My crew and I were the maintenance team next to you guys while you were shooting this. If I knew it was for this we would’ve been happy to show you the maintenance side of the Bone. Pilots don’t fly without good maintainers. Also sorry for trying to kick you guys off the spot we still had a lot of work to do and we’re just trying to get it done.
My Hat is off to you guys & gals. You are a Team, it takes everyone. So glad you guys commented on this video 😊❤😊 I so respect you people in AF. Your B-1-B is just a wonderful looking bird. Thank you and command staff for letting us see your work. YES I would have loved to see what your job is. I hope you get a good break Period, what I mean is full energy to do your important job.
I liked the little fun fact about beak to beak the B-1 is smaller on radar than an F-16 from you FPP episode. My lasting memories of a B1 is the night departure from oshkosh, and puddles of hyd fluid all over the oshkosh static ramp
My grandfather worked on the design for the istrument panel. When he died we got a package that had the experimental panels in it! It is now nailed up in our garage. Love this plane so cool.
That is so cool, I am a nerd on how it's made how it works, like the pilot said it senses 15 minutes ahead so it manages The Wt. Change. The Bomber is a work of art, and all the stuff your dad did, my hat is off to him.😊
He’s a USAF public affairs officer and with his channel history it’s a win/win for the USAF to facilitate his access for videos like this. Lots of PR benefit, especially considering this is his job in a sense.
@@BTenold That's actually not correct, in September they were due to miss their active-duty recruitment goals for the first time since 1999 by 10%, however, come December they actually exceeded their goal of 6,249 new active-duty airmen goal by 130 people. Though I would say the military as a whole is seeing problems in their recruitment. Videos like this help recruitment.
One of the most detailed and entertaining BONE docs that I’ve seen! Air Force involvement was the key! I’m an old structural repair technician that had the privilege of working on B-52D’s of the LINEBACKER II bombing missions in Vietnam, the now retired B-52G, and went to school to repair the B-2, but retired before getting to work on it! Was always in awe of a bomber with afterburners, especially after working on many different fighters with them too, i.e. F-111A, F-4D, E, and G’s!!👍🏽
Congratulations on the channel and I going to tell you what I like about your channel - 1 education ✅ 2 video quality ✅ 3 editing skills ✅ 4 no just the reporter or RUclipsr - full training soldier I will always support you . Well done Sam
I grew up in Tye, the town right off the end of the runway of Dyess AFB. I have many childhood memories of watching these take off and land along with the C-130s, which my dad worked on. Both have a special place in my heart. We actually had a family friend who was a B1 pilot and I got to fly the B1 simulator once and even sit in his B1 the day of his last flight when he got orders to another squadron. I still have the photo of me in his pilots seat.
I grew up next to Dyess my pops fly on the 130s and remember when the first B1 flew over my home off chucker Ln. It seemed to fly so low over the houses when I was a kid lower then the 130s 85 and 86.
@kevinkerlin5603 I wonder if I ever crossed paths with you or @redbikemaster. I was class of 86 at Cooper, while my father was a Lt. Col and Base Comptroller at Dyess during the delivery of all of the brand new B-1 bombers. We too would see the after burners from our home during night takeoffs from our house in Canyon Rock Lake Estates, which was situated near Kirby Lake, Clack and Danville Feeder roads.
The B-1B is quite possibly my favorite aircraft of all time. It has the payload, the speed, the endurance, and a surprisingly low RCS to boot. It is so slept on by people who only ever talk about the B-2 or the B-52. I love that the B-1B is getting a lot of love, lately, and I hope to see the B-1R (BOneR lol) concept become a reality.
I've heard of it having the RCS of a small fighter like the F-16, at least when the bomb bay doors are closed. The B-1B flew more CAS sorties than pretty much any other aircraft in Afghanistan. It's crazy to think there's a supersonic bomb truck orbiting up there that infantry can call upon to vaporize an enemy position.
*_FUN FACTS ABOUT THE B-1B_* 1. The Current fleet has an optionally unused 4th crew station, the USAF is evaluating putting a permanent 4th crew member back in the jet to control Unmanned Drones & loyal wingmen. 2. The external pylons are being activated on the fleet to give the B-1B an external payload of 59,000lbs over the 75,000lb internal payload. _(The B-52 and B-2A have payloads of only 70,000 & 65,000lbs payloads)_ 3. While in theatre the B-1B performed more CAS Close air support missions than anything else. More than F-15E, A-10, AH-64 Apaches, F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B .. everything. Utilising the litening targeting pod. 4. A few years ago on deployment to Guam, the Pacific commander wanted to know how long it would take to make the B-1B nuclear capable. It took 3 hours to remove the bulkhead and re-wire the jet. 5. The B-1B is certified to carry and launch every single weapon system the USAF has in inventory with the exception of the AIM-9 sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow. It's even been flight tested and certified for the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile when the B-1R concept was undergoing study. This work is completed by the various historical test and evaluation squadrons. Starting with the 6510th (later 410) Test Squadron 6. The B-1R was a Mach 2+, super-cruise capable variant, powered by FOUR F-22A RAPTOR engines. Designed to carry air-to-air missiles as an armament carrier/"missile truck". Designed around the D3 variant of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, with 3rd party targeting the AIM-120D3 can be fired by a different aircraft than the targeting aircraft. This concept would use an F-22A/F-35A'S radar/EOTS situational picture of the battlespace to launch Air-to-air missiles on the enemy from 120+ miles away, from behind the stealth aircraft. This is actually a functional capability of the missile & used to make a 130+ mile kill against a miniature target drone, from an F-15, using 3rd party targeting data. No B-1R's were built, but the work completed in the concept study is still being used in the B-1B programme today, as well as the AIM-260 development programme, NGAD, F-22A V5 upgrade, F-15EX, and F-35A programmes.
There have always been 4 crew members (not counting the days when instructors used jump seats). They do not, nor have they ever, flown with only 3 people
My father was an engineer on the B1 at plant 42 in Palmdale. Every time I see her I see my father❤️ Also have a picture of my father standing in front of the B-1A
@@ImARealHumanPerson I'd bet the F-15 could do it too, they could go straight after burner and enter mach 1 almost immediately after take off. F-15 is a beast and the fact that a Bomber can fly similarly, is nuts.
Is it hard to become a bomber pilot? I don’t have any experience and my officer recruiter said I had to have a PPL. I thought about going back to school and doing ROTC to up my chances or reserves. I’m 24 currently. Mabye I could get my masters through ROTC and that’d help my chances .
