US Pilots Push Their Gigantic B-52 to Its Limit During Take Off at Full Throttle

[@larryrobertson4099]

The 'G' model I flew in the 70s and the 'H' model that's still flying both weighed 488,000 pounds at unstick when fully loaded with fuel and munitions. The 'G's engine thrust was around 9,700 pounds per engine but on takeoff, we injected 10,000 pounds of highly distilled water that brought each engine's thrust up to around 13,700 pounds for 90 seconds, just long enough to get us off the ground and start a climb unless we were taking off on Guam. Then, because Guam's runway was lower in the center than at both ends, we had to wank it off the runway before it had flying speed then push the nose over to gain flying speed as we descended toward the ocean waiting for the water to run out. The 'H' models didn't have that problem because they didn't need to inject water as their TF33s (engines) had 17,000 pounds of thrust without water. Our navigator and radar-navigator hated a Guam takeoff because they both ejected downwards while all four of us upstairs ejected upwards (four because we had a gunner's position).

[@jeff1806]

This is one aircraft I wish I could have flown. Not that I flew many just a 172 and a Rockwell Commander 114. I didn't fly these routinely. But even if I could have been a passenger in one would have been a blast.

[@AndyYoung789]

Absolutely beautiful aircraft, especially the B-52H with the turbofans.......but (and it's a BIG 'but') it would be scary flying an aircraft with a radar cross-section of over 100 square meters. I think the H-model with the turbo-fans came out in 1960. It's counterpart the Russian Tu-95 Bear that dropped the 58 megaton H-bomb has an even bigger cross-section, and is even louder. Unbearable noisy I hear.

[@jtowens-masonry3359]

how does water do that

[@larryrobertson4099]

As I understand it, remember I was just the pilot, water cools the air/fuel mixture and makes it denser. And the denser it is, the compressed propulsion has more to push against for 90 seconds. All I know is, as we started down the runway at full power and all eight EPR (engine pressure ratio) gauges were balanced at 2.78 (as I recall), we turned on the water and the gauges jumped 4.8 (again, as I recall) and the engine thrust went from 9700 pounds of thrust to 13,700 pounds of thrust, just enough to get our 488,000 pound beast off the ground. I was assigned to Griffis AFB in northern New York State just for a few weeks for some mission training after I completed flight training after my reassignment from Vietnam in a different combat plane. I got there in February 1973. We never used water for takeoffs while I was there because of how cold it was. The air was very cold and therefore dense enough to get the thrust we needed. But once I got to Guam, we really needed the water.

[@jeff1806]

@@larryrobertson4099 I hope they can figure out how to put higher thrust engines on this plane. I think it still is one of the best planes ever built.

[@jeff1806]

The B52 is one hell of an airplane. It is the most versatile bomber ever build. The fact that is is still flying today is a testament to the people that designed and built them.

[@PhantomPhixer1]

...and to those that maintain them

[@spazmonkey3815]

It's so outdated that it would be instantly shot down. In modern warfare their is no mission for this machine. The US is wasting it's money on systems that don't work.

[@bobblob7578]

Living in Bossier I see these almost everyday. I'll never get tired of hearing them!

[@Americal-v6r]

As a grunt in the Nam back in 1970, i witnessed an B52 arc lite strike. Never forget it. The Rumble,shaking, echo ing sound that bounced off the mountains.

[@reinholdthomas1187]

Die alte Sachen sind oft das beste. Danke Jungs das ihr uns beschützt und auch für uns da Seit!! Grüsse aus West Berlin

[@Paul-qx7ft]

Wir Amerikaner lieben Deutschland. Ich freue mich wieder in Deutschland zu sein.

[@franciscocolon1740]

Water injection was available in the B52G but not the H. It’s been decades since a flew as a Radar Nav in it, but that’s my recollection.

[@marty5300]

even after all these years still a giant majestic bird. I used to live right outside beale AFB as a kid and would sit in the backyard watching B52's and U2's fly in and out of there.. never got tired of seeing and hearing either of them. Back in the 80s when they used that water injection on takeoff you'd see thick black trails of exhaust from the engines.

