Minot airmen share B-52 experience
Released: Feb. 27, 2003
By Airman Katherine Booher
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (ACCNS) -- The B-52 Stratofortress' long-standing history, tradition and capabilities makes it a favorite among many aviation buffs.
The heavy bomber can carry up to 70,000 pounds of bombs, missiles and mines and has a long-range flying capability of 8,800 miles without refueling.
The B-52 was first flown in 1952 and is one of the oldest aircraft in the Air Force inventory. A total of 744 were built and the last model, the B-52H, was built in 1962. The H model is the only model still in use. Engineers predict that the B-52, nicknamed the Buff, will be around until at least 2045.
The Buff's size is impressive. It is 159 feet, four inches long and has a 185-foot wingspan. That's the equivalent of 10.6 Ford Mustangs placed end-to-end and 12 Mustangs from wingtip to wingtip.
The B-52, like other aircraft, must be inspected before take-off Crew chiefs, like Senior Airman Jason Logan from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintain and inspect the plane to ensure it's ready to fly.
"I am working with the best bomber ever built," Airman Logan said. "There is such a sense of pride when you see your plane launch out after you have been working on it for eight hours. You know you gave the aircrew the best plane you could give them."
Senior Airman Paul Larson, a 5th AMXS electronic warfare systems journeyman, makes sure the B-52's weapons systems are working. His job is to maintain the aircraft radar systems so pilots can detect enemy planes. He also ensures the radar jammers properly intercept and scramble an enemy's radar signals.
"I like doing something different every day," Airman Larson said. "I love working on the B-52s."
Once a B-52 is cleared for takeoff, it takes skill and experience to fly the aircraft. First Lt. Jenny Kabat, a 23rd Bomb Squadron pilot, along with radar navigator 1st Lt. Daniel Hendrix, works to accomplish the mission.
"I learn something new every time I fly, especially flying a combat-capable aircraft," Lieutenant Kabat said.
The friendships the five-person crew forms are Lieutenant Hendrix' favorite part of flying.
"The camaraderie and the closeness with the crew is great," he said. "Making the crew into a team is a good feeling because you can't teach it. You just have to learn it."
With its massive fuselage and huge wingspan, the B-52 seems like an unlikely flyer, but with 50 years of experience, it's a proven wartime asset to the nation.
"It's always ready to go, anytime, anywhere," Airman Logan said.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
