The XA-5½, VX-5 Vampires answer to NAF's B1-RD, in flight over Armitage Field, ca. 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Ziesler.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-70064 (74) prior to restoration, China Lake, circa 1979. Note the rear turret in the foreground.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160722, XE-05, in-flight with a AGM-88 HARM missile, circa 1979. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-7B Corsair IIs, VX-5 A-4M Skyhawks BuNo 158426, XE-14 and 159485, XE-13, VX-5 TA-7C Corsair IIs BuNo 154458, XE-07, and 156748, XE-08, VX-5 A-6E Intruders (BuNo 151812, XE-17 trailing VA-126) VMAQ-2 Playboys EA-6B Prowlers (BuNo 159910, CY-103, at bottom right), VA-122 Corsair College Corsair II's (A-7E BuNo 156817 NJ-234 and NJ-247) and VA-128 Golden Intruders A-6 Intruder in formation, circa 1979. Photo by PHC Robert Ziesler.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159228, XE-10, Sidewinder missiles, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

AIM-9 Sidewinder missile & camera on VX-5 Vampires AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 159228, XE-10. PHC Bob Ziesler designed and had built the camera mount for VX-5using a DBM 54 high speed at 400 fps with 3.5 Auto Lens system. Photo from Bob Ziesler.

Close-up of the camera on VX-5 Vampires AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 159228, XE-10. PHC Bob Ziesler designed and had built the camera mount for VX-5 using a DBM 54 high speed at 400 fps with 3.5 Auto Lens system. Photo from Bob Ziesler.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3935, NWC-802, at Point Mugu, 1979. Photo by Phil Juvet.

VX-5 Vampires C-1A Trader BuNo 136872, XE-00, China Lake, January 1979. Photo by Scott Van Aken.

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153677, NAS Jacksonville, January 1979. Photo by R.E. Kling.

NWC China Lake OV-10A Bronco BuNo 155496 and unknown U-2 Dragon Lady, unknown location, January 1979. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake FLIR equipped A-7E Corsair II's BuNo 160566 and BuNo 156883 dropping Mk-81 Snakeyes over the China Lake range, 01 January 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Inside the temporary command control center set up on B mountain, USMC Capt. Skip Fink adjusts equipment in preparation for a test of the AN/TPQ-27 radar controlled bombing system, China Lake, 26 January 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

USMC GSgt. Don Collins, a maintenance technician from Camp Pendleton, inspects the precision tracking radar, which is an integral part of the AN/TPQ-27 improved radar controlled bombing system, China Lake, 26 January 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 52-2094, location unknown, February 1979. Lt. Rosemary Conatser painted below the canopy. Photo by B. Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 52-2094 close-up, China Lake, February 1979. Lt. Rosemary Conatser painted below the canopy. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

A6/A7 Sim. Lab. employee Hermie Harris returns from her two hour fam. flight in NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156738, China Lake, 09 February 1979. Rocketeer photo by Tom Allen.

Full scale missiles can be tested in the VHF anechoic chamber, which is 105 ft. long by 40 ft. wide and 40 ft. high. The 12 foot long polyurethane pyramids lining the chamber absorb both radio frequencies and sound, China Lake, 23 February 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

NWC China Lake NA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152101 parked on the line, unknown location, March 1979. Photographer unknown.

Pacific Fleet Navy fire fighters demonstrate the effectiveness of the new P-16 aircraft carrier fire fighting vehicle during an exercise at NWC China Lakes mini-deck facility last week, China Lake, 16 March 1979. Rocketeer photo.

This test vehicle, scheduled for use during the second stage of NASA's exploration of Jupiter, will be launched from the Space Shuttle in January 1982. Looking over the test vehicle are (l-r) Project Galileo design engineer Gene Drew (Code 63), Bob Rodier )Pioneer Parachute Co.), Ron Condran (General Electric Co.), John Terhune (NASA), and John Maluso (code 64). Standing at right is Ed Lafleur (NWC Range Department). China Lake, 30 March1979. Rocketeer photo.

XF4D-1 Skyray BuNo 124587 on display by the Armitage Field gate, China Lake, 11 April 1979. Photo from R. Dowers.

