Big, but delicate

A B-52H Stratofortress sits in a hangar awaiting maintenance and testing of its countermeasure systems by Airmen assigned to the 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. Testing of its systems ensures every component is calibrated correctly and in serviceable condition, as the countermeasures help ensure the aircraft's survivability in hostile territory. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Careful hands

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, hooks up power to a B-52H Stratofortress' electronic countermeasures prior to beginning a pressure test on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. The pressure test checks for the proper pressure levels within the ECMs as the system needs a certain amount of pressure to keep moisture and dirt out which could cause damage. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Circuit breaker city

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, checks circuit breakers during tests of a B-52H Stratofortress' electronic countermeasure systems on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. Avionics Airmen maintain the delicate systems such as radar, communication/navigation and flight controls. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Getting everything in order

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, looks over a technical order as Senior Airman Heinz Bartnick, 2 MXS Avionics, prepares to test the electronic warfare systems of a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. The electronic warfare systems help an aircraft evade and survive hostile fire by disrupting enemy radar and tracking systems. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Keeping cool

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, disconnects a cooling tube for a 172 Automatic Jamming System on a B-52H Stratofortress during tests of its electronic countermeasure systems on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. Avionics Airmen maintain the delicate systems such as radar, communication/navigation and flight controls. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Plug it in

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, disconnects a Radio Frequency Interface Unit after testing a B-52H Stratofortress' electronic countermeasure systems on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. The RFIU assist Avionics Airmen by simulating radar signals to test the aircraft's ECMs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Power on

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, plugs in a power cable to the hangar to provide power to the B-52H Stratofortress within on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. Avionics Airmen maintain the delicate systems such as radar, communication/navigation and flight controls. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Pressure test

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, conducts a pressure test on a B-52H Stratofortress' electronic countermeasure systems on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. The pressure test checks for the proper pressure levels within the ECMs as the system needs a certain amount of pressure to keep moisture and dirt out which could cause damage. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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What frequency is it?

Senior Airman Heinz Bartnick, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, disconnects a Radio Frequency Interface Unit after testing a B-52H Stratofortress' electronic countermeasure systems on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. The RFIU assist Avionics Airmen by simulating radar signals to test the aircraft's ECMs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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Which cable goes where?

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, hooks cables to a test stand during testing of a B-52H Stratofortress' electronic countermeasure systems on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 8. ECMs help an aircraft evade and survive hostile fire by disrupting enemy radar and tracking systems. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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2 MXS Avionics keep the BUFF aware

Published March 8, 2013

Big, but delicate

Careful hands

Circuit breaker city

Getting everything in order

Keeping cool

Plug it in

Power on

Pressure test

What frequency is it?

Which cable goes where?