When the last B-21 is retired, the crew will fly home on a B-52. And when the last B-52 is retired, the crew will fly home on a chartered DC-3.

@mioszmajkowski6504

Жыл бұрын

When the b 52 is retired the crew would be dead

@JerryWasARaceCarDriver

11 ай бұрын

They will travel by horse & buggy because EMP from last B-21 will destroy all electronics.

@777jones

7 ай бұрын

Fairly early in the next war, the only planes than can fly will be all analog and steam gauge.

At the end of this episode I felt I had 60 years of air force school compressed into my brain under 40 minutes. Can't be done better.

@TheMergeMedia

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! That's what I was going for: Edutainment.

@stevenwiederholt7000

Жыл бұрын

@@TheMergeMedia "AIR FORCE! We're the smart ones. Send the Offices Out To Fight." Tsgt Roosevelt Williams (C Flight Security Osan 1968) :-)

@t.j.mccarthy3517

Жыл бұрын

Looks like a B-2

@t.j.mccarthy3517

Жыл бұрын

@Nick Well it doesn't look like a F 22 or a F 16 now does it???

@kalui96

Жыл бұрын

You can tell how deep they understand these topics with how they can say so much with the smallest word count. Pako especially, with this episode

One of the great honors in my life was to befriend Col Dick Cole in the later years of his life. As you may know, he was Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle's co pilot on the Tokyo Raid; Doolittle happened to be his boyhood hero, and thru a twist of fate Col Cole ended up as his co pilot on the first B25 off the deck of the Hornet. He did a book signing at my business when he was 101 years old and then I bought him lunch. People were lined up out the door to meet him. He was extremely humble and self effacing. Quite a man. He was the last surviving Raider out of the group of 80. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 103. May he rest in Peace. Long live the Doolittle Raiders!

@512bb

Жыл бұрын

Isn't it great when you get to know truly historic people of substance like that. The Raiders were truly brave men that loved our country & what can you say about bravery beyond belief. My best friend was killed at the battle of Mogadishu, 3-Oct-1993, Mst Sgt Gary Gordon. I have no doubt of God & they are all at pease in heaven with him, at least we were blessed to know people of such true character.

@Terence.1

Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Gary. I'm sure he was quite a young man.

@512bb

Жыл бұрын

@@Terence.1 Ah yes, no truer words spoken... He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that day, thank you.

In late 2012, I was working on Capitol Hill and attended a brief by USAF General Phillip Breedlove. He said the mother of the last B-52 pilot had yet to be born.

@orlock20

Жыл бұрын

The B-52 has a new role as a cruise missile carrier. One B-52 can carry 21 cruise missiles. 58 of them can launch a total of 1,218 cruise missiles. So it's more A-52 than B-52.

@W1ldTangent

Жыл бұрын

At this point it's a sad fact that many of the BUFFs flying now have outlived a large number of their past crew-members and maintainers. You have third and soon enough fourth generations now taking to the air and turning wrenches with them though, which is incredible.

@Tacticaldave1

Жыл бұрын

@@orlock20 Either way, it's the 18-wheeler of death in the sky.

@nkotowsk

Жыл бұрын

I worked on the B-52 in the late 90s. The remaining 1960-61 tail number H models were pretty much the oldest aircraft in the USAF fleet even back then, I was born well after them (1974), I’m in good health, and I would rate my chances of outliving them 50/50 at best.

@Tacticaldave1

Жыл бұрын

@@nkotowsk Yep, the BUFF will remain the 18 wheeler of death in the sky for a long time.

Actually, the USAF had closed the airspace above the B-2 rollout in 1988. The problem was that they closed it for the duration of the ceremony. Immediately after the ceremony, the airspace restriction expired and it was only then that the Cessna rented by Aviation Week flew over and took the pictures.

@wyskass861

Жыл бұрын

Probably thinking, Oh wow they forgot to put it away

@GonzoDonzo

Жыл бұрын

Im curious how they deal with drones these days. Its really easy to send one up and if u dont care about retrieving it, really hard to track. Someone could have easily just zipped into the hangar itself with one and while it would definitely be seen and heard, it wouldnt be easy to stop and the video feed can be remote captured. I hope they have some sort of jamming system

@wyskass861

Жыл бұрын

@@GonzoDonzo That is an interesting question as it relates to classified locations. Palmdale plant 42 is right in town and there are even residences starting at 1.5 miles from relevant hangars, so it would technically not be difficult. But there are regulations over airports and location where, first it would be illegal, so risky if traced back. Second, they could just jam control signals in the area to prevent casual operators. Outside of Palmdale though, security borders at Edwards are beyond control range of commercial drones, and of course places such as Area 51 are even deeper behind security perimeters. As to a determined national adversary and capable spies, I have also wondered how they keep the Palmdale area secure when it's right off public roads. The sight lines are obviously blocked, but a drone can dart in and out.

