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Beechcraft RU-8D 'SEMINOLE'

Description
Notes: U-8D modified with radar reconnaissance system (2 CREW) .
  Manufacturer:Beechcraft
  Base model:U-8
  Designation:RU-8
  Version:D
  Nickname:SEMINOLE
  Designation System:U.S. Air Force
  Designation Period:1952-Present
  Basic role:Utility
  Modified Mission:Reconnaissance
  See Also:

Specifications

Propulsion

Performance

Examples of this type may be found at
MuseumCityState
United States Army Aviation MuseumOzarkAlabama

RU-8D on display

United States Army Aviation Museum
    


 

Recent comments by our visitors
 Jim Sessoms
 Fayetteville, GA
Wrong info in the "Description" section--modification of the RU-8D was NOT a "Radar" system, but a HF Radio Direction Finding system--single-purpose system. And normal crew was 3 (AC,, CP, TO) NOT 2. Although on occasion (mostly test flights) I would function both as CP & TO. Was Mission Opns SGT with 144th in Nha Trang from Jan 67-Mar 68.
03/14/2008 @ 09:42 [ref: 20014]
 Paul Engle
 Sagle, ID
Flew U8's/ U-21's / U-6 ( Cpt America) w/ 138th Phu Bai 71-72. dopler sucked pretty much toasted a lot of shots... noisy , cold, prone to electrical failures, pilot errors, peeling paint( ha ) doors opening and mag checks, over weight and under powered. But, was fun to fly in. Double lunch and Cpt Teague, Mr Owens, Lonely Ringer became Vanguard...Humphery.March 30th 1971. Welcome Home guys....
paul
paperkite29@verizon.net
02/19/2008 @ 13:27 [ref: 19726]
 Henry Mausolf
 Fredericksburg, VA
My association with the RU-8 goes back a long way. I started on the project(Wine Bottle for you really old guys)at Ft. Huachuca in the early 60s and then at the LTV research factory in Greenville, Texas. We actually started with converted U1As and U6As to test the concept and sent some of these over to RVN in the early days. Because of this I went over with the 3rd RRU(again for you really old guys) to set it up and prove its mission. The early models had the broom stick antennas made of fiberglass that broke easily and was later replaced with the large metal antennas that everyone became familiar with. The early models had the ryan doppler with standard RMI that could not be halted as the Canadian Marconi versions later on. The C12 compass did a lot for accuracy also when they were installed. Some of you may remember me from your training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The RDF mission has come a long way since then and has contributed to the efforts of the US Army around the world continuing today in the WOT. I am proud of my association with the fine men that served in this mission. We have all contributed much to the free world. All total I had three tours in wonderful RVN, all in the intel field. One tour in the MidEast and then I got smart and retired. I went on to fly as a 767 Captain at United Airlines until I retired from there.
02/05/2008 @ 14:01 [ref: 19565]
 Bill Derryberry
 Piedmont, AL
I left the regular Army in Dec. 72 as a Sp5 05H20. In Sept 74 I was invited to visit an new Army Reserve unit in Orlando Fl. at the international airport formaly McCoy AFB. There I was introduced to the RU8D. It was a work horse for sure we flew many missions in the old (wisper jet) man were those algamators loud. The unit was the reactivated 156th ASA Avation Co. EW. We had 16 RU8D and went all over the country in them. we modified them for other missions and eventually retired them. We went on to RU21J, RU21A,RU21B,and RU21C. I retired in Jan 94 as a MSG. Some of our pilots were James Garrette, Lance Ham, Rosie Rosembaum, John Wing, Rocky Harrelson, and tons more. It was a good unit but was again deactivated in I think early 96.
01/18/2008 @ 18:47 [ref: 19352]
 James Landy
 Pinon Hills, CA
My email is jameslandy@msn.com
01/01/2008 @ 10:01 [ref: 19113]
 James Landy
 Pinon Hills, CA
I was a Civilian contractor working at Long Thanh North from 1969-1972. I loved working on the RU-8D's. I learned a lot there and now 37 years later I am still in the aviation business working as a mechanic for Federal Express. The only name I remember is Capt Yon.If anyone remembers me send an email.
01/01/2008 @ 09:58 [ref: 19112]
 John Reid
 Sarasota, FL
I was an 05H20/05D20 with the 156th Avn Co, Can Tho. I remember we had 2 RU8D's. The navigation system did not work well nor did the com radios. We preferred the RU6A. RU6A could be put down anywhere and you could walk away. Spent a year and half in Can Tho. 10/67 to 6/69. Email address: jareidsr@comcast.net Ran across this site looking for pictures of RU6A.
12/04/2007 @ 08:33 [ref: 18782]
 Terry Yon
 Cocoa, FL
I was a RU-8D pilot with the 146th in 1969-1970; I was also the maintenance platoon leader and later a flight platoon leader; started out in Siagon and moved with unit to Long Thanh North. Have good memories of the unit and missions we flew. Stayed in the Army; went through helicopter transition course, had several other "Army Lives" and retired in 1996 after 30 years as a Colonel; but still treasure the "Snoopy" plaque I have on my wall..
07/10/2007 @ 12:36 [ref: 17060]
 DON DARBY
 ELIZABETHTOWN, KY
Never had to pump down the gear on our RU-8D down in the deep Delta AO. Was with the 156th Avn Co in CanTho, 66-67. We had two of them best I can remember. Any old members of this unit out there care to email me, I will surely answer it.
06/29/2007 @ 06:39 [ref: 16976]
 Rollyn Miller
 Florence, AZ
I Ran Across This Site, Brought Back Alot Of Memories. Served With The 144th Avn 69/70 As electronic Maintenance chief. I Had Two Good Doppler Repairmen That Kept The Birds Up And My Boss CWO Charlie Chester Was The Greatest. Thankyou For The Memories.
05/20/2007 @ 12:36 [ref: 16537]

 

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