Warbird Information Exchange

I just checked the Forest Service carding information on T43 and T45.For T43,it says that the s/n (presumably the Buno.) is 145906 and the registration no. is N443NA.For T45 the s/n is 140443 and the registration is N445NA.I assume that this can be cross-referenced to T139 and T140,but I've also made a request for confirmation on which is which on the Airtanker Pilot messageboard.

I just recieved a response on the Airtanker Pilots messageboard that states that Tanker 139 became T43 and T140 is now T45.I'm still assuming that the Buno's in my previous post should confirm this.

I haven't actually seen either airplane since the number change,but I understand that they have been repainted in Neptune's colors.These are similar to Black Hills' modified RCAF colors,but with a solid red tail.I may be able to find out for sure within a few days as both tankers are in the local area.

i'm gonna max out my visa!!!

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

I ended up working on the Black Canyon Fire near Sisters,Or. yesterday and Tanker 43 came over from La Grande to help out.I didn't get a close look,but it is definitely in the red tailed Neptune colors and Bob West (formerly of H&P) is the pilot.I ended up back in Medford and T43 is in Redmond,so I didn't get to visit,but might get a chance today as the fire is still active.

I'll make a link to a Worldwide Airtanker List that was posted on the Airtanker Pilot messageboard today.It includes the correct information on T43 and T45,but has errors elsewhere.The author of the site is Iwan Bogels of the Netherlands.He was requesting information on SEATS (single engine air tankers) for inclusion to the list.I have his e-mail if anyone needs it.The link to the list follows:

http://www.dappa.nl/airtankers.htm

I just recieved permission from Iwan Bogels to post his e-mail on this site.He said that he would welcome input to his list.

iwan@dappa.nl

Have a look at my page
http://www.ruudleeuw.com/airtanker-id.htm

cheers
Rudi

A very impressive site,Rudi.The picture of Tanker 62 is the one that I use as my computer desktop picture.

Thanks, labour of love I always say....

I've been looking at the photos linked to Rudi's Airtanker site.Photo #2 for Tanker 05 shows a typical departure from runway 30 at La Grande airport in northeastern Oregon.On a hot day without much wind,it can be an adventure.It was even more exciting before they lengthened the runway by 1000 ft. a few years ago.The runway length is now 5600 ft. with an elevation of 2717 ft.

The pilot in this picture and photo #3 would be Chris Holm.The jets on the P-2 are J-34's that really don't attain full thrust below about 140 kts. which makes short field take-offs interesting until a little airspeed builds up after getting airborne.

The road intersection often has 20 ft. tall hay ricks being towed by tractors pass right past the end of the runway,so you have to pay attention before releasing the brakes.The corral at the far left sometimes has horses in it.Not much that we can do about that.However,I enjoy working out of La Grande.

I'm visiting this airfield one month from now if anyone has any requests

Here is my request, buy the C-119 and donate to the American Flight Museum so we can make it into an AC-119 to go with our AC-47.

lol - I wish

I wish I could win the big lottery and save all the worthy aircraft around the world