@GonzoDonzo

Жыл бұрын

@@wyskass861 you ever see the little bungalows that were just on the other side of groom lake? A family owned that property and were legally allowed to stay there and bring guests. From the design they were definitely renting them out for people to observe what was going on at the base. I think they finally shut it down a decade or so ago.

@sabre051

Жыл бұрын

@@wyskass861 Unfortunately the nature of this threat is far more complicated than "beyond control range of commercial drones". A guy recently dumped a bunch of photos on a forum that he claims he took of Area 51. He detailed exactly how he did it by using a drone pre-programmed with GPS way points. This airspace intrusion was not detected and no one knew about it until the guy blabbed about it online. We do not currently have a great way to detect and stop these threats, even from motivated citizens.

I wonder what Boeing's 1940s-50s engineers would think of the B-2 and B-1 being retired but the B-52 gets to stay on until the end of time

@orlock20

Жыл бұрын

The B-52 is being converted to a very large attack aircraft. The B-52 can carry 21 cruise missiles and I believe it's new role will be hunting enemy fleets. The idea is that a B-52 is much faster than a submarine and because if the altitude find the enemy fleet quicker due to bypassing the curvature of the Earth. 58 bombers means 1,218 missiles can be dumped on an enemy fleet. Nobody has a SAM that can go 1,000 miles so the B-52 will be safe from counter fire.

@29lives96

Жыл бұрын

I think half of them would say, 'of course it's still around, that's what we intended!' The other half would be deeply touched. All would be proud as hell.

@LRRPFco52

Жыл бұрын

They would immediately suspect treason, and be right.

@nelsoj11

Жыл бұрын

And I’m sure it won’t be long before they look at it as a carrier for parasite drones.

@mitseraffej5812

Жыл бұрын

I have a friend whose father was an engineering professor at MIT. During breaks between semesters his father worked for Boeing and my friend attended the rollout of the B52.

The B2 is still the coolest plane I've ever seen. Toronto Airshow circa like 1990-something. They say over the loudspeakers "Now we're going to get a fly-by of the new B-2 bomber". This black line appears in the sky from the west. Then the silent triangle comes into view and flies over the CNE. We heard it only after it passed us. So cool.

Pako's The Merge newsletter is an EXCELLENT newsletter! Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in military aviation.

@Wyomingchief

Жыл бұрын

I didn't see any Link in the description. Do you know what it is?

@gregpremo6898

Жыл бұрын

@@Wyomingchief i don't see it either

My grandfather headed the model shop for the B-2. He'd be so pleased to see the B-21 roll out.

It is always such a pleasure to listen to someone with a deep understanding about a subject who also possess the ability to simplify and communicate clearly and to the point! Almost any subject will be interesting if presented in the right way, and already interesting subjects like this one will be riveting! Thanks for this!

@DeathValleyDazed

Жыл бұрын

Your spot on comment is as concise as this might fine video. Well written.

@thedolenorway

Жыл бұрын

@@DeathValleyDazed Thank you, I truly appreciate it! Best wishes to you and your loved ones!

F-117 story ... A couple of years after the F-117 became public, there was an air show at Charleson (SC) Air Force Base, and part of the billing was that an F-117 would be there. (I was in the SF Reserve at the time, working avionics on C-141's; and my "day job" was working for the Navy on electronic test & measurement equipment.) Anyway, My wife and I walked the flightline to see all the aircraft on display; then we turned around & walked back. About halfway back we passed a large empty space on the ramp. Just after we passed that walking back, my wife asked why we hadn't seen the stealth fighter. I turned around and pointed at the empty space, an said "What do you mean? We have just walked past it twice!" About a half hour later the F-117 did appear, doing a fly-over at about 1000 feet, just under the overcast.

@wakes_inc

Жыл бұрын

You have the best dad jokes.

@JoshuaC923

Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂 great story

@WhoWouldWantThisName

Жыл бұрын

Now THAT'S stealth.

@julesguedry2466

Жыл бұрын

Loll

@willl7780

Жыл бұрын

A+ dad joke 🤣🤣🤣

It’s heartwarming to hear an acquisition program of the scale that’s on schedule and on budget. BZ to the entire B21 team for going with COTS solutions. Outstanding presentation as well.

