Ukraine F-16s and looking back on the first production B-52
Ukraine F-16s and looking back on the first production B-52
Ukranian F-16s are now deployed and remembering the first flight of the production B-52A
"And then, when I thought about joining the Air Force, flying seemed like a natural extension of the motorcycling experience."
- Duane G Carey
Mission Briefing
A Year After the Pledge: F-16s in Ukrainian Service
Twelve months after Denmark and the Netherlands—later joined by Belgium and Norway—pledged surplus Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters to Ukraine, the first jets are now in front-line service in Ukraine. These ex-Danish F-16AM/BM models come equipped with the latest enhancements expected from this modernized variant of the supersonic F-16, along with additional equipment that could be crucial for the beleaguered Ukrainian air force as Russia's conflict with Ukraine extends into its 29th month.
What we have seen so far are some released photos that show F-16s in Ukrainian livery, which were released by Ukrainian officials this past Sunday. These photos show an F-16 armed with AIM-9 short range infrared-guided air to air missiles and medium/long range radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs. Both the sidewinder and AMRAAM have been proven to be effective missiles and highlights the F-16's potential air-defense role in Ukrainian service.
There also appear to be self defense systems mounted in the mid-wing pylons which will be needed given the highly contested airspace in the skies over Ukraine.
These self-defense systems include the Pylon Integrated Dispensing System (PIDS) and the Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System (ECIPS), both co-produced by Israeli firm Elbit and Danish partner Terma. European F-16 operators started installing these upgraded pylons a few years ago.
PIDS is designed to eject metal chaff and hot-burning flares to confuse incoming radar- and infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. ECIPS houses passive defenses that complement the active chaff and flares, including the AN/ALQ-162 jammer for countering radar threats and the AN/AAR-60 missile warning system for activating passive defenses.
Together, PIDS and ECIPS provide comprehensive protection for the F-16 against a wide range of enemy missiles. This protection is urgently needed for the Ukrainian air force, which has already lost over 90 of its approximately 125 pre-war aircraft.
The Ukrainians have managed to offset their aircraft losses by restoring older jets from long-term storage and acquiring additional aircraft from their allies. However, they are keen to preserve the 85 F-16s they are receiving from their European allies, as there are limited surplus F-16s available in these allies' inventories.
For Ukraine, it is more advantageous to protect the F-16s it has than to seek replacements for any that might be lost. Although it is likely that the Russians will eventually shoot down some F-16s, PIDS and ECIPS could help delay these losses and save pilots' lives.
The effectiveness of PIDS and ECIPS will largely depend on how the Ukrainians deploy their F-16s. If the fighters primarily conduct air-defense missions deep within Ukrainian territory, they might only face the longest-range Russian missiles. However, if the F-16s undertake numerous ground-attack missions directly over the front lines, they will encounter much heavier enemy fire.
Despite the risks, even at their most vulnerable, the F-16s will be better protected than Ukraine's older ex-Soviet jets, most of which lack jammers. The introduction of these advanced F-16s marks a significant upgrade in the Ukrainian air force's capabilities, providing them with a much-needed edge in their ongoing defense efforts.
This week in aviation history
5 August 1954 the first production Boeing B-52A Stratofortress, designated B-52A-1-BO with the serial number 52-001, soared into the skies from Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era for strategic bombers, showcasing significant advancements over its predecessors, the XB-52 and YB-52 prototypes.
One of the key differences between the B-52A and its prototype predecessors was the cockpit configuration. The B-52A introduced a side-by-side seating arrangement for the pilots, a departure from the B-47-type tandem seating used in the earlier versions. This change was aimed at improving crew coordination and comfort during long missions. Additionally, the B-52A was equipped with an inflight refueling system, enabling it to receive fuel from an airborne KC-97 tanker, thereby extending its operational range and strategic capabilities.
The first production model, 52-001, along with its sister ships 52-002 and 52-003, served as service test aircraft. These early models played a crucial role in testing and validating various design elements that would be incorporated into later versions of the B-52. Notably, 52-001 was used to test the shorter vertical fin of the B-52G, a design modification that aimed to enhance the aircraft's aerodynamic performance and stability.
Despite its pioneering role, 52-001 was permanently grounded at Chanute Air Force Base in the early 1960s. However, the legacy of the B-52A lived on, as the Stratofortress series evolved into a cornerstone of the United States' strategic bomber fleet. The B-52's remarkable longevity and versatility have made it a symbol of American airpower, with variants still in active service today, nearly seven decades after that historic first flight.
The B-52 Stratofortress has continued to serve as a vital asset for the U.S. Air Force, participating in numerous conflicts and missions around the globe. Its ability to deliver a wide range of munitions, from conventional bombs to nuclear weapons, has solidified its role as a key component of the United States' strategic deterrent. The B-52's enduring presence in the skies is a testament to its robust design and the continuous upgrades that have kept it relevant in the face of evolving threats and technological advancements.
In celebration of this aviation icon, it's worth noting that the B-52 has set several records and achieved numerous milestones throughout its service. From the historic Operation Chrome Dome missions during the Cold War to its recent involvement in modern-day conflicts, the B-52's operational history is a testament to its unmatched versatility and reliability.
As we look back on the first flight of 52-001, we honor the engineers, pilots, and crew members who contributed to the development and success of the B-52 Stratofortress. Their efforts have left an indelible mark on aviation history and continue to inspire future generations of aerospace innovators.
In case you missed it
The first in a 2 part series on the B-52, where you can see the early prototypes and how the bomber underwent changes:
Photo Outlet
Here’s a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Navy SNJ “Texan” on the ramp:
Post Flight Debrief
Thanks for reading! If you’d like to receive this newsletter in your inbox, then become a free or paid subscriber, you can use the email form below. To be clear, this newsletter will always be free to everyone, however if you’d like to go above and beyond and become a paid subscriber, you can use the same form below. Thank you and now you know!
-Tog