They still exist physically (we have one here in New York at the Intrepid Museum) but are no longer operational. I think NASA still has one that they can make operational for atmospheric research, but they don't fly anymore.
There's also a nonoperational M-21 with its D-21 drone at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. The M-21 was the CIA's 2-seater cousin of the SR-71 and also called a Blackbird.
OT: What do the C-17 bubbas have against the C-5? There is a C-17 pilot on another forum who is always ripping on your old ride.
Jealousy? Because size matters.
Actually, probably because before the M-model conversion (new, bigger, more reliable motors), the C-5 broke a lot, like 30% of the time. Not in crappy places, though, in nice places, like Spain and Hawaii. We also didn't deploy like the C-17 bubbas, though I was still gone 270 days a year, they were just in 2 week chunks, instead of 2 month chunks. It is also a much smaller community, only 2 active duty squadrons when I was in, compared to probably 20ish C-17 squadrons, so we were a pretty tight-knit group, too.
Also, the C-17 guys would respond to "size matters" with "it doesn't matter how big it is if you can't get it up," referring to our not so great maintenance record at the time.
Thought all Buses had sidesticks though, is that a newer development?
Old development. The A300 was the first Airbus, and they hadn't switched to side sticks yet. It and the A310 are the only Buses with "standard" controls...
Old development. The A300 was the first Airbus, and they hadn't switched to side sticks yet. It and the A310 are the only Buses with "standard" controls...
Ahh... didn't know those were still flying anywhere 😉
Thread resurrection. I was looking for a thread to post these pictures and came across @JFingers thread. Pretty awesome. Hope this is okay to post here.
Just picked up these autographs and a flown flag. Very pleased as it's as close as I will ever get to mach 3.
Wherever you are JFingers, I hope you're enjoying the ride and living large.
Same here, thanks for the resurrection. Didn't know this thread before and the pics on page one and the stories around (thanks for your transparancy @JFingers ) it! Love it all!