BeechTalk - BT - RIP: T-2 Buckeye

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 16:50

USN is retiring the last of the Buckeyes:

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-na ... 1733033041

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 17:08

T-2A: my first jet, first CQ (CV-9) and introduction to formation flying. Huge cockpit.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 18:22

I have a T-2 tailhook hanging up in my garage.

The cockpit was HUGE. Then we got T-45s. Which is too small IMHO.

I had to lift my leg to change radios, etc. T-2, everything was right there.

I'd love a personal T-2C, but then again, I'd also like to be able to afford it.

Solves the Twin vs Single vs Chute debate. It's a twin, with ejection seats and therefore chutes.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 18:48

Username Protected wrote:

It's a twin, with ejection seats and therefore chutes.

Good point. but to be fair, with the BRS you bring your airplane with you. :peace:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 19:09

I can't believe they've lasted this long. The T2A had the Westinghouse J34 and the engine weighed 3400 pounds with 3400 pounds of thrust. It could take 13 seconds from idle to Mil power, but it made the pilot very good at managing power. I'm not sure I've ever exceeded the thrill the first time I fired one up and heard that shrill whine. Felt like I'd finally arrived . . .

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 19:12

I did a couple of early formation flights with a somewhat "excitable" LT instructor named McCain.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 19:35

Username Protected wrote:

I did a couple of early formation flights with a somewhat "excitable" LT instructor named McCain.

If I'm thinking of the same McCain, I did an Instrument Ground School with his son. He went helos, HSC (H-60S's) in Guam.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 20:09

Somewhere I've got a cassette tape of my B-1 flight.
After getting a commission we spent 3 months in the pool waiting for a slot in NFO training. First squadron was VT-10. After endless groundschool we were finally issued flight gear and put on the schedule. I vividly remember walking out to the T-2 wearing 40 lbs of very unfamiliar and uncomfortable flight gear (g-suit/SV-2 survival gear, harness/helmet/nav gear) excited and anxious at the same time, smelling burnt JP-4, and noticing how everyone else who was used to all this was totally blase, almost bored with the event. Climbing into the T-2 seemed like making it to the fleet. It wasn't, but it sure seemed like it.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Sep 2015, 22:54

....There I was - - - at 20,000' in an inverted spin over the top of the USS America. :bugeye:

Fond memories of my 96.0 hrs in the mighty T-2C Buckeye! :woot:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2015, 00:05

Username Protected wrote:

Good point. but to be fair, with the BRS you bring your airplane with you. :peace:

The plane is usually totaled with BRS, so not really useful to bring it with you.

Ejection seats save the part you really want to save, and they don't have a chute sized for ~13,000 lbs.

Mike C.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2015, 11:54

Username Protected wrote:

Good point. but to be fair, with the BRS you bring your airplane with you. :peace:

The plane is usually totaled with BRS, so not really useful to bring it with you.

Ejection seats save the part you really want to save, and they don't have a chute sized for ~13,000 lbs.

Mike C.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2015, 15:05

Username Protected wrote:

I'm here responding in part through the good graces of Martin-Baker.

What happened?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2015, 18:09

If only something better could become of them.
Mothballed.
Sad to think of them on a post too.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2015, 18:19

Username Protected wrote:

I'm here responding in part through the good graces of Martin-Baker.

What happened?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Sep 2015, 18:34

Username Protected wrote:

Too low, too slow one fine day over Route Pack Six. Some hero of the Vietnamese people gave me an eight month expense paid vacation in beautiful downtown Hanoi.

A very well earned thank you for your service Gordon. :clap: