16/03/2021
A recent incident at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has brought the unique landing gear configuration of the B-52H Stratofortress into sharp focus. During a post-display taxi demonstration, one of the B-52H's port-side wingtip outrigger wheels appeared to make contact with runway lights, an event captured on video and widely shared on social media. The aircraft involved, airframe 61-0029/BD, belongs to the 307th Bomb Wing of the United States Air Force.
The B-52H Stratofortress: A Brief Overview
The Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, affectionately nicknamed the 'BUFF' (Big Ugly Fat Fellow), is a legendary long-range, subsonic strategic bomber. Renowned for its impressive payload capacity and endurance, it has been a cornerstone of the United States Air Force's strategic deterrence capabilities for decades. Its ability to fly at high subsonic speeds and reach altitudes of up to 50,000 feet makes it a formidable aircraft. The B-52H is part of the Air Reserve Component, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
The RIAT Incident: What Happened?
On July 16, 2023, during the flying display at RIAT, the B-52H, operating under the call sign SURGE 22, performed a flypast alongside a KC-135R tanker. However, the taxiing phase of its demonstration took an unexpected turn. Spectator footage clearly showed one of the wingtip outrigger wheels making contact with the runway lights, dislodging an estimated 18 lights according to reports. The public affairs office for the 307th Bomb Wing has stated that the incident is under investigation and declined to comment further, respecting the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
Understanding the B-52's Wingtip Landing Gear
The B-52H's landing gear system is one of its most distinctive features. Unlike most aircraft that have their primary landing gear positioned centrally under the fuselage, the B-52 features a unique setup with outrigger wheels located near the tips of its massive 185-foot wingspan. These wingtip landing gears are crucial for several reasons:
- Preventing Wingtip Drag: The B-52's wings are designed to flex downwards significantly, by as much as 10 to 12 feet depending on fuel load. The wingtip landing gears prevent these massive wings from scraping along the runway surface during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.
- Crosswind Operations: The B-52 is equipped with a sophisticated crosswind landing gear system. The main landing gear and the outrigger wheels can rotate up to 20 degrees to the left or right. This allows the aircraft to maintain directional control during crosswind landings, a vital capability for a heavy bomber operating in various conditions.
- Maneuverability on Narrow Taxiways: The ability of the landing gear to swivel also facilitates a technique known as 'crabbing'. This allows the B-52 to move sideways, enabling it to navigate through narrow taxiways and parking areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.
A former B-52 pilot, Dave Prakash, highlighted the difference this makes: "Other aircraft can have their wings hang out over the grass with no problem. But we have tip gear that needs a runway to touch down on."
The 'Crab Walk' Demonstration
The B-52H's ability to perform a 'crab walk' is a testament to its unique landing gear design. This maneuver, where the aircraft moves sideways, is not just for show; it's a practical application of the swivelling landing gear to manage tight spaces on the ground. During the RIAT demonstration, the pilot was likely showcasing this capability, but it appears that in the process of executing this sideways movement, the port-side outrigger wheel inadvertently encountered the runway lights.
Mitigating Risks: Fuel Transfer and Ground Guidance
The B-52H's design includes further provisions to manage its unique landing gear. In situations where a runway is too narrow for both wingtip wheels to safely touch down, crews can transfer fuel from one wing to the other. This shifting of weight ensures that the wing with the landing gear on the ground is adequately loaded, while the opposite wing, with its gear lifted, is kept light. This clever technique helps maintain the aircraft's balance and control.
Furthermore, it is standard practice for crews to be aware of runway dimensions and, if necessary, to have a ground crew member guide the aircraft to ensure a clear path and prevent potential collisions with runway infrastructure. The exact circumstances leading to the contact with the lights during the RIAT demonstration are part of the ongoing investigation.
Comparison of Landing Gear Systems
To illustrate the B-52's unique approach, consider a comparison with more conventional aircraft:
| Feature | B-52H Stratofortress | Typical Commercial Airliner (e.g., Boeing 737) | Fighter Jet (e.g., F-16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Landing Gear Placement | Under fuselage (two bogies) | Under fuselage (two bogies) | Under fuselage (single bogie) |
| Outrigger/Wingtip Gear | Yes, near wingtips | No | No |
| Wingtip Ground Clearance | Managed by outrigger wheels | Ample ground clearance | Ample ground clearance |
| Crosswind Capability | High, with swivelling gear | Moderate, primarily rudder and aileron control | High, with robust control surfaces |
| Maneuverability on Narrow Surfaces | Can crab/move sideways | Limited sideways movement | Limited sideways movement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the B-52 have wingtip landing gear?
Yes, the B-52 Stratofortress is equipped with outrigger landing gears located near the tips of its wings. These are essential to prevent the wingtips from touching the ground due to wing flex.
Why does the B-52 have this type of landing gear?
The wingtip landing gear is necessary because the B-52's wings are designed to flex considerably under load. Without these outriggers, the wingtips would scrape the runway during ground operations.
What is 'crabbing' in relation to the B-52?
'Crabbing' is a maneuver where the B-52 uses its swivelling landing gear to move sideways along a runway. This is useful for navigating narrow taxiways and demonstrating the aircraft's ground maneuverability.
What caused the incident at RIAT?
The incident at RIAT is currently under investigation. However, video footage suggests that during a 'crab walk' demonstration, the port-side wingtip outrigger wheel made contact with runway lights.
Can the B-52 land in strong crosswinds?
Yes, the B-52's landing gear is designed to handle crosswinds effectively. The main gear and outrigger wheels can pivot, allowing the aircraft to maintain directional stability during crosswind landings.
Conclusion
The B-52H Stratofortress remains an iconic aircraft, and the recent incident at RIAT serves as a reminder of its unique engineering. While the wingtip landing gear is a critical component that enables its impressive capabilities, it also presents specific operational considerations. The investigation into the incident will likely shed more light on the precise factors that led to the contact with the runway lights, providing valuable insights for future operations and demonstrations of this venerable bomber.
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