The Starfighter is one of my all time favs. Frakkin rocket with wings.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on March 03, 2013, 05:37:12 PM
IIRC it was developed by renowned designer Kelly Johnson, who also engineered the U2 and SR71. The story went that when the F104 was rolled out for the Secretary of the Defense, he gaped at it and blurted, "Where are the wings?"
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on March 03, 2013, 06:31:22 PM
Call me old fashioned.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Capn Darwin on March 03, 2013, 08:38:59 PM
+1 LB, love the WW1 birds too.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 03, 2013, 08:50:13 PM
IIRC it was developed by renowned designer Kelly Johnson, who also engineered the U2 and SR71. The story went that when the F104 was rolled out for the Secretary of the Defense, he gaped at it and blurted, "Where are the wings?"
You're right it was a Kelly Johnson "Skunkworks" project.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 05, 2013, 12:12:23 PM
I think so... just found the photo with no test... odd open shape for a wind tunnel though.... but made the stuff on the left that looks flexible is a movable shroud...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 25, 2013, 03:33:24 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 25, 2013, 08:26:54 PM
actually no. you all get -10 grog points as the Schräge Musik was a upward facing cannon system for night fighters. what you "grogs" were looking for was the Schallkanone. (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YYMeAu4i7gA/Ss7wXmxI-LI/AAAAAAAAF50/-Y_RDm0mRTQ/s400/schallkanone-nazi-secret-weapons-sound-weapons.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on March 25, 2013, 08:34:36 PM
Stop harshing my Jazz, GDS. Any old Wilde Sau knows what Schräge Musik is. And anyone with a copy of Blueprint for Mars (http://www.amazon.com/German-Secret-Waepons-Blueprint-Ballantines/dp/B000KF2BXY/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364265204&sr=1-4&keywords=Blueprint+for+Mars) knows about the Sound Cannon.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 25, 2013, 08:35:46 PM
;)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Longdan on March 25, 2013, 09:24:09 PM
Stop harshing my Jazz, GDS. Any old Wilde Sau knows what Schräge Musik is. And anyone with a copy of Blueprint for Mars (http://www.amazon.com/German-Secret-Waepons-Blueprint-Ballantines/dp/B000KF2BXY/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364265204&sr=1-4&keywords=Blueprint+for+Mars) knows about the Sound Cannon.
It was, IMHO, one of the more cleverer grogjokes ever. It made my dumb joke into something sublime.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on March 25, 2013, 09:50:37 PM
actually no. you all get -10 grog points as the Schräge Musik was a upward facing cannon system for night fighters. what you "grogs" were looking for was the Schallkanone. (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YYMeAu4i7gA/Ss7wXmxI-LI/AAAAAAAAF50/-Y_RDm0mRTQ/s400/schallkanone-nazi-secret-weapons-sound-weapons.jpg)
Dude, I know exactly what Schraege Musik is.
We have been having fun.
Now...I seem to recall needing to speak to you about something, Star. What was it...?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 25, 2013, 11:43:35 PM
actually no. you all get -10 grog points as the Schräge Musik was a upward facing cannon system for night fighters. what you "grogs" were looking for was the Schallkanone. (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YYMeAu4i7gA/Ss7wXmxI-LI/AAAAAAAAF50/-Y_RDm0mRTQ/s400/schallkanone-nazi-secret-weapons-sound-weapons.jpg)
Dude, I know exactly what Schraege Musik is.
We have been having fun.
Now...I seem to recall needing to speak to you about something, Star. What was it...?
Having fun...when did that become such a difficult concept around here?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Longdan on March 26, 2013, 09:38:15 AM
Since when can we be arbitrarily stripped of grogpoints?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on March 26, 2013, 10:48:56 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on March 26, 2013, 11:19:47 AM
you all get -10 grog points as the Schräge Musik was a upward facing cannon system for night fighters. Specifically fitted to the Ju88G and operated by NJG 102.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 30, 2013, 11:46:49 PM
Yes it is, but why is a Maverick being equipped on a plane that appears to be mostly for ASW?
The P-1 can be used in the ASW/ASuW role, same as our maritime patrol aircraft. I think Mavericks would be used against smaller surface ships that you might not want to waste a Harpoon on. Probably also handy in high traffic areas when you're worried about hitting civvies.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 03, 2013, 10:57:57 AM
IIRC our S-3 Vikings could fire Mavericks and Harpoons.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on May 03, 2013, 11:13:07 AM
Ah. Thanks!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on May 03, 2013, 11:19:25 AM
"Maybe he'll wander off and eat one of the ground crew and then take a nap. I really really hope so 'cause we've been up here since last night and I have to pee..."
