FEST (Foreign Emergency Support Team)

Originally posted by spongthrush
reply to post by gariac

 

Here's 86006 (image reversed!)
www.icona.com.ru...

Saw the same page but didn't notice the image was reversed, good catch.

Originally posted by boomer135
Also, I believe the Navy P-8 is based on the 737 and it has a receptacle as well, but never got to refuel that one. looks like an airliner with missles. pretty cool website here .boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2007/march/cover.pdf. sorry its a pdf so cut and paste or the hyperlink wont work. Actually if you look at the bottom it lists some of the planes that Boeing has built for the military including the c-32, which it lists four by the way...

edit on 11-6-2012 by boomer135 because: (no reason given)

We get the VC C-32A models at the local field here every now and again. The VC paint job just never looks right to me. I still haven't run across any official Boeing info on the C-32B.

Originally posted by BASSPLYR
I know that this is a stupid question but what dos FEST do?

I know what NEST does but what is FEST's charter?

FEST is who they call when there is a PEST in the NEST, if they cannot neutralize PEST, they go back to REST with a VEST after they no longer need to FEST.

Make sense?

Originally posted by DesertWatchdog

Originally posted by boomer135
Also, I believe the Navy P-8 is based on the 737 and it has a receptacle as well, but never got to refuel that one. looks like an airliner with missles. pretty cool website here .boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2007/march/cover.pdf. sorry its a pdf so cut and paste or the hyperlink wont work. Actually if you look at the bottom it lists some of the planes that Boeing has built for the military including the c-32, which it lists four by the way...

edit on 11-6-2012 by boomer135 because: (no reason given)

We get the VC C-32A models at the local field here every now and again. The VC paint job just never looks right to me. I still haven't run across any official Boeing info on the C-32B.

That is kind of weird because the only info in our pubs is for the B model, not the A, although I don't know the difference between the two. I wouldn't think there would be a difference in refueling them though...unless the "B" in C32B means its refuelable. Kind of like the kc-135r(rt). The extra "rt" meaning it's refuelable.

EDIT: Doing a little research, it seems like the B version is different only in the interior, with different seating for the non-VIP mission that the B version does for FEST. And of course the paint job.

Originally posted by boomer135

Originally posted by DesertWatchdog

Originally posted by boomer135
Also, I believe the Navy P-8 is based on the 737 and it has a receptacle as well, but never got to refuel that one. looks like an airliner with missles. pretty cool website here .boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2007/march/cover.pdf. sorry its a pdf so cut and paste or the hyperlink wont work. Actually if you look at the bottom it lists some of the planes that Boeing has built for the military including the c-32, which it lists four by the way...

edit on 11-6-2012 by boomer135 because: (no reason given)

We get the VC C-32A models at the local field here every now and again. The VC paint job just never looks right to me. I still haven't run across any official Boeing info on the C-32B.

That is kind of weird because the only info in our pubs is for the B model, not the A, although I don't know the difference between the two. I wouldn't think there would be a difference in refueling them though...unless the "B" in C32B means its refuelable. Kind of like the kc-135r(rt). The extra "rt" meaning it's refuelable.

EDIT: Doing a little research, it seems like the B version is different only in the interior, with different seating for the non-VIP mission that the B version does for FEST. And of course the paint job.

edit on 11-6-2012 by boomer135 because: (no reason given)

Yeah, I would imagine the A model has the ability for AAR as well, though I haven't seen any photos yet. The B model's procedures manual says "7.3.5. Flight line Photography. There are no restrictions on exterior photography of the C-32B. Interior photography is allowed at home station. Interior photos of enroute C-32B aircraft are prohibited." and "7.2. Security. The C-32B is normally designated as a protection level ―3‖ asset. However, it requires protection level ―2‖ if Top Secret/SCI information is to be stored on board. AFI 31-101 determines the security requirements for assets that are to be left unattended on U.S. Military bases. The PIC is responsible for aircraft security at non-military installations. HHQ or the unit OG/CC (or equivalent) may direct the use of security measures above and beyond the requirements set forth by the PIC."

