Aircraft ID help

[jslugman]

I have searched until my eyes bled....

Circling over Tucson for (no kidding) over an hour on Monday. Twin turboprop, low wing, angled tail, long nose.

Horrible photo attached cropped within an inch of its life. Not a publishable shot but after so long looking now it's gotten personal.

Thanks in advance....

[Jay Beckman]

Fairchild Metroliner?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Perimeter_Metroliner_II.jpg

[Joe Copalman]

UC-26C.  ANG counterdrug bird.

Normally they carry a pod on the centerline, looks like this one just has the FLIR.

[Jay Beckman]

So I got the right Church, just the wrong pew... 

[jslugman]

Many thanks. Sure did look bigger from below. Is this a local unit or something that comes and goes from the state?

[Joe Copalman]

I recall hearing about the AZANG having one of the counterdrug variants, but the only thing I could quickly find is this 6-year-old article: http://www.nationalguard.com/mobile/news/2004/jul/26/guarding-children.

[Chris V]

I believe this is the same type plane, took this in 08 at Willie.

[Joe Copalman]

Killer catch Chris!

I saw one at Willie last year.  Made a sharp left turn after taking off from RWY 30L, banking right over the hill at the FBO.  I was just pulling into the lot when it happened, totally missed the shot.   

[jslugman]

Yeah, that's the one. Circling over Tucson again today.

[Joe Copalman]

Wonder if it's flying out of TIA.  Maybe even Huachuca.

[jslugman]

Maybe even Huachuca.

Gesundheit 

[Joe Copalman]

Well, looks like we know where it was flying out of on Wednesday.  John got a shot of it departing PHX around noon on the 3rd:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwm1049/4332112044/