Always informative! Thank you! ✊

@mosqa7802

Жыл бұрын

Didn't expect you to be here

@thebubbclub

Жыл бұрын

fuckin legend staying sharp on defense

@Noisy_Cricket

Жыл бұрын

Awesome to see you here!

@BlyGuy

11 ай бұрын

Thank you for bringing much happiness and joy to so many lives with Chocolate Rain Tay!

@RDKSP33DY

8 ай бұрын

I see your comments on so many videos I'd never expect. I don't hate it 😂

The biggest win was keeping the news out of development of the aircraft

@thedude4795

Жыл бұрын

That comments gonna get a lot of likes

Thanks for setting this up and sharing info

Thank you so much for hosting this session 👍

Great episode. As a retired system development type I loved it. I worked engine programs for B1B, F15,16 and KC135 reingine. Left the Air Force in 1988. Then into private company making parts for Boeing, Pratt and Air Bus.

@pondfilth5387

Жыл бұрын

I've long figured Pratt were the type to do their own manufacturing? Interesting.

I had a ton of questions about this new airplane, and Mooch and Pako answered all of them. The channel is really evolving into a great resource for us military aviation enthusiasts (otherwise known as old men who, in hindsight, should have gone into the field). I’ll be signing up for Pako’s newsletter. Thanks.

Pako seems like a great guy - He would be a welcome multi- episode guest, almost like Justin Bronk

I got to meet Jack Northrup back in the day at NASA. He told the story of the cancelation of the wing due to Jack refusing to merge with another airframe mfg. He said that he tried to make a deal but the others wanted more than Jack would give. Another memory is of driving by the Hawthorne airport and seeing a line of parked prop version of the wing. I think I was in the 5th or 6th grade. Another NASA memory is folks in my branch saying the aero programs they supported, Panair and Tranair were useful for stealth development. Another memory is watching the jet version making a flyby at a Travis AB airshow.

@DrewNorthup

Жыл бұрын

I'm still not sure why they thought the British forced consolidation model would work…

@michaelharper4989

Жыл бұрын

@@DrewNorthup I think it was just trying to reduce the DOD budget.

@DrewNorthup

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelharper4989 I agree, but the method they chose is the reason why the UK doesn't design or manufacture military aircraft anymore. That's what I was making note of.

Great stuff! Love what you’re doing with the channel Mooch. Thanks Packo for the awesome interview and informed insights. Whiteman AFB is just down the road from me and we love seeing the B2s fly over. Hope that continues with the B 21.

Fantastic video, Ward and Pako…thanks for giving the Raider some love. Excellent analysis as always…🍻

Great interview Ward. Amazing amount of interesting info! Thank you!

Another great video. This really pulled together so much information about bomber design, purpose, development and funding. What a complex process at work! Thank you for bringing on Pako!

The B1 is one of my favorite planes, bummer to see it retired as it looks slick flying in the air with wings back.

This excellent content keeps me watching your channel Ward. Pako was a very interesting guest who sliced through the history like a hot knife through butter. Kudos on another great interview!

This was a super informative interview. Your guest was very knowledgable and hope he comes back to give more information.

Just a small correction: 7:10 Tacit Blue, not Tactic Blue. ~ Also, for inquiring minds, the Have Blue, (Lockheed's proof of concept demonstrator for a stealth bomber/prototype of which would become the F-117) as far as stealth, came first, but wasn’t mentioned.

@brucebuckeye

Жыл бұрын

Tacit Blue is now at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patt.

@Av-vd3wk

Жыл бұрын

@@brucebuckeye Tacit ;)

@brucebuckeye

Жыл бұрын

@@Av-vd3wk oops. That's what I meant :) I'll edit

@chrislaska5728

Жыл бұрын

We’re talking bombers so Have Blue is probably not relevant

@Av-vd3wk

Жыл бұрын

@@chrislaska5728 huh?

Excellent interview, Ward! Pako has tons of expertise, love to see him back on the channel! My brain is full, I have to lay down now.

Thanks for all your work! I really appreciate all your videos.

I worked on B2 for 10 years as the avionics and flight controls test engineer. I was excited to see the B21.

@hallio111

Жыл бұрын

ok so what do you think of the ufo-tech re engineering thing? real or not? lol because this thing looks pretty close to something straight out of independence day.. still not quite there ..

@ImperiumLibertas

Жыл бұрын

@Phillip Banes exactly what they want you to think 👽👽👽

KC 46? Outstanding!! I can't wait for Pako to fill in the gaps on that one!! Thanks, Ward.

