NASA (?) rarely if ever uses the four engine configuration (two J-60s under the wings).

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

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

Thank you for pointing out that RB-57 shootdown. I had no idea.

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.

Think the "package" and back seat panel may be different.

I know nothing about it other than "very true".

Saw one taking off today. I think the smoke trails certainly gave away the fact that the engines are the same.

The original "F" models were equipped with the TF33-P-11 engines with 16,000 lbs. of thrust. A change to the TF33-PW-7 (hundreds available from C-141s) would boost the thrust to 21,000 lbs. That's about 30% more thrust. NASA could also strap on the J60s used in the four engine configuration.

I don't think you observed the newly overhauled (modified) "F" unless they are up to test flight status and you live in Colorado.

Vegas, I'm guessing.

Ftroop,

Aftac is in the news again.

http://www.afisr.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123403628