China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

[Desertdawg]

Taking the new Ram 2500 on her first 5 day Nevada off-road adventure.

Like to spend one night in the Monti Christ range (earthquakes), then over to Monitor Valley and fish Barley creek.

Anyhow, I can time my trip though Father Crowley point and/or the B-17 bombing range.

Any inside knowledge as too training flight schedules for either on 6/19 & 6/11 would be welcome.

[RAD2LTR]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

I'm not sure Rainbow Canyon (aka Star Wars Canyon) is being flown. There was a crash there last year and I'm not sure its been cleared to be flown by the military again. There is a secret FB page (made secret by those who were flying the canyon) but there hasn't been any new pics that I can find. I will enquire.

Will

[Race5]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Star Wars Canyon is being flown again, but not very often. A couple of F-117s were spotted there as recently as April.

[Desertdawg]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Well, I never made out to Rainbow Canyon or Bravo 17 Range.

I did cover 758 miles of out great state. It's an outdoor museum.

It was great to get out and social distance

One aviation themed place I stopped at was the old Tonopah Army Air Field (TAAF).

Enjoy.

[Desertdawg]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Couple more.

C

[Guest]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Well, I never made out to Rainnbow Canyon or Bravo 17 Range.

I did cover 758 miles of out great state. It's an outdoor museum.

It was great to get out and social distance

One aviation themed place I stopped at was the old Tonopah Army Air Force base (TAAF).

Enjoy.

Interesting site and nice shots. Thanks for posting.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

If those old walls could talk!

Nice rig btw!

[Desertdawg]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

https://www.tonopahnevada.com/CentralNevadaMuseum/taaf.html

[Desertdawg]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Benton Hot Springs, CA had some cool stuff.

Next to a old foreign car repair place was this old VW pickup.

Upon closer look I noticed it was originally a 21 window VW bus that they cut up to make a pickup.

I wonder if that person now reflects back and has a good story to tell?

"Wow man, we got stoned on some maui wow and cut up this 21 window LOL"

[Desertdawg]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

OK, this is is off the beaten path.

But I'm sure we can relate. Couple old saloons in old Nevada.

[Desertdawg]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Another cool old air base is Wendover Army Airfield, UT

http://www.wendoverairbase.com

[boomtown]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Star Wars Canyon is being flown again, but not very often. A couple of F-117s were spotted there as recently as April.

Wow. I thought those were retired?

[Guest]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Wow. I thought those were retired?

They were retired in 2008 if I recall (replaced by F-22 Raptor). However, the USAF has maintained several ships in an active flight status. Several sightings in the canyon as well as Edwards and over SoCal during refueling operations.

[marada mx3]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Coincidentally, the final report on the FA-18E crash near Father Crowley Overlook from last July was issued recently. 7 French tourists were close by and some received burns from the fireball. No data, pictures, or video of the final 3 seconds as the plane was below the horizon and out of sight. Tough accident to digest.

[Guest]

Re: China Lake Weapons NAS Rainbow Canyon

Coincidentally, the final report on the FA-18E crash near Father Crowley Overlook from last July was issued recently. 7 French tourists were close by and some received burns from the fireball. No data, pictures, or video of the final 3 seconds as the plane was below the horizon and out of sight. Tough accident to digest.

Indeed it is. Dangerous business.

Believe the powers that be have restricted all tansitions thru JEDI to no lower than 1500' AGL, UFN.