First the A-10's now the B-52's

wings drooping down...

In the late 70's, I wrote computerized security systems. I installed one at a cruise missile production facility in Kansas. One day, I walked outside when 3 B-52's flying in formation passed over at a couple hundred feet above the ground. It was the most awesome loud sound that I have ever heard. In front of the facility was a B-52 with the ends of its wings weighted down to the ground. I assume that it was some kind of stress test.

No brother, that's just the way they sat in the nest.
 
I remember hearing about Operation Arclight, 52s dropping bombs from 50k feet or higher. Those on the ground never saw or heard a plane.

I came of age at the end of Vietnam so I didn't have the honor of serving but I want to say thanks to those of you who did serve before, during and after.

Sorry about the drift, but cant say it enough.
 
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News to me that they're thinking about axing the 52. Last I heard they were planning to fly them to at least 2030 and maybe longer.
 
Among the many B-52s I've seen over the years is Diamond Lil, which guards the entrance to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. This might actually be the last US bomber to have shot down an enemy fighter...
 

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"Peace is our profession." War is just a hobby.

I worked on autopilots, compasses and the beloved astrotrackers on G model BUF's at Robbins AFB in Georgia.

Screwed up my ankle jumping out of the 47 Section hatch during a redball.
 
Do those B-1s do much of anything? It seems that the are never 'suited for the required role'.
They have their place, but aren't as robust as the venerable B52. Around here it's always an event when a B-1 actually flies.

I knew a B-1 pilot here at Edwards a few years back. I joked with him that he must like sitting on the ground. He didn't think it was funny.
 
1958 to 1964 I was a A3A/MD9/ASG21 gunnery systems mechanic. Spent many hours arming/de-arming and working on these systems. Did electronic, hydraulics, pneumatics, slap worked on the .50 cal guns and the 20mm gatling guns. They covered the D,F, G and H models. Loved that plane..
 
There was one at Chanute AFB when I attended tech school. Story goes, the plane had an IFE (in flight emergency) and had to land there. The runway couldn't handle the weight and was unable to take off. So, they turned it into a display/ training unit for jet engine students.
 
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