News Release  

 September 10, 2011

Stead Airport, Reno, NV. – Visitors to the Reno National Championship Air Races September 14-18 are invited to take a journey through aviation history to see beautifully restored testaments to our rich aviation legacy at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Rare planes dating back to the 1920’s along with the powerful warbirds are vying for the prestigious Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy. 

The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s ‘People’s Choice’ trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft which receives the most votes from the public reviewing the aircraft during the Invitational. Voting ends September 17 at 5:00 p.m.

National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees will assist in presenting the awards

Sunday, September 18, 2011 between 10 and 11 a.m.

***Great photo opportunities!***

*Aircraft participating at press time:

Military 1943 Fairchild PT-19 (M62)

Military 1944 North American Aviation SNJ-5C

Large Aircraft 1952 Douglas Skyraider AD-5(A-1E)

Military 1967 Cessna Dragonfly A37A

Military 1938 Grumman F3F-2

Classic 1945 Grumman Widgeon

Classic 1954 Cessna 170B

Antique 1936 Rearwin Speedster 6000C

Classic 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper

Military 1972 Douglas TA-4

Military 1944 North American AT6-D Texan

Military 1944 North American P-51

Military 1945 Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair

Antique 1937 Spartan Executive 7W

Military 1941 Curtiss P-40C Tomahawk

Military 1950 Fairey Firefly

Antique 1937 Taylor J-2 Cub

Antique 1929 Command Aire 5C-3

Classic 1958 Beechcraft D-50A Twin Bonanza

Antique 1934 Waco YMF-3

Classic 1946 Globe Swift GC-1B

Military 1965 Bell Helicopter UH-1H Huey

Large Aircraft 1947 Grumman Mallard  G-73

Military 1950 Cessna L19 Birddog

Military 1955 North American T-28B

Military 1970 North American OV-10A

Military 1970 Bell Helicopter Cobra

Antique 1933 Stinson Model O

Classic 1943 Howard DGA-15P

Antique 1911 Bleriot X-1

Military 1951 Cessna L-19

Military 1955 Beech-Nogle Mentor

Classic 1953 Cessna 195

Large 1951 Grumman Albatross HU-16B

Military 1951 North American P-51D

*Subject to change

We’re located at the east end of the grandstands next to military static.  Come See Us!

Note to Editors:

1. The National Aviation Heritage Invitational allows aircraft owners and restorers from across the U.S. to showcase their flying testaments to aviation history.  As in years past, owners of 45 years or older antique aircraft, fly their restored aircraft into Stead Field on the outskirts of Reno, to compete for the coveted Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy.

1. When not on display at the Invitational, the striking six-foot tall Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center adjacent to Dulles International Airport in
2. Northern Virginia where the winning aircraft owner’s name and the name of the restoration facility are engraved on a plaque placed on the trophy. The overall winner is presented with a keeper trophy.

1. The first National Aviation Heritage Invitational took place in September 1999 at the Reno National Championship Air Races & Air Show.  NAHF enshrinee and former astronaut, Jim Lovell presented that year’s trophy to Bob Odegaard of Kindred, North Dakota for his beautifully restored Goodyear F2G-1 ‘Super Corsair’.

For more information on the National Aviation Heritage Invitational             

visit: www.heritagetrophy.org

*The National Aviation Heritage Invitational is a Limited Liability Company

Contact: Connie May

                                                                                                                                Media Coordinator

                                                                                                                                (775) 530-2297

                                                                                                                                cpardew@att.net                                                                                                                                                                                                     

###

 Some  Photorecon pictures of past NAHI events.

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The County of San Bernardino Planes of Fame Airshow is an annual event and one NEVER to be missed. Joe and I have been making this trip for the past three years and it just keeps getting better. This year was special as it was celebrating the “100th Anniversary of  U.S. Naval Aviation”. Planes of Fame in conjunction with the County of San Bernardino, did another great job bringing to the skies 40 historic aircraft.

Brian E. Boyer, chairman of the museum’s Board of Directors, estimated they might have attracted more visitors than in previous years. “It looked like a record crowd,” he said. “The pilots reported seeing all the parking lots filled and people going into the overflow” lots. Some of the flying demonstrations  performed were a mock dog fight between a Japanese Zero and a P-38 Lightening. A second mock dog fight included a German FW-190 and a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt.  There was a Douglas demo with the Dauntless SBD, an A-4 Sky Hawk and a Vietnam era Sky Raider flown by our good friends Bill Muzsala and Mike “Buick” Eberhardt. The last demo was a combination of Sabre Jet, Mig and Shooting Star.