My Hat is off to all you people that make this bird fly and work properly 😊❤😊 Seeing it operate and watching this video person actually steer this wonderful fighter/ bomber 😊 I salute all you operators of this Bomber.
I know you left the Air Force after your 5-year tour about last July (23}. Bless you! I hope you transferred into the Reserves and I am thrilled to find you are continuing to create programming for your fans. ---The B-1 is a fantastic deterrent and should be serving the USAF for many, many years. God Bless you for entertaining and dedicating to us so many years. It has been time well spent.
I was a brand new Airman in 1987 when the B-1 was coming off the assembly line. I had the privilege to be a crew chief on her for 14 years at Ellsworth AFB, got to fly her a couple times, and had to crawl through her wreckage in the crash of Alzada, MT as well. This jet runs through my veins.
A nearly 40-year-old airplane is going to be on suicide missions against the latest Russian air defenses, Randy. Sorry. The Yanks are getting left behind technologically.
45 now left in the fleet, well, 44 since the last incident. Fleet undergoing upgrades at Tinker. The remaining jets are in the 12,000 hour range. They're testing a fuselage and wings out over 25,000 hours. To provide B-1B support out to when the last B-21s come online, 2040 at max. These jets are beasts, 24 jassm/lrasm all internal with 8 more mounted outside on the new Boeing adjustable launch rail. Awesome capability shooting stealth cruise missiles from a standoff.
I live right next to Ellsworth AFB, the other home of the B1B and never get sick of seeing them fly. I can't wait until we get the B-21 Raider replacements in a few years. Unfortunately we had a B1-B wreck on the runway a few months ago but the pilots were able to eject without serious injury (which is one of the main reasons I knew they had eject-capabilities).
Honestly, the b1 might be the best looking aircraft currently operating. That silhouette is just something else. The B2 looks like something out of a sci-fi movie and the B-52 is the B-52 but the B1 just books like every kid's idea of a fast plane and it's great
Born and raised in Abilene and the B-1 is a major part of my childhood. I remember going out to to Dyess with my grandad and watching them do touch and goes. Great video!
My dad had gotten me a flag that was flown on a B-1 as a present for my 1st birthday when he couldn't be there. I never truly understood how amazing this aircraft is.
I was an Avionics Guidance & Control Technician at Fairchild AFB. I once had the opportunity to see the B1-B "Lancer" Bomber when I was working the weekend during an Airshow and Base "Open House". It was prior to the general public being permitted on base that day. I was on the Flightline checking it out, when the crew of the B1-B with the nose art "Heavy Metal" asked if myself and several other technicians from my shop if we wanted to checkout the interior. The plane was heavily guarded by Base Military Police Personnel, and we climbed up aboard. The Lancer was an awesome aircraft, the cockpit was much more advanced than our Tankers, and the Bombardier's setup was like a futuristic video game! Truly a spectacular plane... During my time serving I had a few opportunities to go on Air Refueling Missions over Washington, Idaho, Nevada and Japan. One of the most memorable was refueling many different Air National Guard Aircraft including F-14 Tomcats, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and even F-4 Phantoms! such a sight looking out the observation window at the rear of the plane next to the Boom Operator. I once was able to "fly" the B-52 "Flight Simulator" when my father cross-trained into Avionics on the B-52. Years later after serving while I was an Electronics Instructor at ITT, one of my students worked for the company maintaining the 2 new KC-135 "Flight Simulators". They got the authorization to allow my class to go on a Field Trip to the Base and go into the Simulator. The one that was on "Hydraulic Rams" with full motion was in use for training, however the other was identical otherwise. It was like stepping into the real KC-135, and had super high-resolution displays projected onto the glass "cockpit windows". within a few seconds your mind was convinced it was "Real". You could see the Base Housing Area lights, flashing runway strobe lights, and all other physical items. Myself and each Student was permitted to sit in the Pilot's Seat, "Fly" the Tanker, and perform a "Landing". Of Coarse most of them "Crashed" with violent shaking of the Pilots Seat. My experience working on the KC-135 and hours of "Flight Sim" practice and knowledge of the "Glide -Slope" and Instruments made my attempt nearly perfect! Each of us was given a "Printout" of the "Glide Path & Landing" and mine was nearly a straight line with little deviation. It was an awesome experience! I also had some encounters with the SR-71 Blackbird. During Vietnam my Father worked in Photo Development for the U-2 Reconnaissance Aircraft, he was later Stationed at R.A.F. Base Alconbury in England and developed film from the SR-71 where we lived for 3 years. He was pretty "tight-lipped" about his responsibilities due to the "Top Secret" Classification. But did get occasional "Tid-Bits" like them "Leaking Fuel" on the ground prior to takeoff and the Titanium Fuselage "Expanding" during higher speed flight sealing up the tanks. I also had a photo of "Earth" taken at such an altitude that you could see the curvature of the surface. Also other "Promotional Photos" of the U-2 and SR-71 Aircraft including one of a pilot fully outfitted in an "Astronaut Suit" seen through the cockpi window. During an Air Show at Fairchild years later my Father took us out just past the fence at the end of the runway to watch the planes takeoff and maneuver. I was really excited when an SR-71 took-off. It blasted down the runway towards us, and lifted off right over our heads! You could feel the heat and thrust of the massive Jet Engines as it passed overhead, then thundered away exceeding Mach with a tremendous "Sonic Boom". I also was present during the SR-71's Official Retirement Ceremony. It was during my time at "Basic Training" at Lackland AFB. There was a huge "Ceremony", "Parade" and "Pass & Review". Most of the Basic Military Training Squadrons and Flights of Recruits were on the "Parade Grounds" in formation. They were not permitted to "Look up" during the Fly-Over, and anyone who did was instantly noticed by the movement of their "Wheel Cap" of their "Blues Uniform", with "punishment" from the TI's to follow afterwards. I was lucky enough to be assigned the task of directing visitors at the perimeter of the "Parade Grounds", and did not have to stand in the "Sea of rows of Recruits". After a lengthy Ceremony and announcements over the PA System the SR-71 was about to "Fly Over" at low altitude. It was only after the thunder of the plane hit my ears that I realized it was already overhead! I caught a quick view as it passing over and speeding away. The announcements continued as the plane blasted through Mach-1 and beyond, then periodic updates about what state it was currently crossing. I wish to this day I could have seen that amazing plane during a Refueling Operation like the others I had witnessed, or a Refueling Operation involving the B1-B Bomber... I did also witness a Tragic Event at Fairchild AFB. It was Friday March 13th 1987 at 13:20. I was a Civilian at that time working for the Billeting Squadron. I was near the Runway and Control Tower helping move furniture from a former Security Police Dormitory, onto a flatbed truck. For days I had watched the "Thunderhawks Demonstration Team" practicing. It was comprised of a B-52 Bomber and KC-135 Tanker both taking off in rapid secession and performing low altitude maneuvers. I watched as theB-52 went airborne and the KC-135 followed, however this time the KC-135 promptly went "Wings Vertical" with little altitude or airspeed. I set down the desk and told the others helping "That planes gonna crash!" We looked on in horror as the plane made a last ditch effort to avoid the packed huge warehouse building containing the Base Exchange, Commissary, and many other functions. It was filled with Active Duty, Retired Shoppers, and Civilian Workers. The Tanker was heading right for it, but the Pilot used the Elevator to redirect the plane between that building and the Control Tower. It was too late to prevent the inevitable crash. The plane hit the ground with a huge explosion and ball of flames. