Fulton Skyhook: Need a Lift?

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The Fulton Surface-to-Air Recovery System or STARS - better known as 'Skyhook' - was developed by the U.S. Armed Forces in the late 1950s for recovering downed aircrew and secret agents from enemy territory. The system consisted of a harness connected to a balloon-suspended recovery line, which was snatched midair by a specially-modified aircraft. The recovered airman could then be winched aboard. Though STARS was only used once operationally in 1962 and retired from service in 1996, it has appeared in numerous works of popular culture, most notably the films 'Thunderball' and 'The Dark Knight.'
SOURCES:
books.google.ca/books?id=99sDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA111&dq=true&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=true&f=true
downloads.slugsite.com/fulton-manual.pdf
medium.com/knowledge-stew/the-skyhook-how-humans-are-plucked-from-the-ground-450e35139e5a
www.9websites.com/airforce/fulton.htm
theavgeeks.com/2019/09/22/robert-fultons-skyhook-and-operation-coldfeet/
theavgeeks.com/2019/09/22/extraordinary-fidelity-two-cia-prisoners-in-china/
sofrep.com/news/the-cias-classified-skyhook-program/
medium.com/war-is-boring/the-snatch-method-was-one-crazy-way-to-make-a-glider-fly-ee55d4f2ada4
www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-05-14-0405140167-story.html

[@user-gs6lp9ko1c]

The Fulton Skyhook was also featured in the John Wayne movie, The Green Berets, where they extract a high ranking POW from the middle of the jungle.

[@cmdredstrakerofshado1159]

Ah man I was going to post that 🤣🤣

[@RagedContinuum]

also DOUBLE TEAM with dennis rodman and jean claude van damme

[@TruckingToPlease]

Skyhook was used for Project: Corona to retrieve surveillance photos from the Lockheed RM-81 Agena throughout the entire project.

[@kevint1910]

this was the only real purpose for the modification the rest were just to provide a non classified excuse for the planes existence.

[@wyattroncin941]

Corona used a different pickup method, with different capture equipment. The retrieval winch might have been similar, but the the actual aircraft necessary were different. And seeing as Corona ended in 1972, there wouldn't have heen much need to keep the fulton system in service until the 90's if it was just a cover for CIA spy satellite operations. Not that CIA needs weren't part of why it was kept around so long, but it wasn't for mid-air recovery.

[@titaniummechanism3214]

My god, being recovered with skyhook looks like the blast of a lifetime! Orders of magnitude better than any rollercoaster ride. Being slowly and gently picked off the ground and then violently flung into the air must be like falling upwards, but faster!

[@stayloUK]

It's frustrating that you haven't yet found a wider audience despite the excellent production and presentation. If you choose to continue with Our Own Devices I'm sure the subscribers will grow eventually, but if not, thanks for all the time you've spent creating fantastic content for us!

[@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28]

Just discovered this hidden gem of a channel. So glad he continued making content.

[@DSToNe19and83]

“You build it, they will come” Very well done and I just discovered the channel 🍻

[@schore69]

been here before he hit 1k subs. and the channel seems to be growing.

[@brucebechdel3524]

❤

[@craigd1275]

I hate to break this to you, but I have been on Earth for 60 years, and useful intelligent content on TV has never been successful.

[@bobthecannibal1]

"AKA Porkscrewing" Great, I just spit soda all over my monitor.

[@Shinzon23]

You know....asides from the neck snapping problem, it looks like fun

[@scottallberry6713]

Worked on c130s in Florida with the Fulton recovery system. Would love to try it out when I was young. Author Richard marcinco wrote about testing it in his book "rogue warrior". It was also used to recover satellites with spy photos before data transmission was available

[@wobblyboost]

Still used to recover satellites, none of which are actually ever 'in orbit'.

[@FearlessLeader2001]

I havent seen it mentioned, but the Fulton Skyhook was also depicted with surprising accuracy in the Battlefield 4 campaign.

[@paulperry7091]

"The Untold Story of the Combat Talon" (available on the web) has a lot of Skyhook history. Although not specifically mentioned there, there was at lest one successful extraction of a CIA observer who was supposed to check whether NVA supplies were from China or USSR.

[@bassett_green]

We were *so* close to living in a world where the Dalai Lama was picked up by Skyhook

[@mkirkmaclean-pp5ll]

I was born in 61 and for many years I have loved the idea that one, if not the last, combat mission of the B17 in usa service was in that, my first, year...🐦‍⬛ Nice to let that out Finley

[@tazmandns60]

My Father was certified in the Fulton Skyhook. I have his framed certificate of training.

[@silvertree88]

Very cool history on the sky hook, never really thought about how it was developed or how long something like this has been around.

[@cdajfk9219]

Just discovered your channel today & have been binging through your videos. Your presentation & narration skills are exquisite! Hope you continue to release videos; I think it's just a matter of time before your channel grows into something much larger. Super high quality! I'll do my part & recommend your stuff to my friends.

[@bobchronister3429]

The system was also used in the John Wayne movie, “The Green Berets”. Really like this channel.

