And so, after a good three hours in the NASM, it was time to step back into 2012, with the rest of the afternoon spent by the photo spot I had noticed earlier, by a couple of FBO’s. This was a good spot to shoot the busy ramps with frequent biz-jet movements, as well as a runway being used for a few arrivals and departures. First thing seen here, and thankfully parked in a good position for shots, were a pair of NASA T-38N’s (N955NA & N967NA), which were here prior to tomorrows events. As well a good amount of US biz, which included an always welcome Westwind (N36SF), there was also German Falcon 900 D-AZEM.

DAY 2 TUESDAY 17th APRIL 2012

The big day arrived, and the quiet before the storm, with an early start to get into the NASM car park as the queues of cars were already backing up prior to opening at 8am. A wise decision by those to get in early, with the predictable jams later when the car park became full, and nearby roads being blocked and closed by police. The big event then… NASA B747SCA (Shuttle Carrier Aircraft) N905NA carrying Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) were due at around 10am, with Discovery to become part of the NASM, following her retirement in 2011, along with the rest of the Shuttle fleet.
Following the attempts by quite a few organisations to attain a retired Shuttle for display, not surprisingly the NASM were granted Discovery, being the most historic and famous of the remaining Shuttles, which would be taking the place of Enterprise in the museum. Following de-mating from the 747SCA, there was a big ceremony planned for the 19th, when Discovery & Enterprise would be placed nose to nose outside the NASM, with many famous astronauts etc in attendance. Discovery would then be rolled into her new home, with Enterprise then loaded onto the same 747SCA for her journey to New York JFK, and onward to the USS Intrepid museum. Of the other two remaining Shuttles, Atlantis (which flew the final Shuttle mission) will remain at KSC (Kennedy Space Centre) at a new display, while Endeavour will be flown to Los Angeles for eventual display at the CSC (California Science Centre). This last chance to see a Shuttle in the air, carried by the NASA 747SCA, is currently planned for 20-21 September, with no doubt huge crowds expected at LAX for the landing.
The very controversial allocation of the Shuttles, seemed to be based on the number of potential future visitors/tourists to each location, rather than the connection with the Shuttle program. New York obviously gets a lot of visitors, although an aircraft carrier museum there seems an odd place for Enterprise (plus the negative press they have had with their treatment of the BA Concorde there), so attracted criticism. The LA museum is not exactly seen as a famous site, though in choosing a West Coast location, the benefit of public access there is obviously easier than having Endeavour on display at either Edwards AFB or Palmdale, which both have a huge connection to the program. So, the two biggest losers in the process were seen as Houston, who will just get the full size replica ‘Explorer’ from KSC (while losing their Shuttle Trainer to Seattle), while the National Museum of the USAF at Wright-Patterson will get nothing (after the USAF’s major involvement with the program).

Back at the NASM, with the time approaching and the crowds getting bigger, the location at the car park was not actually ideal, facing the sun. So, after some tactful words with the police in attendance, I was given permission (after quoting my ‘media’ access) to walk under the approach and shoot the landing from the East side, standing just off the highway slip lane (which was closed off). This great elevated spot, from where the touchdown would be visible, was also attracted by around ten other photographers/media. In the end though, the crowds gathering on the opposite side of the highway, were getting so big that the police relented and let them all through! Our ‘exclusive’ spot was then over-run by around a thousand people in the end, with all attempts to keep them behind the ‘media line’ giving way to chaos! To be honest though, it didn’t really spoil the shots and the atmosphere was ‘electric’. After catching the final launch of Discovery on mission STS-133 in February 2011, I can only compare that and now this experience, to maybe the final Concorde flights at Heathrow back in October 2004, with the thousands of people present around 27R on that famous day. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm (and emotion) when it comes to aircraft! For proud Americans, this is their ‘Concorde moment’… a last chance to see a loved classic, shamefully retired early, the like of it never to be seen again. With the (loss of) national pride added to the mix of emotions, knowing of the need to now rely on the Russians (of all people) to get astronauts up to the ISS, we have the ‘blame game’. Can’t put it on the French this time, nor Obama as some would like to… sorry Mr Bush, this is your doing!

