B-52

[Lynxman]

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Air/Boeing-B-52H-Stratofortress/1595312/L/

Isn't the B-52 pressurized? If so why do they have oxygen masks on?

 

[SIG600]

Someone farted.

Not a B-52 guy, but I would guess it's a required preventative measure in case that refueling boom gets away and breaks something.

 

[CFI2766]

The cockpit is smaller than I thought it would be

 

[Entropy]

I flew KC-135's, so that makes me an expert on B-52's.

Sig is correct in that they are wearing O2 masks in case of a possible depressurization. Also, they are sitting in an ejection seat. A high altitude ejection may involve a long free fall in thin air. There is a bail out bottle inside the parachute pack which provides O2 on the way down. If I recall corrctly the chute will open at approximately 14,000 ft. Hope this helps...

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

I think ALL mil pilots have O2 masks (except helo guys). Even the KC-135 guys brought masks on each flight, and sometimes they have to use them. They also get parachutes, and they were used on at least one flight.

cliff
NBO

 

[AvroGuy]

E-3 has airline style quick don masks...well 1970's quick don masks

 

[Lynxman]

That's awesome I didn't know they had ejection seats in the B-52. Thanks guys

 

[bagasticks]

E-3 has airline style quick don masks...well 1970's quick don masks

we have those on the gas-wagon too although we have to bring our helmets just incase we have to bail out (without parachutes mind you, they ditched those in the name of fuel savings, i am told)

 

[AvroGuy]

we have those on the gas-wagon too although we have to bring our helmets just incase we have to bail out (without parachutes mind you, they ditched those in the name of fuel savings, i am told)

When I was in the E-3 we still had check the bail out chute to see if it was serviced. No chutes or helmets though. Like you said, in the intrest of fuel savings

 

[T-1GUY]

Sometimes the bad guys try and punch holes in your airplane as well...

 

[B52GUNNER]

Yeah it's pressurized to 7.45 psi normal, OR 4.5 psi for Combat, but you have to wear the helmet for T/O & Land, Aerial Refueling, Low level flight. With the helmet on all you have for a mic is the O2 mask, So if you want to talk and have both hands full you have to have to O2 mask connected. During A/R you have to have to O2 regulator in On and Normal so you can smell if there are any fuel leaks. All other times above 12000 feet it is usually in on and 100%. In high altitude cruise flight, if the pressure holds to below 12ooo ft you can use a headset. Wich comes in mighty handy on one of those 16+ hour flights.

Favorite thing to hear on the BUFF....Right closed traffic approved full stop. Throttles idle, airbrakes 6, Drag chute deploy.

 

[B52GUNNER]

It also helps out in the tight quarters when someone uses the Toilet...Well the plastic bag inside the DI seat.

 

[Pervis]

That's awesome I didn't know they had ejection seats in the B-52. Thanks guys

The guys in the pit really have to nice to their AC. Punching at low level can be a real issue if the jet is flying straight and level.

 

[dougdrvr]

The guys in the pit really have to nice to their AC. Punching at low level can be a real issue if the jet is flying straight and level.

So during "nap of the earth" ops, you're just screwed? Or on take off?

 

[SIG600]

Yeah it's pressurized to 7.45 psi normal, OR 4.5 psi for Combat, but you have to wear the helmet for T/O & Land, Aerial Refueling, Low level flight. With the helmet on all you have for a mic is the O2 mask, So if you want to talk and have both hands full you have to have to O2 mask connected. During A/R you have to have to O2 regulator in On and Normal so you can smell if there are any fuel leaks. All other times above 12000 feet it is usually in on and 100%. In high altitude cruise flight, if the pressure holds to below 12ooo ft you can use a headset. Wich comes in mighty handy on one of those 16+ hour flights.

Favorite thing to hear on the BUFF....Right closed traffic approved full stop. Throttles idle, airbrakes 6, Drag chute deploy.

you guys use LOX or some other bottled o2, or do you have a generation system on board?