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as I tried to process what I had just witnessed. Soon the distant sounds of Emergency Vehicles and Fire Trucks Sirens became louder as they approached the wreckage so close to were I was. 6 Crew members on-board died instantly, and what seems like a unavoidable fate a 7th individual was later found to be killed in the crash. He was supposed to be on the Aircraft that day, but was grounded by the flight surgeon due to medical reasons. He had driven his personal vehicle there to observe the flight, and it was discovered after that his vehicle had been involved in the crash also. Several years later June 24th 1994, while still working at Fairchild as a Civilian as the Data Automation Manager for 92nd MWRS Squadron, and concurrently as a SSgt Avionics Guidance & Control Technician in the Air National Guard I was in my office outside the climate controlled SIMs Mainframe Computer Room when the lights flickered. This was extremely unusual as the Mainframe System had a massive Backup Power System. After checking on the Mainframe status the word started spreading that a plane had crashed. Turning on a TV and seeing almost immediate news and captured video of a B-52 clipping some powerlines and crashing at the edge of the Survival School next to the Base near a "Weapons Storage Area" It too had went "Wings Vertical" with little altitude and no way to recover... It also was practicing for an "Airshow"...
Worked on this thing for 6 years. Lots of blood and sweat into it. Nice to see it getting some love! Looks like your interview took place at Dyess, where I was stationed.
What an incredible video. I'm from Germany and I do remember that one time this thing came out to my local airport in Berlin for an airshow. Just an amazing piece of aviation. Thank you for this video !
I was stationed at Dyess from '91-'94, and I loved watching them take off on full burner. Such a majestic airplane! Thank you for this video, brings back a lot of memories!
When I was much younger I walked around these in the cold North Dakota winters (we called it the bone for a different reason). Watching 10 of these taking off one after another at night is something I will never forget.
We're DJ's and being allowed to taxi that aircraft must feel like the first time we were booked for Glastonbury....ABSOLUTE GOALS - really happy for you sir!!!
This video is amazing. for someone who has worked maintenance on this aircraft for the past 13 years, I find this to be one of the more informative videos. The only mis speak is the payload of a launcher when he speaks of holding 500k weapons with this launcher mentioned in the time stamp 8:01 thru 8:07 . He definitely meant to say this launcher holds 10x 500 pounders. Amazing video. Great job. Let's get some more maintenance side of the action in the future.
By the way, check out 9:51...seems an unknown family member has worked on this specific B-1 although they never were in the USAF....In fact, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT CORNER ADJACENT TO INSTRUMENT PANEL...I alluded to a family member because my father and Uncles lived and repaired by one simple mantra, "...IF CAULK OR DUCT TAPE CANN'T "FIX" THE ISSUE... THEN IT IS NOT WORTH FIXIN'..." ...Well done B-1 crew chief...well-done...would make my late father proud...
That's really cool that you got to taxi the B-1. No doubt it was an incredible experience. Seemed somewhat intimidating as I'm sure it should be. A special note I like to point out is the fact that before the B-1B ever performed its first mission in the service of the USA, a B1-B was featured in the 1985 film, "Real Genius." This means that, like U.S. President Ronald Reagan, the president who re-instated the B-1 program, the B1-B was a movie star before taking its place in service to the USA. (edit: word correction)
Isn't the TU160 Blackjack the most powerful bomber ever built? : Google specs suggest (per engine with afterburners): 55,000 lbs (TU160) vs 30,000 lbs (B1B). Please correct me if I'm mistaken! I'm not trying to be a troll, just thought I heard different...
I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean the bomber with the strongest engines BUT the bomber with the strongest capability. The Tu-160 can only carry 45,000 lbs of weapons in its internal bay, while the B-1B can carry up to 75,000 lbs in its internal bay.
@@vkqtran4721 You got pounds and kgs mixed up. The Tu-160 can carry 45,000 kg (99,000 pounds) in the internal bay, but only has internal bays. The B-1B can carry 34,000 kg (75,000 pounds) in the internal bays, but can also carry additional 23,000 kg (50,000 pounds) externally, for a total of 57,000 kg (125,000 pounds). So yes, the B-1B is more powerful.
Spent more than a few nights hearing that and the rattle in my dorm every launch. I may have been on other end off ramp with C-130s but still loved the sound.
Good bless America ❤️🇺🇸, Im from Chile and I live 3 years allready in the US. Its really respectable the technology and resources they have on the military. Such a advanced country.
I live right outside of Dyess AFB in Abilene and we have B1 Bombers fly over our house every day. The videos can't do glory for how loud these things are. My windows rattle like crazy when they fly over.
I adore the Bone, she's absolutely stunning and can do anything you need........ and more. The other thing is, I've never seen an aircraft that big do barrel rolls like a fighter, the first time I saw that, it left me speechless!!
Been there, done that (B-1B Flight Instructor 1988-1994). In the cockpit you don't get the full effect of the noise & vibration from the thrust augmenters, but I will never forget the experience of being the SOF and watching takeoffs from the end of the runway.
Air Force brat here. Pops drove a BUFF from 1954 to 1958. My nephew is involved in the F130 engine project. My son Flies Navy! I think the Bone is the Baddest aircraft in the entire U.S. military fleet. Thanks for these videos.
God bless these guys for what they do for our country..especially the ground crews that keep the Bone in the air!!Thank all you for your sacrifices and service to our country!!
I saw one of these at the Ft Lauderdale air show many years ago and I will never forget it. It came in with a mist coming off the wings then came back and went straight up and disappeared. It was an awesome sight.