F-11B (F11F-1F) Tiger BuNo 138647 on display by the Armitage Field gate, China Lake, 11 April 1979. Photo from R. Dowers.

U.S. Army OV-1C Mohawk s/n 69-16999, China Lake, 11 April 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4A Skyhawk BuNo 137814 on display in Switzer Circle, NOTS China Lake, April 1979. Paul Minert collection courtesy of A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-6A Intruder BuNo 151812, XE-17, on the ramp with a MER and six Mk-81's at an Open House, Armitage Field, China Lake, April 1979. Photo courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1594, QT-38A Talon drone s/n 58-1195, QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1600, QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1604, and QT-38A Talon drone s/n 61-0851 on the ramp at Armitage Field, China Lake, April 1979. Photo from Paul Minert Collection.

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon drone s/n 61-0851 on the ramp at Armitage Field, China Lake, April 1979. Photo from Paul Minert Collection.

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1604 on the ramp at Armitage Field, China Lake, April 1979. Photo from Paul Minert Collection.

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1600 on the ramp next to QT-38A 59-1604, Armitage Field, China Lake, April 1979. Photo from Naval Aviation Archives (NAVA) Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

SNORT Range crewmembers prepare the last 33,000 pound thrust "Tiny Tim" rocket for use as a booster during a recent classified missile test, China Lake, 13 April 1979. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159227, improved Sea Cobra IR jammer on top and exhaust heat deflectors, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Retd.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159227, improved Sea Cobra IR jammer on top and exhaust heat deflectors, China Lake, 01 May 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Aircraft static exhibits at Armitage Field and a car show in the parking lot adjacent to the Admin. Building are planned for tomorrows Armed Forces Day observance. Calling attention to these events is Cal State Long Beach sophomore Sharon Burklund. In the foreground is a Class B dragster built by Centerites Bob and Dave Leighton and behind Miss Burklund is Targets Division QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1596. China Lake, 11 May 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 52-2122, China Lake, 12 May 1979. Photo by Ron Pruitt.

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department YF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151473, Armitage Field, 12 May 1979. Photo by Michael Grove, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160566, Armitage Field, China Lake, 12 May 1979. Photo by Michael Grove, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156738, NWC-738, NAS Lemoore, 12 May 1979. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-5017, NWC-808, in front of USAF B-52G Stratofortress s/n 57-6503, NAS Lemoore, May 1979. Lt. Rosemary Conatser and a flower motif painted below the canopy. Official U.S. Navy photo, Duncan Curtis collection.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," G-BHDK, undergoing restoration, China Lake, circa June 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

NWC China Lake A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156785, on the ramp at Fairchild AFB, WA, 20 May 1979. Photo by Jim Morrow, Stepen Miller collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," G-BHDK, undergoing restoration, China Lake, circa June 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Zielser, USN, Retd.

From (l-r) a Photo-Sonic Cine-Sextant tracking mount, a 12 ft. astrodome for the Contraves cinetheodolite camera, and the lower half of the astrodome arrives from El Centro. The equipment will be used at G Range by the Parachute Systems Dept. and will insure more accurate film data for parachute test work and for tests on other NWC Ranges. China Lake, 08 June 1979. Rocketeer photo by PH2 Tony Garcia.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14, with MER's and Mk-76 practice bombs on #2 and #4 and a centerline tank over Fallon Bravo 20 range, 12 June 1979. Photo by R. Lawson.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, Snakeyes, China Lake, circa 1979/80. Photographer unknown.

The supersonic tactical vehicle-propulsion (integral rocket ramjet test missile) is mounted on NWC China Lake A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156734 by Vought Corp. personnel before its first flight under the Navy's Supersonic Tactical Missile (STM) program, China Lake, 22 June 1979. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264, #2,960 and the last Skyhawk delivered to the Navy and Marines by Douglas, China Lake, 13 July 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Minus the wing tips and engines, this F-4B Phantom was ferried to NWC China Lake from Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ, by an Army CH-54 Skycrane. It is one of eight that were transported to NWC recently for conversion to target drones. China Lake, 13 July 1979. Rocketeer photo.

