Alaskan F-16 gets too close to a B-1B from Ellsworth AFB, SD that is getting ready for take off.
Guess next time the fighter pilot will wait a little longer 🙂
“Hey, could someone give me a hand here? Hello?”
Unexpected events can sometimes lead to captivating and even bewildering moments. Such was the case of this video showing an F-16 fighter jet being tipped over by the powerful engine exhaust of a taxying B-1B bomber. This incident, while unusual, offers a fascinating glimpse into the sheer force generated by these military aircraft.
The F-16, known for its agility and versatility, is a single-seat, multi-role fighter aircraft used by air forces around the world. In contrast, the B-1B Lancer is a long-range strategic bomber capable of high-speed, supersonic flight. Despite their different roles, both aircraft are equipped with powerful engines that can produce substantial thrust.
As the B-1B’s engines roar, the force of the exhaust gases striking the F-16’s vertical tail fin and wings creates a tipping moment. Despite its weight and firmly locked landing gear, the F-16 tilted under the immense pressure.
Jet blast, the powerful stream of exhaust gases expelled by aircraft engines, is a well-known phenomenon in aviation. It is a force to be reckoned with, capable of causing damage to nearby structures and vehicles if not properly managed. Flight crews and ground personnel are trained to be aware of jet blast hazards and to take precautions when operating in close proximity to running engines.
Unexpected moments like the one captured in this video can be both astonishing and educational. It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the immense forces at play when powerful aircraft engines are in operation. It’s a remarkable incident that serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring capabilities of military aircraft.
this is why we were not allowed to drive our maintenance trucks around the hammer head when a C-5a was taking off or our truck might get air borne
This reminds me of a circumstance at Altus AFB, in the 1970s. The copilots of the 11th AREFS were trained in T-37 for the Accelerated Copilot Enrichment (ACE) program. At that time, there was a section of the flightline that we had to lower the canopy whenever we taxied behind a C-5 that had it’s engines running in the idle position. Otherwise, the idle thrust from a C-5 engine would have blown off the canopy. To my knowledge, that never happened
Those Fighters should handle a scrape.