national importance.

[@onemorething100]

Ehh. No one cares

[@davidbryden7904]

Pay that clown no mind. I worked in aerospace, so I know that we aren't the only ones that care!

[@tonysigsby870]

Unforgettable the feel of Arc light. Run course we weren't downrange of course we we were a couple miles away

[@Phantom1963]

She's a beautiful bird ... Thank God for The Guardians of The United States 💕 God bless and protect The United States Military 💕💞💞

[@boknowsx]

I live in Bossier City, Louisiana close to Barksdale AFB and I see these planes almost every day! They’re huge & loud but it’s really cool seeing them flying over the city!

[@gizmoandbackgaming]

That is one heck of a bomber.

[@3rwparks3]

I was in Utapao, Thailand December 1971. I watched them take off and land. Seemed like every twenty minutes two would take off and two would land. I was impressed.

[@goober208]

Utapao 635 MMS 74-75 best job I ever had

[@r.casagrande8689]

Kudos to our friends from Vietnam who stood their ground no matter the hell of fire US threw on them.

[@GJCorby2007]

"The mere sight of a B52, means we're here to stay, we're watching, and we aren't going to abandon you..., " Colonel Tony Imondi USAF. Well that aged well.

[@robertshorthill6836]

I was stationed at a SAC base in Okinawa during the Viet Nam era. Thousands and thousands of tons of conventional bombs were dropped from B-52 during my deployment until 1969 when I was out of the Air Force. My duty station was a photo lab where we dealt with radar and camera films for missions for the bombings. By the time I left my SAC duty, the devistation to South VN was apparent. And we eventually "lost" that war.

[@drstevenrey]

One thing always shows how good a design was. It is 2022 now, and the B-52 is still in service. It has never been replaced, even though they tied really hard. But all so called replacements all ended up a niche supplements. The main force is and remains the B-52. Just fabulous.

[@Dronescapes]

❤👍

[@Redhawk85]

This and the A-10 Warthog are American war fighting classics!

[@ericlakota1847]

Loved hearing pilot speaking

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Outstanding documentary. There’s something majestic about those barn door flaps alone. Americans seem to have a knack for creating visually beautiful aircraft: B-17, B-29, P-51D, F-4, F-16, F-22. British too: Spitfire, Mosquito, Lancaster.

[@pointingdog7235]

Left out the F4U Corsair.

[@lastfirst78]

Thank you to all the dedicated men and women past , present, and future who are always on watch. Always vigilant , always ready, always prepared To protect us. I was in the service myself and I know a little bit about these things and great thanks needs to go out to these people. They would all say they are just doing their jobs.

[@blu3_enjoy]

Always prepared to help Israel!

[@antonferreira483]

Wasted, wasted lives.....

[@frankbodenschatz173]

@@blu3_enjoy Huh? They never were

[@ghostblitzkrieg8446]

Man, the name itself sound badass

[@Dronescapes]

♥️

[@janiekcarney5482]

Amazing dedication. Thank you for keeping us safe.

[@2serveand2protect]

It is still a BEAUTY!

[@louismarucci9056]

I loved watching them flying over my parent’s house in Rome, NY. F-102’s & 106’s too 👍👍👍👍👍

[@frankbodenschatz173]

I loved being stationed there as well. Still one outside the old base!

[@rickywhisonant8902]

I thank you all for your time and commitment. I was able to thrive and enjoy childhood from your sacrifice of time from your family and life. I really appreciate you all.

[@scotthill28]

Well, that's another hour of well spent time of my life. Thanks for posting.

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@delanos53]

That is my favorite modern plane. I was 2 years old when the A's rolled off the line. It's been with us since the 50s and will likely be with us till the 2030's. If not longer. That and the C130s have served us well. Odd capability of the 52 is it doesn't have to be straight with the runway when landing and taking off so it can take off and land in a crosswind. Miss seeing them since the shut down Carswell AFB remember an airshow there and could see the bunkers where the nasty bombs were kept. Guarded by on guard a big fence and some geese. No kidding Geese.

[@davidbryden7904]

I used to live near March AFB, and have seen them landing in a crosswind. It's an incredible sight; it looked like it was in real trouble, but still a smooth landing! 😎

[@marstuv5068]

Geese?? Weird

[@badguy1481]

I had the same problem air refueling a B-52. It looked SO EASY! BUT.......when I actually TRIED IT....It WASN'T. The other thing that was difficult about the B-52 is landing it in a high cross wind. One has to crab the aircraft into the wind unlike on a normal aircraft where one lands with a wing low in the direction of the wind. That means you have to land the monster looking out of a side window. WEIRD! Before I flew the B-52 I flew another aircraft in Vietnam. On one mission we flew right through a B-52 bomb drop. I'm probably one of the few USAF pilots that can say I was on both of the "business ends" of the B-52.

