What is this and why is it parked here?

[retroaviation]

I'm sorry for just the link, but I couldn't work out how to post this from Google Maps. We were flying over Dyess AFB yesterday, and while looking at their static display aircraft (that the general public no longer gets to see), we noticed this airplane sitting waaaaaaay over, by itself, pretty much in the woods. It looked like a Vigilante, but I thought they were only in the Navy. I'm sorry, but I just don't know my jet stuff that well. I figured, right away, that the WIXers could help me figure this out.......

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&g ... 7&t=h&z=18


Gary

[spookyboss]

EB-66

[tulsaboy]

Really? Does anyone have more info? It is probably a Tulsa-modified version. We've been looking for one...

kevin

[jet1]

whale maybe

[viking73]

No, I think it's an EB-66 also judging by the SEA camo...

Good eyes for spotting her, Gary. Guess will this be a new addition to the displays at Dyess? Sucks that a civilan can't go in there just to take pcitures of the birds on display...

[Second Air Force]

Dyess has 53-466, an RB-66B-DL. It was at Bergstrom until it closed, then sent to Dyess.

[retroaviation]

So, any ideas why it's parked way out in the boonies like that??? You can take the image and zoom out to see what I'm talking about.

Gary

[Second Air Force]

Possibly awaiting a pad to display it on and/or cosmetic restoration before displaying it? Maybe the Base Administration doesn't want it on the active facility taking up space and being a temptation to the personnel.

Hey Tulsaboy--why don't we get a B-66 and use IT for rides instead of that old DC-3!!! I'll take care of the engines if you get the Museum to pony up the cash.

[bluethunder28]

So, any ideas why it's parked way out in the boonies like that??? You can take the image and zoom out to see what I'm talking about.

Gary

Because it was a bad airplane maybe???

[retroaviation]

Thanks for the info, y'all.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure that this airplane has been sitting in it's current location for quite a while, as the Google Maps images aren't very current at all. Sometimes upwards to 5 years or so (I think).

Either way, it seems to be a shame that it's not getting any attention out there.

Gary

[Second Air Force]

According to Baugher, it was transferred to Dyess in 1999, more-or-less confirming your theory on the timeline.

[Brad]

When I was stationed at Dyess, the B-66 was sitting about where the B-1 is. Maybe a little farther back towards the hospital. I'll be through there on Tuesday or so on my way to visit my parents and move to Altus so I'll drop by Dyess and look.

Brad

[bluethunder28]

Go to for a "bird's eye" view http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&F ... &encType=1

[tulsaboy]

Scott-

Wouldn't that be a hoot? The first B-66 ride program? Probably cost only a little more per ride than Collings' F-4!

kevin

[cozmo]

That bird's eye option is new. Wasn't there last time I tried it.