I remember the YB-49 dropping a nuke (to no effect) in the original version of "The War of The World." Impressive technology even then.

Great video and insight. Subscribed to the merge, thanks Pako.

I spent 28 years in AF aircraft maintenance, retired for 28 now. So glad I found Ward Carroll. Brings back so many memories and insight to America's future military aviation. Keep up the great work.

@et9120

Жыл бұрын

The Chinese share your fortune, they love Ward Carroll!

When you brought up the 117, that was a blast from the past. Talk about a dark program, I was working with CC's & security out at Nellis AFB at the time which was a spectacular base if you love planes. As it turned out my best friend was refusing them at the time & wanted to tell me but not a peep. At the same time there was a squadron of A7's which I thought was very strange. When I would ask some of the pilots that I knew, what's with these, they just told me photography work as I recall but as it turned out, they were the chase planes for the 117's stationed up-range at Tonapaph. When they announced the plane to the public, we opened the base to the public in 89 , I was working security & overheard two F4 pilots looking at it saying "And they call our F4's ugly", I laughed pretty good. The one thing that was so hard to believe was if you weren't involved with the program, you knew absolutely nothing, talk about keeping a secret.

@rp1645

Жыл бұрын

Scott did not have a model out on a stand. The sun casts a shadow on it. So the Russian satellite got a great picture of this secret program. My father-in-Law was a flight Engineer

@rzr2ffe325

Жыл бұрын

I remember reading the A-7s were for currency but also a cover.

@512bb

Жыл бұрын

@@rzr2ffe325 I can't comment on the currency story but being Nellis was such an active base with so much going on there all the time, the cover story was quite believable. Obviously there is always talk about secret programs but you know how people like to think they know something you don't. None the less it was a real surprise when it was finally announced.

Ah, I've been dying for a cohesive and non-bullshite video on the B-21. Thanks!

Thanks much Mooch and you also Pako, that's the absolute best military discussion I have ever heard.

by far the best analysis of the B-21 ive seen. every other vid and news website article just say the same thing like they are reading from the official press release. thanks to you both for bringing this info to the rest of us.

I was in Aviation pretty much my whole working career starting in the Navy in '77 and still learn alot when I am fortunate enough to see this and others like this. On a side note, The books Mooch wrote are well worth the time and money, I enjoyed them. And finally, just last week I finally saw with my own eyes the B2. 2 of them took off from Luke and as I am close and under the pattern they went over my house at maybe 1000 AGL. Very cool. I have seen the B52 up close and personal at Barksdale, the B1 at Offutt, the B2 at my house, and now maybe before its too late they'll fly a B21 into Luke. Maybe I'll get lucky. Thank you. Take care and be safe.

the great trick with technical or complex podcasts is finding the guy(s) that a) know stuff, and b) can explain it in 10 mins. In a military aviation context....theres also got to be a dose of cred as well, just to add to the mix. Mooch great choice, Paco is a wizz (see what I did there), knowledgeable and great information sharing skills. I hope he's a regular on your channel. I've certainly subscribed to his. As an Aussie, I noted the deployment of B2s to RAAF Base Amberly in July this year where they ran a series of exercises with our Defence Forces as well as staging for regular missions. I wonder whether we might see them parked in Queensland with mixed crews under a different funding model in the future, instead of laid up in Arizona. Offset the cost, add neighborly capacity, and keep the aircraft role. It might be an attractive option for both countries As an ex-Aussie Brown Shoe, I also love your windcheater choice for the session....Bravo, never give them a break :)

Another outstanding discussion!!!

Fascinating and informative conversation.

Top quality contributors once again. Thanks for steering the conversation around such interesting topics

18:12 *amazing that they took all those different items and put them into the F-117 and made them work*

@johanmetreus1268

Жыл бұрын

Not really. What they did was saying "we need this function" and then look around "what is there that can get the job done?". In essence, that is what the COTS-proponents envision to be the ideal case scenario.

Awesome talk . Thankyou sir

This is freaking awesome. Thanks Mooch

As an Australian, it would be amazing if Oz could acquire a squadron of B-21s. But even if Oz doesn't do it for some time it is very likely the US will - at the minimum - rotate in some B-21s. Would be great to see the planes in Oz and the experience in operating in Australia's fairly harsh conditions.

@markoreilly3414

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, but at Aud $1+ Billion ea , it'll never happen. But at least we'd get them before 2050, unlike the CGI Subs we're told about !

