Herk to NMUSAF

[StangStung]

Looks like the folks in Dayton have settled upon a C-130 to add to the collection:

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123268312

[The Inspector]

Excellent choice

[Ztex]

http://www.troopcarrier.org/spare617.html

[StangStung]

I'm a little surprised that after all the talk about different C-130s that coulda/shoulda been picked there hasn't been more chatter on this one. I guess everyone's in agreement?

[raconnel]

Off on a tangent - Is there a "Roman nose" Herk preserved anywhere? Seems a shame if not.

Richard

[APG85]

Off on a tangent - Is there a "Roman nose" Herk preserved anywhere? Seems a shame if not.

Richard

No. A couple survive in horrible shape in Tucson aviation scrapyards but none are of museum quality display standards now.

There are so many "historical" Herc's out there it's difficult to pick a plane to save. The Combat Talons all have unique histories for example. Unfortunately, Herc's are special to a limited audience (as are almost every plane) so you can't save them all. Heck, I've been "beaten-up" in this forum for suggesting that a specific/significant Herc be saved...

[StangStung]

A little but of update with some nice pics:

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123268669

[Ken]

At this point, any slick E-model would be fine, but I'm pleased they picked one with a history. I assume some extra research could have produced an airframe with time logged in SE Asia, Grenada, Panama, Bosnia, and the Middle East, but no doubt, this bird is an honorable one.

The kicker of the news story mentions that it'll be headed to the "Air Park", ie. outdoors. Seems a darn shame as they deteriorate too quickly when left idle outside. This generates additional work when it comes time to bring it inside. Work costs $ and, in some cases, alters the time capsule nature of a fresh arrival. The ideal would be to pickle the appropriate systems and roll it inside immediately.

Bottom line, glad the Museum has a slick no matter where she sits. Countless visitors have either flown, worked on, rode in, or jumped out of that beauty - it's a story that will e better told with her presence.

Ken

[mustangdriver]

I think it is great! Also I don't think it will be outdoors very long at all if ever. It is heading to the new building which I believe breaks ground in the next month or so. It will be in the shops for a while so the most it may be outside is a few months. That is not too bad. I agree with Ken that I wish it could just roll right into the display building.

[Steve Nelson]

the new building which I believe breaks ground in the next month or so

That's some great news! The wife and I are planning a visit to the NMUSAF the first weekend in October. Obviously the new building won't be done yet, but it'd be great if this visit is the last time we ever have to waste a big chunk of the day going through the security dog and pony show and taking the bus over to the Annex...excuse me, Presidential/Flight Test Hangars.

SN

[Misterg97]

[quote="mustangdriver"] It is heading to the new building which I believe breaks ground in the next month or so.]

Not really ... contracts to go out for bid in 2012 in hopes of the building being completed in 2014 ... That's the last I heard ..

[Steve Nelson]

Still...good to hear that the expansion plans are still on track.

SN

[mustangdriver]

Your timeline is more accurate Jerry. I heard fall of 2011, but that was early this year. Either way it will be great to get the whole collection indoors.