[@wyattroncin941]

Wow, this pickup meathod survived much longer than i had figured. Given how potentially dangerous but practically safe it is, I'm honestly surprised that no one has tried to make a commercial extreme sport from it.

[@Mike-01234]

Also use the same system for banner towing.

[@neilfurby555]

This consistently interesting and creative channel never fails to deliver. Another great episode, thankyou.

[@chugachuga9242]

None of you understand how hyped I got hearing Delaware be mentioned

[@agranero6]

The Fulton Skyhook is featured in the movie The Green Berets with John Wayne too (an awful movie). A similar Russian system is suggested on the movie Ice Station Zebra but never really used (no spoilers). A system like this was used to retrieve the film cans from the Corona spy satellites that fell from space and open a parachute when at lower altitude and retrieved by plane.

[@diamonddigs6206]

There's an excellent book called SOG: The Secret War of America's Commandos in Vietnam. It has a whole section on this device. Apparently the guys didn't like to use it Because the balloon was a massive target on their backs behind enemy lines.

[@smuckerst8355]

This was shown in Call of Duty Black Ops on DS. It was the final mission titled Cold Feet, and now that I think of it being set in the artic was likely inspired by the mission you mentioned. It was a very accurate too.

[@ScoutSniper3124]

There was another equipment failure in 1964 when the lift-line parted on Navy aircraft and a UDT frogman PH3 James Earl Fox was killed (NSW had a video from a chase plane of this accident). This was off the coast of Eglin AFB, FL.

[@clawrence034]

A derivative of this system was used to recover film canisters dropped from reconnaissance balloons and satellites. My neighbour worked on the program.

[@airspeedmph]

Excellent, this was quite a piece! First time I heard about the sky-hook. Welcome back!

[@unclecordite9208]

Canadian Content at its best! Merci!

[@eyerollthereforeiam1709]

"Sir! The volunteer for the Skyhook testing has arrived!" "Very well, show him in." "Coyote, Wyle. E. reporting for duty, sir!"

[@hitchpost5822]

Great video, I have missed your videos, I hope you will be putting out more content in the near future. Thanks

[@user-pf3cu4lo7u]

I can't believe I am only now finding this channel. This has quickly become my favorite channel. Keep up the great work, I suspect this will become one of the great history yt channels.

[@EVERSMAN42]

This is top quality content 👌

[@nonoffensiveperson9877]

Welcome back!

[@ryanhampson673]

I remember when watching Batman all my friends were like “no way” when the skyhook scene came. I told them it was real and they didn’t believe me until I pulled up some old training video…Thanks Internet! Lol.

[@Kae.the.Selkie]

Just found you while researching Jake leg. immediately subbed! love your stuff!!

[@JHamList]

Fulton sounds like a pretty incredible dude

[@mpetersen6]

The glider snatch was used in the film Operation Burma. The system for personnel was used in a 1950s film with Dale Robertson, Top of the World

[@johnavitable544]

Great program and channel, thank you. Great information here but the most important use of the Sky Hook system was to retrieve film capsules from Key Hole CIA spy satellites. The first series of CORONA satellites were the Keyhole 1 (KH-1) satellites based on the Agena-A upper stage, which offered housing and an engine that provided attitude control in orbit. The KH-1 payload included the C (for CORONA) single panoramic camera built by Fairchild Camera and Instrument with a f/5.0 aperture and 61 cm (24 in) focal length. It had a ground resolution of 12.9 m (42 ft). Film was returned from orbit by a single General Electric Satellite Return Vehicle (SRV). The SRV was equipped with a small onboard solid-fuel retro motor to deorbit the payload at the end of the mission. Recovery of the capsule was done in mid-air by a specially equipped aircraft.

[@Asspiss100]

First time I saw this was in the bf3 campaign. I thought it was made up to be an impressive video game gadget. Looked it up anyway and was blown away that it was a real thing. That was 10 years ago in a modern/futuristic video game. Didn't realize until later that it was invented and used so long ago. Crazy shit... makes you wonder what kind of crazy shit they use now

[@boruff68]

Looks like a fun ride to me! :) Great video.

[@nickjohnson410]

12:51 One of the best puns of all time. Bravo

[@johnbeauvais3159]

The aircraft featured in Thunderball is still around today, it used to be displayed at the evergreen air museum and is now in Florida being restored to flight worthy.

[@scotthewitt258]

Also used in "The Green Berets" to "retrieve the captured NVA general.

[@jonathanjohnjohnson]

No way, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was so popular, they turned the funny balloon into a real thing!

[@mkirkmaclean-pp5ll]

Very well done production by the way...🐦‍⬛🪂

[@mgpBLARG]

The pun "porkscrew" is genius

[@Writhe_n_Shine]

Why are so many dentists also inventors? Deserves an episode on its own.

[@las10plagas]

you're pretty good!

[@danielcurtis1434]

Its unlikely I’ll accomplish it, but this is on my bucket list for sure!!!

