I can’t join the group build, but I can’t help but notice that Yardbird stated SAC did not use the T-37.
While I certainly won’t argue strongly with one who was actually a member of the organization; I do recall taking a tour of Fairchild AFB back in 87 when BUFFs were still there and being quite surprized by the sheer abundance of Tweets out on the tarmac. When I asked one of the bomber crew guys about it, he told me all bomber units had a fleet of T-37s or T-38s in adition to the bombers so that the bomber pilots could keep their flight hours up to quota but without the staggering expense of doing it in the bombers themselves.
I also recall an airshow in my hometown a few years later when a B-1 was brought up from Grand Forks AFB and two T-38s came with it and I do recall that at least one of the Talons had matching unit markings to the Bone.
So I suppose my question for Yardbird is, would those T-37s and T-38s attached to SAC bomber wings actually be considered SAC aircraft or just “loaners” from Training Command?
In any case, I’d think they’d be eligible for this GB as they were utilised on a regular basis by SAC crews even if Training Command might have had ultimate official jurisdiction over them.
Several SAC bases definately DID use the T-38 as a proficiency trainer as indicated by upnorths description. I am not aware of the T-37 being used in that role, but that does NOT mean that it didn’t happen on one or more SAC bases. The T-38s at Beale were used by both SR-71 and U-2 pilots, (as well as VIP officers to accrue their minimum monthly flying hours), for currency training and chase plane for the SR-71. During the early stages of the SR program, there were two T-38 chase planes each time the SR flew a mission. Later, this was reduced to one chase plane and still later to only when there was a problem or special need for the Talon. Of course the T-38 could only keep up with the SR in the sub-sonic or low super sonic portions of the flight. They were officially SAC aircraft and carried appropriate markings.
Allow me to settle this, if I may. When I was stationed at Wurtsmith with the 379th Bombardment Wing (Heavy), we had a number of T-37 Tweets that were used by the bomber pilots and occasionally some of the tanker pilots–it’s easier to get flight time in tankers, for obvious reasons. We were a SAC wing with B-52Gs and KC-135As. My wife’s post was at the weather station, which was right next to the section of ramp the Tweets were parked on…I’ve teased her a couple of times that when my skills get better I’m going to build her a Tweet model with a sound card in the display case so she can push a button and relive the joys of having one taxi by her window.
I cannot confirm whether these Tweets were owned by Air Training Command or the Mighty SAC, but SAC pilots were virtually the only users while they were at these bases.
So, it’s not my build (and heck, I’m not even in it!) but I’d suggest the Tweets are good to go.
If all is possible I was a Phase Dock Inspecter on the E-3 Awacs I would ilke to join if cross-building is allowed. All I have done at this time for another GB is some paint. If this is O.K I would like to enter with this aircraft. If it is not then I would like to do a B-52.
Put me down for a B57 Intruder in 1/72 by Revell (my oldest kit, and time for it to graduate OOB)
Do we hav e a GB logo yet ? I’m sure there is someone computer literate that can do something with the SAC sash. (I’ve always liked that iron fist with the lightning bolts coming out of it)
I may have jumped the gun here - the RB-57F was the long wing/recon/surveillance bird, correct ? What I have is a B-57B. Was that still a SAC aircraft ?
Yes, the RB-57F was the long wing version with TF-33 turbo fan main engines. Some had a small auxiliary jet underwing outboard of the main jet. I cannot find any reference to either of the B-57’s being in SAC.
Only place I see a B-57 in SAC is on Wikipedia, and I got a question for you all. On the bottom of the B-47 on some models, on the under side at the front theres a bubble the is suppost to be painted a color “Right Yellow”. It looks like a tan mix with yellow, but im not sure?
That is the radome covering the AS-361B antenna. It was normally light tan with a fairly wide flat black band at the front and narrow ones down both sides.
This will be the first of a series of information tidbits about various SAC aircraft.
F-101A, single seat fighter with two 20mm cannon under each side of the nose.
The Air Force began testing the F-101 during 1956 to determine it’s capabilities and possible assignments. Originally intended for service with SAC as a strategic penetration fighter, the Voodoo joined the Command in May 1957 with the start of deliveries to the 27th Strategic Fighter Wing at Bergstrom AFB, Texas. It’s SAC career was short, as the 27th SFW was transferred to Tactical Air Command on 1 July 1957 and redesignated the 27th Fighter Bomber Wing.
Better scrub that B-57B Intruder if it doesnt qualify. Put me down for the old R/M Convair B36 Peacemaker in 1/72. Now I just need somewhere to display it …
Fairchild C-123 Provider. 2 recip engines, high tail, real loading ramp, kinda like a C-130 with only two engines.
During their early years with SAC, the B-58s assigned to Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, Bunker Hill AFB, Indiana were real maintenance nightmares. They frequently landed at some other locations and maintenance folks had to gather up tools and parts and go fix them. Both bomb wings that operated the Hustler also had a few C-123 Providers to fulfill this support role. C-123 # 540680 had a natural metal lower fuselage and tail with gloss white upper fuselage and had the SAC milkyway band & shield on the fuselage just aft of the rear troop doors.