I live in Fort Worth, TX, near the NAS JRB (formally Carswell AFB), and in 1999 while driving on I-30 on day in the late afternoon, I got to see the B-1 taking off right over the highway. That had the coolest takeoff I have ever witnessed!
@@icemanzwthe tu160 is a nuclear missile truck the b1 is a interdiction strike low observable bomber, in modern air spaces the b1’s sensors, payload diversity and the larger amount of them in inventory id say make it better than the white swan
Thank you so much for doing the B-1 at Dyess AFB. I was born in the hospital there and grew up listening to and watching the B52s take off and land. At that time the B52s were really loud and had that unmistakable black exhaust. When the B1 replaced the B52s it was a phenomenal deal in town and just so cool that an equally impressive airframe was stationed there. Dad retired from the C130s as a load master. Spent a lot of time on that flight line as a little kid and at the flight line Cafe eating grilled cheese watching the planes. Now I sit on my back porch 30 miles away and watch the Bs and Cs fly. So great. Watching them now. Great production on this video... always enjoy your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. As a side note... when I was about 10 or 12 at an open house at DAFB an SR71 put on a show... as it left the area he took a full throttle up through a spring type cloud and put a hole in it like a donut. Coolest thing I ever saw and wish not only the SR71 was still viable but that it could have been during the digital age and videoed so I could relive that sound/ image/ feeling. Thanks again, Sam and very well done.
Grew up in the area with the B-1 most of my life. Had friends who were ground and flight crew. Love the plane, the capabilities and the people around it.
You have inspired me to get into public affairs at my CAP squadron I am hoping to join the Air Force and go to USAFA, That’s so cool you got to taxi the B-1 🤩
Sam, you're one VERY lucky dude! From the time I was young I dreamed of being a fighter pilot but then I shot up 6 inches during high school to 6'5"! So there went my dream of flying fighters, BUT it looks like a tall guy like me could actually fit in the cockpit of a BONE! Great video bro!
I remember doing some contracting on Dyes, and I was absolutely shocked by some aircraft taking off. I’m an ex paratrooper who’s been on the runway when fighters took off and it’s nothing like what I heard. I look over and it was a B1. So freaking cool.
Dyess was my first assignment in the AF. I was with the 337BS (later 28BS) from 94-97. I actually was lucky enough to get to fly on tail # 83-070. Freaking awesome. Huge shout out to the maintainers, those folks are simply amazing.
I hope you enjoyed getting a look at the mighty B-1! Let me know what you want to see next. 👇🏼
B2 spirit
Or the A10 warthog
Se 71
Sr 71
B 52
Taxiing a B1... simply wild opportunity. I don't think operations staff anticipated how excited that may even make your viewers. Great work as always!
Half a million views in a week… definitely excited viewers 👍
How air force allowed it?
military industrial complex PR is carried by this guy
@@addingvalue2326 it's basically US propaganda I'm pretty sure
@@dannyfshbasically
My crew and I were the maintenance team next to you guys while you were shooting this. If I knew it was for this we would’ve been happy to show you the maintenance side of the Bone. Pilots don’t fly without good maintainers. Also sorry for trying to kick you guys off the spot we still had a lot of work to do and we’re just trying to get it done.
Haha I understand you guys were working hard! Your crew helped us out with what we needed 👍🏼
Definitely would have been cool to see the maintenance sixe
My Hat is off to you guys & gals. You are a Team, it takes everyone. So glad you guys commented on this video 😊❤😊 I so respect you people in AF. Your B-1-B is just a wonderful looking bird. Thank you and command staff for letting us see your work. YES I would have loved to see what your job is. I hope you get a good break
Period, what I mean is full energy to do your important job.
I can't comprehend How air force allowed this?
Every aircraft has it's ground crew and logistics chain. keep up the good work guys!
Now THIS is a video I've been waiting for.
Agree!
Guaranteed the Commies are watching this video also!😂
I know
Yep
I agree very informative!
That was easily one of the coolest things you’ve done on this channel Sam - taxiing a B1.. epic man
It was pretty sick
Flew Bones for 20 years. This video is spot on. Nice work.
I liked the little fun fact about beak to beak the B-1 is smaller on radar than an F-16 from you FPP episode. My lasting memories of a B1 is the night departure from oshkosh, and puddles of hyd fluid all over the oshkosh static ramp
Hah, that was our squadron at Oshkosh. They cancelled everyone for the show, but i told them weather wasn't an issue for us! Glad you enjoyed.
@@wackyB1 why the momentarily pull out of burner after departure?
Would you consider yourself a professional boner?
@@wackyB1 I too would like to know, if you're willing to elaborate 😜
Dude....this is what the people want to see more of. Giving us high production value and high quality shots is so dope!
We got much more on the way!
My grandfather worked on the design for the istrument panel. When he died we got a package that had the experimental panels in it! It is now nailed up in our garage. Love this plane so cool.
That is so cool, I am a nerd on how it's made how it works, like the pilot said it senses 15 minutes ahead so it manages
The Wt. Change. The Bomber is a work of art, and all the stuff your dad did, my hat is off to him.😊
That cockpit is gorgeous.
Being in partnership with US Air Force is crazy, I can’t believe how much work you put into these videos Sam! I’m giving this guy crazy credit 👏🏻
He’s a USAF public affairs officer and with his channel history it’s a win/win for the USAF to facilitate his access for videos like this. Lots of PR benefit, especially considering this is his job in a sense.
They're desperate to recruit after kicking everyone out..
@@cruisinguy6024 for real, of course the Air Force is getting major viewing from a aviation/military channel.
@@cruisinguy6024he separated from the air force awhile ago
@@BTenold That's actually not correct, in September they were due to miss their active-duty recruitment goals for the first time since 1999 by 10%, however, come December they actually exceeded their goal of 6,249 new active-duty airmen goal by 130 people. Though I would say the military as a whole is seeing problems in their recruitment. Videos like this help recruitment.
One of the most detailed and entertaining BONE docs that I’ve seen! Air Force involvement was the key! I’m an old structural repair technician that had the privilege of working on B-52D’s of the LINEBACKER II bombing missions in Vietnam, the now retired B-52G, and went to school to repair the B-2, but retired before getting to work on it! Was always in awe of a bomber with afterburners, especially after working on many different fighters with them too, i.e. F-111A, F-4D, E, and G’s!!👍🏽
Congratulations on the channel and I going to tell you what I like about your channel -
1 education ✅
2 video quality ✅
3 editing skills ✅
4 no just the reporter or RUclipsr - full training soldier
I will always support you . Well done Sam
This means so much
@@SamEckholmi love your vids man
And thanks for making this one because ive been waiting for a b1-b walkaround for some time
You make the best military educational videos of all time.