The birth of naval aviation is generally pegged at May 8, 1911, which was the day that the Navy signed a contract to purchase aircraft.This happened just months after pilot Eugene Ely, working for Glenn Curtiss, and flying a Curtiss pusher biplane made the first take off from a ship, the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Bay. Curtiss immediately offered free training to any Navy pilot and chose North Island in San Diego Bay for that work. Just 100 years and days after the Navy signed that first contract, the Chino Airport skies will be filled with generations of Navy and other services airplanes. Some 40 aircraft are scheduled to fly in the 2011 show and many more will be available in close up static displays.

Some of the aircraft that flew were the Grumman Wildcat, Hellcat and Avenger, the Douglas Dauntless and Skyraider, and the Vought Corsair. An authentic Japanese A6M5 Zero from World War II. Aircraft on static display were a C-17A Globemaster from March ARB, Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer from Casa Grande Az,  Navy F-18F Super Hornet from VFA-122, the B-17 “Fuddy Duddy” from Lyons Air Museum and scores of other restored aircraft.

The USAF Strike Eagle F-15E Demo team also did a wonderful routine over the thrilled fans. Thanks “Cash” and “Buda”. You guys did not let us down!!

One of the cool static displays was a ME-109 under restoration. The POF had set it up down by the Living History Actors area and it was a perfect place seeing that some of the actors were of German Military. The Spanish built ME-109(N700E) was featured in the 1969 film ‘Battle of Britain”.

I’d like to recognize  Jerry Wilkins for his hard work and dedication as Air Show Coordinator on this year’s air show and thank him for his “30″ year career as volunteer at Planes of Fame. And to all the volunteers that came together this year to make it a great success!! A job WELL DONE!!

A big shout-out to the Planes of Fame Board of Directors. Tom Nightingale(Chairman), Brian Boyer, Karen Hinton, Steve Hinton, Ed Maloney, John Maloney and Bill Schanz. And a big round of applause to Kevin and Andrea Eldridge, Bob Forbes, Mike McDougal, Bill Muszala.

Special thanks to the pilots who volunteered their time. Pat McGarry, Bob Forbes. John Muszala Jr., Bill Muszala, Mike Eberhardt, Seth Chandler, Ashley Baker, Don Keating, Mike “Maj” Mc Dougal,

Joe Kates  aircraftinc@yahoo.com

Dave Budd  dave_budd@yahoo.com

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On Friday at 8am, 20 media personnel were given unprecedented access to MCAS Miramar flight line. We were escorted to Base Operations and there we were given a continental breakfast. Parked in front of Base Operations was a group of past and present fixed and rotary wing aircraft flown by the USMC and/or USN. These aircraft were a T-28 Trojan, TA-4 Skyhawk, Sikorsky HRS-2, MV-22 Osprey, F/A-18 Hornet, E-2 Hawkeye, and a HH-60 Jayhawk. In addition, each of the active duty aircraft had their respective flight crew on hand to field questions.

I spoke with several crew members as I walked from aircraft to aircraft. First I spoke with the crew members of the E-2 Hawkeye – Lieutenant Rich “Alf” Westerfield and Lieutenant Olivia “Bobble” Degenkolb from VAW 112 (Golden Hawks). Lieutenant Westerfield has been a Naval Flight Officer for 4 years and serves as an airborne early warning operator. Lieutenant Degenkolb also an airborne early warning operator has been a Naval Flight Officer for 9 years. I asked both Lieutenants what their perspective on CoNA was. They said it was an honor to be part this truly once in a life time event. Both added that it is also an honor and privilege to be an officer in the United States Navy. After CoNA, Lieutenants Westerfield and Degenkolb will start “work ups” in preparation for the Golden Hawks combat cruise. The Golden Hawks are stationed at Point Mugu (near Ventura, CA) and are the early warning component to Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the USS John C.Stennis.

Lieutenant Rich “Alf” Westerfield and Lieutenant Olivia “Bobble” Degenkolb pose in from of the CAG Bird from VAW 112.

