What is sad about uncovering the individual histories of a few planes?
Drone and target use, while a bit awful to an aircraft lover, actually has preserved several types from extinction by accident. While it is distasteful in practice, many current displayed aircraft were drones at one time, and survived their missions until a small problem or minor accident prevented the final "shoot down". Ground Target use has given us a few types worth having in museums the time to "age" away from the scrapman in safety. B-29's perhaps being the most memorable...but also F-88, F-81, plus many of the other more common types...F6F, P-80, F-11F.. Even more "pedestrian" types like the Collings Foundation B-17G "909" spent some time as a target, and today is a flying example known to millions.
Currently there are 61 T-33's listed as "present" at the Storage Center ("DM") in Tucson. They will leave shredded in 55 gallon drums after parts harvesting. Now thats really upsetting!
Below is another recovered target...down but not out! Also a relative of the trusty T-Bird...
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