WB (RB) 57F In Afghanstan
#11
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: Body at sea level; heart at 70,000+
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That tells me they are more interested in endurance then altitude. I also believe the "package" is HEAVY.
Rumors abound about more powerful engines on the bird taken out of the boneyard and being overhauled in Colorado. Higher altitudes will mean greater line of sight relay capabilities. My guess it will be glass cockpit (similar to the new U-2 cockpit) with a dedicated mission package rather then the removable pallet.
They must be getting close to a test flight which will mean more crews are needed. Wish I weren't "older then dirt."
PS. For those unfamiliar with the "F", the black scoop under the fuselage is for air sampling (Compressed into a container) in "mushroom clouds" once they reach the tropopause. - a mission shared in days gone by both U-2s and RB-57Fs. In the 1960s we could not say the word AFTAC; here's their website in 2012. http://www.afisr.af.mil/library/fact...t.asp?id=10309
#12
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Joined APC: Nov 2006
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A little military history. Most aviation enthusiasts know about Power's CIA U-2 being shot down in May 1960. Few know about the RB57F loss on December 14, 1965. Forty-seven years ago today they were searching the Black sea for two USAF Crewmembers. They are still MIA.
TogetherWeServed - Maj Lester Lee Lackey
TogetherWeServed - Maj Lester Lee Lackey
#14
I asked my friend about the WB.
Air sampling missions: long gone.
Cockpit: same old cockpit, except the ADI/HSI comes from the old NASA T-38 cockpits.
Engines: same.
He says the new one is like the older two,... just shinier.
Air sampling missions: long gone.
Cockpit: same old cockpit, except the ADI/HSI comes from the old NASA T-38 cockpits.
Engines: same.
He says the new one is like the older two,... just shinier.
#18
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Joined APC: Nov 2006
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I don't think you observed the newly overhauled (modified) "F" unless they are up to test flight status and you live in Colorado.
#20
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Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: B-777 F/O
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