At about 830am, the Marine Corps newest versions of the combat proven Cobra and Huey – the AH-1Z Cobra and the UH-1Y Huey arrived. After their arrival, I was informed that I would be riding on the Huey during a media flight. When Public Affairs informed me of my Huey flight, I was actually speechless. Frankly, I was stoked that we were at MCAS Miramar covering the CoNA events and have been very happy with continental breakfast and talks with the crews! Within a few minutes of the Huey’s arrival, a video crew and I were shuttled over to the Huey. There, we were given a safety brief by the crew chief, Corporal Creeser. After the safety briefing, I asked Corporal Creeser if I could request an outboard seat. I consider each ride along I am able to participate in a once in a life time opportunity, so I always make to make the most of it. Translated – I wanted to get what I considered the best seat that would allow for the best photos during the flight. This outboard seat would allow me to get photos of the cockpit, the crew chief  in action, and outside terrain. No windows to shoot through because we would be flying with the doors off. Technically speaking very “badass.”

Captain Eric Lum donning his flight gear before our flight.

First Lieutenant James Gianelloni conducting a pre-flight check.

Captain Eric Lum checking his map before engine start.

Our flight crew for our “Yankee Huey” flight was Captain Eric Lum, First Lieutenant James Gianelloni, and Corporal Creeser. After engine start, we boarded the Huey and strapped in to an outboard seat on the right side of the helo. We took off and flew eastbound towards El Centro. Once we crested the mountain range of the El Capitan reservoir, Captain Lum and 1^st Lieutenant Gianelloni took us on a nap of the earth (NOE) flight profile, demonstrating the maneuverability of the Yankee model! It was very much an “e ticket ride” without the hint of being airsick!

I was flying in the Marine Corps latest Huey version, doors opened, and “yanking and banking” through the hills in eastern San Diego County. What else could I ask for?  Well in our rapid departure mode, I forgot one critical piece of gear. My jacket! Prior to being assigned the flight, I was walking around the flightline in 75 degree weather wearing a polo shirt and BDU pants. Had it not been for the excitement and adrenaline rush of the flight, I would have frozen to death over the El Capitan Reservoir!

Crew Chief Corporal Creeser looks out over the hills of eastern San Diego County.

UH-1Y Low Level Profile

Captain Eric Lum and First Lieutenant James Gianelloni at the controls.

Once through the mountains, the pilots shot 3 approaches to the landing strip at Agua Caliente and then it was time for the return trip home. Our total flight time was approximately 75 minutes. I walked away from the flight having a new found appreciation and respect for the 50+ year old Huey. Other than the surprising maneuverability, I noticed that the Yankee model, which has a 4 bladed main rotor, is much quieter than its 2 bladed cousin. Like other aircraft with a distinct sound (such as the C-130 or the C-5) and losing that sound signature during re-engine retro fits and upgrades, gone is the distinctive “whop whop” sound that was once synonymous with the Huey.

The Marine Corps expects to replace its aging fleet of UH-1Ns with 120+ Yankee model Hueys by 2016. The Yankee model will provide Marine Corps aircrews with advanced avionics, improved power plant, and increased battlefield survivability.

Captain Eric Lum, First Lieutenant James Gianelloni, and Corporal Creeser pose in front of their “Yankee model Huey!”

Local media weren’t the only “ride alongs” in Marine Corps aircraft during today’s media event. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders had the opportunity to fly with VMFAT-101 (The Sharpshooters). After the flight, the delta model Hornet taxied up to the front of Base Operations where various USMC and other VIPs welcomed and congratulated Mayor Sanders on his flight.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders pulls up to MCAS Miramar Base Operations.

Mayor Sanders prior de-planing VMAT-101 Hornet.

After returning from my UH-1Y flight, I spoke with Hornet driver – Marine Corps Captain Taj Sareen who was the fixed wing aircraft representative for the USMC during today’s media event. Captain Sareen just returned from his first combat tour with VMFA 232 (Red Devils) in December 2010. During their combat tour, the Red Devils dropped 40,000 pounds of ordnance. Captain Sareen participated in 24 combat strikes and dropped live ordnance on enemy combatants.

Captain Taj Sareen standing in front of one of VMFA 232 (Red Devils) Hornets.