And so, after the on-time departure from KSC at 0655, ‘Pluto 95’ came into view for the first low pass at Dulles, on runway 1R as expected. Accompanied by T-38 chase plane N967NA ‘Pluto 98’, which had launched earlier (along with N955NA ‘Pluto 99’), the formation then headed off for low passes at various points around Washington, including along the Mall to the White House. After around 40 minutes, they returned for a second low pass, followed by a wide circuit and landing. Wow! Certainly plenty of chances for some great shots, though only later did I realise ‘what happened to the DC-9?’! N932NA ‘Weightless Wonder VI’ (or ‘Vomit Comet’) was the lead aircraft (‘pathfinder’) for the flight, but had sneaked in on another runway (1L probably) unnoticed! Can’t complain though!
As for N905NA, this is now the only NASA B747SCA, following the retirement of N911NA in February of this year, which went to Palmdale to be used for parts to keep the two remaining NASA B747’s airworthy: N905NA and B747SP N747NA ‘SOFIA’ (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). A common question about N905NA is… what will happen to it after the final Shuttle ferry flight? The reliable answer seems to be: not retired, but used as the proficiency aircraft for the SOFIA crew, and for any follow on NASA or other projects (such as the recent Boeing Phantom Ray UAV flights). A nice touch, just before the Discovery ferry flight, was the application of ‘mission marks’ next to the crew door on the forward right side, showing how many ferry flights for each Shuttle (including the 5 ‘Free Flights’ with Enterprise), as well as the names of the crew for this Dulles flight on the nose. Of course, N905NA is one of the oldest B747’s still flying, being the 86th -100 series built almost 42 years ago (the oldest is the 5th built, still used by the Iranian AF!). However, after being very well maintained and with very few hours on the airframe, it will hopefully continue flying for many years to come.

After the landing, my intention was to shoot off straight away, and I had decided not to stay in Washington for the ceremony and Enterprise’s departure (which was then weather delayed anyway). After ‘fighting’ my way out then, the plan was to head straight to Baltimore BWI (just over 50 miles to the NE) for the rest of the day, chasing more classics at BWI and the surrounding area.

My main reason for visiting BWI is the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems test facility (previously Westinghouse) based there. The company undertakes major work on various radar and other systems, with current work centred on the AESA fire control radar for the F-35 (the AN/APG-81). Test aircraft involved here include the ‘biggest’ operational fleet of BAC1-11’s now… two aircraft! In fact, this will soon become one, with only N164W continuing (on F-35 and other work) for a few more years yet. Of the others, N162W is due for retirement this Summer, following N161NG which was flown to Mojave in January this year. These aircraft have been heavily modified over the years, with different nose cones and radar fairings, and are joined by other aircraft here, including a bare metal Sabre 40 with an F-16 nose cone (which is also used as a chase plane). The current status of the B737 test beds here is not confirmed, though there were certainly one or two operating quite recently.

As well as these classics, BWI is also well known as having a nice observation area, just over the perimeter road, which is perfect for shots of aircraft landing on runway 33L. This is the main (mostly used) landing runway, and ideal for shots in the afternoon when the sun gets around. As well as the usual major carriers, Southwest and Air Tran are very busy here, providing a bit more interest, with the special schemes and knowing Air Tran will be gone soon, with their B737’s merged into Southwest and the B717’s likely sold (to Delta maybe?). Special schemes seen today included B717 N949AT ‘Orlando Magic’ and B737’s N647SW ‘Triple Crown’ (a -300 with blended winglets, dedicated to the employees for winning 3 awards over 5 consecutive years) & N214WN ‘Maryland One’ (suitably arriving at her home state).

BWI is also quite busy with cargo flights and biz-jet movements, as well as US military charters operated by North American and World Airways etc. One such aircraft, still present here, WFU (but could have been worse) is ex World DC-10 N139WA. This was involved in a nasty incident three years ago, when arriving on a US military charter from Ramstein with more than 150 service members on board, suffered a very hard landing. This resulted in damage to the undercarriage as well as structural damage to the fuselage, with the aircraft later declared a W/O. After being stripped of useful parts, it is still present in ex ATA colours with the World titles and tail logo painted out.
As for the Northrop test flights… well, that’s down to luck if any will be seen. I had planned in two full afternoons here, but as always ‘you win some, you lose some’ as they remained elusive. It’s difficult to say how often they fly, but a guess would be only once or twice a week, so more time will have to be spent here in the future when possible.
 

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY 18th APRIL 2012

The first day of bad weather, which started off overcast and produced a downpour in the afternoon. Today's plan was to head straight to Baltimore-Martin State Airport (to the North East), followed by a long drive NW up to Hagerstown, with the afternoon back at BWI, before a flight out later. Due to more time than expected spent at Martin (plus the dodgy weather), i decided to give Hagerstown a miss in the end. This is the site of the old Fairchild factory, with a small museum there having a Fairchild C-82A Packet & C-119G Boxcar. In addition there are a couple of retired B727’s and a Dak among other things, so is well worth a visit… another time.

