Support Aircraft at Lincoln AFB
In addition to the main 'tactical' aircraft that operated at Lincoln, a varied number of smaller aircraft served at Lincoln in many roles. Some 'rated' pilots serving at Lincoln did not fly the B-47 or KC-97, so a number of 'proficiency' aircraft were available to them to maintain their skills. Small transports (or larger in the case of the C-47) also served the base in a number of ways - everything from flying in urgent parts to even medical support. Lastly, A SAC aero club was also located on base offering flight lessons to those interested using smaller "hobby" aircraft such as the Piper Cub.
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Base flight aircraft at Lincoln after the 307th Bomb Wing had departed (probably April 1965 time period). Along with a U-6 Beaver that supported Lincoln missile sites, two T-33 jet trainers are seen along with a T-37 Tweet trainer. Aircraft in the distance likely belonged to the SAC Aero Club, an off-duty flying club that could be found at many SAC bases. (Photo courtesy Ken Fisher)
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U-6 in flight
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 helicopters were utilized but by 1963 the Beaver was introduced to offer a more economical and robust transport.
The Beaver often transported crews more distant sites such as Nebraska City, Tecumseh, Beatrice, Wilber, and York. 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.
C-45H Expeditor at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (USAF Photo)
Beech C-45 Expeditor
A military variant of the Beech 18 small transport, this aircraft is mentioned a few times 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. At least one C-45G and one C-45H were available in base flight through the late 1950s. Wikipedia notes that the C-45 was employed by SAC and utilized until 1963.
VB-25N Mitchell (USAF Photo)
North American B-25 Mitchell
The same bomber made famous by the Doolittle mission over Tokyo in 1942, the B-25 was in its military twilight years in the 1950s and most units disposed of them by 1959. The Mitchell never served as a bomber at Lincoln, but rather a proficiency aircraft and a fast transport. Flying the aircraft helped rated pilots at Lincoln not associated with the B-47 or KC-97 maintain their flight proficiency.
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C-47 Gooney Bird at Lincoln (Photo courtesy Marion "Farmer" Brown)
The C-47 Gooney Bird
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.
USAF "Blue Canoe" likely at Wright-Patterson AFB (USAF Photo)
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.
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H-19 taking off at Lincoln, May 1959 (Everett Hilfiker Collection)
The H-19 Chickasaw
Arrived at Lincoln to support the missile silos, the H-19 served between 1959 and 1963 at Lincoln when it had been replaced by the U-6 Beaver. At least 8 helicopters served at Lincoln.
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An example of a T-33 Shooting Star in Strategic Air Command colors at the SAC Museum
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
The standard jet-trainer of the 1950s and early 1960s, the T-33 was based off of the F-80 single-seat fighter. A few of these aircraft served at Lincoln likely as a proficiency aircraft into the mid-60s.