[@JumperSig]

When we were in Saudi Arabia before the troop movement, you could lay your head on the ground, and faintly hear the concussion of the bomb explosions through the ground. All the way from Iraq.

[@Paul-w9r1r]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@skydiver1013]

My dad was an electrician building B-52s when I was born in 1955. I started working for Boeing in 1979 and retired in 2016. It's a great company.

[@jimshoe402]

....... WAS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@moshet842]

@@jimshoe402 It still is a great company. The issues Boeing has are fixable. Every major company gets complacent and experiences a rude awakening every so often.

[@jamegumb9731]

Lol, as they prepare to bend us over on yet another contract. Yeah, great company, lol.

[@siskiyou9784]

37 years for one company. you have your nerves out of steel

[@bandofcomrades]

Thank you ppl of the USAF for your service!

[@siskiyou9784]

what service? at this rate you can thank a gas station emloyee for his service too. or a grocery store employee for her service.

[@bandofcomrades]

@@siskiyou9784 And I do sometimes, what's your problem?

[@siskiyou9784]

@@bandofcomrades these pilots don"t serve you so that's why I didin't understand why you say 'thank you for your service'. 😀Make sure you thank electricians roofers plumbers prison staff doctors lawyers sellers buyers etc etc.... for their services

[@bandofcomrades]

@@siskiyou9784 These pilots serve not me only, but they serve whole world the most important of services. They keep Freedom.

[@siskiyou9784]

@@bandofcomrades 'They keep freedom' ... jesus h. christ Did somebody tell you that? You mean if they dont drop bombs there is no freedom or what? How old are you man? 🤣'Most important of services' ...oh my God how about a baker? If they don't work you have no food

[@jeffheupel9173]

I've seen the B52's take off at Grand Forks AFB, what an awesome sight!

[@silasmarner7586]

I would use crescent wrenches on brake or hydraulic lines as shown ever. I use flare nut wrenches so the nuts don't gall and you get a realistic "feel" for how much torque was applied. That seems a bit like a sloppy approach using a cresecent wrench.

[@skydiver1013]

This great American weapon is about to receive a major upgrade.

[@thomasinlondon2849]

Awesome video, but playing music and muting the engine sound during take off was a huge fail.

[@JenniferA886]

Agreed

[@chartphred1]

Remove the awful music and repost. Don't do music EVER

[@vm-snss4910]

@@chartphred1 Amen!!

[@rael5469]

0:35 That scene reminds me of a time our B-52D taxied out for takeoff but couldn't get water injection on one engine. We opened up the cowling and there was a 5 cell flashlight staring us in the face, light still on. OOPS ! It's always a good idea to keep a neat, orderly, tool box and to inventory tools frequently.

[@ted3020]

With an H model, I never had to use full thrust.

[@adriansargeant7125]

I can't believe what I saw; at 1:21 using an adjustable wrench to tighten a pipe fitting. In most situations on just land based machinery, it is unforgivable...

[@rogerbritton5210]

Don’t use a crescent wrench bleeding your personal vehicle brake lines. You will mess up the nut.

[@waterboxer87]

Seventy-two years in active service. Impressive!

[@tankertom3243]

The only remaining Buff have TF-33's and they do not have water injection. The old J-57's did and it was a pain in the ass for crew chiefs.

[@danielgarber5239]

That B-2 footage is at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. Used to be an ICBM base until after the SALT Talks.

[@russellgreer2370]

No water injection on the H-models. That went out with the G-models and their turbojet engines. I know---I was a G-model pilot.

[@colossalcavewizard7053]

Yes, yes you were. And now an author! Buy this guy's books!

[@wingmannj]

"oh hey, i filled up the extra fuel tank for ya!".... what extra fuel tank?

[@bertiewooster3326]

Not sure that has bragging rights anymore!

[@Tfarms2009]

Didn’t know the Air Force still use the Beretta 9mm

[@danielroque8504]

30yr Air Force Veteran,..God Bless all military members who served 4 yrs or made it a career` I sleep well, knowing your vigilance is 24/7..... Reply

[@megulopiden-y3e]

..this is the second most pleasing thing in my eyes....

