Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeo80
I guess that the most important issue is WHY the B-52 went down.
If the B-52 caught a SAM or AAM, there probably would only be ity bity pieces scatered from here to there.
If the B-52 had a mechanical failure, it is possible the pilots would attempt to bring the beast back to earth as best they could. (Visions of the Miracle on the Hudson are playing through my head as I type this.  )
The pictures submitted above are an interesting thought. The second picture seems to be something on the order of a B-17 or a B-29. I base this deduction on the four engine layout.
I, personnally, have never seen a B-52 in real life. I have only seen pictures and movies. Just from that modest experience, the B-52 is a MONSTER machine!!!! Big Ugly Fat Fellow indeed!
My $0.02
Mike |
It depends on if the SAM scored a direct hit or the BUFF was battle damaged by a near hit. They are tough birds generally speaking, but a serious strike at low altitude would make recovery or 'safe' landing impossible, and depending on altitude wheter the crew could punch out.
The BUFF IS a monster. The wings have something like an EIGHT FOOT flex at the tips from sitting to flight. That said, a hit on a wing that snaps a wing, well she's going down hard.