[@robertlucyksr667]

You what? Why would you do that? SNFU?

[@giggleherz]

One pilot mentioned he had to crab the wheels to eleven degrees and that he would never want to land at the max of twenty two.

[@badguy1481]

@@robertlucyksr667 Believe me...I didn't do it for fun! At the time I was flying with a Vietnamese crew. The bomber control radio would announce the strike over the guard channel and give us only 10 minutes to clear an area before a B-52 strike. That was done because, prior to that time, targeting information was being relayed to North Vietnamese regiments in the field by spies and that gave them time to take cover. The bomber control organization would specify coded coordinates for the target. We were SUPPOSED to react to those messages and leave the area. Unfortunately, the Vietnamese navigator on that flight did not have a good command of English and either miss understood the message or failed to react. There was an aircraft from our squadron, following us a few miles behind, and saw the whole thing. The pilot called and told me: "I thought you were dead!". Obviously I wasn't...and, of course, they missed! Luck of the Irish...I guess.

[@badguy1481]

@@giggleherz I did at least one of those crazy landings, looking out of a side window. I thought: "What the HELL do I do now??!!! How do I flare this damn thing with it's nose pointing away from the runway?"

[@marstuv5068]

@@badguy1481 Amazing!!!

[@rotex]

The longevity of this plane engineering is amazing. Without this plane, we would need to use nukes. This plane has been a deterrent in saving countless lives and preventing the need for nukes.

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

When a Boeing B-29 Superfortress and a Arado Ar 234 V21 really love each other! :D

[@martinrichards2680]

A beautiful bird. As a young boy in the late 60s in the UK I used to worry about a war with Russia. At bedtime my father would tell me that the US B52s were flying 24 hours a day ready for anything. The Russians would not dare to attck the West. Those long summer nights i would lay in bed believing That every plane flying overhead was a B52 keing us all safe. Im 61 now and i believe my father was correct In what he told me, those beautiful planes are still ready to do an amazing job.

[@jvee2901]

My 1st base was Andersen AFB on Guam. As an SP, we worked the alert pad. We knew when CSC came on the radio, klaxson, klaxson, klaxson..... all post and patrol prepare for crew response. Then at Dyess AFB, same thing for the B1 except the crews were in the area.

[@marstuv5068]

Thank you for your Service, sir

[@CigaRhett73]

The stories at the end are the perfect ending to this. The one with the “Full Moon” really gives me feelings I can’t describe. I cannot even imagine that feeling.

[@user-yi6nb9sj9i]

I grew up 15 miles away from a USAF SAC BASE in Upstate NY in the sixties . It was also home to a Squadron of F-106 Delta Darts . Needles to say it was fascinating to see these planes flying every day .

[@vietnamvet6474]

I was in Thailand from 1971-1972 and was part of the operation linebackers 2 i loaded bombs on the B52 I am the one in the thumb nail arming 500 lb bombs.

[@scottstewart5784]

thanks for putting that together - new sub

[@AVOWIRENEWS]

The B-52 Stratofortress is such an iconic piece of aviation history! It's amazing to think about how this long-range, subsonic jet aircraft has been an integral part of the USA's strategic bombing capabilities for decades. Its endurance and versatility in various types of missions are truly a testament to the incredible engineering and design that went into it. The fact that it remains in service and on high alert even now speaks volumes about its reliability and effectiveness. It's always fascinating to learn about these marvels of aviation technology and their enduring legacy in the field of aerospace! 🛫✨

[@princessalaina4589]

I absolutely love those jets!

[@tml721]

Thank you to all who served !!

[@SunnyIntervalsORG]

"Gentlemen you can't fight in here, this is the war room!"

[@quickdeuce]

As a very young boy of 10 I very much remember how proud my Mom, my brother and 2 sisters were of our Dad, TSGT Frank Kelly because he was the Flight Line Crash Crew Chief at Castle AFB, Calif because it was a Strategic Air Command base in 1957. I have a couple photos of us in front of his Chief's truck in the fire department's hangar with the B-52's far away in the background. Because he had the clearance our Dad took my brother and I for a close up look at the plane (NO PHOTOS),, it was H U G E!! GOD BLESS AMERICA! 🙂

[@dioniciotorres4290]

I've been absolutely in love with this plane. I studied aerospace at SJSU. Three most important things are weight weight and weight. The weight this plane can carry is staggering. When it drops it's payload ( bombs) omg, dropping complete destruction from far far above

[@epicface2199]

Ah yes the b52. He hates his nickname. But he loves how many people love him

[@bidenisapieceofshit6234]

Strategic Air Command - Peace through Superior Firepower.

