It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: ioweagle
The problem was that they seriously underestimated the spotter community again. Instead of going with an existing aircraft code, such as one that was in PDM or Phase, they made one up. So spotters were seeing a C-17 showing, but with a code none of them had in their database, so they started talking and watching it. That got people paying more attention when it went over areas that had people with cameras, and the cat was out of the bag.
originally posted by: penroc3
a reply to: ioweagle
pictures exist.
some have been paid for by the AF for some serious coin.
also, most people aren't carrying around telephoto lenses, so most pictures are just lights or videos are just strange lights.
also speaking for myself, if i had a picture of something secret i wouldn't post it for a few reasons.
originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Bigburgh
They just recoded the transponder to a new code. The previous flight with Bush, they didn't have the ADS-B, so they just filed as a Gulfstream. They were flying 29000, as RCH938, instead of Air Force One, and the transponder was coded to AE47C4. The normal transponder code is ADFDF9 for 29000.
They've had 28000 in San Antonio at the Boeing facility undergoing maintenance and upgrades.