Warbird Information Exchange

Group,

Friday I stopped by the Edwards AFB, museum and talked to the director about the B-58. The aircraft belongs the the museum, and they would like to get it moved in and restored but lack funding and manpower to do the job.

They would welcome anyone who has the resources (and would like to donate them) to get the plane moved from its current location to main base for storage, restoration and eventual display.

Laterrrrrrr
Avn-Tech

TrangleP,

I did inquire about going out to the aircraft with one of the staff. I left a business card and asked them to call, so I could tag along on their next visit to the aircraft.

My understanding is that it is located in a restrected area.

Laterrrr
Avn-tech

Looking at photos post on ARC there are not any tires. Not even wheels. That po B-58 is in sad shape.

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Had God intended for man to fly behind inline engines, Pratt & Whitney would have made them.

CB

http://www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/Desrt_Wings.html

If it's in a restricted area, it must not have much security. Didn't someone on the last thread about this airplane show a link to someone who rode their motorcycles out to the airplane and crawl all over it? Or am I thinking of a different airplane?

Gary

Here's the link I was talking about.........

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forum ... did=176587

Is this the same airplane that's in the restricted area???

Gary

Retroaviation,

Yes, it is the same plane and it is in poor condition.

Just because you can get there, does not mean you are supposed to be there. The planes are located on one of the ranges at Edwards AFB, which by nature is restricted access(as most bases are).

I only checked on the plane, because it is local and there was discussion about it on the form about a month ago. Just trying to get answers for the inquiring minds.

Laterrrrrrr
Avn-Tech

I wasn't trying to rain on your parade there. Sorry if it came across that way. I sincerely thought it was odd that if it was in a restricted area, that folks would be bold enough to put pictures of themselves on the ol' Internet, especially while trespassing on Government property.

It is definitely an interesting machine, and I certainly appreciate you trying to get more answers. If you hear anything else about it, please be sure to let us know.

Gary

Avn: When you talk to them, since they need wheels, have them check the main wheel bearing ID from an F-16 main and see if it's the same. The original prototype F-16's used B-58 wheels. If I remember correctly, the axle OD's are the same. If the ID isn't correct, it may be possible to find suitable bearings to use with timed out F-16 mains.

When I redid the tires and wheels on the one here in Fort Worth, we didn't get rid of the set of tires we removed. We put them in storage as insurance in case we had a failure in our tow to Meacham Field. I don't know if Lone Star got them or not.

CVairworks,

I will pass that along to the director next week as I pass through Edwards AFB. It is mid way between my home (Lancaster) and my hangers (California City). Since I am in the Ca Air Guard, I pass through Edwards to shop, hair cuts, Ect.

I don't know if the airframe is in good enough condition to tow. But it would be nice to get wheels back on it. May need to build a cradle to support the fuselage to tow it through the desert to a road.

I am sure that towing it would reduce the cost considerably.

Laterrrrr
Avn-Tech

what about one of those GREAT big helicopters, just lift it back to the museum area, use it for training. that would do it.

Tex-Fan,

According to the diorector, the Marine corps was looking at doing that with an HH-53. But then the Squadorn transfered out of Edwards. It may still be able to be arranged, but would take lots of cordination to get done.

May be easier to see if Erickson, would donate a helicopter and do it. Even then getting base permission to overfly with a sling load may be a deal breaker.

Laterrrrr
Avn-Tech

I get to go to some pretty interesting places in my line of work. One of the places I've spent a bit of time at is Edwards. You have to go outside of the South Gate and along the frontage road. Snoopy is not too far off the road just inside the PIRA.







There is a TON of cool stuff to see there!

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Red

Those are great photos, thanks for sharing them.

Anybody have any close-up photos of the derelict B-47 at Edwards?? I used to drive by it on my way to work on the ball-turret 747 but the rules were so strict at that time I didn't want to chance getting out of my car or photographing anything. They basically told us at orientation that if we walked over a red line on the pavement we would be shot!

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Searching for B-29A-55-BN 44-61966 photo and history!

Just to add my two cents worth, here is a map and list of airframes on the Edwards range...
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - Edwards AFB - Radar and Photo Range

If anyone can add to this list, provide serials, etc. please let me know.

Mike

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Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.

As stripped and weary as the B-58 may be, she STILL looks like she's going Mach 2!