While waiting for fellow Photorecon photographers Joe Kates and Dave Budd to return from their MV-22 Osprey ride, I saw Major General Tom Conant talking with the crew of the AH-1Z Super Cobra and the Golden Hawks Lieutenants Westerfield and Degenkolb. Once he was done with the Cobra crew and the Navy Lieutenants, he walked over to me.  The general was dressed in a flightsuit with only a leather name tag and drinking a soda. No entourage and no fan fair. The general introduced himself to me and asked if I had everything I needed…Hmm let me think general – a Huey ride, flight crew interviews, and a continental breakfast! What more does an aviation photographer need?  The general and I were only able to speak for a few minutes, but what I was able to learn from him in our brief conversation was that he began flying Cobras in the Marine Corps in 1976, he is both fixed and rotary wing qualified, and is the Commanding General for the 3^rd Marine Air Wing. As Major General walked away, I was beyond impressed. Here was the man in charge of Marine Corps aircraft not only at MCAS Miramar, but at MCAS Yuma, USMC Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-nine Palms, and Camp Pendleton, taking time to speak with the media, making sure USMC was accommodating our needs. Some might envision a general as something “Patton-esque.” Major General Conant was definitely not that!  He was well spoken, no air of ego or arrogance, and very easy to talk with. My conversation with Major General Conant was a great way to end the day.

Commanding General for the 3rd Marine Air Wing Major General Tom Conant (far left) speaks with one of his AH-1Z crews as they show off their new aircraft to Navy Lieutenants Westerfield and Degenkolb (seated in the aircraft).

(NASNI). In addition to miscellaneous retro paint aircraft and static displays, was a “Parade of Flight” consisting of 190+ aircraft. These 190+ aircraft included past and present aircraft flown by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard and would end with a mass aircraft fly over (35+ aircraft) from Carrier Air Wing 9. Current military aircraft flown by the Navy and Marine Corps that were participating in On Saturday, the CoNA event was open to the public at Naval Air Station North Island CoNA were staged at MCAS Miramar.

Photorecon returned to MCAS Miramar the next day, with about 15 other members of the media. Today, we would be escorted to what some aviation photographers would consider the “holiest of holys” in terms of runway access – shooting in between the 2 active runways at MCAS Miramar! The general consensus from our group and our USMC escorts was that it had been many years since photographers had been allowed to shoot from this spot.

Starting at 1240pm, the participating aircraft began departing. For the next 80 minutes, 50+ fixed and rotary wing aircraft departed. I have been fortunate enough to attend Red Flag where I have seen mass launches. With that said, this launch of CoNA aircraft was nothing short of unbelievable! How incredible is it to have a branch of service (in our case The United States Marine Corp) that allows you see Hornets departing in full burner, hear the deafening Harrier take off or an E-2 Hawkeye launch at full power, and smell jet fuel and burnt rubber before and after the launch.

The CoNA launch included the following:

4 KC-130s, 8 F-5s, 2 E-2s, 2 F/A-18Gs, 5 EA-6Bs, 8 CH-53s, 2 MV-22s,             6 AV-8Bs, 2 F-16s, 2 T-45s, 1 C-2, and so many F/A-18 Hornets (both legacy and E/F models) that I lost count.

The launch was so lengthy, that some of the Parade of Flight participating aircraft (such as the CH-53s and MV-22s) had already started returning to Miramar while other CoNA aircraft were still departing. During a momentary lull after the launch, I looked towards NASNI and saw CAW 9s massive aircraft formation over North Island headed back eastbound. Although the photos don’t do it justice, the sight of the air wing flyover was awe inspiring!

An F-5 departs as the first flight of CH-53Es return from their participation in the Parade of Flight.

Carrier Air Wing 9 inbound from NASNI.

Soon, the recover cycle started. Those of us at Miramar had hoped for a CAW 9 fly over, but those hopes were soon gone when the air wing continued flying eastbound from NASNI, and then broke into groups of 5 – 6 aircraft.

High tempo recovery post-Parade of Flight.

Legacy and Super Hornets stay tight over MCAS Miramar.

The recovery cycle was as incredible as the launch. The recovery cycle also included an EA-6B that declared an in flight emergency. After dumping excess fuel, the Prowler made safe landing using field arresting gear. By 430pm, all aircraft had recovered and we were back in our vehicles heading off base.

EA-6B Prowler dumps fuel after declaring an in-flight emergency with Hornet flying as chase plane.

Hook down!

Prowler catches field arresting gear cable.

MCAS Miramar Rescue crew secure and render safe stricken EA-6B.

Once again, the Public Affairs staff at MCAS Miramar did an incredible job that was above and beyond the call of duty! MCAS Miramar Public Affairs is commanded by Major Manuel Delarosa. His staff includes, Lieutenant Tyler Balzer, Sergeant William Griffith, Sergeant Justin Martinez, Sergeant Regina Cruz, and Sergeant Sean McGinty.  It was an honor and privilege to be able to photograph CoNA, let alone from such an incredible location. A genuine and heartfelt thanks to the entire Public Affairs staff at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar for allowing us the opportunity to document this historic event in aviation history.

