Bears flying again

[Chicoartist]

A couple of Bears were in the US back in the late 80s/early 90s on a visit to Barksdale AFB.

Right you are, Mark!

Here's a pic of me in the tail gunner's compartment of one. The caption below was taken from my site. You should see the film I've got!




In 1992, for the first time ever, the Russians brought to U. S. soil (Barksdale AFB, La.) two beautiful Tu-95 Bear H bombers. In 1994, they came back again. They spent about a week here each time, and they absolutely HATED to leave - and to be honest, we really hated to see them go. They're just like us in many ways. The Barksdale and Bossier City/Shreveport communities really rolled out the red carpet for the Bear and AN-124 (1992), and IL-76 (1994) crews both times. When they got aboard to leave, it was funny to see the Bear pilots (and many Russian crewmembers) wearing the U.S. flight suits and hats they had traded US crews. I think we all had a bag full of Russian stuff by the time they left. During their last visit, in 1994, I crawled up into the rear gunner's compartment, where you can barely see my mug above. Ohh, the S O U N D !!

Wade

[Curtis Block]

The way I figure it. We get a couple of people together, start a "foundation." Buy a flying Bear for dirt cheap, maybe a parts ship or two and tour the airshow circuit selling rides. I bet the photo ops would drum up great publicity. I'm sure it would be great fun.

[Warbird Kid]

It would have to be a two ship operation I'd say.

"Cold War Bombers" - It would be based in the US and would consist of a Bear and an American Cold War bomber to even it out. What American bomber would be in the foundation, i dont know, but im sure some people here can put together a list of Bombers that are around. Though Im sure you can count the aircraft on one hand, still what would be the most avaliable US Cold War Bomber for a foundation to operate?

Of course there would have to be plenty of cheap spare parts for the two monsters. Wonder if this dream will ever get off the ground?


$0.02

[Bill Greenwood]

I had a bear visit. At 7:15 this morning two bears came walking down the driveway next to my window where this computer is. They are a beautiful deep rich brown color, not black excet maybe on top. The Cub would have been born this Spring and is cute as a MKV Spitfire, even did a tumble as it was waiting on the Mom. The Mom was good size, but a little on the thin side, perhaps around 200 lbs. They seem very comforable here, just ambled around looking for breakfast, and if you don't bother them they go on their way.

[Chicoartist]

. . . I had a bear visit. At 7:15 this morning . . .

Did the momma roar like a B-36?

Wade

[Curtis Block]

Of course this dream could become a reality. All it takes is $$$$. I'll make you all a deal. I'll provide the initiative, If you all start writing substantial checks. Make them out to Curtis Block, I'll get back to you when they clear.I would say a BUFF would go good in the pair but I think Uncle Sam has realized that he might need all of the airframes and parts he has left.

Bill as far as those Bears in your front yard, you should have scrambled the F-15s. Sure they might go away. Or they could spread communism right to your front door. If you ,who's next? Your neighbor. Then possibly me. They might be cute, but will that be any consolation when they overthrow democracy?

Curt Block

[tom d. friedman]

i'd like 1 of the bear's props to do my weed whacking in the yard, & 1 for the mrs for chopping veggies!!!