B52 in YPDN yesterday
 

Hey all, just wondering if anyone has any idea about the B52 that was in darwin yesterday. I'd just got out onto the ramp to see it slowing on the runway with the parachute out the tail. Taxi'd and parked up on the military hardstand.

Is it still there AussieNick? Does anyone know when its planning on leaving? Might have to try and get out for a squizz! :D

don't know mate, i'm starting night shift tonight so i'll have a look in the morning as let ya know

They used to fly down from Guam and use the Dellamere Range (sp?) out of Tindal for a spot of electronic bombing before returning home.

Perhaps an issue on board requiring a few days R & R in Darwhine? :E

Nearly thirty years ago had a conversation with a Yankee crewman off a Guam 52
He took me to have a look at his office . I asked him how the hell did they navigate with no obvious kit(Inertial etc)
He said they used the WEAPONS nav gear they had on board
Hmmm :hmm: what weapon?

Any ex mil type confirm what I wrote is/was correct?
Just curious

The first electronic improvements came with the expansion of the B-52's mission to low-level penetration and the need to fly at an altitude of 500 feet or less. A key element of this modification was the Advanced Capability Radar (ACR) for terrain avoidance that was added beginning in the early 1960s. In the early through mid-1970s, the G and H models received the Electrooptical Viewing System (EVS) that consisted of Low Light TV (LLTV) and Forward-Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) that, when used with the ACR, meant much safer and effective low-level capability.

A Stability Augmentation System was added in the G and H models in the early 1970s to improve level flight characteristics, reduce structural loads, and improve controllability in turbulence. Other electronic improvements have included many upgrades to Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) and Defensive Avionics systems. The ability to communicate with the AFSATCOM communications satellite was added starting in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, a Trail Warning System was added on the B-52G and H to provide radar warning of threat aircraft and missiles as well as automatically triggering chaff and flare dispensing to confuse enemy radar.

In 1980, a 10-year $1.5 billion program was begun to replace the analog computer-based bomb navigation system with a modern digital, solid-state Offensive Avionics System (OAS) on the G and H models. The OAS not only reduces life cycle costs, but offers greatly improved performance while maintaining compatibility with other systems on the B-52. A similar though less ambitious improvement was also carried out on the D models.

Reminds me of this 2007 'incident'...
U.S. bomber mistakenly flies with nuclear weapons | Reuters

B52 In Darwin
 

Remember that you are subject to National Security obligations. It appears that you may be an ATC Officer who should very well know the arrangements under which you retain your licence. Remember the old carpenter's saying; measure twice and cut once.

B52 was still there as of 1630 today, sitting along side an RAAF C17 and a couple of USAF KC135s. As for National Security - they're basically sitting right next to the runway for all to see, so not really a security issue talking about them now is there?

B52
 

Anyone get a photo??

i might be able to get a shot of it tomorrow morning after work....no promises though

Back in the '80's they used to visit DN on a regular basis and I think most of the aviation community got to have a close up look on the military hard stand, including a look inside. These days you can visit the museum there and have a good close up look of the aircraft there, including the cockpit etc.

Best story of the day was the pilot of the Bell 47 that did joy flights around Katherine Gorge (before the squadron moved to TN). He was doing his usual thing at 500ft agl and a B52 went past under him!

The visits to DN were always with numerous KC135's and sometimes KC10's and whatever the re-engined 135 is called. Did not need all the runway like the KC135 which was very low over Bagot Road trailing lots of smoke from the water meth.

So how do they get home after they actually drop the weapon?

Here's a pic of a B52 like the one I saw in the Hinchinbrook Channel last Wednesday!
http://www.fototime.com/A9140E41915F709/standard.jpg

Dr :8

I was once warned to not take a photo of some Blackhawks sitting at Point Cook RAAF base. (I wasn't actually going to, I was just warned about it)

The same 3 aircraft were at Avalon International Airshow 2 days earlier, but it was ok to take photos there as they were in "non-military configuration" versus the "military configuration" 2 days later. It's a big wank really.

That aside I did get kicked out of Wheeler AF base for taking a photo of an Apache :ok:

Apparently its been purchased by Hardy Aviation, and will be put on their AoC next week.

Brilliant Stationair8, is it going to be available at the Darwin Flying School for endorsements?