[@dh190852]

Used to see many of these at Dyess AFB Abilene TX, KC-135's too. Most impressive was a C-5A Galaxy. Seen lots of those at Torrejon AB in Spain.

[@alfincassimirorodrigues3787]

B-52, ADMIRÁVEL AERONAVE.

[@markblain8438]

B52 makes a glass factory out of deserts

[@Raven-hq4ln]

If I may ask, what do you mean by your statement? I'm very curious.

[@denali9449]

Actually there was a time when the BUFF could turn a desert to glass, no factory needed. It delivered the conversion mechanism.

[@rael5469]

The only B-52 variant flying today is the B-52H and it does not have water injection.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

The most awesome looking plane ever built.

[@marty5300]

also.. they need some HEMTT's for that FARP. AF farps are different from the ones we did in the Army.. lot of the equipment is the same though. We always only did rotary wing aircraft.

[@jameshughes7953]

You use full throttle very little on larger airplanes for takeoff. You must be a C-172 veteran.

[@josee8508]

Merci pour protéger la population canadienne aussi comme la vôtre

[@dave_yeg8596]

And God Bless them all.

[@nickdarling5557]

Do you reckon it would get close to anything in conflict? all these old school bus bombers.. would they not just get took out on route?

[@haroldreardon8070]

I bet the limits of a B52 are quite a bit higher than taking off at full power. Otherwise you would have no safe zone doing anything.

[@AudioFreqx]

1:45 Look at him fight the 90° Dzus fasteners using a speed handle just as old as the plane is. Probably going to create a corrosion gripe.

[@prmath]

I wonder if those guys ever look at each other and ask….. “Can you believe we are flying this monster”?😀

[@WolfMan4697-g9n]

Yes, we did. Because we loved our JOBS

[@taxpayer239]

Yeah, that full throttle down the runway fully loaded is really hard on the landing gear. They usually set it for around 35 degree flap. When they hit about 130 mph...the just pitch the nose up about 15 degrees...it goes right up...don't forget to release the flaps.

[@lawrencem3012]

is it true that Buff is getting new engines? B-52 H had TF-33 21,000 Thrust. I hear Buff is now B-52 J and it will have engines more efficient and 16,900 pounds of thrust. [ I forgot some of the details, but you get the point. "J" is upgraded]. one of the greatest features was the altitude the B-52 came in at little was known that if a war broke out that Buff would not be coming at altitude but 300 feet off the ocean. ha, ha, under radar.

[@Spectator1959]

The decision to reengine has been made, but will be later this decade before B-52s will start getting them. The new engines will provide more electrical power as well which will allow the avionics to be upgraded. B-52H + new engines + new avionics = B-52J.

[@melanieeleuterio6901]

Does anyone know if the B 52 took off from Dover Air Force Base?

[@dj33036]

Every takeoff on every plane ever made is done at Full Throttle

[@ALSNewsNow]

Usual domestic B-52 callsigns are "TUFF" or "DOOM" flights, while the standard B-2 callsign is "DEATH".

[@tr7b410]

F-15 pilots callsigns=.Eagle

[@Dackah]

He is manually trimming the aircraft with stab trim wheel, not using an electric trim?-ok, he probably has autopilot off for that before re-engaging.

[@derekhutton9855]

Using an adjustable wrench in the world of aviation is a no-no. That why you have a proper set of wrenches lad!!!! Use ‘em.

[@walterfink9782]

From what I've seen and heard, all the current active B52 aircraft will be getting more powerful engines, and upgrades elsewhere on the aircraft.

[@fdhicks69]

New, yes. More powerful, no. The TF33’s are down rated due to airframe design considerations. The new RR engines will be more fuel efficient.

[@johnn1474]

using an adjustable spanner is just plain gash!

[@secpac58chichi]

Good to know the B2 will be sitting on the ground waiting for maintenance while the supersonic nukes are inbound

[@franklinmc4457]

Figure the average squadron is 5 planes. A trip over the pond and back is what 16 hours of flying? They be doing maintenance for years...

