The B-52G’s and KC-135A’s featured in the clip are from the 416 BMW, at the former Griffiss AFB, NY.
The video in this article shows a Minimum Interval Takeoff (MITO) maneuver performed by Strategic Air Command (SAC) aircraft back in the day, before the fall of the Soviet Union. The video description says that the B-52Gs and KC-135As seen in the video are from the 416 BMW at the former Griffiss AFB in New York. Capt. John Hannen was the one who flew the Buff with the old “lizzard” paint scheme. The loud voices heard in the video are the main specialists who stayed up all night getting the airplanes ready.
In the article, Bomber crews show take-off talents, Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland of 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs explains that during an MITO, each aircraft has eight starter cartridges filled with gunpowder, which allows the engines to start up faster than a typical takeoff.
At Barksdale Air Force Base, Senior Airman Mitchell Dexter, an expert in aircraft powerplants with the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Unit of the 2nd Bomb Wing, explains, “We use starter carts so we are able to get the engines started faster than using traditional methods, which allows us to get the planes started and taxing within minutes from the alert call.”
A MITO was frequently seen during the Cold War, challenging crews to get numerous aircraft airborne within fifteen minutes of the first alarm notices.
“The MITO proves the teamwork between both the aircrews and ground crews is solid,” said Col. David Foote, 2nd Maintenance Group commander. “This allows us to provide nuclear deterrence giving our allies the assurance that we have the capability needed to deter our adversaries.”
Although the small launch window is difficult in and of itself, the leading aircraft’s turbulence can rough the air for the following aircraft, which puts the aircrew’s abilities to the test.
A MITO demonstrates the operational capabilities USAF bombers maintain, demonstrating that pilots and maintenance aircrew are prepared to perform and execute at a moment’s notice, even if the Cold War is over.
Photo by U.S. Air Force