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Published: 2009-10-15 12:54:31 +0000 UTC; Views: 2815; Favourites: 8; Downloads: 1022
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Here's the latest B-51 profile from Logan. My own contribution is minor on this one, that little "The Red Falcon" insignia. Here is Logan's background for it:The introduction of the B-51B in USAFE may seem natural, but how it came about is an interesting story. The B-51 was always intended to go to USAFE, but with the 38th Bomb Wing. In fact, 52-1300 was originally slated to go to the 38th Bomb Wing, but after two fatal SAC B-51A crashes only days apart grounded the Panther fleet, the plans were re-evaluated. When the test pilots who flew the XB-51 prototypes at Edwards were asked if a technical malfunction might be responsible, Yeager was frank: "both aircraft were destroyed by 'bomber pilots'. Too bad, they were very good machines".* His comments would ignite a firestorm among the USAF brass, but an immediate investigation came to a similar--if less abrasive--conclusion, the B-51 training and transition plans were heavily modified.
As it would take some time to give the bomber pilots the necessary stick time on fast jet fighters to prepare them for flying the B-51, it was decided to reequip USAF fighter bomber squadrons with the type in the mean time. The 77th Fighter Bomber Squadron was the first such USAFE squadron to receive the new aircraft and--while quite the change from their F-84Gs, the aircraft was VERY well received. It could easily out-run the F-84s and F-86s operated by USAFE fighter squadrons, especially at low level, where the B-51 was untouchable. It would not go unnoticed. The fighter pilots had little trouble transitioning to the new type, finding it to be easy to fly, very responsive, and VERY fast. Visibility was wonderful and it had the same takeoff roll as the F-84Fs the equipped the other fighter bomber squadrons! The aircraft didn't need larger runways at all, although the same could not be said of hangar size and ramp space.
All-in-all, USAFE loved the B-51 and clamored for more. Its extra firepower was welcome and one squadron of B-51s could deliver as many bombs as an entire wing of F-84s or F-86s. Ironically, as it was originally intended to be a temporary type, the fighter bomber squadrons were not redesignated and they continued to operate under fighter wings, the only B-designated USAF bomber to claim that distinction.
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Comments: 10
TomCatDriver [2009-11-14 02:45:10 +0000 UTC]
so much potential down the proverbial drain....a great plane,far ahead of it,s time.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
TomCatDriver In reply to talos56 [2009-11-22 04:10:07 +0000 UTC]
for what might have been....
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
talos56 In reply to TomCatDriver [2009-11-23 04:11:22 +0000 UTC]
Just wait until you see the VFX stuff I have planned.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
TomCatDriver In reply to talos56 [2009-11-23 10:43:49 +0000 UTC]
i can imagine...! so many What-Ifs....
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
TomCatDriver In reply to talos56 [2009-11-23 18:13:20 +0000 UTC]
uh-oh...."Bingo"...time to find a tanker or a friendly base.....
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
talos56 In reply to TomCatDriver [2009-11-24 01:26:19 +0000 UTC]
Well, soon it'll be Miller Time anyway, so getting close to Bingo is alright.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Wolfman-053 [2009-10-15 14:08:19 +0000 UTC]
Excellent work, Talos! I'll be sure to say the same thing to Logan over at What If Modelers.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0