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 09, 2013, 05:47:58 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 15, 2013, 06:57:27 PM
Ekranoplan!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 15, 2013, 09:58:22 PM
that window right below the first missile tubes must give quite the view.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 15, 2013, 10:00:05 PM
on a side note...
are those things in any version of Harpoon?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 16, 2013, 04:34:28 AM
Here'a a page that has multiple pix of the MD-160 Lun (the version shown in the post above). Sadly, it looks like it's just sitting there, slowly decaying.
http://igor113.livejournal.com/51213.html
i don't know about Harpoon, but these are supposedly versions of the Lun or the KM (another huge Ekranoplan which was the actual vehicle that the CIA dubbed 'Caspian Sea Monster' based on mysterious satellite photos) available for FSX.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 16, 2013, 09:00:58 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 23, 2013, 07:58:33 PM
From furthest to closest - Banshee, Phantom & Pirate?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 23, 2013, 08:01:39 PM
Good call!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Jack Nastyface on May 23, 2013, 10:46:06 PM
Since LB has a pic of one of my fav planes in his signature...here's a picture from the Canso bomber crash site near Tofino, BC. Great day, great hike, great plane...but lots of mud!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Jack Nastyface on May 23, 2013, 10:50:52 PM
and one more...yours truly (the tall one) in foreground
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 24, 2013, 04:33:46 AM
What's the story behind that accident?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on May 24, 2013, 07:06:01 AM
Since LB has a pic of one of my fav planes in his signature...here's a picture from the Canso bomber crash site near Tofino, BC. Great day, great hike, great plane...but lots of mud!
I've always liked the look of 'em. Dunny why. They're just really cool.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Jack Nastyface on May 24, 2013, 08:55:30 AM
Airplane was based out of Tofino BC and was used to fly anti-submarine patrols to protect against possible Japanese incursion. Just before midnight of Feb 8, 1945, and shortly after take-off, one engine lost power (likely due to failed magneto) causing the plane to lose altitude, skim some trees and finally crash. All crew and passengers aboard (there may have been as many as eight aboard) survived with minor injuries. I believe the crew hiked out with assistance. At the base of the crash site, there is a large 20 foot crater (forever filled with rainwater) where salvage crew detonated the planes 4 depth charges. Pretty much anything of interest has been stripped from the plane, but there are still pieces of tire tube and cloth fabric from the flight control surfaces that you can find on the ground.
The catalina is one of my fav WW2 planes. Google Canso bomber Tofino for more photos.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on May 24, 2013, 12:56:34 PM
Since LB has a pic of one of my fav planes in his signature...here's a picture from the Canso bomber crash site near Tofino, BC. Great day, great hike, great plane...but lots of mud!
I've always liked the look of 'em. Dunny why. They're just really cool.
I like the PBY as well, and have been lucky enough to see one a couple of times at air shows.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 24, 2013, 01:14:31 PM
air shows...... right.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on May 24, 2013, 02:37:00 PM
No kidding. I think the last time I saw it flying was at RAF Leuchars - late 1990's. Also the Vulcan and a Mosquito were flying. And Mrs.B talked herself into the pilots seat of a Chinook - although the buggers didn't leave the key in the ignition.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Jack Nastyface on May 24, 2013, 02:51:18 PM
About 26 surviving PBY's if Wikipingia can be trusted.
this picture has been bugging me and I finally realized what it was. the horizontal tailplanes are new. this might not seem like a big deal but it would appear that theyre more stealthy based on the walkway outlines. I built the model, applied the decals and have seen enough BUFF photos to remember what the traditional no walk outline was like. those tailplanes have no 90 degree angles and theyre aysemetrical.
I shall now be running off to Israel to escape the DHS/CIA/NRO/FBI/CIA black team sent to arrest me for pointing this out.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on June 29, 2013, 09:34:42 PM
Thanks, Star. Nice knowing ya. Hopefully you spell better in Hebrew than English.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 29, 2013, 09:42:20 PM
I did my whole Bar Mitzvah in hebrew and to this day I dont know what I said.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on June 29, 2013, 09:43:46 PM
I did my whole Bar Mitzvah in hebrew and to this day I dont know what I said.
מזל טוב!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 29, 2013, 09:45:15 PM
did you just call me a infidel?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on June 29, 2013, 10:19:27 PM
Not according to Google Translate.