The only real mystery in my opinion... how many there really are. They haven't really gone out of their way to hide most of the info about the birds.

Check out this thread:
www.abovetopsecret.com...

Now the analysis in the thread of the sighting is wrong, but the first post is sure interesting.

A few more photos:
www.pbase.com...
www.pbase.com...
www.pbase.com...
www.pbase.com...

I'd always assumed that the difference between 'A' and 'B' designations was due to engine type.

C-32As in blue and white scheme, Andrews AFB, all PW2037 powered
98-0001 c/n 29025
98-0002 c/n 29026
98-0003 c/n 29027
98-0004 c/n 29028
09-0015 c/n 25044 (usually VENUS95 callsign)
09-0016 c/n 28160 (usually VENUS96)

C-32Bs are RR powered
09001 all white
24452 all white
25001 USAF logo
96143 USAF logo
86006 (but this serial hasn't been seen for years)

B757s that are RR powered
N226G c/n 25491 L-3 'COMCO'
N610G c/n 29304 L-3 'COMCO'
N144DC c/n 22191 L-3 I don't think this registration has been seen worn

B757 that is PW2037 powered
N805AM c/n 26272 seems to hang out at Greenville, TX

Hence the speculation that the C-32Bs are the interesting ones, perhaps the USAF ones being the COMCOs in disguise.

Originally posted by spongthrush
I'd always assumed that the difference between 'A' and 'B' designations was due to engine type.

C-32As in blue and white scheme, Andrews AFB, all PW2037 powered
98-0001 c/n 29025
98-0002 c/n 29026
98-0003 c/n 29027
98-0004 c/n 29028
09-0015 c/n 25044 (usually VENUS95 callsign)
09-0016 c/n 28160 (usually VENUS96)

C-32Bs are RR powered
09001 all white
24452 all white
25001 USAF logo
96143 USAF logo
86006 (but this serial hasn't been seen for years)

B757s that are RR powered
N226G c/n 25491 L-3 'COMCO'
N610G c/n 29304 L-3 'COMCO'
N144DC c/n 22191 L-3 I don't think this registration has been seen worn

B757 that is PW2037 powered
N805AM c/n 26272 seems to hang out at Greenville, TX

Hence the speculation that the C-32Bs are the interesting ones, perhaps the USAF ones being the COMCOs in disguise.

Would be interesting to compile a "Last Spotted" date and location list for each. Excluding the A models.

If no one else is up for it, if I have some time I'll see what I can come up with later tonight. May be good to have two people make a list based on their info since someone may miss a date.

Originally posted by spongthrush
I'd always assumed that the difference between 'A' and 'B' designations was due to engine type.

C-32As in blue and white scheme, Andrews AFB, all PW2037 powered
98-0001 c/n 29025
98-0002 c/n 29026
98-0003 c/n 29027
98-0004 c/n 29028
09-0015 c/n 25044 (usually VENUS95 callsign)
09-0016 c/n 28160 (usually VENUS96)

C-32Bs are RR powered
09001 all white
24452 all white
25001 USAF logo
96143 USAF logo
86006 (but this serial hasn't been seen for years)

B757s that are RR powered
N226G c/n 25491 L-3 'COMCO'
N610G c/n 29304 L-3 'COMCO'
N144DC c/n 22191 L-3 I don't think this registration has been seen worn

B757 that is PW2037 powered
N805AM c/n 26272 seems to hang out at Greenville, TX

Hence the speculation that the C-32Bs are the interesting ones, perhaps the USAF ones being the COMCOs in disguise.

That makes sense since thats usually what the airforce does with its jets too. like the KC-135A turned into the KC-135R and E model when the engines upgraded. But after that an R model turned into a T model to change the fuel tank config to refuel the SR-71's who required a different type of fuel. But it's black and white in your post! Good job!

