B-52's

[MOD]

Here are a few B-52's from Fairford and Boscombe from the late 80s and early 90s.

[Xplumberlives]

The old ALUMINIUM OVERCAST!

[Jigsaw]

Thanks Ian. Used to look forward to seeing them at Marham.

[Lucas1860]

Thanks for sharing.

[XM606]

Great photos a few of those look like 2nd Bomb Wing photos. I especially like the first few in SIOP (Single Integrated Operational Plan) camo. My father flew with the 2nd Bomb Wing from 1983-1987. I know he deployed to the UK a couple times in those days to take part in the air force's part of Operation Reforger which was known as Operation Busy Brewer. Great times, my father loved deploying to the UK in both the B-52 and to do airshows in the B-1B. He claims the RAF threw the best parties.

[Jigsaw]

I remember the parties thrown jointly by the RAF and USAF at Marham were superb.

[MOD]

Yeah I liked the SIOPs camo. Didn't know it was called that though, I think we called it Lizard

Here are some Bones you might have missed.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=3735

I am glad that your Dad found the RAF hospitality praiseworthy as USAF, especially at Mildenhall, put on a superb spread for those lucky enough to have an invite from the Base Commander. Over here USAF's generosity is/was legendary.

BTW I suppose these were before your Dad's time?? I really regret never getting to see one of these.
http://www.b-58hustler.com/

Ian

[XM606]

Yeah Hustlers were before my dad's time, but he had an English Professor in college that was a Hustler pilot. Those B-1B pics are great, the 1st one and 4th one down are of the 319th Bomb Wing at Grand Forks AFB "Warriors of the North." The aircraf with the cards on the side was actually used to set world records in the early 90s.

My father always liked working with the RAF, and always enjoyed the chance to go to the UK. Here are some pics of the Buff in Vietnam Camo...




Its hard to believe but atleast two B-52 Gunners were credited with shooting down MiGs over Vietnam.

[MOD]

Many thanks XM606.

I once read that if Linebacker II had carried on for another fortnight North Vietnam would have surrendered.

But who knows??

[XM606]

Many thanks XM606.

I once read that if Linebacker II had carried on for another fortnight North Vietnam would have surrendered.

But who knows??

Well as my father would say, the only communication the enemy understands is iron bombs falling on their heads. Unfortunately over a dozen B-52s were lost in the process. Which is why in the 70s the USAF B-52 crews switched to low level in the 70s. After Vietnam it became clear that high altitude bombing wasn't practical. To quote one Air Force General "Linebacker was a wake up call for SAC."

By the way whoever hasn't been privy to see a B-52 MITO here you go....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ7niLYSVFo

[MOD]

Great video.

I just love noise and smoke...

EDIT We used to call MITOs (Minimum Interval Take Offs) 'Stream' takeoffs and I once saw several B-52s leave Fairford for the States ,after a deployment, around the time of the 1st Gulf War. They were heavily loaded and several KC-135s had taken off just before them. I was at the Marston Meysey crash gate and one or two almost reached the piano keys before they lifted off. There was also a group of young women there and as one of the BUFFS took off he really waggled his wings.One of the women became somewhat overcome with emotion. In fact the poor lass was hysterical and one of her friends explained that she had just gotten engaged to the pilot ..

It's amazing to think that the B-52 is far older than any of its pilots.

[XM606]

Great video.

I just love noise and smoke...

EDIT We used to call MITOs (Minimum Interval Take Offs) 'Stream' takeoffs and I once saw several B-52s leave Fairford for the States ,after a deployment, around the time of the 1st Gulf War. They were heavily loaded and several KC-135s had taken off just before them. I was at the Marston Meysey crash gate and one or two almost reached the piano keys before they lifted off. There was also a group of young women there and as one of the BUFFS took off he really waggled his wings.One of the women became somewhat overcome with emotion. In fact the poor lass was hysterical and one of her friends explained that she had just gotten engaged to the pilot ..

It's amazing to think that the B-52 is far older than any of its pilots.

Yeah its an impressive site. The newest B-52 was built in 1962, in essence they are as old as Vulcans. But out of the 700+ built only about 60 remain in active service today. Originally it was envisioned to have them out of service by 1972, but with Vietnam they remained in service and then with the ALCM becoming active in the 80s B-52s were given a new lease on life. Plus the B-1B and B-2 were never built in large enough numbers to replace the B-52 completely.