Old "A" model C-130 touring the Air Show circut.

[Shay]

I remember back in the late '90s seeing a C-130A on static at the Dayton Air Show. It was painted in the earlier USAF white and gray half and half scheme(like Hanoi Taxi) and I think was still operating the early 3 blade props(?). If I recall correctly this bird was being used as a test bed for some sort of Laser system. The bottom of the aircraft was cut out around where pallet position one and maybe two of the cargo deck were and in it's place was a rotisserie for the laser system so that during flight it could point out the bottom.

Anyone know of the Hercules I'm referrring to? Also is it still touring?

I do remember that "The USAF's Oldest Flying C-130" was written above the crew entrance, aft of the cockpit.

At the time I was with the 910th in Youngstown operating in "H" models. The big thing that stuck out in my memory wasn't so much the major obivous differences between the "A" and "H" models. Believe it or not it was the "Commode". Where in the "H"s we had a nice fold-down platform with a toilet to sit upon and even a nice curtain for privacy, would you believe that??:lol: The "A" model had what appeared to be a milk jug cut inhalf with a hose running out the back of the aircraft. Out in plain sight mind you. Go figure as to what my mind chooses to remember.

Well if anyone can point me in the direction to finding this aircraft I would really appreciate it. Thanks

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[APG85]

I think you are talking about C-130A 55-0022. It use to fly a test mission out of Wright-Patterson and then moved on to Duke. It's now retired and sitting derelict.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1016920/L/

[Shay]

I think you are talking about C-130A 55-0022. It use to fly a test mission out of Wright-Patterson and then moved on to Duke. It's now retired and sitting derelict.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1016920/L/

Hey Thanks that's the one.

Do you know about when it was retired? Also where is she now? Still at Eglin AFB?

Found these:





Obiviously I was off on the props.

It's a shame she is a really neat Herc. Surprised the NMUSAF didn't pick her up after retirement or atleast to another USAFM facility. Being that hse was a test aircraft on top of being the USAF's oldest flying "A".

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[APG85]

I think it was retired about two years ago. If I'm not mistaken, it's abandoned on one of the Eglin ranges. I'll have to do some checking to verify that.

Scott

[Shay]

Looks like she's just sit'n there.

http://wikimapia.org/1035515/

Of course who know when that Sat image was last updated.

I saw a note regarding 55-0022 listed as "B/U on the Eglin Ranges". I sincerly hope that "B/U" doesn't stand for "Broken Up"

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[ffuries]

0022 aka "Lone Wolf", yeap she flew out of Duke Field for a while until they retired her. Great looking aircraft inside and out. When I go back work on Tuesday, I'll ask the range guys if she is still parked out there, and also find out if I can get out there and take some pictures of her. Under the host tenant agreement we use to maintain the Life Support equipment on her.

Mike
Aircrew Life Support
"Your Life is Our Business"

[Shay]

Thanks Mike that would be great.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[ffuries]

According to a my crew-dogs that I questioned she is still intact just sitting there. They over-fly the old field on a regular basis. Still trying to get up with the range guys to see if I can get out there and get some shots of her. Up until they quit flying her, she was pristine inside and out. Will post an update as I find out more information.

Mike
Aircrew Life Support
"Your Life is Our Business"

[Shay]

Thanks Mike that's great news. I look forward to your update if you get the chance snap some pictures would ya?

I contacted the NMUSAF last week about 022 and will hopefully recieve a response this week.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[ffuries]

No big deal, it's not often that there is something in my "Backyard" so to speak that people are interested in, most stuff is either up North or on the West coast.

Mike
Aircrew Life Support
"Your Life is Our Business"

[Silverplate]

I remember back in the late '90s seeing a C-130A on static at the Dayton Air Show. It was painted in the earlier USAF white and gray half and half scheme(like Hanoi Taxi) and I think was still operating the early 3 blade props(?). If I recall correctly this bird was being used as a test bed for some sort of Laser system. The bottom of the aircraft was cut out around where pallet position one and maybe two of the cargo deck were and in it's place was a rotisserie for the laser system so that during flight it could point out the bottom.

Anyone know of the Hercules I'm referrring to? Also is it still touring?

I do remember that "The USAF's Oldest Flying C-130" was written above the crew entrance, aft of the cockpit.

At the time I was with the 910th in Youngstown operating in "H" models. The big thing that stuck out in my memory wasn't so much the major obivous differences between the "A" and "H" models. Believe it or not it was the "Commode". Where in the "H"s we had a nice fold-down platform with a toilet to sit upon and even a nice curtain for privacy, would you believe that??:lol: The "A" model had what appeared to be a milk jug cut inhalf with a hose running out the back of the aircraft. Out in plain sight mind you. Go figure as to what my mind chooses to remember.

Well if anyone can point me in the direction to finding this aircraft I would really appreciate it. Thanks

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

Did you operate under the "VADER" name in those Yougstwon C130's?

[Shay]

Did you operate under the "VADER" name in those Yougstwon C130's?

Can't say I recall the name "Vader" but I was only with the 910th from 94 to 97.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[mustangdriver]

I used to control Vaders when I was in Pit Tower. You guys would transition my air space.

[Silverplate]

I used to control Vaders when I was in Pit Tower. You guys would transition my air space.

Pit Tower - I was at YNG Tower 78-83. Vaders flew A37's and then later C130's.

[mrhenniger]

I have some pics of the C-130A starting with this one...


Mike