I’ve seen all of your videos.
I grew up in Tye, the town right off the end of the runway of Dyess AFB. I have many childhood memories of watching these take off and land along with the C-130s, which my dad worked on. Both have a special place in my heart. We actually had a family friend who was a B1 pilot and I got to fly the B1 simulator once and even sit in his B1 the day of his last flight when he got orders to another squadron. I still have the photo of me in his pilots seat.
I grew up next to Dyess my pops fly on the 130s and remember when the first B1 flew over my home off chucker Ln. It seemed to fly so low over the houses when I was a kid lower then the 130s 85 and 86.
@kevinkerlin5603 I wonder if I ever crossed paths with you or @redbikemaster. I was class of 86 at Cooper, while my father was a Lt. Col and Base Comptroller at Dyess during the delivery of all of the brand new B-1 bombers. We too would see the after burners from our home during night takeoffs from our house in Canyon Rock Lake Estates, which was situated near Kirby Lake, Clack and Danville Feeder roads.
I've watched so many videos of The Bone, this one is the best. Clear concise and the interviews actually inside the jet helps.
Wow thanks!
The B-1B is quite possibly my favorite aircraft of all time. It has the payload, the speed, the endurance, and a surprisingly low RCS to boot. It is so slept on by people who only ever talk about the B-2 or the B-52.
I love that the B-1B is getting a lot of love, lately, and I hope to see the B-1R (BOneR lol) concept become a reality.
I've heard of it having the RCS of a small fighter like the F-16, at least when the bomb bay doors are closed. The B-1B flew more CAS sorties than pretty much any other aircraft in Afghanistan. It's crazy to think there's a supersonic bomb truck orbiting up there that infantry can call upon to vaporize an enemy position.
*_FUN FACTS ABOUT THE B-1B_*
1. The Current fleet has an optionally unused 4th crew station, the USAF is evaluating putting a permanent 4th crew member back in the jet to control Unmanned Drones & loyal wingmen.
2. The external pylons are being activated on the fleet to give the B-1B an external payload of 59,000lbs over the 75,000lb internal payload. _(The B-52 and B-2A have payloads of only 70,000 & 65,000lbs payloads)_
3. While in theatre the B-1B performed more CAS Close air support missions than anything else. More than F-15E, A-10, AH-64 Apaches, F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B .. everything. Utilising the litening targeting pod.
4. A few years ago on deployment to Guam, the Pacific commander wanted to know how long it would take to make the B-1B nuclear capable. It took 3 hours to remove the bulkhead and re-wire the jet.
5. The B-1B is certified to carry and launch every single weapon system the USAF has in inventory with the exception of the AIM-9 sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow. It's even been flight tested and certified for the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile when the B-1R concept was undergoing study. This work is completed by the various historical test and evaluation squadrons. Starting with the 6510th (later 410) Test Squadron
6. The B-1R was a Mach 2+, super-cruise capable variant, powered by FOUR F-22A RAPTOR engines. Designed to carry air-to-air missiles as an armament carrier/"missile truck". Designed around the D3 variant of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, with 3rd party targeting the AIM-120D3 can be fired by a different aircraft than the targeting aircraft. This concept would use an F-22A/F-35A'S radar/EOTS situational picture of the battlespace to launch Air-to-air missiles on the enemy from 120+ miles away, from behind the stealth aircraft. This is actually a functional capability of the missile & used to make a 130+ mile kill against a miniature target drone, from an F-15, using 3rd party targeting data.
No B-1R's were built, but the work completed in the concept study is still being used in the B-1B programme today, as well as the AIM-260 development programme, NGAD, F-22A V5 upgrade, F-15EX, and F-35A programmes.
Hehe B-ONE-R. Boner
Yay you can copy and paste. No one asked.
@@coronalight77 Don't be rude. The people coming to the channel love facts like that. You don't like it you don't have to read it
There have always been 4 crew members (not counting the days when instructors used jump seats). They do not, nor have they ever, flown with only 3 people
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Lol, keep believing all of that as we watch them struggle against little ol' Ukraine
I was an F-15 crew chief in the mid-late 2000s. Hands down my favorite launch to watch has to be the B-1 on a night run in quad-burner.🤙
My father was an engineer on the B1 at plant 42 in Palmdale.
Every time I see her I see my father❤️
Also have a picture of my father standing in front of the B-1A
I used to work on the B-52 and I must say things are sure have changed. Thanks for sharing Sam. I really enjoyed this clip, excellent job
“feel the kick in your pants” 💀
Something only The Bone can provide.
Feel the Boner in the Bone
Bricked up baby🍆
@@ImARealHumanPerson I'd bet the F-15 could do it too, they could go straight after burner and enter mach 1 almost immediately after take off. F-15 is a beast and the fact that a Bomber can fly similarly, is nuts.
🦵💨👖😩
38 years later and still one heck of a sexy plane!
I feel like the B-1 is so slept on, thing is a BEAST
Lovely video Sam!
Absolutely awesome video Sam. You knocked it out of the park with this one.
as a b1 crew cheif i can appreciate the bomber love
As a B1 CC, same here. I can also say that I saw them filming and didn’t even think it was him.
Is it hard to become a bomber pilot? I don’t have any experience and my officer recruiter said I had to have a PPL. I thought about going back to school and doing ROTC to up my chances or reserves. I’m 24 currently. Mabye I could get my masters through ROTC and that’d help my chances .
@@traumateam830 the brain goes full auto and we just don't notice these things
@makatron or maybe because he's not actually famous enough to notice.
My Hat is off to all you people that make this bird fly and work properly 😊❤😊
Seeing it operate and watching this video person actually steer this wonderful fighter/ bomber 😊 I salute all you operators of this Bomber.
I love how something so savage looks so elegant. Epic aircraft.
I know you left the Air Force after your 5-year tour about last July (23}. Bless you! I hope you transferred into the Reserves and I am thrilled to find you are continuing to create programming for your fans. ---The B-1 is a fantastic deterrent and should be serving the USAF for many, many years. God Bless you for entertaining and dedicating to us so many years. It has been time well spent.
I was a brand new Airman in 1987 when the B-1 was coming off the assembly line. I had the privilege to be a crew chief on her for 14 years at Ellsworth AFB, got to fly her a couple times, and had to crawl through her wreckage in the crash of Alzada, MT as well. This jet runs through my veins.
