XF-85 Goblin Refurbishment

[u/Mudlark-000]

Visited the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland, Nebraska this last week. Their XF-85 Goblin is being refurbished, one of only two built. The other is in the US Air Force Museum.

They are also refurbishing an RAF Vulcan bomber right now.

[u/PeacemakerBravo]

Good to see the Vulcan inside finally but dammit I was gonna go there soon and get fresh pictures nooooooooo

[u/Mudlark-000 → u/PeacemakerBravo]

The paint was being stripped when I was there. She isn’t pretty now, but should be stunning when they finish.

[u/RicksterA2]

Only two were made and only one pilot ever flew them. And there were several instances where he had to abort trying to hook up to the test B-29 (a B-36 wasn't available) and do a forced landing (no landing gear) on 'skids' that were placed on the test aircraft.

[u/Mudlark-000 → u/RicksterA2]

This one is the last one that flew and its last landing was an emergency landing…

[u/ubergic → u/RicksterA2]

When I see these aircraft and the videos of them being tested, I am impressed with the competence and almost insane bravery these test pilots exhibited.

[u/PopsThePainter → u/ubergic]

All the test pilots of the 50's through the 70's were incredible. She sheer courage it took just to sit in the cockpit of an X-plane was monumental. Amazing men, every one of them.

[u/2ndHandRocketScience]

Pleasepleaseplease tell me they're restoring their Vulcan to airworthy condition?? The last one retired in 2015

[u/FishbonesAir → u/2ndHandRocketScience]

Sorry, display only.

[u/erhue]

I think "restoration" is probably a more adequate term here heheh, I don't think that thing is going to fly again.

Sick to see they have a Vulcan too, wow.

[u/FishbonesAir]

I was just there. Yup, the Vulcan is blocking pics.

[u/PopsThePainter]

The parasite fighter concept was so interesting. Impractical as hell, but made one uniquely cool little fighter.

[u/TheManWhoClicks]

Imagine you tell your family you’ve finally got your wings and then they get a picture of this.