@tlevans62

Жыл бұрын

I think you'll find that Oz may indeed get a Squadron of these and have a joint facility in Australia to support both USAF & RAAF aircraft. The only difference will be the nuclear ordinance delivery equipment will be removed from the RAAF versions, but logistics and training will be integrated. The cost of these vs the strike capability these provide prior to the SSNs becoming available is why Oz is seeking these since they'll likely be available prior to 2030. Also, since the B-21 likely shares a lot of commonality with the F-35, Australia already has a regional support facility that could be expanded to support the B-21.

@markoreilly3414

Жыл бұрын

@@tlevans62 100% I hope it happens. Might explain the recent announcement about US/Darwin expansions - hangers, workshops, accommodations etc. I still don't see the point of the Subs without Nuke Weapon capability, is like having a Attack Dog without Teeth. Im Not a Nuke advocate , but at least the B21's can if ever needed , be modified to carry them. The Subs would need to be built around the missile system. IMHO

@hiratiomasterson4009

Жыл бұрын

​@@tlevans62 I think Oz will adopt a "wait and see" with the initial US experience with the B-21, though have to admit its almost supernatural to see a 6th generation platform come in on time and on budget. But I suppose ultimately the decision as to timelines will depend a lot on the behaviour of our friends up North...

@mikeet69

Жыл бұрын

I don’t know the odds or if Pacos are statement about selling B-21s down under is speculation or really under consideration. I say that because things like the 3 primary US bases for B-1s & B-2s are likely going to be the home of the B-21s. I agree they will at least rotate deployments overseas like other Global Strike Command bombers and Australia does seem to be a likely place to forward base the B-21. Especially since it is smaller than the B-2 and likely does not have the same environmental requirements as the B-2.

Minor correction: the propeller driven version of the original full size Northrop flying wing was the XB-35, not YB-35. Love this channel. Thanks for posting all this great content.

@mikeet69

Жыл бұрын

The difference between the XB-35 and YB-35 was the engines and propellers. One had 2 counter rotating propellers for each engine (original XB-35 I think) while the other had different engines with single propellers. I believe the counter rotating propeller and engine combination had vibration issues.

Awesome interview, Mooch!

Thank you! Excellent vid!

There was a great flyby of a B-52, B-1B on afterburner, and B-2. Very cool. That would explain the TFR.

It was the Advanced Technology Bomber (ATB) - what the B-2 program was called before the B-2 designation had been selected or announced.

Awesome interview, thanks!

Excelent information. Thank you.

Super informative. Signed-uo for The Merge. Thanks guys.

Planes of fame in Chino CA had a Northrop N9MB that flew every year at their airshow till it sadly crashed a few years ago. It was definitely a cool site to see as it flew.

@scuddrunner1

Жыл бұрын

I remember.

@jonathanstein1783

Жыл бұрын

@@scuddrunner1 so do I. So sad.

@mikefisher2673

Жыл бұрын

Would go there and see it being worked on.

F-18 HUD was slightly modified for the F-117. Left and Right CRT displays were right out of the F-18 at that time. Display development and procurement was for a "Logistics" Trainer.

Super interesting episode! Very nice break down and analysis of this new bomber. Fantastic footage by Pako

Thanks Mooch, this was AWESOME!!! 🇺🇸💯💯💯

Australia had a long range strike/bomber until the US retired F111 - we couldn't practically keep the type alive by ourselves, We still don't have a replacemenrt for that capability. Hope we see a few Raiders at RAAF Base Tindall in the next decade or so. It would make a lot of sense for us to regain that capability with this platform as it is likely to be in US service for probably as long as the F111 or even the B52, which will make it a long term investment for us. Of course our issue will be cost as we now aspire to SSNs as well - time for big business to start paying more taxes. Iron ore etc have no value if you don't have open sea lanes.

@RCAvhstape

Жыл бұрын

As an American I'd like to see our Commonwealth and NATO allies rebuild their own aerospace industries, so you don't have these kinds of critical dependencies. If the US shuts down Hornet parts, for example, Canada is in the lurch. And while I'm more than happy to see Lockheed Martin keep selling brand new C-130s (still in production since the 1950s!) to all you guys out there, I think we'd all be stronger if you also had some indigenous aircraft designs to go along with the Hercules. Worldwide the aerospace industry in general just seems so fragile, with Boeing and Airbus being the only game in town for big passenger transports, and each of those two companies always seems to be one or two bad decisions away from leaving the field.

@dwwolf4636

Жыл бұрын

F15 with conformal fuel tanks is the only thing that comes close.