[@Dronescapes]

Click the link to watch more aircraft, heroes and their stories, missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes

[@billcape9405]

Very good documentary. At 28:00 minutes however, the narrator says that a B52 with 4 50-Megaton bombs crashed in the Mediterranean. This is incorrect. Only 1 50-megaton bomb was ever built and that was the Tsar Bomba by Russia. The largest nuclear bomb built by the US was the MK-41 which had a maximum yield of 25 megatons. In the Goldsboro accident, the plane was carrying 3, 4-megaton bombs. In the Greenland and Mediterranean crashes, the planes were carrying 3 and 4, respectively, of the B28F nuclear bombs with a yield of 1.1-megatons.

[@sergeypivovarov653]

Beautiful aircraft, helped to bring down commies, God bless !

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

The space shuttle was a nuclear bomber from orbit that's not all it was but that was its main goal that's probably still classified they'll never admit it but the proof is that as soon as the space shuttle was canceled the Air Force started having these little mini drones space shuttles that can stay up there for 2 years and they're plenty big enough they're about the size of an f-15 eagle not bigger they're big enough to hold a couple nuclear weapons that's Chrome dome too

[@paulvogt6660]

@@billcape9405 w×w

[@bostell707]

@@billcape9405 c mm your h h hope like ll pop pop pop pop

[@juice6190]

Thanks to all the amazing people that contributed to this awesome aircraft. My dad served in Vietnam and he was a B52 mechanic.

[@Dronescapes]

God bless him and thank you for his service

[@davidsoule1252]

My father was an airplane mechanic in WWII. I was aboard a couple of guided missile destroyers during the Vietnam War. When we were on the gunline, we had to cease fire when the B-52's were dropping their bombs in the area. The ship would rock back and forth for several minutes starting a few minutes after the bombs started exploding. B-52's rock!

[@myemail5457]

They were the up and coming thing when I was young. They've been upgraded many times but since an Enemy has seen what they can do, It strikes fear in anyone that has been flown low over faster than the speed of sound. It's like a lightning strike just over your head. BOOM and the air shakes. It's so fast,by the time you hear and duck, it's already gone over the horizon..then, they have 5 tons of bombs too.

[@marstuv5068]

They are actually Sub-sonic, i believe

[@stephenhood2948]

The only supersonic heavy bomber the US has is the B1. The B52 is not a supersonic bomber.

[@mikedrop4421]

Amazing that these planes will serve for a century by then end. They are intended to fly for several more dec8

[@mikedrop4421]

*several more decades.

[@rolandemartin854]

I was not a flight crew member, but an aircraft maintenance person during the Cuban missile crisis. We spent the first five days of that ordeal living right with the flight crew assigned to our plane. Later after things got a little more organized, we were given separate living facilities, but would go out to the plane each day to check out everything. This went on the whole time the blockade on Cuba was happening. We never knew if or when the word would come to launch our aircraft and I am talking every B-52 on that base. They were all loaded for bear and ready to go

[@larryrobertson4099]

That said Lawrence, the B52 isn't a bomber anymore. It's a platform for a variety of standoff weapons with target ranges over 1500 miles. I flew the 'G' in the 70s and performed all of those tasks for which it was designed and modified. I dropped bombs at altitude in Vietnam and flew low-level so low we looked up at the Gran Tetons, practiced the PUP maneuver dropping tones practicing our EWO drills. And none of that will be needed now with the standoff weapons my great grand kids will be using when they fly the BUFF. The B52 and the B1 will now let the B2 and the B21 sneak into their deeply inland target areas to do their thing if needed.

[@alexczech8468]

" a lot of people can't handle dropping a nuclear warhead on another country" lol no shit dude. Absolutely fascinating doc btw, good stuff man.

[@markbooth1117]

The last aircrew to fly the B-52 probably haven't even been born yet. Not bad for an aircraft design that will nearly 100 years old when it finally retires.

[@mjc8281]

To put the B-52's longevity into context if the B-52 fleet had entered service as a direct replacement for the Wright Flyer when its production run finished it would still have been in service now longer than the Wright Flyer if it had been flying into the 60s................

[@terryrazor5978]

I recall a time while in SAC the Christmas Tree was empty. The alert bombers were gone. I was freaked out. At the gate I enquired as to their whereabouts and was informed the bombers were removed to an unsecured area as the alert facility, the most secure part of the base, had received a bomb threat.

[@JDIZZY024]

My great grandfather was one of the many engineers that helped put this aircraft together

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him