B52gator

Surprised this didn't make it to the forums. This happened on May 1 and initial reports were vague https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2018/05/01/abilene-based-b-1-bomber-makes-emergency-landing-midland/570523002/ Yesterday however Task and Purpose had this pretty interesting article. https://taskandpurpose.com/b-1b-lancer-emergency-landing/ Granted this is hearsay and rumor at this point, but damn, if this is true helluva job by that crew Breaking News: Hero B-1 Instructor Pilot and crew land B-1B after in flight emergency (IFE). On May 1st, 2018 a two ship out of Dyess Air Force Basedealt with a situation that no pilot wants to ever encounter. The incident involved a Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0109/DY named "Spectre", which was built back in 1986. During flight they encountered an over wing fairing (OWF) fire indication on fire warning panel climbing out of low level, followed by #3 engine fire indications. Crew then executed checklist for both, including fire bottles, but OWF light did not go out. The aircraft commander then called for manual ejection. Auto means that if anyone in the front station punches everyone goes regardless if seat is safed or pinned. Manual means that an individual physically has to pull their handle. The offensive system officer (OSO) was the first to pull, that’s why the missing hatch seat retracted and the hatch departed. When the seat did not go up the rails the crew were left with two options at that point. Continue manual ejection for the other crew which means the OSO would ride the jet into the dirt or take the jet as far as they could while maintaining aircraft control and try to save the OSO, which is why the crew elected to land at Midland Airport. That type of Emergency Procedure (EP) has never been successfully recovered in the B-1. The IFE occurred towards the end of the sortie coming off Instrument Route 178 which is a level route along the Texas and Mexico border. After the failed ejection, there was approximately 15 or more minutes of flight before landing. It is assumed the crew had helmets with masks attached for oxygen. The hatch that blew off has yet to be recovered. The photo of the B-1 in the hangar shows burn marks in the OWF, which appears to be caused by the fire that that crew observed in flight. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was on scene after the landing due to the seat shielded mild detonation cords (SMDC). There is no guidance for failed ejection in the Technical Orders (TO). The OSO would have died for sure and there was potential to loose the entire crew racing to Midland trying to save the OSO. Instead the crew made the choice to stay with the OSO and luckily the IP stayed calm and acted to save the life of the crew and B-1B. For that, we believe the IP and crew should all be recognized for their heroic actions that day, which brought credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.

the ugly ones fück the best

Beautiful frozen tundra

“There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.”

You have to register to view that link, try this one. You'll just have to ignore the dorks https://www.boeing.com/features/2018/01/tx-cockpit-01-18.page

How long before somebody gets that callsign? Other than the obvious stupid stuff, that was a good skit.

key phrase right there, not excusing their actions, but way back then BUFF CAS was something shiny and new and everyone wanted to implement. Took us awhile to get our minds wrapped around it and learn how to do it correctly.

Hell yeah...good to see those guys and gals get in the fight

Or what about the crash in the NTTR the day before the Hogs crashed? Pilot killed but very little known. Any info out there on that? Rough week.

Thanks for posting, great videos. Amazing work by LS and MX personnel

TAARing?

That would have been perfect...had it been a Boeing jet.

I'd like to think it was intentional, but a nice salute to Raider-21.

Well they gave her a name. The B-21 Raider...I can get behind that. https://www.popsci.com/air-forces-newest-bomber-is-b-21-raider

#gucciproblems

Hal Hornburg flew with us back when he was ACC CC. He had zero knowledge of the BUFF so we messed with him a bit. The throttle cables run right above the Radar Nav and Nav's head downstairs. When he flew with us the pilots showed him the amazing technology that was the VATS. I think I've told this story before here on BO, but anyway he's up in the IP seat and the pilots are telling him about VATS and he's completely perplexed when the AC says throttle up on 4-8. Throttles move forward, speed increases, Hal is beside himself. The demo goes on in various ways for about 15-20 mins. It was a good flight.

Or a Voice Activated Throttle System (VATS) like on the BUFF.

Well here it is...The B-21. Looks like B-2 2.0 Sec Deb is taking suggestions for the name. Hopefully it is something a little tougher than "Spirit" https://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2016/02/26/b-21-bomber-air-force-lrsb/80976160/

Bummer for the BUFF dudes, been awhile since they've got to play. Sure they get sweet rotations out to Guam and get international headlines with shows of force, but those crews I'm sure would love to do something other than that.

A program that has delays and cost overruns? Surely you jest!

Look for the white rock in the front yard...that spouse is getting helped out.

Mad Max: Fury Road. Pretty much the most bat shit insane movie I've ever seen...and that is a good thing. Awesome movie.

I think it'd be pretty sweet to participate as a civilian ala Robin Sage. I like to think I'd make a good warlord.