T-38 arrived at Huntsville

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T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by p51 »

I had no idea they were bringing in another NASA T-38 to Huntsville until just the other day, looks like it just got there and I assume it’ll set up there soon: http://www.spacecamp.com/gallery/thumbn ... ?album=260
I don’t think it’s a real NASA bird, though. I’ve read it was at a museum in El Paso and that used to be a USN bird. Also, the civilian designation of N999NA seen on those photos is the very end of the series allotted to NASA aircraft, I don’t think they numbered their T-38s that far into that number range.
The STA aircraft is detined for the Pathfinder area, but no clue on when it'll arrive as it's in sections in another part of the state right now with no ETO for Huntsville...
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by SpaceCanada »

I saw the T38's arrival too, although I wasn't sure where it came from or where it's final destination (on USSRC property) would be. I always wonder why the canopy/glazing is painted too - incomplete or damaged cockpit? Irregardless of where it came from or whether it ever was a NASA bird, it's still something I look forward to seeing on campus in October. T38s are very sleek and elegant planes that play(ed?) a big part in the astronaut programme. (CF-18s will always be my favourite aircraft!)
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by p51 »

SpaceCanada wrote:I always wonder why the canopy/glazing is painted too - incomplete or damaged cockpit?
SpaceCanada wrote:(CF-18s will always be my favourite aircraft!)
That's a common way to coat canopy materials in climates with strong sun. A desert will suck the oily qualities right out of that material and gets brittle and yellowed.
As for CF-18s, I called in a training airstrike with some CAF hornets once. Good bunch. Remind me to tell about my F-18 ride if we ever meet... :mrgreen:
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Steve »

I will be at the center Tuesday this week, I will take some more pictures of T-38. Hopefully I will get some good shots. :lol:
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Dyna-Soar »

A few photos I shot this afternoon:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater
(hopefully the link works)
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by p51 »

Anyone have a clue where the permanent location for the T-38 is gonna be?
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by airkale »

Hows the mounting of the A-12 coming? Anyone know if this is moving forward?
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by street »

p51 wrote:Anyone have a clue where the permanent location for the T-38 is gonna be?
It is currently displayed beside Pathfinder. As soon as the mounting is ready it will be moved closer to the Astrotrek building, about 25 feet from it's present location.
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by street »

airkale wrote:Hows the mounting of the A-12 coming? Anyone know if this is moving forward?
I totally missed this question! The area where the A-12 is to be mounted has been marked off with posts. It's going to be quite an impressive display. You'll know you've arrived at the USSRC when you see it!

Meanwhile, the T-38 was placed this week. While it was being hoisted a T-38 flew overhead! I didn't get a shot of it, but someone else did, so hopefully that shot will be posted on the FB page or elsewhere soon. Meanwhile, here's a snap of the mounting activity and one I took this morning.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by airkale »

Thanks for the update!
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by p51 »

Where and how will the A12 be mounted? Any idea of a timeframe for this?
I'll be back that way in the fall this year, I assume it'll all be complete by then?
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Dyna-Soar »

They are going to put the back end on it, right?
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by p51 »

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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Steve »

I am glad they got it mounted, looking forward to see it up close. Anyone going soon could put on the forum would be real good to see.
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Hotdog »

Here are some images I took on Saturday of the T-38. It looks so much bolder mounted at this angle and complements the Pathfinder well.

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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by p51 »

Wow, it reminds me of the two that are stuffed and mounted at the JSC visitor center in Houston: http://www.militaryaircraft.de/pictures ... 67_800.jpg
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Dyna-Soar »

The USSRC posted this on Facebook earlier:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Steve »

Awesome picture. Glad to see the bird up!!
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by airkale »

Whats the large object behind the T-38? Looks like the mounting points for the SSME's. Never seen this before. Wasn't there a space station simulator in that area before?

Also I see they have an engine under the right side of the stack.
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Re: T-38 arrived at Huntsville

Post by Hotdog »

That's the boat tail of the MPTA-098, "Main Propulsion Test Article". Or, what's left of it anyway. It was used along with the Pathfinder's external tank to test fire all three SSME's. Then, in the late 80's it was converted into the Shuttle-C mockup. The boat tail portion is all that remains of it.

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