@paulbowler2760

Жыл бұрын

@@RCAvhstape Up to the late '70's Australia used to have the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF). Their last locally designed and built aircraft was the N 22 Nomad, designed for both military and civilian ops. It was not very good at either and was withdrawn from all service after only a few years. It gained the sobriquet "Gomad"!

@DeathValleyDazed

Жыл бұрын

@@RCAvhstape Appreciate how your comment zooms out to view the big picture.

@LRRPFco52

Жыл бұрын

@@RCAvhstape UK, Canada, and Australia all make substantial amounts of parts and systems for F-35s. 50 companies in Australia are involved with global F-35 production. Canada has a ton of companies in the JSF production enterprise as well. UK makes 15% of every F-35, the ejection seats for every F-35, and the lift fans for every F-35B. The US, Canada, UK, Australia JSF industrial bloc is pretty huge.

As a former B-52 pilot, I’d love to fly any one of these planes, but the B-21 seems really sweet. That is, if I couldn’t get a fighter assignment.

@davidfriedline7525

Жыл бұрын

Mission granted ! Fly boy ! Lpl

Very well done. Thank you gentlemen. 🇺🇸👍

Great job Ward, loved Pako, learned a lot

Thanks for the video guys. As a former USAF member who trained with all branches of the military I am glad Ward got a USAF guy to talk about a USAF plane and USAF mission. No disrespect but as Ward proved the US Navy and USAF are very different including terminology for everything including for aviation. Yes they do share some things in common, but missions and operations are different. For instance while I love reading about submarines and aircraft carriers I would not be any kind of expert on either based on personal experience. Thanks again and would love a video on the KC-46 or even any video on refueling an F-14 or other US Navy plane by a USAF tanker.

The Australians used to operate F-111, which was a bomber. For the Australians a credible long range strike force keeps all their friends friendly.

@karmpuscookie

Жыл бұрын

F111 was a conventional strike aircraft, not a bomber.

@mikeet69

Жыл бұрын

I believe the FB-111 was an F-111 adapted as a MEDIUM range bomber. Both could have been more clear with terms. Paco mentioned long range INTERCONTINENTAL bombers including the B-36 which did start with “only” 6 propellers then added 4 jet engines (Thus the phrase 6 turning and 4 burning). Like the B-47, B-52, B-58, B-1, and B-2 they were all capable of carrying nuclear bombs. The B-36 was huge, but could only carry 2 nuclear bombs. Over time nuclear bombs got smaller and lighter thus planes like F-15s FB-111s could also carry nuclear weapons. I would find it very interesting if Australia ever owned B-21s and if so would they carry nukes? Time will tell I guess.

@karmpuscookie

Жыл бұрын

@@mikeet69 The FB-111 was not operated by the RAAF. Also, despite the bomber designation, it was essentially an F111 assigned to carry up to six SRAM Missiles, thus really a dedicated nuclear role for a strike aircraft (a bit like the Mirage 2000N I guess.)

@karmpuscookie

Жыл бұрын

@@mikeet69 Good points btw

@smithnwesson990

Жыл бұрын

I think the US should have an F111 type medium bomber again.

Very interesting. Really enjoyed. Thanks.

In August of 2018 we were touring Ellsworth AFB. The tour guide told us that Ellsworth would be the home base for the B-21 Raider and the B-1B Lancer would be going away. An Aug 22, 2022 news release, on the Ellsworth AFB website, says that they will be changing traffic flow in and out of the base to accommodate the "B-21 Raider bed down at Ellsworth." Thanks for another great video Mooch. You always have the straight skinny.

I'm absolutely gutted that the Bone is going to be retired, she's an absolutely phenomenal aircraft and the only proper large bomber I've ever seen do a barrel roll and fly upside down. She's absolutely stunning to look at and her 4 afterburner F101 GE 102's sound phenomenal when taking off.... She will be sadly missed 😢

@edselreynoso3438

4 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you! I still can't believe it took one of my Lt. Col's an entire week to kill a BONE at Maple Flag in his F-16! She was such a beast and I will mourn her early retirement and look upon Boeing with disdain. Read my comments up top.

The first job my dad had out of engineering school working for Boeing in Seattle was to work on one of the systems of the B-52 that needed modification. He would have loved the shout out to that venerable platform! Thanks again for a very informative episode, Ward.

Really interesting clarification of what this very beautiful new bomber has come about. I'll be fascinated to hear more details whenever they become available.

As with other videos, a birdseye view is provided for military aviation issues that allows laymen to grasp sophisticated concepts because the alphabet soup of military jargon/language is taken off the table. Mooch is an excellent Shipra into this previously far more cloistered world.

