B-52 flies to Berlin Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BERLIN --  A B-52 Stratofortress flew from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., across the Atlantic Ocean to join in the ILA 2010 Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition and Conferences from June 8-13.

The B-52 joined with five of its other fellow Air Force aircraft to show the service's air power during the Berlin Air Show.

"We are here to showcase the capabilities of the B-52 and to help strengthen international cooperation," said Maj. Rob Bender, 11th Bomb Squadron instructor radar navigator.

The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. It can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

Fifteen air and ground crew provide visitors a tour of the aircraft, including the ins and outs of the B-52. They also provide information about the weapons capability of the aircraft.

"They like to see parts of the aircraft like the chaff dispenser," said Lt. Col. Denis Heinz, 93rd Bomb Squadron instructor radar navigator with Barksdale AFB. "I like to tell them about our tip gear. They also love to see the bomb bay, the business end of the B-52. They are amazed of how big the aircraft is but with very little crew compartment."

With the size of the B-52, the crew has met some challenges in transporting the aircraft to the air show site.

"Usually, there are about three people who start planning," Colonel Heinz said. "We sent an (advance echelon) team to measure the runway, look at electrical outlets and see if the concrete can handle the aircraft."

It also includes coordination with airfield managers of the host country to work out logistical problems before the team arrived.

According to Major Bender, the success of the B-52's participation in the Berlin Air Show is dependent on the cohesion of the group.

"Something such as this air show can not be pulled out without team work," he said. "Bedding down the aircraft as well as giving hundreds of tours takes cooperation from everyone involved. We are ecstatic to be able to showcase the B-52 and our capabilities and to be able to interact with other nations."

Touted as having the largest participation in its 100-year history, the Berlin Air Show features 1,153 exhibitors from 47 countries, including the United States, presenting advanced technology.