[@peebeedee6757]

British RR engines will keep these big birds flying.

[@woodskier]

sorry sir we just recieved a message under CCMR144 is decides a plan R

[@eddymahon1503]

Wonder how many of these comments are from real experience or Google research??😂😂

[@gedstrom]

2:45 - Up to an hour to start all 8 engines? I presume that that is during a normal training flight. I bet they can do it a LOT faster if this is a true alert situation!

[@Fruza123]

Biggest badass when u fly this plane

[@mikecodner7444]

Take offs are ALWAYS at full throttle.

[@Wolfie387]

Good all round soldiers are the Turks, very formidable and now they're getting excellent kit too.

[@expo1403]

I’m waiting to see how the limits were pushed during takeoff. Looked normal and nobody seemed concerned on the runway

[@fdhicks69]

Exactly. Flying it by the Dash 1.

[@hawaiianstyler]

What's the patch on the shoulder of the left pilot?

[@WolfMan4697-g9n]

Looks like a Deployment or Squadron Patch

[@davidberry1379]

seriously, a crescent wrench...? not in the Navy!

[@nyernga]

Elegant destruction from above

[@brettrobertson2538]

this plane is just massive

[@faerieSAALE]

The pilots carry weapons and lots of extra ammo so once they are out of bombs, they can fly in low and take pop shots at the enemies on the ground and also shoot fleeing Mercedes Benzs with bad guys in them.

[@raginroadrunner]

The US Air Force is the only place you will get to see or be around these planes. If your are going to join a service, look this one over first.

[@maurizioraisi5057]

it's 50 years old!!!

[@davechapman7735]

EXCELLENT THANKS

[@medicmerk]

That’s the same bird that his grandfather probably flew

[@flddoc2]

119 man hours of maintenance per flight hour for the B2 seems outlandish. For one 8 hour flight, 32 straight days working 24 hours for one single short mission. 10 people working 24 hours a day without stopping would take 3 days of constantly working per mission. I’m not saying it’s impossible, in fact the government standards of inefficiency and waste seem to be met here with flying colors. It just seems even for government, excessive.

[@ltrillium1000]

....and you know this how?

[@derekhutton9855]

It’s not a gigantic B52 …….. it’s a B52 sized B52

[@steynvanniekerk4544]

i love your content. but. English narration will be much better. I cannot read subscripts and watch the cool video material at the same time. Its been bugging me a lot since ive been subscribed .

[@davidson2004fatboy]

US Pilots Push Their Gigantic B-52 to Its Limit. WHY ???

[@paddycable1723]

Why the music?

[@SmaxChristopher1]

Have to wonder who you’re going to shoot at 50,000 feet.

[@saschaesken5524]

Einmal erlebt im Tiefflug über Bad. Württ.

[@rael5469]

7:24 Someone should be FIRED for allowing that aircraft to fly on tires with no tread. Each B-2 costs around $2 BILLION dollars......two-BILLION dollars. And they let it go with bald spots on the tires???? On the steering tires???? Save money someplace else. Again, that's $2 BILLION dollars being risked to save a $5,000 dollar tire. Somebody isn't using their head.

[@davepowell7168]

Warmongering is unavoidable

[@marka8947]

Crew Chief. F&G models. 320th bomb wing (h).

[@ytthresh3767]

Chiến tranh ở Việt Nam B52 ( pháo đài bay ) đã chở thành 1 đống sắt vụn và người dân đã tận dụng đống sắt vụn đó làm thành xoong nồi , chảo , , , 🎉🎉 tôi tự hào là ngưòi VN

[@jameshughes7953]

Ok, then here is big All Telling question; are you now living in Vietnam or the United States ? I am sure you must still live in Vietnam . You would not want to live in a place like the USA. Probably still making those pots and pans hey……LOL

[@tiggy300362]

B52?

[@guzzimoto2366]

die alten Kisten haben doch keine Chance gegen eine moderne Luftabwehr !!!!!!!!!!!

[@bertiewooster3326]

Should be easier with the British Rolls Royce engines.