The over-wing engine cowlings are a lot more conformal to the wing, that seems to be a pretty significant difference with an obvious potential impact on radar cross section.

@dougrobinson8602

Жыл бұрын

The other impact will be airflow at high angles of attack. It won't be easy to control air entering the engine from such a narrow inlet.

@koc988

Жыл бұрын

@@dougrobinson8602 I mean we're all armchair engineers here, but I'm sure they've run the design a few 10,000 times in Ansys and done a few thousand collective all nighters, and have decided it'll be just fine.

@orderlyhippo1569

Жыл бұрын

@@dougrobinson8602 that doesn’t seem like it would happen unless it were going for a crash landing. Also, they might have allowed some wiggle room for AoA but really…it’s a flying wing…I bet it will get barely any AoA at all unless it’s carrying a LOT of weight

@DrewNorthup

Жыл бұрын

@@orderlyhippo1569 AoA is where you get most of your lift, even with a lifting body. If you don't have around 3° you don't fly (subsonic). Sure, they're not going to want to pull 15° AoA, but that doesn't really address his concern.

@orderlyhippo1569

Жыл бұрын

@@DrewNorthup I guess my point is that the plane isn’t built to pull g’s and have any serious AoA since it’s a stealth bomber meant for long range cruising. High AoA & long range don’t go together. To be honest, the inlet’s teardrop shape looks like it was formed through computer simulation more than anything, which didn’t exist when building the older bombers. They can figure the exact shape to maximize air intake and those volume’s at different AoA’s and airspeeds. Fluid dynamics are what make planes so neat imo

Good job om the episode and your guest seemed like a good guy who knew what he was talking about. Informative 🤟😎👍

Fascinating. Thank you

The first flight of the B-52 was April 15, 1952 This new bomber is going to be interesting to watch and see how it progresses.

@dougrobinson8602

Жыл бұрын

Perhaps just as interesting will be keeping an eye out for a possible B-52 replacement. Most likely, the biggest improvement on the Raider will be avionics. The four main wheel gear is an interesting touch. Park that puppy on asphalt in the summer and you will be extricating it with air bags.

@gregorymaupin6388

Жыл бұрын

@@dougrobinson8602 the replacement for the B52 will have to be something special but I will probably be long gone by then.

I saw the YB-49 fly over Cincinnati OH. when I was a little kid, it seemed otherworldly or sci-fi and was totally awesome to a kid like me The B-21 Raider looks like it will get a lot of lift from the body giving it more endurance and the wings seem to have that familiar look (curved) of the F-22 from the front. I wonder if it could be supersonic, but most likely high subsonic.

@Ryan_Christopher

Жыл бұрын

The design is inherently subsonic. Only the swing-wing B-1 could go supersonic, with afterburners. Supersonic speeds are no longer the asset they were when it comes to bombers, hence the development of the B-2 then, and the B-21 now.

@AdamosDad

Жыл бұрын

@@Ryan_Christopher I agree but I hoped with changes in surface modeling and engines that they could go just at supersonic, short super cruse like the F-35. Really it was a passing thought/hope.

@Whitpusmc

Жыл бұрын

@@Ryan_Christopher Why? The faster you go the less exposed you are to a given threat? Serious question please.

@Ryan_Christopher

Жыл бұрын

@@Whitpusmc Friction Heat increases your infrared signature. What’s the use of reflecting radar away from you if you’re just going to give your hot position away against a cold sky or warm ground? IADS includes IR sensors too you know. If they know your heat signature they can spam your location with more heat seeker ordnance than you have decoys for. Plus RAM coatings don’t take well to hinged moving surfaces, which is what you need for supersonic bombers.

@Ryan_Christopher

Жыл бұрын

@@AdamosDad We have long-range stealth glide bombs and stealth cruise missiles now. We don’t need a fast bomber anymore when the ordnance can fly themselves to their targets. F-35 needs to sprint from time-to-time because it’s supposed to have a Tactical CAS Mission. Troops-in-contact need fast movers to deliver ordnance within five minutes of the call. Raider is more strategic than tactical, though will be capable of both.

Ward, thanks for your great channel! 👍🏼 And I do love the Tomcat and have a vested love for the F/A-18 as a tech manual writer for it and F-15 but that segmented picture of the F-15 is beautiful behind Pako!

Just found this channel, amazing content !!

The B-21 equipped with the F-35's radar and AIM-260's (or better) would make a great counter-air platform, either in it's own right or as an arsenal ship working with F-35s / NGADs. Equipped with LRASMs or Quicksink JDAMs it would also make a great anti-ship platform. Build 180 - 240 of them for the Air Force and 30 or 40 for the Navy.

