B-47 Range Target at Edwards

[Dan Jones]

Is B-47B 51-2075 still being used as a photo target at Edwards? I just stumbled a cross a 2008 picture of it there on Wikipedia.

[JohnB]

It's on the photo range...so it's not in damder of getting blown up.

I've heard it's been earmarked for preservation by the NMUSAF for future restoration (not by them)...can anyone confirm?

[wingman1]

any recent pictures?

[Tom Moungovan]

I can't help but wonder if this is the same aircraft that was at South Base when I was stationed there in the mid to late 60's. This was directly across the main runway from the flight line and Test Ops. There were a few aircraft designated for barrrier testing where they would be taxied at moderate speed into a nylon barrier to test its effectiveness. That's the only B-47 that I ever saw there and this one did not fly any longer.

[wingman1]

found a pic of the aircraft in question...........

http://www.johnweeks.com/b47/b47edwards.html


does anyone have others of this one, or the other aircraft out there?

[Red]

Here are some shots of the -58 Snoopy. Sadly it's pretty thrashed. It sits on the edge of the PIRA, so it has been hit a ton. I'll try to get some of the -47 next time I'm out there.

[Dan Jones]

Are there no wheels on that B-58 or has she just sunk into the sand that far?

[cooper9411]

What a sad end! They deserve better than that

[Nathan]

Looks good to me. I love derelict aircraft. It IS sad and wish they were in better shape. BUT, they are a peice that have not been touched by time(for the most part).

[cooper9411]

I understand that every single aircraft can't be saved, but whenever I see a derelict aircraft I think to myself "why hasn't anyone saved this one".

[The Inspector]

The tires were 22 inches in diameter (2 NLG, and 4 each MLG) and inflated to 240 PSI running on non frangible wheels in case of tire failures (pretty common occurrence), I recall seeing the one @ PIMA 34 years ago resting on a few seriously blown out tires

[wingman1]

thanks for the pic's Red, hope you can get some of the B-47 soon.

[Old SAR pilot]

Would be kind of interesting (to say the least) if it could be arranged through either the base or the museum, to have the opportunity to photograph as many of these "ghosts in the desert" as possible. Maybe during a "lull" in activity (if there is such a thing at Edwards).

Hmmmm...Put the pics on DVD, offered through the museum at Edwards....."Ghosts of the Desert - No longer flying but still serving..."

Just a thought...

[the330thbg]

Looks good to me. I love derelict aircraft. It IS sad and wish they were in better shape. BUT, they are a peice that have not been touched by time(for the most part).

"not been touched by time"

Not only has she been 'touched' by 'time'.. she has been gang raped by time!!!

[The Inspector]

Could be worse, it could be sitting in your fridge keeping 96 oz. of 'Old Loudmouth' cool