MCAS Cherry Point, NC

[sksvlad]

My daughter went there today and took these pics. What was the function of that big blob sitting on top of Prowler's tail? This base has a nice big air show at the end of September, I am thinking of going there http://cherrypointairshow.com/

 

[Slick]

Re: the tail thing - electronic countermeasures equipment

 

[HAZORD]

It's an EA6B Prowler. 4 seat Pilot, CoPilot, and 2 Antiradar Officers. Jams RADAR and fires Shrike or HARM antiradiation missiles to destroy AAA radar transmitters/sites.

The missile under the wing looks like a Shrike Vietnam era. It used Sparrow components.

 

[sksvlad]

The same place, the same planes..but MY photos this time. What is the function of the tank with a small propeller hanging under the right wing?


Fun fact:
On May 20, 1942, the facility was commissioned Cunningham Field, named in honor of the Marine Corps' first aviator, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred A. Cunningham. The completed facility was later renamed Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, after a local post office situated among cherry trees. (from Wikipedia)

 

[Slick]

Another ECM pod.