Check this site out: www.ondutchwings.nl... Type in C-32B in the type column and it shows five aircraft....but look in the remarks section of the graft. It shows the different tail numbers used for the same plane! crazy...even wikipedia's non-accruate arse states "The 227th Special Operations Flight at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., has 2 modified C-32B aircraft supporting specialist worldwide airlift operations (c/n 25493 & 25494). These are the only U.S Air Force C-32B in existence although both aircraft have been associated with a multiple of registrations." en.wikipedia.org...

Just doing a search on the 150 Special ops Squadron and I get a Chuck Randall on LinkedIn saying he's a pilot for the squadron. www.linkedin.com... (a little more than halfway down the page)

Chuck Randall

Pilot at 150 Special Operations Squadron
Greater Philadelphia Area | Airlines/Aviation

Current:
Owner at Randall Business Systems International, Pilot at 150 Special Operations Squadron
Education:
United States Air Force Academy

But I digress...I should be spending this time scanning more pictures, and maybe writing a post about something I sent to gariac for his expertise.....

Some miscellaneous C-32B docs. that don't add much info after the previous doccuments posted.

--2006 MACA--
www.njaviation.com...
(Some specs and description of the C-32B on pg. 9)


--FY2012 DOD Reinbursment Rates.--
comptroller.defense.gov...
(One liner for the C-32B on pg. 3)


--Fiscal Year FY2011 Budget Estimates--
www.saffm.hq.af.mil...
(Number of crews and aircraft (2) etc. pg. 10)


--Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Press Sheets--
www.samephiladelphiapost.org...
(Photo and lists two C-32Bs pg. 7)


--DOD Programs: Anti Terrorist Programs--

The DOD needs funding to replace the 38-year-old aircraft. $73 million was appropriated in the FY
Supplemental.33 The DOD reports that there is no planned funding for FEST in FY2001. The
replacement aircraft will be used.

csis.org...
(Talks about getting new aircract for FEST; put out at the time they put in for money for the C-32Bs. Also talks about FEST. pg. 32)


--KC-135 BOSS System Requirements Tech Manual--
bop.peostri.army.mil...
(C-32B listed as a receiver aircraft model. Table 26 pg. 70)

--KC-135 BOSS System Requirements Tech Manual--
bop.peostri.army.mil...
(C-32B listed as a receiver aircraft model. Table 26 pg. 70)

We didnt have the BOSS system when I went through boom school, we had that BOPTT crap or whatever it was. But the cool thing about the old sim was that they could put any plane back there. Hell they even had the space shuttle with a receptacle just for fun. I just look at my checklist (got out in 2006) and the C-32B is on there. Refueling speed, boom limits, envelope, special procedures, the works...

One thing I've noticed about 9001 is that it went from plain white, to USAF markings back to plain white. Still combing through getting a list together.

Originally posted by DesertWatchdog
One thing I've noticed about 9001 is that it went from plain white, to USAF markings back to plain white. Still combing through getting a list together.

Scratch that, after adding some filters in photoshop, it was 5001 mislabeled.

The most recent sightings I could dig up.

--USAF--
96143 : Davis-Monthan AFB - 04/12/12
flic.kr...

25001 : Ponce, Puerto Rico - 09/20/10
airliners.net...


--Plain White--
09001 : March ARB Airshow - 05/19/12
sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net...
(facebook photo, may not be able to access)

24452 : Zagreb, Croatia - 11/05/11
www.planepictures.net...

6006 : Ramstien, Germany - 02/26/00
no photo


--(COMCO/L3)--
N226G : Dulles Intl - 04/29/12
www.flickr.com...

N610G : Dulles Intl - 03/26/12
flic.kr...


--Unk--
These at one point were being linked to the FEST/CIA ops, but I have my doubts.

N440AN : Taipei-Sung Shan, Taiwan - 05/28/06
jetphotos.net...
(More than likely just stripped of the FAT markings for re-sale. Or went to the VC fleet like the one below and hasn't been noted? Note the locations are the same.)