A nearly 40-year-old airplane is going to be on suicide missions against the latest Russian air defenses, Randy. Sorry. The Yanks are getting left behind technologically.
45 now left in the fleet, well, 44 since the last incident. Fleet undergoing upgrades at Tinker. The remaining jets are in the 12,000 hour range. They're testing a fuselage and wings out over 25,000 hours. To provide B-1B support out to when the last B-21s come online, 2040 at max. These jets are beasts, 24 jassm/lrasm all internal with 8 more mounted outside on the new Boeing adjustable launch rail. Awesome capability shooting stealth cruise missiles from a standoff.
They probably if haven't already taken 1 of the 4 in storage, to beef up the fleet back to 45, 2040s or beyond, all getting BEAST upgrade
I live right next to Ellsworth AFB, the other home of the B1B and never get sick of seeing them fly. I can't wait until we get the B-21 Raider replacements in a few years.
Unfortunately we had a B1-B wreck on the runway a few months ago but the pilots were able to eject without serious injury (which is one of the main reasons I knew they had eject-capabilities).
B-1B Lancer Fleet isn't going anywhere to at least 2040s possibly beyond
Honestly, the b1 might be the best looking aircraft currently operating. That silhouette is just something else.
The B2 looks like something out of a sci-fi movie and the B-52 is the B-52 but the B1 just books like every kid's idea of a fast plane and it's great
For my money the Russian the Tu-160M is the best-looking aircraft operating. And it is much faster jet and more advanced than the B-2.
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp 😂😂 brainwashed Russian bot spotted.
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Not really, it's just a copycat of the B1 and hasn't even done anything in the ukranian war
Born and raised in Abilene and the B-1 is a major part of my childhood. I remember going out to to Dyess with my grandad and watching them do touch and goes. Great video!
My dad had gotten me a flag that was flown on a B-1 as a present for my 1st birthday when he couldn't be there. I never truly understood how amazing this aircraft is.
One of my favorite jets, I was so hyped when I saw the video
I was an Avionics Guidance & Control Technician at Fairchild AFB. I once had the opportunity to see the B1-B "Lancer" Bomber when I was working the weekend during an Airshow and Base "Open House". It was prior to the general public being permitted on base that day. I was on the Flightline checking it out, when the crew of the B1-B with the nose art "Heavy Metal" asked if myself and several other technicians from my shop if we wanted to checkout the interior. The plane was heavily guarded by Base Military Police Personnel, and we climbed up aboard. The Lancer was an awesome aircraft, the cockpit was much more advanced than our Tankers, and the Bombardier's setup was like a futuristic video game! Truly a spectacular plane... During my time serving I had a few opportunities to go on Air Refueling Missions over Washington, Idaho, Nevada and Japan. One of the most memorable was refueling many different Air National Guard Aircraft including F-14 Tomcats, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and even F-4 Phantoms! such a sight looking out the observation window at the rear of the plane next to the Boom Operator. I once was able to "fly" the B-52 "Flight Simulator" when my father cross-trained into Avionics on the B-52. Years later after serving while I was an Electronics Instructor at ITT, one of my students worked for the company maintaining the 2 new KC-135 "Flight Simulators". They got the authorization to allow my class to go on a Field Trip to the Base and go into the Simulator. The one that was on "Hydraulic Rams" with full motion was in use for training, however the other was identical otherwise. It was like stepping into the real KC-135, and had super high-resolution displays projected onto the glass "cockpit windows". within a few seconds your mind was convinced it was "Real". You could see the Base Housing Area lights, flashing runway strobe lights, and all other physical items. Myself and each Student was permitted to sit in the Pilot's Seat, "Fly" the Tanker, and perform a "Landing". Of Coarse most of them "Crashed" with violent shaking of the Pilots Seat. My experience working on the KC-135 and hours of "Flight Sim" practice and knowledge of the "Glide -Slope" and Instruments made my attempt nearly perfect! Each of us was given a "Printout" of the "Glide Path & Landing" and mine was nearly a straight line with little deviation. It was an awesome experience!
I also had some encounters with the SR-71 Blackbird. During Vietnam my Father worked in Photo Development for the U-2 Reconnaissance Aircraft, he was later Stationed at R.A.F. Base Alconbury in England and developed film from the SR-71 where we lived for 3 years. He was pretty "tight-lipped" about his responsibilities due to the "Top Secret" Classification. But did get occasional "Tid-Bits" like them "Leaking Fuel" on the ground prior to takeoff and the Titanium Fuselage "Expanding" during higher speed flight sealing up the tanks. I also had a photo of "Earth" taken at such an altitude that you could see the curvature of the surface. Also other "Promotional Photos" of the U-2 and SR-71 Aircraft including one of a pilot fully outfitted in an "Astronaut Suit" seen through the cockpi window.
During an Air Show at Fairchild years later my Father took us out just past the fence at the end of the runway to watch the planes takeoff and maneuver. I was really excited when an SR-71 took-off. It blasted down the runway towards us, and lifted off right over our heads! You could feel the heat and thrust of the massive Jet Engines as it passed overhead, then thundered away exceeding Mach with a tremendous "Sonic Boom". I also was present during the SR-71's Official Retirement Ceremony. It was during my time at "Basic Training" at Lackland AFB. There was a huge "Ceremony", "Parade" and "Pass & Review". Most of the Basic Military Training Squadrons and Flights of Recruits were on the "Parade Grounds" in formation. They were not permitted to "Look up" during the Fly-Over, and anyone who did was instantly noticed by the movement of their "Wheel Cap" of their "Blues Uniform", with "punishment" from the TI's to follow afterwards. I was lucky enough to be assigned the task of directing visitors at the perimeter of the "Parade Grounds", and did not have to stand in the "Sea of rows of Recruits". After a lengthy Ceremony and announcements over the PA System the SR-71 was about to "Fly Over" at low altitude. It was only after the thunder of the plane hit my ears that I realized it was already overhead! I caught a quick view as it passing over and speeding away. The announcements continued as the plane blasted through Mach-1 and beyond, then periodic updates about what state it was currently crossing. I wish to this day I could have seen that amazing plane during a Refueling Operation like the others I had witnessed, or a Refueling Operation involving the B1-B Bomber...