[@steynvanniekerk4544]

Viewers of your vids need to choose between watching vid content or taking in teck detail . I like both at the same time. Imm not a chamelion.

[@justiceandhealing4all]

Does anyone know Aidan James usaf officer?

[@JenniferA886]

Yes, I do. I know him well

[@justiceandhealing4all]

@@JenniferA886 oh, nice, how is it going with him?

[@JenniferA886]

@@justiceandhealing4all not too bad, he’s doing well. Just chilling and drinking coffee

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

LMAO, they always take off at full.

[@noelmaher4633]

TU 95 hold my beer...

[@gregoryrizer]

I'm guilty of it myself 😢

[@andrewmarshall360]

SAC

[@lobe5597]

❤❤❤❤

[@сергейбрызгалов-ф3ы]

белый лебедь покажите и сравните господа

[@kodiakwood4924]

Booooo for music at takeoff!!! BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[@briancooper2112]

B-52 didn't enter service in 1952.

[@bhanukavidanapathirana4735]

1st flight 15 April 1952

[@lawrencem3012]

i worked on some of the first B-52 H at Wurtsmith AFB. Cuban crises. So new we could not send out to repair or replace but we were sent all the tools and could overhaul at the base.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

It’s cheesy how the military issues a pistol to the aircrews and then holds their hands while they secure the pistol and load it. Dumb.

[@timothymilhomme5249]

Yeah, they might even let people like you touch an unloaded one

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

They’re pilots. Those steps are just an added safety precaution. Smart.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

@@vicariousjohnson9823 They’re adults and they’re “military.” Give them training and don’t hold their hands. Nuff said.

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

@@colt10mmsecurity68 what military aircraft did you fly and how many times a year did you fire a handheld weapon? With such confidence you must be speaking from experience.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

@@vicariousjohnson9823 Not military but ARMED LE pilot. Piloted an AIRBUS H-125’s, B2’s and MD 500’s for 19 years in air support. 34 years total carrying a gun in LE. Your turn….son. ???

[@steynvanniekerk4544]

Furthermore, all the ytube setting icons are right in the way of your subscripts. so, even if you are a chamelion it sdifficutl to read.

[@MikeStallings2023]

No women present?

[@samuellowekey9271]

Shouldn't be giving the Turks western military know how.

[@MrHalvnir]

You don't "Up-Date" aircraft, you "UP-GRADE" them. Seesh, Kids who can't even talk English.

[@leekenney9214]

yes, let's put annoying music instead of real life sounds. a big fail !!!

[@frankish5314]

So when is any airplane NOT taken off at full throttle?

[@jameshughes7953]

Almost all of the time. Nobody with the Exception of small general aviation aircraft, use Full Throttle for takeoff. You will learn that if you ever get out of small single engine Cessna’s and Pipers.

[@frankish5314]

@@jameshughes7953 Yeah I fly something a "little" faster than that. But educate me here.. I thought turbines were set at 115% for take off power?

[@frankish5314]

@@jameshughes7953 Well a quick Google search would indicate you are correct. You learn something new every day!

[@jameshughes7953]

@@frankish5314No

[@jameshughes7953]

@@frankish5314Thanks, great, my lucky day. LOL……..

[@P.h.i.l.65]

❤🇷🇺❤️

[@jamesoberg8912]

BUF

[@a123aden-fr5mx]

اعتقد ان القاذفات الروسية هياء اقواء واسرع من B52 العروض الروسية بثقه تامه. وأسلحة فتاكه انهو وحش السماء الروسي. SU57

[@Paul-w9r1r]

Believing doesn't make it true......

[@saidRouif]

قتلة الأطفال

[@jameshughes7953]

Another Tree Hugging Progressive Liberal liar that knows NOTHING about anything. They will sit around all day and try to spread lies like “Baby Killer” and in their very next action, fully 100% support; ABORTION , even after child birth. Commonly referred to as Murder by most all law abiding U.S.A. Citizens. Give me a break please. WAKE UP !!

[@seawarrior07]

That is Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS and Iran ignorant.

[@nellyaviladehernandez5500]

Si pusersmos