N701TW : Taipei-Sung Shan, Taiwan - 01/21/07
airliners.net...
(Based on the c/n this is now a VC-32A 09-0016)
airliners.net...

reply to post by DesertWatchdog


Yes, you're correct, N440AN became 09-0015.

Apart from the romantic notion that there is re-serialling and stickering going on and mild amusement that different agencies could have acquired funding for the same C-32B/757 airframe it would seem rather unlikely in this day and age that someone hasn't first hand evidence of any of this.

It does, however, sound like a jolly good outline for a novel/film comedy. How we funded some 'black' programme using spare funds and made two agency chiefs believe they each had a 757 asset!

Originally posted by spongthrush
reply to post by DesertWatchdog

 

Yes, you're correct, N440AN became 09-0015.

Apart from the romantic notion that there is re-serialling and stickering going on and mild amusement that different agencies could have acquired funding for the same C-32B/757 airframe it would seem rather unlikely in this day and age that someone hasn't first hand evidence of any of this.

It does, however, sound like a jolly good outline for a novel/film comedy. How we funded some 'black' programme using spare funds and made two agency chiefs believe they each had a 757 asset!

After all I've seen I'm inclined to agree. The Air Force has two C-32Bs marked in USAF markings that primarily operate in the US, rarely leaving the country; that coincides with all the documentation of the Air Force only operating two. The two unmarked C-32Bs may specifically be used by specops, and them not showing in documents wouldn't surprise me much, those are the ones constantly seen abroad (gariac may be able to shed more light on this since I know hes looked into specops planes before). 6006 may have been stored away as a backup bird, or sold off.

As for the COMCO birds... From what I have read from other spotters, and after talking to a few spotter friends of mine, they all say they have not seen any evidence of AAR capabilities of any kind like the C-32Bs do. And if that is correct, they can't be the same birds simply switching their identifiers. However their use in covert operations can very much be true since they are commonly seen in areas where you would expect government interest. Those who have looked into the subject say L3 Capital LLC doesn't have a direct link to L-3 Communications, however from what I have read, L-3 Communications Flight Capital LLC occupy the same address in Helena, Montana. "L-3 Communications has its own CIA aviation links: it is the parent company of L-3 Crestview Aerospace, which is very closely linked with CIA proprietary Tepper Aviation, Inc."

reply to post by DesertWatchdog


Talking to two different investigative reporters, the use of mail drops is quite legit, as are shelf corporations. The place where you get into trouble is having fake board members on the corporation. I don't think that is legal in any state, but in some states like Nevada, it is a high level crime. [Felony I think, but don't quote me.]

So in theory, we could get the goods on L-3 Capital, though perhaps not online.

If you go through some of the CIA aircraft registration documentation, it is likely one or two names are fake. Even if you break the law, you have to get caught, and that needs to be verified by government employees, i.e. the word of a journalist isn't enough. Then you have to get the state to prosecute. The key phrase here is "prosecutorial discretion". That is how the rich and/or well connected avoid the legal system.

Now I suspect these Comco planes do some spooky stuff, but perhaps not CIA, which is what leads more people to believe they are FEST/DEST related. [If only due to sharing airframe types.] So these planes got caught up in the extraordinary rendition program, but probably were unrelated.

Speaking of the 757, and I haven't found this documented, but I was told you can fully load one with fuel and then land it without dumping fuel to reach a landing weight. That is, take off weight equals landing weight. If so, it must be a beefy airframe. That could be what it was chosen for FEST/DEST.

reply to post by gariac


Actually the max takeoff weight of the C-32 is about 255k and the max landing weight for the 757 with the absolute best engines that they put on it, dry runway, flaps 30, sea level, the works is around 210k....

source: www.boeing.com... go to complete document, then page 70. So I would think they would have to dump if something happened just to land.

And for the conspiracy theorists out there, the 9/11 United Flight that crashed in Penn. and the pentagon were both 757's. Don't believe in that sort of thing..just throwing it out there. lol