I did also witness a Tragic Event at Fairchild AFB. It was Friday March 13th 1987 at 13:20. I was a Civilian at that time working for the Billeting Squadron. I was near the Runway and Control Tower helping move furniture from a former Security Police Dormitory, onto a flatbed truck. For days I had watched the "Thunderhawks Demonstration Team" practicing. It was comprised of a B-52 Bomber and KC-135 Tanker both taking off in rapid secession and performing low altitude maneuvers. I watched as theB-52 went airborne and the KC-135 followed, however this time the KC-135 promptly went "Wings Vertical" with little altitude or airspeed. I set down the desk and told the others helping "That planes gonna crash!" We looked on in horror as the plane made a last ditch effort to avoid the packed huge warehouse building containing the Base Exchange, Commissary, and many other functions. It was filled with Active Duty, Retired Shoppers, and Civilian Workers. The Tanker was heading right for it, but the Pilot used the Elevator to redirect the plane between that building and the Control Tower. It was too late to prevent the inevitable crash. The plane hit the ground with a huge explosion and ball of flames. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as I tried to process what I had just witnessed. Soon the distant sounds of Emergency Vehicles and Fire Trucks Sirens became louder as they approached the wreckage so close to were I was. 6 Crew members on-board died instantly, and what seems like a unavoidable fate a 7th individual was later found to be killed in the crash. He was supposed to be on the Aircraft that day, but was grounded by the flight surgeon due to medical reasons. He had driven his personal vehicle there to observe the flight, and it was discovered after that his vehicle had been involved in the crash also.
Several years later June 24th 1994, while still working at Fairchild as a Civilian as the Data Automation Manager for 92nd MWRS Squadron, and concurrently as a SSgt Avionics Guidance & Control Technician in the Air National Guard I was in my office outside the climate controlled SIMs Mainframe Computer Room when the lights flickered. This was extremely unusual as the Mainframe System had a massive Backup Power System. After checking on the Mainframe status the word started spreading that a plane had crashed. Turning on a TV and seeing almost immediate news and captured video of a B-52 clipping some powerlines and crashing at the edge of the Survival School next to the Base near a "Weapons Storage Area" It too had went "Wings Vertical" with little altitude and no way to recover... It also was practicing for an "Airshow"...
is there anything you havent done?
@@robzajac5400 yeah there's many things I haven't done.. but I definitely have experienced a lot in my lifetime!
Worked on this thing for 6 years. Lots of blood and sweat into it. Nice to see it getting some love! Looks like your interview took place at Dyess, where I was stationed.
the single loudest, most intimidating plane ever built. There is no comparison
Ever witness an SR-71 taking off? THAT is loud.
Technically not the loudest, but it's probably the loudest I've heard personally lol
That is honestly pretty dope they let you taxi that rocket. 120,000 pounds of thrust is incredible.
This is gonna be amazing
What an incredible video. I'm from Germany and I do remember that one time this thing came out to my local airport in Berlin for an airshow. Just an amazing piece of aviation. Thank you for this video !
Best channel discover i've ever had! keep with this amazing work, from italy
Wow, thank you!
I was stationed at Dyess from '91-'94, and I loved watching them take off on full burner. Such a majestic airplane! Thank you for this video, brings back a lot of memories!
There s a video of a " Bone" taking off full afterburner at dusk with the Las Vegas skyline as a background ..best aviation clip ever!
When I was much younger I walked around these in the cold North Dakota winters (we called it the bone for a different reason). Watching 10 of these taking off one after another at night is something I will never forget.
Excellent video! The access you were given and able to present to us was amazing. Thanks.
Thank you USAF !
This channel is easily the most productive and technological channel of the US air force in the world
Can't wait! It's always a good day when Sam announces a new video.
We're DJ's and being allowed to taxi that aircraft must feel like the first time we were booked for Glastonbury....ABSOLUTE GOALS - really happy for you sir!!!
Great video Sam about this fantastic bird.
This video is amazing. for someone who has worked maintenance on this aircraft for the past 13 years, I find this to be one of the more informative videos. The only mis speak is the payload of a launcher when he speaks of holding 500k weapons with this launcher mentioned in the time stamp 8:01 thru 8:07 . He definitely meant to say this launcher holds 10x 500 pounders. Amazing video. Great job. Let's get some more maintenance side of the action in the future.
Thanks for taking us along Sam, loved this one 🤙
By the way, check out 9:51...seems an unknown family member has worked on this specific B-1 although they never were in the USAF....In fact, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT CORNER ADJACENT TO INSTRUMENT PANEL...I alluded to a family member because my father and Uncles lived and repaired by one simple mantra, "...IF CAULK OR DUCT TAPE CANN'T "FIX" THE ISSUE... THEN IT IS NOT WORTH FIXIN'..." ...Well done B-1 crew chief...well-done...would make my late father proud...
This channel has become my favorite aviation related YT channel!
Simply amazing that they grant you the go-ahead to maneuver the B1B for taxi
the level of trust is out of this world.
Once again great video, great production, the excitement and interesting conversations were there aswell... Keep'em coming!
One of the most rarest footage of actual piloting experience of the passenger. This is cCool.
That was awsesome Sam, great little interview.. keep up the good work..
I love the B1B. It's an absolutely beautiful aircraft and seeing this video makes me so happy.
I've just hit the subscribe button. So much information, good job with the video dude. 👏
Thank you!
That's really cool that you got to taxi the B-1. No doubt it was an incredible experience. Seemed somewhat intimidating as I'm sure it should be.
A special note I like to point out is the fact that before the B-1B ever performed its first mission in the service of the USA, a B1-B was featured in the 1985 film, "Real Genius." This means that, like U.S. President Ronald Reagan, the president who re-instated the B-1 program, the B1-B was a movie star before taking its place in service to the USA.
(edit: word correction)
Isn't the TU160 Blackjack the most powerful bomber ever built? :
Google specs suggest (per engine with afterburners): 55,000 lbs (TU160) vs 30,000 lbs (B1B). Please correct me if I'm mistaken!
I'm not trying to be a troll, just thought I heard different...
Its true. Nato Propaganda.
I guess it's kN per kg (which is the same on both planes according to the Wiki). I mean it's still misleading but not entirely wrong.
I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean the bomber with the strongest engines BUT the bomber with the strongest capability. The Tu-160 can only carry 45,000 lbs of weapons in its internal bay, while the B-1B can carry up to 75,000 lbs in its internal bay.
@@vkqtran4721 You got pounds and kgs mixed up. The Tu-160 can carry 45,000 kg (99,000 pounds) in the internal bay, but only has internal bays. The B-1B can carry 34,000 kg (75,000 pounds) in the internal bays, but can also carry additional 23,000 kg (50,000 pounds) externally, for a total of 57,000 kg (125,000 pounds). So yes, the B-1B is more powerful.
@@ROFLtheWAFL Oops, my bad. I retract my statement.
