Here are a few more bits of information from my own recollection plus a few internet finds.
This is a historic description of NATO QRA(N) at RS15 by 20 TFW, from 1952 to 1986, which in USAFE was known as "Victor Alert". Interestingly, Gen McPeak - former USAF COS - states in a book that as a Capt on F-100s in 1962 his primary target was Peenamunde which was a fighter base at the time [by the way well worth a visit if you're ever over that way].
http://www.shaw.af.mil/news/story_pr...p?id=123245332
During air shows in the pre-HAS era, the QRA compound for F-111Es was clearly visible and comprised open alert barns [similar to those for Canberra BI(8)s in RAFG] and I'm pretty sure they carried 1 x B-61 on an underwing pylon (certainly something cylindrical / shiny / streamlined in natural metal) and they could carry additional B-61s in the internal weapons bay. I believe there were up to 6 aircraft on alert at any one time. I don't know if they transferred to HASs later.
Surprisingly, I also found this. It is a copy of AFI 91-112 dated 10 Jan 94 Safety Rules for US Strike Aircraft. For those familiar with the former UK procedures for Buccaneer, Jaguar and Tornado, there are some interesting comparisons to be made as to the acceptability of certain options when so ordered by the relevant MAJCOM (which I won't elaborate on here).
http://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/END...91-112(94).pdf
The unhardened QRA(N) compound had 9 x alert barns in a secure compound with a large, soft dormitory-type building. Each set of 3 x barns was served by a single gate with no alternate taxy pattern to exit. See "VA" to east of the Tower on this plan:
http://www.raf-upper-heyford.org/Aer...htlinechgB.jpg
You can also see from the plan that, unlike the RAF who nationally funded HASs at 1 per AE above 70%, it would appear that the USAF just made do with the qty required for 70% which was funded by NATO [qty 51 is 70% of 3 x 24 AE rounded up].
When the NATO funded conventional weapon storage igloos were put in, a staggering qty 52 were built [bottom left in this photo]. That's quite a few reloads !
