RC-26 info

[Guest JimmyK]

Anybody know anything about the RC-26 in the guard. Whats the mission and what units fly them? Do they have a nav?

Also semi related question can you switch to the guard or reserve while at Nav school. i heard pilots have to do some time active duty before they palace chase same for navs?

[Guest Rainman A-10]

Originally posted by Davie954:

Also semi related question can you switch to the guard or reserve while at Nav school.

Where does this come from?

[PET-Shot]

You can't switch while in Nav school to the Guard or Reserves. Also, the RC-26 consists of a crew of 2 pilots. No navs.

[Scooter14]

I thought there was some sort of funny-wing wearing sensor guy in it as well. I wanna say I saw it advertised on baseops.net once.

[flyerpapa]

Davie, this tells where the RC-26B is now stationed.

http://www.ngb.army.mil/ll/analysisdocs/07..._electroops.pdf

The following from http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2005/08-Au...BO-00861392.htm

"The C26B/RC-26B is a militarized version of the FAA-type certificated Fairchild SA227-DC aircraft. The aircraft is powered by twin Honeywell TPE331-12UA-701G turboprop engines. The current fleet consists of 22 aircraft, 11 Air National Guard (ANG), and 11 Army National Guard (ARNG). The aircraft are currently based at 19 CONUS and 1 OCONUS locations (see below). The ARNG (C-26B) mission is to provide time-sensitive movement of personnel and cargo, as well as limited medical evacuation. The ANG (RC-26B) aircraft have been modified as counter-drug support aircraft carrying specialized electronic equipment to provide aerial surveillance and reconnaissance for law enforcement agencies. The aircraft Main Operating Base (MOB) locations are provided below. The MOB locations for the ANG are: Fresno ANGB, CA; Clarksburg, WV; Jacksonville, FL; Kirtland AFB, NM; Meridian MS; Houston, TX; Syracuse, NY; Fairchild AFB, WA; Tucson, AZ; Madison, WI; and Montgomery, AL. The MOB locations for the ARNG are: Clarksburg, WV; Wheeler AF, HI; Madison, WI; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Buckley ANGB, CO; Dobbins AFB, GA; Rickenbacker ANGB, OH; Otis ANGB, MA; Columbia, SC; Little Rock, AR; and Ft Belvoir, VA"

Also, see http://www.dynamictruth.com/ubb/ultimatebb...1/t/005600.html and

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/sys...rcraft/c-26.htm

[flyerpapa]

Scooter, seems like I either read or heard that the sensor operator was a civilian.... a law enforcement agent, e.g. DEA, Homeland Security, IIRC.

[Guest JimmyK]

Originally posted by Rainman A-10:

Where does this come from?

[Scooter14]

Davie,

Reality check...

I know guys already established in states that HAVE the C-26, and they haven't gotten hired. They ain't gonna hire you. I think there are 12 aircraft Guard-wide, so you're talking maybe 36 RC-26 ops TOTAL. From what I remember, the program is looking for experienced WSO/EWO/Nav types with an ISR background and/or operating high tech sensors. Not so much the T-43 nav suite.

They have to post the openings like this, but if they got your app, unless you were a P-3 or RC-135 enlisted operator in a former life, they'll chuckle and then shred it.

Don't mess with anything while you are still in the pipeline. The Guard is a sweet gig. Right now, concentrate on UNT, do good in your first assignment. The ANG ain't going anywhere, and your AD time will help you find a job.

AD is a sweet gig too, especially when you get paid every two weeks, have a base there to support you and fly all over the world with your bros.

[PET-Shot]

That job description is really broad. I agree with Scooter that they are probably looking for EWO types with ISR background/training to be sensor operators. I highly doubt there is a Nav suite on the plane for a panal nav. Sounds like the RC-26 might be a mixed crew of military and civilian.

You signed the dotted line, so do your active duty time, then you can consider going guard (unless you VSP or get force shapped sooner). Not everyone can Palace Chase you know. AD is not a bad deal at all. You can have a good time no matter where you are stationed and what you do.

You can't possibly be that far along in training. Where are you in the pipeline right now anyway?

[ 14. January 2007, 22:31: Message edited by: PET-Shot ]

[spit21fire]

Does anyone know what the flying and mission is like for the RC-26?

[M2]

I know the search function doesn't do well with aircraft designations, so I am going to cut you a break; but the next time do a Google search on the aircraft in quotes (e.g. "RC-26) followed by "site:http://www.flyingsquadron.com"'>http://www.flyingsquadron.com" So the Google box (what a cool term, eh?) would look like this:

"RC-26" site:http://www.flyingsquadron.com

And the you will see it's already been discussed here and here. See this notice as well, it has some contact info.

Also, Stiffler can provide some firsthand insight, so try PM'ing him. And don't forget, if it is sensitive/FOUO/classified etc; don't post the info on this forum!

Cheers! M2

[Guest AirGuardian]

M2 to the rescue,

Carry these jokers around frequently, granted most of the ones we carry aren't anything like the standard AD folks in the RC-26.

Seems to be plenty of volunteers from all over with different backgrounds, very interesting to say the least... Kinda like the Battle Star Galactica Rag Tag Fugitive Fleet theme going on.

God be with'm, that's a tight tube of pain.

AG