Atomic Veteran
I am an atomic veteran. Since the security ban was lifted in 1996, veterans who worked on secret projects were now free to talk about them.
I served with the 58 Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flying the high altitude spy platform RB57F by Martin.
Our mission was radiation sampling of atmosphere after nuclear tests by China and others, as well as the U.S. The squadron traveled the globe to TDY sites. The maintenance crews were working on equipment that was contaminated by ionizing radiation. Today, health conditions caused by exposure to ionizing radiation is a topic of air carriers also.
I am seeking other veterans assigned to the 58th WRS at Kirtland AFB from 1962 to 1968.
Although I was designated a flight crew member on the C model for maintenance purposes,my specialty on the RB57F, was to maintain the Lear MC-1 autopilot. This automatic flight control system made the 122 foot wing, with a 68 foot fuselage flyable. The F model was equiped with an enormus vertical stabilizer to help control the massive wing in the thin air above 82,000 feet. The MC-1 was critical element at altitude.
Anyone with history of working on secret projects, and were exposed to ionizing radiation, I would happy to share my experiences.
I hold a CMEL with almost four thousand hours. I retired from the the Salt Lake City ARTCC as a journeyman air traffic controller controller.
10-21-2014
AIRLINE