Whether flying with the crew of the UH-1Y, talking with airborne early warning operators about their mission, hearing a pilot tell about his first combat deployment, speaking with the 3^rd Marine Air Wing Commanding General, or watching, as few people get to do, the aircraft of the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy fly, I feel proud to have met these incredible individuals who serve our country.

Photo of Grace 8 by David Budd

A few of our best photographs from this years races..

Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidential aircraft.

VC-121 Columbine II Air Force One.

The presidential call sign was established for security purposes during the administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The change stemmed from a 1953 incident where an Eastern Airlines  commercial flight (8610) had the same call sign as a flight the president was on (Air Force 8610). The aircraft accidentally entered the same airspace, and after the incident the unique call sign “Air Force One” was introduced for the presidential aircraft.

Eisenhower also introduced four other propeller  aircraft, the Lockheed C-121 Constellations (VC-121E) to presidential service. These aircraft were named Columbine II and Columbine III by Mamie Eisenhower after the columbine, the official state flower of Colorado, her adopted home state. Two Aero Commanders were also added to the fleet and earned the distinction of being the smallest planes ever to serve as Air Force One. President Eisenhower also upgraded Air Force One’s technology by adding an air-to-ground telephone and an air-to-ground teletype machine. Towards the end of Eisenhower’s term in 1958, the Air Force added three Boeing 707 jets  (as VC-137s designated SAM 970, 971, and 972), into the fleet. Eisenhower became the first president to use the VC-137 during his “Flight to Peace” Goodwill tour, from 3 December through 22 December 1959. He visited 11 Asian nations, flying 22,000 miles (35,000 km) in 19 days, about twice as fast as he would have on Columbine.

S/N 48-610 named *Colombine II* while used by President-elect Eisenhower in 1952. Leased to Pan Am as N9907F, then N9007E where it was transferred to govt of Thailand.  Returned to USAF Jun 1955.  Retired from USAF Apr 1968.  To Christler Flying Serivice as N9463. Now registered to Columbine II of Santa Fe, NM, where it has been parked since 1998 when it returned from an unsuccessful sale at    auction at Scottsdale, Arizona.

* Current registration – N9463
* Delivered to USAF November 1948 as C-121A 48-610
* Bailed to Lockheed Air Service for flights between MacArthur Field, NY and Keflavik, Iceland from January to November 1949
* To Lockheed, Burbank for conversion to a VC-121A in November 1949
* To 1254 ATS(SM) at Washington National Airport for VIP missions in February 1950
* Presidential aircraft “Columbine II” from November 1952 to November 1954 when replaced by VC-121E 53-7885
* Used as backup presidential aircraft until May 1955
* Operated by Pan American as N9907F “Clipper Fortuna” on special assignment to the Government of Thailand from May to June 1955
* Returned to the 1254 ATW/89 MAW and flew VIP missions for the remainder of its USAF career
* Retired by USAF and flown to Davis Monthan AFB for storage April 1968
* One of five VC-121A’s sold to Christler Flying Service at DoD auction on May 5, 1970
* Registered N9463 on July 10, 1970 but never converted to an agricultural sprayer. Used as a source of spares for Christler’s other four             aircraft

* Stripped of all useful spare parts and derelict at Desert Air Inc by the early 1980′s
* Moved to Allied Aircraft yard by January 1984 and back on nosewheel by February 1987
* Using parts from sister-ship N608AS, restored to flying condition by Mel Christler and Harry Oliver in 1989-90
* To “Columbine II Corporation” in January 1990 and made its first post-restoration flight on April 5, 1990
* Flew limited US air show circuit in 1990-91
* Stored at Santa Fe, NM until October 1998 when flown to Scottsdale, AZ and offered at auction for $1.5M
* No acceptable bids were received and aircraft returned to Santa Fe
* Flown to Avra Valley Airport near Tucson on May 4, 2003
* Advertised for sale in May 2005 for $3.2M
* Stored stored at Northwest Marana Regional Airport (Avra Valley Airport) in good condition September 2008

While sitting in the pilots seat..I wondered to myself who flew this wonderful aircraft and who had rank enough to be a Presidental pilot!!??

