Fun in the desert

So recently we were in California. We put the truck in the shop, and rented a car and drove out to Edwards AFB. We ended up staying almost directly across from the Mojave Airport, and storage area. One night we decided to go to Walmart, and it happened to be right near Plant 42, so we went and took pictures.

Sorry they aren't all the best, it's really hard to tell on the camera screen if they're in focus or not, but we did the best we could.

Plant 42 and Northrop Grumman:









Now this one was interesting. No idea what an ANA was doing in Palmdale.








Mojave:












And just for fun:



And the State Tree of California:

a reply to: Zaphod58

Very cool photos.

Now, if you could only get some from inside.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Nice. Was that dog drool on the rental seat?

Also, is that a target drone F4?

Get too close to the state tree and it looks like it can cook your breakfast for you.

Air Nippon flight to look at the F-35 would be my bet, and maybe get some help and assistance on their next generation development.

a reply to: Sammamishman

The other one drools. I just thought this one was funny because he looks so worried.

I love the state tree. It's always good for a laugh because it's so horribly fake.

It was a QF at one point, not it's a display bird.

a reply to: Astr0

That was our thought too.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Astr0

That was our thought too.

Love that Draken! Good Lords that's a classic and deserves a better fate than rusting like that.

a reply to: Astr0

I know! It made me so sad to see it just sitting there with pieces removed just rusting away. Pretty pretty aircraft.

a reply to: Astr0

That was my thought too.
Since the pic was taken shortly after the last grounding, probably to assure the Japanese they should still stay on the list of buyers. To ease their worries a little.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Astr0

I know! It made me so sad to see it just sitting there with pieces removed just rusting away. Pretty pretty aircraft.

What would a Draken be doing there other than not being taken car of? Maybe going into someones private collection to be restored I hope. Another all time favorite aircraft.

I prefer the Viggen myself ,I like it better than the smaller Grippen

a reply to: StratosFear

The National Test Pilot School flies out of Mojave, and there are several maintenance schools up here as well, along with quite a few other businesses.

a reply to: StratosFear

According to Wikipedia, that Draken is: RF-35 N217FR, former Royal Danish Air Force AR-117, operated by Flight Research based at Mojave, California.

Also:

www.air-and-space.com...

SAAB Scandia S-35XD Draken N217FR was built in 1971. Its construction number is AR117. It has been registered to Flight Research Incorporated of Starkville, Mississippi since April 19, 1996.

There's a few pic of it as a static display model at Edward Air shows. Not sure why it is in pieces now.

a reply to: Sammamishman

There were at least 6, possibly more, of what appeared to be disassembled M-326s sitting next to a building. Wings were stacked up and stored near them. It was hard to tell though because the tails were removed too.

originally posted by: Zaphod58

Can you point out on a sat view screenshot, of where approximately the top pic was taken?

And the bottom pic of the ANA bird... Is actually a Dreamliner, sitting outside of Boeing saw it the other day out there

a reply to: weavty1

It was taken at Skunkworks.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: weavty1

It was taken at Skunkworks.

Figured, just wanted to make sure.

That pop-up's sliding doors were closed, when I passed by, and didn't see a tail either... When did you snap that? Monday?

a reply to: weavty1

Last week, late in the week.

a reply to: Zaphod58
Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

I live near a similar 'tree', but can you tell which one it is?