Spent more than a few nights hearing that and the rattle in my dorm every launch. I may have been on other end off ramp with C-130s but still loved the sound.
This is unreal. Thank you
Good bless America ❤️🇺🇸, Im from Chile and I live 3 years allready in the US. Its really respectable the technology and resources they have on the military. Such a advanced country.
Love these videos been waiting for this or the seahawk
I live right outside of Dyess AFB in Abilene and we have B1 Bombers fly over our house every day. The videos can't do glory for how loud these things are. My windows rattle like crazy when they fly over.
9:10 *press X to doubt*
Of course they will not admit it 😂
I adore the Bone, she's absolutely stunning and can do anything you need........ and more. The other thing is, I've never seen an aircraft that big do barrel rolls like a fighter, the first time I saw that, it left me speechless!!
You’ve got to do the B-2 next!
As a former USAF Airman... i thank you for this video.....and all your videos!!! You're doing a helluva job !!!!
Absolutely awesome machine and team.
Been there, done that (B-1B Flight Instructor 1988-1994). In the cockpit you don't get the full effect of the noise & vibration from the thrust augmenters, but I will never forget the experience of being the SOF and watching takeoffs from the end of the runway.
Air Force brat here. Pops drove a BUFF from 1954 to 1958. My nephew is involved in the F130 engine project. My son Flies Navy! I think the Bone is the Baddest aircraft in the entire U.S. military fleet.
Thanks for these videos.
All I can say is WOW WOW WOW. What a fantastic experience that very few of us will ever enjoy. We are in good hands. Gave me goose bumps. 😊😊😊😊😊
Thats gonna be sick ngl
So incredible to see it in action! Thank you for that opportunity.
How did he get such access to be able to actually taxi it around
God bless these guys for what they do for our country..especially the ground crews that keep the Bone in the air!!Thank all you for your sacrifices and service to our country!!
This is awesome
0:42 7th Bomb Wing. That is sick. You have some crazy good content
Greetings from Poland. Poland celebrates its 25th anniversary in NATO.
Nice😁
Has Poland been paying their fair share in NATO or suckling on the US teat?
@@cf4461 I assume 4% of GDP is a fair share...
yay 🎉
What’s up Polark🤣
I. Never. Want. To. See
The. BONE. pass away❤😢❤
Air force trying to get ahead of War Thunder leaks
I saw one of these at the Ft Lauderdale air show many years ago and I will never forget it. It came in with a mist coming off the wings then came back and went straight up and disappeared. It was an awesome sight.
My dad was the wso and navigator for the b1. There’s a famous picture of a bombing of a taliban torture house that my dad dropped the bombs for.
Yet, another great review and experience for you, Sam! The B-1 is also one of my favs as well.
Can you start doing aircraft museum tours videos
Buddy he does operational military aircraft tour videos which is a bit cooler than museums. Plenty of other people doing museums
Has always been one of my absolute favorite aircraft.
This thing could "ALMOST" drop caseoh as a bomb...
Worked on the EW and terrain follow systems so it's pretty cool to see the WSO get some love and speak a little about it.
Shoutout to the WSOs!
Correction. It's the Russian white swan with the greatest heavy bomber not b2
Did he say the greatest in the world?
@@lisaw7633the b1 is better either way
😂😂😂😂 the Russian is the “greatest”?😂😂😂😂according to who??😂😂😂🤡🤡🤡
@@LoveMyPeople04that guy knows exactly 0 about aviation. No reason to debate a Russian parrot/NPC
I live in Fort Worth, TX, near the NAS JRB (formally Carswell AFB), and in 1999 while driving on I-30 on day in the late afternoon, I got to see the B-1 taking off right over the highway. That had the coolest takeoff I have ever witnessed!
The headline is missing though it's not the most powerful.. Tu160 is far superior than this
Cope
@@skiboi you are a beta male huh
Russian propaganda
@@Petequinn741 stop calling things propaganda which are not
@@icemanzwthe tu160 is a nuclear missile truck the b1 is a interdiction strike low observable bomber, in modern air spaces the b1’s sensors, payload diversity and the larger amount of them in inventory id say make it better than the white swan
My man got to taxi a Bone! So cool! Keep up the good work Sam!
so they just copied a soviet tu-160 strategic bomber and fail it
Did you just not watch?
The B1A is from the 70s
The B1B is from the 80s and was introduced a year prior to the Blackjack
brainwashed Russian bot spotted. 😂😂
Are you a moron? Russia copied this orc
the soviets copied the f111 and b1
Thank you so much for doing the B-1 at Dyess AFB. I was born in the hospital there and grew up listening to and watching the B52s take off and land. At that time the B52s were really loud and had that unmistakable black exhaust. When the B1 replaced the B52s it was a phenomenal deal in town and just so cool that an equally impressive airframe was stationed there. Dad retired from the C130s as a load master. Spent a lot of time on that flight line as a little kid and at the flight line Cafe eating grilled cheese watching the planes. Now I sit on my back porch 30 miles away and watch the Bs and Cs fly. So great. Watching them now. Great production on this video... always enjoy your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.
As a side note... when I was about 10 or 12 at an open house at DAFB an SR71 put on a show... as it left the area he took a full throttle up through a spring type cloud and put a hole in it like a donut. Coolest thing I ever saw and wish not only the SR71 was still viable but that it could have been during the digital age and videoed so I could relive that sound/ image/ feeling. Thanks again, Sam and very well done.
Grew up in the area with the B-1 most of my life. Had friends who were ground and flight crew. Love the plane, the capabilities and the people around it.
You have inspired me to get into public affairs at my CAP squadron I am hoping to join the Air Force and go to USAFA, That’s so cool you got to taxi the B-1 🤩
I was an Air Traffic Controller at the 28th BW at Ellsworth, SD. I have a great affinity for these birds.
Sam, you're one VERY lucky dude! From the time I was young I dreamed of being a fighter pilot but then I shot up 6 inches during high school to 6'5"! So there went my dream of flying fighters, BUT it looks like a tall guy like me could actually fit in the cockpit of a BONE! Great video bro!
I remember doing some contracting on Dyes, and I was absolutely shocked by some aircraft taking off. I’m an ex paratrooper who’s been on the runway when fighters took off and it’s nothing like what I heard. I look over and it was a B1. So freaking cool.
Dyess was my first assignment in the AF. I was with the 337BS (later 28BS) from 94-97. I actually was lucky enough to get to fly on tail # 83-070. Freaking awesome. Huge shout out to the maintainers, those folks are simply amazing.