I was looking at Google Earth last night, and happened upon Andersen Air Force base. I saw what looked like numerous “parking spots” along the runway, some empty, some occupied. Is there a name for this? Does anyone know what the logistics of this are? I would assume it would facilitate quicker scrambling, but I have no idea.
I don’t know how to link a Google Earth image, otherwise I’d do it.
It’s commonly called apron parking. The planes are cycled from there into maintenance and refueling operations.
I’ve heard of them referred to as “hardstands”.
Back in the days when SAC had B-52 bombers loaded with nukes on active alert, those spots would have been where the bombers parked. When the alert horn went off, the crews had X minutes to get launched. An impressive and terrifying sight (even in practice alerts). Hope to never see it again.