Applied Photography Branch photographer Sam Wyatt suffered severe injuries and was taken to Ridgecrest Community Hospital when NWC China Lake UH-1N Huey BuNo 158273 made a forced landing near Airport Lake on G2 Power Road, 11 miles north of the main gate, China Lake, 20 July 1979. Pilot LCdr. Dale E. Haan and PO2 Paul T. Perotta suffered back injuries and were transferred to the Long Beach Naval Hospital and PO2 Michael Szydlowski was treated for back injuries. Co-pilot Lt. Dennis K. Wilcox, Parachute Systems Dept. Lt. Ronald S. Dargo, VX-5 Vampires Ens. Andres Brugal and CPO Ron Allen were treated as needed and released. The four most seriously injured were airlifted by a HS-11 UH-1N Huey crewed by pilot Cdr. Douglas Huff, co-pilot Cdr. Phillip F. Duffy and PO1 M.A. McCoy that was in the area when the accident occurred. The NWC helicopter was heavily damaged in the accident. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156785, take-off from Tinker AFB, 04 August 1979. Photo by Joe Cupido.

SNORT Range personnel prepare VX-5 Vampires AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 159227 before it is hoisted in-between the towers for reflectivity comparisons between a covered and an uncovered canopy, China Lake, 10 August 1979. Rocketeer photo.

Joe Socolich, project engineer for the infrared reflectivity tests conducted on the SNORT range by the Optical Signatures Branch, positions a helicopter model in the same plane as AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 159227 for comparison with the data received by radiometric measurements from an instrumented van. The tests are being made to determine if special low infrared reflective paints can make aircraft less vulnerable to weapon systems that operate in the infrared region. China Lake, 10 August 1979. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848, HARM missile seeker nose, China Lake, 15 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY, HARM missile seeker nose close-up, China Lake, 15 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

An AIM-9 Sidewinder warhead test on a target F-89 Scorpion, Area R, Naval Weapons Center (NWC) China Lake, California, 15 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

John Peoples & Maurice Hamm discuss the NOAA XQM-93A (E-Systems L-50) USAF s/n 72-1287 slated for use at China Lake for flights related to atmospheric research projects, China Lake, 24 August 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY, HARM missile seeker nose, hangar 3, China Lake, 15 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY, HARM missile seeker nose cockpit, China Lake, 15 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY, HARM missile seeker nose cockpit, China Lake, 15 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake YF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151473, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 21 August 1979. Photo by Bruce Trombecky, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152848, AGM-88 HARM seeker nose (KNOZY), Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 21 August 1979. Photo by Bruce Trombecky, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159471, XE-15, Armitage Field, China Lake, 21 August 1979. Photo from Bruce Trombecky; Paul Minert collection; courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159568, MER on the stbd wing, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 21 August 1979. Photo by Bruce Trombecky, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748 "It's Hawg Wild," G-BHDK, being moved to the Gun Butt area, China Lake, 30 August 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," G-BHDK, looking towards the rear of the forward bomb bay showing the wing spar as the bomb bay tank is being fueled with 100/130 Avgas by the restoration crew, China Lake, August 1979. Note the pressurized crew tunnel that runs through the bomb bay. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07, September 1979. Photo by K.W. Minert.

Bill Munday & AOAN Ray Noriega loading MK 76 practice bombs on VX-5 Vampires TA-7C BuNo 154458, XE-08, MCAS Yuma, circa September 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo from Bill Munday. They had to weigh every bomb to make sure they weighed 25 pounds +/- a pound and use a template to check for straight fins. Bill can’t remember the name of the pod but it was a bomb drop simulation package. The actual bomb strikes were reconciled with where the computer said they should have struck. With the technology today it doesn’t seem too big a deal, but the computer was pretty right on.

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07, in-flight, circa September 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II Buno 160722, XE-05, in-flight, September 1979. Photo by Joe Cupido.