Martin State Airport then, is the site of the old Martin factory, and now home to the Maryland Aviation Museum, which deals with everything to do with the Martin Aircraft company. This includes my main reason to visit, a rare fully intact Martin 404, N259S preserved in Systems International Airways colours. This sits alongside a handful of other aircraft, not in great condition, including a couple of Martin-built RB-57A Canberra’s, and are only accessible via arrangement with the museum, being located airside.
Elsewhere, the friendly FBO/Operations building area is a great location to shoot from (after asking, as there is no fence!), with a few GA & biz-jets present. Highlight was the unusual Twin Otter N94AR, which arrived and departed. This is a VistaLiner conversion (with large windows), previously operated by Scenic Airlines for Canyon flights, but now has a large pod/sensor hanging below the nose, with ‘Airborne Research’ and ‘Experimental’ markings. Interesting.
In addition, the airport also hosts the Maryland ANG on the Northern side of the runway. The 175th Wing operates the A-10C, with seven noted under the shelters, as well as the C-27J (two noted). The latter have recently replaced the C-130J here (which was the first unit to operate the type). A request to photograph these aircraft at the base gate was declined.

And so, from here it was straight back to BWI, with most of the afternoon spent chatting with a local photographer, with the camera kept out of the rain and no smokey 1-11’s on approach! Then, after returning the rental car, it was onto DL1525 to Atlanta, operated by MD-88 N967DL, departing at 1910 for the 1.30HR flight, landing at 2040. After a quick connection, it was then onto DL5345 to Shreveport, operated by a CRJ-200, departing at 2215 for the 1.30HR flight, landing at 2245L. Then, after collecting the rental car, it was a short drive to the hotel in Bossier City, located about half a mile outside the main gate at Barksdale AFB… home of the Buff!

DAY 4 THURSDAY 19th APRIL 2012

Barksdale is the main B-52 base, with the 2nd Bomb Wing (coded LA) having three squadrons, and the AFRC 917th Wing (BD) having one reserve squadron (other B-52’s are operated by the 5BW (MT) at Minot, North Dakota). Also within the 917th here is an A-10 squadron (also BD), which adds futher interest to this mega-base. 2012 is a special year for the Buff, being the 60th anniversary of the first flight (15th April), and 50 years since the last was made (22nd June).
Being of such importance, the base has a lot of ‘clout’ within the USAF, so usually puts on a high quality airshow, with many quality aircraft… especially the ‘heavy stuff’! I had arrived early, in time to catch the airshow arrivals, and the hope of shooting as many Buffs as possible.
The first day here then, and great weather (not a cloud in the sky all day), with the petrol station right outside the main gate being a perfect and very easy photo spot for landing aircraft (in the morning, when landing from the North). As good as it was, i wished I was down at the take off end, as after a couple of hours, around ten B-52’s (and a pair of A-10’s) had taken off! What a sight and sound… but no shots! Apparently, that South East area off the base is all out of bounds to the public, so such departure shots in the morning would not be possible anyway. Shame. Also, knowing the kind of mission that Buffs operate, non of these would probably not be back anytime soon!
However, for some reason a single B-52 then departed the other way (I guess he requested it, as the wind was fairly still), which turned out to be the rare test aircraft 60-0031/OT of the 49TES/53Wg. A great start after all, and quickly followed by the first inbounds… the pair of based A-10’s had returned, and were joined in the circuit by a pair of smokey classics! Not one, but two Phantoms from the 82ATRS/53WEG at Tyndall in Florida, inbound for the airshow. This last USAF unit to operate the F-4, in the aerial target role, had provided F-4E 74-0643 & QF-4E 74-1638 for the show. Phantastic!
Next up was some heavy metal, with C-17A 90-0535 from the AFRC at Wright-Patterson, followed by TC-135S 62-4133/OF, the Cobra Ball trainer from the 55Wg at Offutt, painted with the mat black right wing and engine nacelles (as on the real Cobra Ball’s). Three of the earlier departed Buffs then returned, with the OT test aircraft, followed by 61-0012/LA and 61-0020/LA (‘20BS Buccaneers’) with ‘The Big Stick’ nose art, featuring a caveman.
With the sun straight down the runway around mid-day, i then decided to visit the Eighth Air Force Museum, located on the West side of the airfield, to get that done while the weather was good. Around 30 aircraft are displayed here, all outside, including an SR-71 and RAF Vulcan. From here, some of the B-52 hangars and active flightline is very close, including 60-0016/LA which appears to be WFU in a very faded light grey colour, though is reported as still active?!
While at the museum, a couple of Buffs returned, while the Thunderbirds F-16’s arrived, and carried out their familiarization practice before landing. So from here it was back to the landing end for the rest of the day, with a spot found on the West side of the final approach for landing shots. As well as the arrival and practice by the Black Diamond Jet Team of 4 L-39’s and a Mig-15, and a demo flight by two-seater Thunderbird 7, another two Buffs returned, with 61-0036/LA & 61-0016/LA hitting the circuit.