[@sqike001ton]

So apparently during Vietnam war Mcav+sog looked into using skyhook they decided against it as it wasn't able to take out a whole team at once and you still had to get a cargo plane a little too close to the ground for are type of missions

[@womble321]

I saw this at a UK airshow then got to talk to the crew many years ago.

[@r0bhumm]

I believe Peter Lee, Warner is a character you would be interested in. he was the first British test subject to be pulled up by a skyhook. But I know about him because he rode a 50 mL cycle attachment called a power pack from England to Australia, and the cycle motor club. I am a member of has a trophy in his name.

[@theknifedude1881]

WOW, I never heard about “Skyhooking” anything larger/heavier than a person. I don’t understand why your subscriber count isn’t a great deal larger. Your videos are deeply researched and interestingly presented. I’m sorry it took me so long to join Patreon. I thought I was already signed up. I am now!

[@20chocsaday]

The type of skyhook I had expected was when an aircraft lowered a crate to touch the ground while the plane flew in a circle. After touchdown friction would hold the crate in place and the plane would fly around it with a slack rope. Twisting would be prevented by the type of connections. Now a man could get on top of the crate and attach himself slightly higher before disconnecting the crate. He can now be winched up and away.

[@jimicoop]

I have a few of these Robert Fulton Skyhook balloons. One of them is opened so I could see what was in the package. Two remain unopened. I would like to get them to a collector. Any idea where to start?

[@jeffdroog]

Maybe look for an auction house,that specializes in such things? Or perhaps look into contacting a nearby military base,or museum of sort? I hope they find a home that is well deserved.

[@mr.k1337]

"Delivery confirmation, leave the rest to us"

[@NoNo-cn5qx]

Looks fun, would try it if I could

[@somethingelse4878]

You would think an emergency parachute would be the first thing they would fit

[@DSToNe19and83]

Haha “pork screwing” and the pig was pissed! 🍻

[@ajwilson605]

Unlike the liberal, Democrat sheep who's only retort was, "Baaaaa!"

[@tonywilkerson3999]

That same retrieval system is used in the green berets a john wayne movie

[@gordtc]

Congratulations on 2K subscribers!

[@DestroyinStuff]

"We need a way to accurately test our skyhook so it doesn't kill people" "Test it on sheep"

[@alexduncan9941]

Shakespeare must be spinning in his grave with regret that he didn't invent the work "porkscrewing".

[@p_serdiuk]

I wonder if a B-2 bomber could be fitted with a modern equivalent for stealthy pickups.

[@rogersheddy6414]

It's the Rapture! On a small scale!

[@Legitpenguins99]

Im pretty sure a rescue is only a success if the survivor doesn't die of a goddamn heart attack from being dragged at 200 knots behind a airplane. Oh my god, that would probably be terrifying and also the biggest adrenaline high in a lifetime

[@allensanders5535]

it was also used in John Wayne's movie the green berets

[@michaelmeyer9665]

How bout the green berets movie jon wayne

[@mordechaimordechai]

How do you know it's a mail plane?

[@ayoder7246]

On a deep dive of research into rifle delayed blowback mechanisms I stumbled upon your magnetic delayed blowback research. I find it fascinating. How would one be able to contact you if they were interested in discussing this specific topic with you?

[@CanadianMacGyver]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@rogersheddy6414]

Tritium. There's a fun topic.

[@Jerry10939]

You left out the movie the Green Berets

[@molochi]

So basicly the b17 in the Bond film was an actual CIA spy gadget cotemporous to the movie. Neato.

[@moagnor]

Attempting a 17G pick up, or being put in a POV camp? Which one would you prefer?

[@nos9784]

Depends on who's taking me prisoner, i guess.

[@moagnor]

@@nos9784 Excactly. Stalin? 17G any time...

[@rogergriffin9794]

It was coincidently used to snatch a kidnapped NVA general during the Vietnam War.

[@trustypotato9998]

Are you going to extract him?

[@matteohetzy7599]

So the B17 seen in the Bond Movie was actually of a private company backed by CIA?

[@scotthewitt258]

"Porkscrewing" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MrAtruesdale]

Sounds like Nathan Fielder 😂

[@user-cd4bx6uq1y]

16k views, what even is this

[@williampage622]

Real life John Wayne gadget.

[@Gundog55]

Intermountain and their B17 was bought by Evergreen Airlines (another CIA front airline). It was later sold when Evergreen was going out of business and used as a WWII Airshow aircraft which crashed due to poor decisions and airmanship.

[@20chocsaday]

And I thought they were a Chinese property developer.

[@klk1900]

So i had multiple 80-90g crashes racing and a very serious 175g followed by 132g secondary hit that just about killed me. I was in a coma 3-4weeks. We learned the human body can withstand so much more if it’s properly contained & secured. The weakest point is the head whipping which yanks the brain into the base of the skull via the spinal cord, fracturing the skull and sometimes severing the spinal cord and cervical fractures. It’s all about containment.

[@JydiRs]

Who is here 'cause warzone?

[@eristtotjim3435]

Who is here because of COD Warzone III?

[@BreakpointFun]

13:55 130 kg max does not sound American at all 😂