Carl Burkey inspects Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) equipment in the nose of VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485, XE-13, prior to a test, China Lake, 14 September 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-15, on the line with some USAF F-4 Phantom II's, AGM-45 Shrike missile on #5, Nellis AFB, 16 September 1979. Photo by Kirk Minert, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

China Lake Flying Club members Maurice Hamm, Lynn Satterthwaite, Mark Backes and Carol Williams inspect the former VT-5 T-34B Mentor BuNo 140919 given to the club by the Navy, China Lake, 28 September 1979. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder with Mk-82 Snakeyes on a MER, Hot Line, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires AV-8A Harrier BuNo 158977, and VX-5 A-6E Intruder BuNo 156997, XE-23, Hot Line, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

Lt. Rosemary Conatser and VX-5 Vampires flight line, Fallon, NV, ca. 1979. Left to right A-6E Intruder BuNo 158041, XE-18, unknown A-4 Skyhawk, A-7E Corsair II BuNo 159271, XE-03, A-7C Corsair II XE-02, TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07 and TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154361, XE-08. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Retd.

VX-5 Vampires TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152862, XE-12, Hot Line, China Lake, about 1979. Official U.S. Navy Photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 159300, XE-01, Walleye II, hangar 1, China Lake, ca. 1979. Unknown A-4M Skyhawk & AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 159227 in the background. Official Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 159568, XE-21, MER's with practice bombs, Hot Line, China Lake, about 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 159568, XE-21, empty MER in the foreground, Hot Line, China Lake, about 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires Det. Oceana A-6 Intruder XE-803, Hot Line, China Lake, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 161084, XE-22, and VA-165 Boomers A-6E Intruder BuNo 155719, NG-503, in-flight, circa 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires OA-4M Skyhawk BuNo 154294, XE-16, China Lake, circa September 1979. Photo by PHC Bob Ziesler.

VX-5 Vampires formation, 01 October 1979. A-6E Intruder BuNo 161084, XE-22, A-7E Corsair II BuNo 159300, XE-01, A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160616, XE-04, & A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake YF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151473, in-flight, October 1979. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake YF-4J Phantom BuNo 151473 used for ejection seat tests, NAS Miramar, 06 October 1979. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake RU-9D Aero commander s/n 57-6184 at NAS Lemoore, 11 October 1979. Originally purchased by the US Army as an RL-26D for Mohawk radar development. Redesignated as RU-9D in 1962. Photo by Steve Williams.

Members of NWC Support Unit 0716 (USNR) remove the starboard wing fillet assembly from NWC C-117D Skytrain BuNo 50821 during a recent weekend drill at Armitage Field, China Lake, 19 October 1979. Rocketeer photo by PHAA Terence Cole.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 156805, XE-15, Andrews AFB, 18 October 1979, Photo by Stephen Miller, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

Amplifier Mark 172 project engineer Randy Coleman tries out the new power drive control system that makes training and elevating these guns a smooth and swift operation, a major improvement over the vacuum tube system currently deployed in the fleet. China Lake, 26 October 1979. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake C-131F Samaratin BuNo 141000, 26 October 1979. Unknown photographer.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone BuNo 53-1409, Edwards AFB, 28 October 1979. Photo by G.R. Markgraaf.

NWC China Lake A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172, Edwards AFB, 28 October 1979. Aviation Archives photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 52-2094, Edwards Air Force Base, 28 October 1979. Photo by Ron Pruitt.

Squadron Leader Alan Thorpe (2nd from left) checks last minute details before takeoff of a British Buccaneer on a low level flight test in the Randsburg Wash area. At right is pilot Flight Lt. Pete Chandler, navigator Flight Lt. Ron Wilder and at left Flight Lt. Peter Rolfe. China Lake, 02 November 1979. Rocketeer photo.

L-r: NWC China Lake NA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152101, NFWS A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150044, NAF A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172 and NAF TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153677, Hot Line, China Lake, 07 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172, Phoenix flyover, 08 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Pacific Missile Test Center RA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142667, PMTC-71, flies a low-level high-speed run over two test vans: one with a Phoenix target-detecting device (left) and the other with a standard target-detecting device, NWC China Lake, 9 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by C. Grounds.

This artist's conception by Walt Koerschner illustrates how a QF-86 Sabre drone descended for landings at a separation of four miles, despite the turbulence and visibility problems created by smoke used to mark the wake vortex of a Boeing 747, China Lake, 08 November 1979. Rocketeer photo.