For a nice read…

http://www.air-and-space.com/Lockheed%20Constellation%20survivors.htm

About Lt. Col. Wiliiam Draper

http://www.patriotememorials.com/Patriot_e-Memorials/Draper,_Pictures.html

Team members of Photorecon had a rare opportunity to fly with the Arizona wing of the Air National Guards/ 161st Air Refueling Wing,197th ARS. Our flight with the “Copperheads” took place on December 11th, 2009. During our 2hr flight we experienced the dedication that this group offers up, helping to support “thirsty” aircraft, on missions around the world.Our team flew on board a KC135R a modernized version of the original KC-135, and experienced the awesome performance of the upgraded model.This aircraft #64-14831 with its newer engines and other upgrades got us to a region over southern Arizona, where we witnessed the refueling of a number of F-16 aircraft out of Luke AFB AZ. This was a most  memorable experience as the photos posted with this article will verify! Dr.Sky and Photorecon.net, salute the many brave and dedicated members of the Arizona Air National Guard, supporting our nation and its war fighters, in harms way.Here is a bit of history on this group:

A UNIT HISTORY OF “THE COPPERHEADS”

The Air National Guard was created as a separate and distinct organization to fill the need to retain combat experienced pilots and aircraft maintenance personnel. The 412th Fighter Squadron, a unit that had earned extensive combat flying honors in Europe was redesigned the 197th Fighter Squadron and on December 12, 1946 became the first unit of the Arizona Air National Guard.

The Korean Conflict Era

Nicknamed the “Copperheads,” the 197th and their F-51 “Mustang Fighters” soon became a familiar sight in the sky over Arizona. On February 1, 1951, the Copperheads were ordered into active Air Force service. Some Arizona fighter pilots went to Korea to fly combat missions. The majority of the unit’s personnel, because of their experience, were sent to bases in the U.S. and Japan to train new people entering the Air Force.

The federal government authorized the construction of a new base at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix for the Arizona unit. The prop-driven Mustangs were replaced by the new combat-tested F-86A “Saberjet” fighter. In early 1960, the Air Force selected three Air Guard units across the country to equip with the supersonic Lockheed F-104A “Starfighter.” The Copperheads, as a result of the national recognition as one of the best air defense units in the nation, were chosen to fly the new high performance jet fighter.

The Berlin Conflict

The Phoenix Air Guard was once again called into active service in November 1961 as the construction of the infamous “Berlin Wall” pushed the world to the brink of war. Within a month after mobilization, 750 personnel and 22 F-104 aircraft were in place in Germany as the unit took up flying daily patrol at the edge of the Iron Curtain.

With world tension easing, the Phoenix Air Guard returned home in August 1962. Military requirements resulted in an immediate change in mission the first time the massive bomber command integrated part-time units into its forces and mission. SAC also announced that Air Guard refueling units would begin to integrate a new craft into their inventories: a military version of the Boeing 707 airliner named the KC-135.

Supporting Operation Desert Storm

When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Air National Guard tanker units were quickly called into action. An around-the-clock airlift began to support the build up to the conflict, Operation Desert Shield.

Refueling was critical during the massive aircraft movement, the largest since World War II. Tankers and crews from the 161st were some of the first to arrive in Saudi Arabia. From the start and for the duration, tankers servicing the conflict left Phoenix weekly, loaded with maintenance and support technicians who worked in the Saudi Arabian desert up to 45 days, and in some cases more.

As the allies prepared to move against Iraq, Phoenix Air Guard crews, maintenance personnel, medics, fire fighters, security forces and food service technicians were dispatched to bases in Europe and the United States. Before the war in the Gulf was concluded more than two-thirds of the force assigned to the 161st Air Refueling Group had served on active duty in some capacity to support the Middle East effort.

The Present-day 161st

In 1994, 1995 and 1997 the unit deployed to Pisa, Italy where our tankers supported NATO operations in Bosnia. 1997 also saw the 161st facing challenges in the United Arab Emirates. The unit was vital to the success of Operation Deny Flight and Operation Southern Watch. October 1, 1995 marked another key change in the unit’s long history. The 161st Air Refueling Group was redesignated as the 161st Air Refueling Wing under the USAF Air Mobility Command (AMC).

1996 saw the Copperheads turn 50 years old. The unit celebrated with year round contests and a 50th Anniversary Celebration in December. Due to the expansion of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, plans were approved for construction on a new base in 1995.

