daveh
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Post by daveh on Jul 30, 2011 2:22:48 GMT -5
Roy, I trust the convoy doesn't have to cross Death Valley. I would imagine Arizona is difficult enough but Death Valley is a real killer I believe. Several years ago friends hired a motorhome from L.A. The only place they were not allowed to go was Death Valley.
I don't think I would have known that it wasn't an F15-A if you hadn't told me. Other than one letter, what is the difference between it and the F15-C?
I bet you are all getting excited at the museum.
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Post by olroy2044 on Jul 30, 2011 11:51:43 GMT -5
Dave, the only way to be sure externally is to trace the serial number. The changes are mainly internal, with the exception of fittings for conformal external fuel tanks. The main changes were improved avionics and radar, increased gross weight allowance, and increased internal fuel capacity. Obviously, the increased fuel capacity allowed an increase in non-refueled range. Yes, we are excited! Unfortunately, it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, while I'm at work!!! Roy
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daveh
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Post by daveh on Jul 30, 2011 12:03:23 GMT -5
Roy, life's often like that. However, with luck it'll be held up for a few hours and you'll be able to see its arrival.
Dave.
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Post by olroy2044 on Aug 1, 2011 0:24:44 GMT -5
The F-15c, dubbed, "The Freedom Eagle," arrived at the museum today. I went over on my lunch hour and shot some photos. The flu bug was chewing on me, so wasn't able to get as many as I would have liked, and wound up home in bed. . At least I got a few. There was a surprisingly large crowd of spectators on hand for the arrival, approximately 150-200 people. In the first photo, the hat-less gentleman wearing a dark shirt and khaki pants, with his back to the camera, standing directly below the air intake, is our outdoor exhibit director. He is a retired Air Force Command Master Sergeant. He was the maintenance chief for the entire SR-71 program from its inception to its last flight. We are very fortunate to be able to count him among our volunteers. He is also a good friend! Roy
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daveh
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Post by daveh on Aug 1, 2011 1:38:31 GMT -5
Roy, it's normally the sergeants who actually run the show, and your sergeant seems no exception. I'm pleased you got there to see the arrival but sorry that you're not too well.
Dave.
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photax
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Post by photax on Aug 1, 2011 3:11:11 GMT -5
Hi Roy ! I would guess that you and your crew are happy that the plane touched down savely Thanks for sharing this event with us. Get weel soon ! MIK
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Post by olroy2044 on Aug 6, 2011 22:05:04 GMT -5
Here is a link to a newspaper story about one of the truck drivers who brought the F-15 across the country. It's kind of interesting. www.chicoer.com/fromthenewspaper/ci_18628785 This story has really put our little museum on the map! This was the longest land-bound trip ever taken by an F-15, and the longest overland distance that a museum has ever hauled an aircraft for a display. I am really proud of our bunch of folks! Roy
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Post by olroy2044 on Nov 2, 2011 6:19:55 GMT -5
One of the docents at the museum unearthed a photo of our F-15C landing at Bitberg Germany while it was assigned there. I don't know the date of this photo. The majority of the reassembly is finished, and the airplane is scheduled to be moved to its permanent hardstand on Saturday, where restoration will continue. Roy
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Post by Randy on Nov 2, 2011 11:48:21 GMT -5
Iron Eagle! ;D
What is a hardstand Roy? Aren't they gonna have it on the wheels?
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photax
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Post by photax on Nov 2, 2011 16:23:32 GMT -5
Hi Roy !
Good news ! I suspect the picture had been taken in the early 1990`s. There is no Bitberg in Germany, that`s Bitburg ;-)
MIK
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Post by olroy2044 on Nov 2, 2011 23:21:50 GMT -5
Randy, a hardstand is simply a "hardened" parking space, usually concrete or asphalt, rather than gravel or dirt. There the aircraft will be displayed sitting on its landing gear. I should have known that, Mik from my German Language classes in school! . Thank you! Roy
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Post by pompiere on Nov 4, 2011 5:27:13 GMT -5
Roy, it's normally the sergeants who actually run the show, and your sergeant seems no exception. I'm pleased you got there to see the arrival but sorry that you're not too well. Dave. That's why they put the sergeant's name on the plane right under the pilot's name. The pilot may be at the controls, but he knows his life is in the hands of his ground crew. I am feeling my age now, seeing an F-15 going to a museum. I remember getting a poster of an F-15 from the Air Force recruiter while I was in high school, when the plane was brand new. Congratulations on your new display.
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