Assisted by Norm Osmon, Harlan Reep was required to push his skills to the utmost as he "flew" a NWC China Lake QF-86 Sabre drone into the turbulence created by the wake of a Boeing 747 during landing tests held at Armitage Field, China Lake, 03 November 1979. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 53-1409, China Lake, November 1979. Photo Aviation Archives.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264 in-flight over the Sierras with 2 AGM-65E Mavericks, 14 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum's  B-29A Superfortress "Hawg Wild" s/n 44-61748, G-BHDK, King Air chase C-GSYN, NWC China Lake YF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151473, VX-5 Vampires OA-4M Skyhawk BuNo 154294, XE-16, & VX-5 A-6A Intruder BuNo 151565, XE-20, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", G-BHDK, size comparison to NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-5017 at left, and NWC QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 53-1409 at right, Armitage Field, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress Hawg Wild s/n 44-61748, G-BHDK, King Air chase, C-GSYN, NWC China Lake YF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151473, VX-5 Vampires OA-4M Skyhawk BuNo 154294, XE-16, & VX-5 A-6A Intruder BuNo 151565, XE-20, Wash Rack, China Lake, 16 Nov 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Four QF-86H Sabre drones and two QF-86F Sabre drones at left, two QT-38A Talon drones at center and another QF-86F Sabre at right on the west side of hangar 2 and a OV-10A Bronco by the Line Shack, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

C-117D Skytrain BuNo 12431, C-117D Skytrain BuNo 17156, four T-38A Talons including s/n 59-1600 & three QF-86 Sabres. Flying Club aircraft include 2 C-150, 1 C-177RG, 2 C-172, 2 T-34B Mentors (BuNo 140734, N8244E & BuNo 140919, N46875), 1 C-182, 1 AA-1B & 1 AA-5. South side of hangar 3, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

A short time before take-off crew members assembled for the flight from China Lake to Tucson, AZ in B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748 "Hawg Wild". L-r: Skip Criegor (pilot) and Don Davis (co-pilot); Jack Kern (flight engineer), and his wife Millie; Bob Weinhardt, J.R. Kern, Henry Zappia and Dino Kern, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by Ron Allen.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," G-BHDK, starting #1, Wash Rack, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Ziesler, USN, Retd.

Imperial War Museum B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", G-BHDK, taxis by the west side of the Drone hangar and (l-r) NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabres s/n 55-3883 (NWC-806) and s/n unknown (NWC-807) & NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabres s/n 52-2090 and 53-1383, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", G-BHDK, taxis by the VX-5 Vampires hangar and one of the VX-5 A-7 Corsairs, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", G-BHDK, taxis north of the VX-5 Vampires hangar and approaching the Hot Line, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild", G-BHDK, on the taxiway nearing runway 21, NWC China Lake A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160857, NWC TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153677 & unknown parked on the Hot Line, China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Imperial War Museum's B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-61748, "It's Hawg Wild," G-BHDK, departing China Lake, 16 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264, China Lake, 17 November 1979. Photo by B. Rogers.

NWC China Lake A-7 Corsair II & USAF AGM-65E Maverick missile, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153677 at right & TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 at left, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153677 & AGM-65E USAF Maverick missile, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264 & USAF AGM-65E Maverick missile, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264 & USAF AGM-65E Maverick missile, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264 & USAF AGM-65E Maverick missile, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 November 1979. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake OV-10A Bronco BuNo 155496 next to USAF U-2A Dragon Lady s/n 56-6722, Edwards AFB, December 1979. Photo from Naval Aviation Archives (NAVA) Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

From an A-6 aircraft cockpit suspended above the ground, the vertical seeking ejection seat (VSS) rockets earthward before reversing its direction and rocketing to an elevation of 137 feet, China Lake, 14 December 1979. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159227, plane captain Don Arnoldi and Maj. Peasley in the pilots seat, China Lake, circa 1979. In the front seat is a YN or PN that worked in the CO/XO office. Note the experimental chaff dispensers on the stub wings. Photo from Don Arnoldi.

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