Support Aircraft at Lincoln AFB
In addition to the main aircraft operated at the base, namely the B-47 and KC-97, Lincoln required smaller transport aircraft to support its needs. A SAC aero club was also located on base offering flight lessons to those interested using smaller "hobby" aircraft such as the Piper Cub.
The U-6A Beaver
Utilized primarily to support the 551st Strategic Missile Squadron, this smaller single-engined transport often lifted missile crews to and from the silos. Small airstrips were constructed near the silos so that the aircraft could land. Initially H-19 (needs confirmation) helicopters were utilized but the Beaver was introduced to offer a more economical and robust transport.
The Beaver often transported crews to Nebraska City, Beatrice, York and Brainard (unsure of other sites, this requires a 551st SMS member to confirm these). A memorable incident occurred in November 1964 when a U-6 collided with power lines near the Nebraska City Atlas missile site and crashed claiming the lives of all on board.
Utilized primarily to support the 551st Strategic Missile Squadron, this smaller single-engined transport often lifted missile crews to and from the silos. Small airstrips were constructed near the silos so that the aircraft could land. Initially H-19 (needs confirmation) helicopters were utilized but the Beaver was introduced to offer a more economical and robust transport.
The Beaver often transported crews to Nebraska City, Beatrice, York and Brainard (unsure of other sites, this requires a 551st SMS member to confirm these). A memorable incident occurred in November 1964 when a U-6 collided with power lines near the Nebraska City Atlas missile site and crashed claiming the lives of all on board.
The C-45
A military variant of the Beech 18 small transport, this aircraft is mentioned at least once in the annals of Lincoln Air Force Base history. Two officers flew one of these aircraft to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota to retrieve an organ transplant for a needy recipient in Lincoln, creating a small public relations coup for the Air Force. Its unknown if this aircraft flew specifically with SAC or was a private aircraft. Wikipedia notes that the C-45 was employed by SAC and utilized until 1963.
A military variant of the Beech 18 small transport, this aircraft is mentioned at least once in the annals of Lincoln Air Force Base history. Two officers flew one of these aircraft to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota to retrieve an organ transplant for a needy recipient in Lincoln, creating a small public relations coup for the Air Force. Its unknown if this aircraft flew specifically with SAC or was a private aircraft. Wikipedia notes that the C-45 was employed by SAC and utilized until 1963.
The B-25 Mitchell
The same bomber made famous by the Doolittle mission over Tokyo in 1942 was flown at Lincoln AFB for a few years. The overall impact of this aircraft at Lincoln is unknown and additional information pertaining to it is welcomed.
The same bomber made famous by the Doolittle mission over Tokyo in 1942 was flown at Lincoln AFB for a few years. The overall impact of this aircraft at Lincoln is unknown and additional information pertaining to it is welcomed.
The C-47 Skytrain
Another famous World War II veteran, the C-47 supported medium transport needs at Lincoln for many years. In fact the last C-47 wasn't phased out of Air Force service until 1972.
Another famous World War II veteran, the C-47 supported medium transport needs at Lincoln for many years. In fact the last C-47 wasn't phased out of Air Force service until 1972.
The U-3 "Blue Canoe" (Cessna 310)
At least one of these aircraft was operated by base flight during the 1960s (as reported through 307th Bomb Wing history). Probably utilized for light transport/liaison duties.
At least one of these aircraft was operated by base flight during the 1960s (as reported through 307th Bomb Wing history). Probably utilized for light transport/liaison duties.
The H-19 Chickasaw
Also operated in base flight, this early yet quite important helicopter supported operations at Lincoln for several years. At least 8 models served at the base and as mentioned earlier supported 551st SMS operations early on.
Also operated in base flight, this early yet quite important helicopter supported operations at Lincoln for several years. At least 8 models served at the base and as mentioned earlier supported 551st SMS operations early on.
