EC-135 Davis Monthan AFB

[busesdeerandsound100]

I remember SMS Estep ???( something like that) I'll never forget Ralph Fryant and his "Press on with Pride". They were Great times

[okedoke1234]

@busesdeerandsound100 Check your inbox.

[busesdeerandsound100]

Now you've got me working my memory, trying to figure out all the OM-2 drivers...Zimmerman and Fryant were the two I remember most. If you were there in 86 and on I probably chatted with you a few times. I left (got out) in 1987 and came back home to Central Pa. I was there when the tailcone fell off 581. The first launch I was on headsets was 581 and it came back on fire. I was also on headsets when 581 blew an engine on takeoff for "C" glass. 581 didn't like me. I got out in Dec 1987.

[candlstudios]

I love how this guy keeps using the term "World War 3" like it would have been no big deal.

"Over on the right side of the bus you will see a plane that was meant to relay orders to turn the Soviet Bloc into glowing rubble."

It is pretty amazing to think about the arsenal this country amassed to keep the Soviets in check. Glod bless America.

[busesdeerandsound100]

Yes, this is an EC-135C model from Offutt. I do believe this this particular aircraft is tail #585. It's too bad it ended up there. My last plane that I was assigned to at Offutt crashed at Pope AFB., from a nose gear failure (8053) I have seen some of the old "C" models have been converted to other models. It Looks like Offutt has been overrun with RC's . We used to work both sides of the ramp with EC 's and RC's , But around 1985 I was moved to the EC side. I loved pulling Alert....

[okedoke1234]

@busesdeerandsound100 Hey busesdeerandsound - I was on Offutt flightline from 86 to 94 as one of the line officers, or OM-2. Started in FMS then OMS as OM-2 for a couple years, what a great job. I am still active duty Air Force now, going on 26 years. My time at Offutt was some of the best of my career. Remember when 62-3584 also went off the runway at Pope in 92? How about when 63-8054 #4 engine blew up on an engine run on the flighline? How about when -129 sat on it's nose?

[EC135CrewDog]

NOT a 707. The 135 came first, it was shorter and wider. 707's eventually were made the same width, while maintaining their additional length. I personally have in excess of five thousand hours on the Glass, as well as on B models.

[91Snyder]

@EC135CrewDog Actually the 367-80 came first which was the "707" prototype. All of the 707 variants including the 707-120, the 707-320 and the 720 were derived from this aircraft. The 135 is also based off of this aircraft. The 367-80 flew in 54 and the 135 and 707 flew in 57 and 58 respectively. The KC-135 was also shorter and narrower than the 707.

[SkiMaskTrooper]

yes, the real EC-135, not some shitty euro helicopter.

[Z0ne5ive]

@SkiMaskTrooper hehehe, agree totally...

[indyboom]

Well they are, Its a TACAMO mission mostly now, but notice there in ready condition. Can be reeinstated.

[cod4ever234]

You got to love the description ..... XD

[Originalbud55]

Cat was in my lap. I meant to say - It's hard to believe they're not needed anymore.

[Originalbud55]

I loved working on them babies in the early '70. It's hard they're not needed anymore.

Sgt. John Griffin, Air Force veteran.

[bbwbb2]

looks like a c model, I tracked down the tail number of the acft I was a crew chief on 86-88 ec 61-0297a model,it was scrapped in 91,or92,somwhere in this boneyard.

[brelandte]

Worked in in-shop at offutt from Dec 92 thru 95 then out to the flightline from then till I left for Guam in 98.

I barely remember Lopez.....?

Shout out to crew 1!!!!

[AirmanCylon401]

How Sad! I worked on the engines on EC + RC 135's (Pratt & Whitney TF-33: p-5, p-9, PW-102) at Offutt in the mid to late 80's in the 55FMS Jet Shop. Had more fun than I realized- chalk it up to being young + stupid. Should have stayed in, I would be retired now. Dang It!

[flyboybds]

Did you have the unfortunate experience of working with Nick Rodriguez, engine scheduler? I did, for two long agonizing years!

[AirmanCylon401]

No. Name doesn't sound familiar. I didn't know too many people outside the engine shop. Had my share of unfortunate experiences, though- one of them was named Manuel (Pepe) Lopez.

[flyboybds]

Lucky you, when I worked there as a scheduler (1992-1996), Nick was a civilian contractor working as the head engine scheduler. Our office was right there in the engine shop. I heard that Nick had been there for a really long time before I got there so I thought you might know him. Be glad you didn't! LOL

[Mat54hondekop]

Do you remember John?

[AirmanCylon401]

Wasn't he the guy that wore green all the time? And he had that hat that he wore on his head? I remember him. He was the one that had two eyes. And hands on the end of his arms. Yeah. Anyway- Shout out to crew 3 '85-'89 and mid shift!

[Mat54hondekop]

Do you remember John?

[flyboybds]

Uh that reminds me of an old joke . . . a sillyvillian walks up to an Air Force guy and says, "hey you know my friend John? he's in the Air Force! He's got short hair and stands about yeah tall . . . sound familiar?"

Just kiddin. Honestly I don't remember a John. I would have to know the last name!

[Mat54hondekop]

Do you remember John?

[19rocky71]

MIlitary designation is EC-135. I know I used to fly on it out of Offutt, AFB NE. Google EC-135 Looking Glass. But yes it's version of a 707.

[Mat54hondekop]

That's A 707!

[1hijax]

Just looks like one! A 707 that is structures wise it is very different and I wouldn't agree with the guy that this was a KC befote it was an RC or an EC. it came as it is and the engines don't look upgraded looks like an "A" model

[cali22boi]

All were built from the 367-80 model folks. not the 707. the 707 was als derived from the Dash 80. So...not the 707 but the 367-80.

[1hijax]

So true Boeing had forethought then! They need that now or they will be lost.

[Mat54hondekop]

I meant that it is a version of the 707!