@fjalics

Жыл бұрын

Fundamentally, a B-21 can go a lot further on a tank of gas than a F35, and carry more stuff. That can be really convenient over the Pacific.

@LRRPFco52

Жыл бұрын

B-2A and B-1B are already equipped with multiple AESAs and EW sensor suites integrated with other sensors. It makes more sense to avoid threat air and deceive them with EW, while sending VLO cruise missiles to their home bases and divert airfields, munitions stocks, and Radar installations.

I get the feeling this is going to be a very good plane

Great content and a different perspective for this former AE. Love the content Mooch

Enjoyed the vid …. Thanks Pako!

Some of the articles I have seen in the past few years have said that one of the design concepts was more about less long term cost $$$ of maintenance and servicing throughout it's life span, & the anti-radar coating is supposed to be less expensive to maintain /repair

@LRRPFco52

Жыл бұрын

F-35As with all their RAM and stealth are far easier to maintain than even F-16s. The F-35B with extra lift fan and STOVL system doors and flow paths is easier to maintain than an F-16. F-117A was very difficult to maintain due to the IR and RF signature reduction systems. The IR exhaust fan in particular had ablative plates from the Shuttle that were extremely mx-intensive.

The Raider reveal reminded me of a 1950s GM automobile reveal

At least 15 - probably 20 - years ago I drove from Pierre SD to Rapid City, SD. I stopped at Wall, of course, to visit the Drug Store, and then drove to the entrance of Ellsworth AFB. I was very impressed with the aircraft and missiles/rockets parked in front of the Museum - but I was even more impressed by a B1-B flying touch-and-go circuits right next door!

Thanks guys!

While I disagree you could have an NGAD type F-14 without going to a new frame. Never the less, love your videos and where lucky to have give us all this info. Love the guest.

@Tonius126

Жыл бұрын

F14 was more expensive than the f22 and higher in operation cost. Overrated fighter.

Imagine the demonstration flight takes place over Moscow or Peking to show how she's undetectable. Biggest flex and promotion

@davidshoyt1979

Жыл бұрын

It’s likely it has already overflown a major American city multiple times and never been detected once

Great discussion!

Thank you for your vids.

Pretty interesting viewpoints and concepts of how the B-21 might be built. The 4th generation of aircraft was built and rolled out to the public. The desires of the military had been implemented and the aircraft company rolled it out as an A model the 2-seater version rolled out as the B model. The C model is developed over time when a new wish list is formed for that particular airframe. Then that follows with a 2-seat version of the C model which will be the D model Except for all the F-14s were 2-seaters. The R&D on the F-22 was insanely long, longer wish lists were made for the production. Different Blocks of aircraft were built. Each blocks had their own wish lists. The F-35 program should be considered 3 different airframes. All 3 airframes barely share much on parts. The flight software aren't the same, their flight envelopes are different. The landing gear are different. The wing area is different. Each airframe had its own set of teething pains attributed to one aircraft.

Enjoyable video as always, Mooch. One correction though. The B-21 is an acknowledged classified program, probably Special Access Required. But a "black" program refers to programs that are unacknowledged. That is, the government will neither confirm nor deny a black program, or comment on it in anyway. Therefore, B-21 is not black now, although it originated as a black program up until the government had to acknowledge the massive $ contract. A program this expensive can't be hidden in the black budget.

@rzr2ffe325

Жыл бұрын

It’s also about deterrence. For example, having nukes in your arsenal is of little value if the enemy doesn’t know to fear them

Great episode !!!!!!

Early artist renderings of the F-117 never showed the aft end of the aircraft. The F-117 also used many of-the-shelf parts..... Can't wait to check out the Merge.

You may be “the rough men on the wall” but the sophistication, intelligence and ability to articulate complex issues of members of the US armed forces is impressive and one reason I subscribe to the channel. By the way, it isn’t said enough but thank you for serving and providing the shield under which I, as an Englishman, have enjoyed my life.

@jonathanbutson1385

Жыл бұрын

me too

@rustyshaklford9557

Жыл бұрын

Imagine if that shield didn't exist, you'd have some kind of wog PM by now...

Also I love how it looks like a reversed engineer'd UFO.

1 of the top notch aviation channel on KZread

Another home run Mooch. Pako provided great insight and analysis. Great day for America. Thanks. One commenter said, "the B-52 will out live Keef", I think not.

this new one has a new and improved cup holder and a hot tub