US Airmen Insert Tiny Explosives to Jump-Start This Massive B-52

YouTube / The Daily Aviation

Quick Start

B-52s can make a quick launch by using “Cart-Starts.” This method uses small, controlled explosives inserted into two of the eight engines found on the B-52.

Tested Way Back

In December 2008, the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron did the tests to showcase the Stratofortress’s ability to respond to threats immediately.

Shaving Off Time

The charges jumpstart the engines, removing the need to bring out the aerospace ground equipment for standard launches. This decreases the start-up time from one hour to 10 minutes. 

Normal Operations

Usually, B-52s are supplied with an alternate energy source and an air supply to start the engines. 

Can Run Longer 

Even though it drastically cuts the start-up time down, it actually takes longer than normal launches due to safety checks in training scenarios. The pilots still have to do the pre-flight checks while turning on all engines. Once everything is normal, that’s when they kill the engines and start it up again with the explosives.