Today, the new Phoenix Air Guard base is complete. The $60 Million project includes 275,000 square feet of facilities, pavement, infrastructure and aircraft runway surfacing.

The 161st sent about 130 personnel to Operation Northern Watch early in 1999. Based at Incirlik Airbase, Turkey, the unit supported flight operations within the northern no-fly zone over Iraq. Early in the second quarter of 1999, 161st Copperheads were quickly pressed into service over Kosovo for Operation Allied Force. Nearly 200 unit airmen served on active duty for about two months, flying 125 missions to offload almost 2.5 million gallons of fuel. The airmen returned to Phoenix in late June 1999.

Although not directly called as a unit the “Copperheads” played a vital role in support units during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003. Many Security Forces saw duty overseas directly supporting bases while maintenance and operations personnel were called to support the ongoing operations.

The USAF contracted with Boeing to place Pratt & Whitney JT-3D jet engines, enhancing the power and efficiency of the craft in early 1982, and re-dubbed the tanker the KC-135E. The engine modification is still the current standard and should last beyond the year 2000–making it one of the longest used airplanes in the history of military aviation. A Phoenix Air Guard tanker set a new fuel off-load record for the KC-135. Flying out of Edwards AFB, Calif. in late 1982, 161st KC-135E #1495 took off with a gross weight of 299,000 pounds, then refueled a B-1 bomber with a record 160,000 pounds of fuel. The refueling surpassed an earlier KC-135 record of 120,000 pounds.

In the ever-changing role of the Air National Guard, the 161st has positioned itself well to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With the constant threat from around the world, the unit is prepared to go wherever needed, whenever called upon. Meeting the challenges of today with the technology of tomorrow, the 161st Air Refueling Wing will continue to operate with the high standards set in its rich history.

Dave on top of Double Trouble Two P-51 Mustang

We heard that it is no longer called Avaition Nation but rather the Nellis AFB Open House. Something about budget cutting and no longer having Civilian Performers doing routines at a Military Base. Thanks Obama!!

Our very own Dave Budd was invited out to Mojave Space Port to photograph the Orbital L-1011 known as Stargazer”  This  aircraft is an L-1011 commercial transport aircraft modified to serve as the launch platform for Orbital’s air-launched Pegasus rocket as well as a platform for airborne research projects. The L-1011 has been used to successfully launch 32 Pegasus rockets as well as the captive carry flights of the X-34 reusable launch vehicle demonstrator. The aircraft has also been used to conduct various airborne research projects including the NASA Adaptive Performance Optimization (APO) project.

Dave  budd and his guest fellow photorgrapher Franz were very excited to witness the Stargazer L-1011 and crew perfoming some work up training and qaulification of flight crew members. Please check back soon as a full story and post of the great photos they captured will be posted here on photorecon.net.

The aircraft was not carrying the Pegasus rocket this time ,however seeing an L-1011 in this pristine condition was quite an event, Both dave and Franz got to tour the aircraft and photograph the flight deck. Photorecon hopes to photograph this aircraft and the Pegasus rocket at the next Rocket launch keep cheking back for updates.

On April 5, 1990, Orbital began a new era in commercial space flight when our Pegasus rocket was launched for the first time from beneath a NASA B-52 carrier aircraft in a mission that originated from Dryden Flight Research Center in California. In the decade since its maiden flight, Pegasus has become the world’s standard for affordable and reliable small launch vehicles. It has conducted 40 missions, launching over 80 satellites.

Orbital’s L-1011 airborne launch and research platform enhancements include:

* Fully equipped as an airborne platform providing power, data, video monitoring and telemetry transmission,
* Efficient design for rapid test equipment installation and removal,
* The unique external payload hook system can support an externally mounted pallet for aerial research equipment or for external release,
* Launch Panel Operator (LPO) station to monitor and control payload,
* Heres a link to Dave and Franz’s flicker photo streams. They will have some great photos of the visit posted.
* http://www.flickr.com/photos/davebudd/
* http://www.flickr.com/photos/contrailsnw/

http://www.orbital.com/SpaceLaunch/L1011/index.shtml

Cover of Air International

STILL RED HOT?

Bruce Hales-Dutton examines Virgin Atlantic Airways as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Mark Ayton contacts Dave Budd for use of one of his VS 747 landing shots at LAS. Mark has let on that it’s a two page featured shot in the VS article.

Walking thru the pits we came upon Kevin who was nice enough to stop and talk with us!!