DAY 5 FRIDAY 20th APRIL 2012

Day 2 at Barksdale and a change in the weather, with only a few breaks in the cloud and some thunderstorms later. Also, it seems the Buffs had their final flying day (until after the airshow) yesterday, as non flew today, with just more airshow arrivals inbound. These started with C-5B 86-0018 from the AFRC at Westover, followed by Dyess B-1B 85-0090/DY, L-29 N199DM (in a blue & white camo scheme), N66671 Cessna T-50 (UC-78B from 1943, painted as US Army 43-32549), Randy Ball in his Mig-17F (LIM-5) N217SH/1611, Vance T-38C 68-8171/VN, WC-130H 65-0980 with no unit marks (reported from 105AS at Nashville?), US Navy F/A-18F 166639/AJ-213 of VFA-213 ‘Blacklions’ and EC-130H 73-1588/DM from Davis Monthan. Then some serious smoke on approach, but not a Buff… a ‘real’ B707 in J-Stars E-8C 97-0200/GA, followed by B-17G N900RW/44-87518 from the Lone Star Flight Museum at Galveston, Texas (painted as 42-38050/BN-U ‘Thunder Bird’), Little Rock C-130J-30 07-46311 ‘The Rock’, KC-135R 63-8024 from the AFRC at March, WC-130J 96-5300 ‘Hurricane Hunters’ from the AFRC at Keesler (named ‘Spirit of Gulfport’, which suitably arrived during a lightning storm!) and B-25J N25YR/43-27868/8U ‘Yellow Rose’ from the CAF at Harlingen, Texas.

DAY 6 SATURDAY 21st APRIL 2012

‘Defenders Of Liberty’ Airshow day, and a plan to get in as early as possible, get all the shots and get out, to catch some of the flying display from outside the perimeter. My flight out of Shreveport and onto the UK was around tea time, so obviously didn’t want to get stuck in any airshow traffic.
The quick, early entrance into the show went well and the first surprise was the public parking right in front of the B-52 flightline, with a lot of the operational aircraft lined up, perfect for a shot! In addition, there was further aircraft parked close enough to the static area, at the Southern end. Buff heaven! Two further B-52’s were in the static, with 60-0001/LA having ‘Memphis Belle IV’ nose art, fully loaded with external stores, and 61-0008/BD of the AFRC, with ‘11 Sep 01 FDNY We Remember’ nose art.
Of the other static, not already mentioned as arriving, the highlight had to be B-2A 88-0331/WM ‘Spirit of South Carolina’ (with subtle tiger marks and ‘Invisible Defenders’ unit logo on the MLG doors)… when did that sneak in?! From the same unit was T-38A 66-8402/WM ‘509th Follow Us’, while of similar vintage was Jet Provost T4 N204JP (ex XR701). Also, two new choppers present were UH-72A Lakota 07-72015 from nearby Fort Polk, in a nice ‘wrap around’ aggressor camo scheme, and even newer AW139M demonstrator N212YS.
After getting out of the show then, and parking back at the same spot for landing shots for a couple of hours, it wasn’t long before the flying display commenced… and what a way, as a local B-52 was heading down the approach in formation with a B-2A! 82-1066/WM ‘Spirit of America’ then split off and carried out a few solo passes, before heading off without landing. This was infact the first B-2 built and first flown (on 17/7/89), being used as a test aircraft until being WFU in 1993. After modification to operational standard, it was later delivered to Whiteman in July 2000.
Barksdale certainly lived up to expectations with all those classic Buffs being an awesome sight and sound. Obviously, the airshow is the time to go, for a lot more tasty stuff besides, and I’ll certainly be back. How many shows feature so many bombers? Not just all those B-52’s, but a B-1B, TWO B-2A’s, a B-17 & B-25 (B-29 ‘Fifi’ was also due, but didn’t make it for some reason). At the moment, the Barksdale show remains every year (with other shows going once very two years now), with next years’ on the same weekend as the Langley show. Sounds like a plan!
And so, arriving at Shreveport in plenty of time, after the 20 minute drive, I had chance to have a look around this small regional airport. A couple of biz-jets and FedEx ATR-72 N807FX got worked, before returning the rental and checking in for Heathrow. First flight was AA2933 to Dallas DFW, operated by an ERJ-145LR, departing at 1740 for the short flight, landing 35 minutes later at 1815. Connection was then onto AA078 to Heathrow, operated by B777-200 N792AN, off at 2000 and landing 8.15HR later at 1015L.

Part 2 to follow, hopefully next weekend…

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