However, the NSA may have other ideas.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on June 30, 2013, 12:03:40 PM
Love the BUFF, but it has never been stealthy. With all of the angles and surfaces, I don't see any way to come close to calling it stealthy. Using 1970s era tech, they would show up on radar screens at least as far away as Bear Ds. With modern radar, I'd guess they would be painted strongly enough to see them much farther away.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on July 25, 2013, 08:03:25 AM
I dont fly in anything with less HP then my ceiling fan. :)
hell look at the advantages...
if the engine quits at 10000 ft, you could fix any carburation problem, hell rebuild the sucker, and still have 2000 ft cushion
I haven't seen survival status, but I have seen pictures/reports of guys walking away from WWI fighter crashes. Those things rarely got over 100 mph. If the engine quits you just glide to a landing. I'd say your odds are better than in a faster, more modern craft.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 25, 2013, 02:00:29 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on July 26, 2013, 11:46:37 AM
how trhe ol PBY snuck up on anything during patrol is beyond me... those suckers are louder than GDS in an airport washroom
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 26, 2013, 11:58:32 AM
I thought they grounded the last flying Vulcan to preserve it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 26, 2013, 12:45:46 PM
They did, and I saw it on its 'last' flight (at RAF Leuchars), but its been made airworthy again.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Vulcan_XH558
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 26, 2013, 12:49:44 PM
they should keep it grounded so nothing happens to it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 26, 2013, 01:04:41 PM
To see one in flight is awesome, and they have very unique sound - the Vulcan 'howl'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhckJ9SkNbU
Edit. As I was typing that, I heard aircraft engines and looking out of the window, across the Tyne Valley, was the Red Arrows in a perfect 'V' formation. They whole formation went into a half roll before flying back towards the coast. This is the opening of the airshow, so I hope to see more stuff over the next couple of days.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 26, 2013, 01:16:49 PM
sweet!
driving to an airshow once in Miami I almost crashed when the highway was overflown by a B-1 at about 1000 feet. it was in a right hand bank and as I watched it I started drifting to the right. good thing I caught myself as I was on a rather high overpass at the time.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on July 26, 2013, 07:27:28 PM
how trhe ol PBY snuck up on anything during patrol is beyond me... those suckers are louder than GDS in an airport washroom
Everything with a pair of radial engines is loud and ,besides, the The PBY wasn't conducting attacks on IJN battlewagons. It was used for ASW and could carry both small torps and depth charges when armed. The subs could often hear them but a crash dive could take long enough that the PBY might still be able to get a hit. As far as surface ships go, the most lethal PBY attacks were conducted by the 'Black Cats', PBYs painted all black and used for night attacks against Japanese ships from just above wave top level.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 28, 2013, 10:54:23 AM
So far, just flying over the house on the way to/from from Newcastle Airport I've seen the Lancaster and Spifire twice, and an AH64. This afternoon, oh joy-of-joys, flying very low and slow was a Fairy Swordfish - sadly I did not have the presents of mind to have a camera handy.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 16, 2013, 09:02:36 AM
the F-35 now without test markings:
(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/6894/vmxu.jpg)
Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircrafts with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conduct a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Ariz. to MCAS Miramar, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 7, 2013.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 16, 2013, 09:03:14 AM
Looks like the 2 seater trainer and not a Schwalbe.
The 2 seater was also the basis for the night-fighter variant.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 16, 2013, 05:54:53 PM
I always thought that cockpit just killed the graceful lines.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on August 16, 2013, 06:01:17 PM
You want to see jarring lines from a 2-seat variant look at the Dornier Do-335. you'll almost think that's where the inspiration for the later MiL-24 Hinds came from.
(http://www.airpages.ru/mt/do335_20.jpg)
The first one looks evil. The second one? Not so much...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on August 21, 2013, 07:31:57 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on August 28, 2013, 12:59:34 PM
Lol K, Now you're just trolling for a comment from Star.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Keunert on August 28, 2013, 03:47:59 PM
i am not looking at planes for their character merits, it's the curvy lines i am looking at. a 17th gen armlaar radar with semi conducting milflactation erslm gives me no wood at all.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on August 28, 2013, 06:33:01 PM
If your saying the latest Russian fighters have sweet lines then yes I agree.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 29, 2013, 03:13:47 PM
I found a picture of the whole Canadian Air Force!
(http://i.imgur.com/qqMz2uR.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 29, 2013, 03:14:20 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/2jTHsFU.jpg)
Quote
Canadian CF18 Hornet aircraft from 409 Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta and Russian Su-27 aircraft from Anadyr, Russia are practicing procedures to transfer a simulated hijacked airplane from Russian to American airspace during the NORAD Exercise VIGILANT EAGLE 13 on Aug. 28, 2013. (Photo: Cpl Vicky Lefrancois, DAirPA FA2013-5100-14)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on August 29, 2013, 05:13:22 PM
Canadian CF18 Hornet aircraft from 409 Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta and Russian Su-27 aircraft from Anadyr, Russia are practicing procedures to transfer a simulated hijacked airplane from Russian to American airspace during the NORAD Exercise VIGILANT EAGLE 13 on Aug. 28, 2013. (Photo: Cpl Vicky Lefrancois, DAirPA FA2013-5100-14)
I was surprised there weren't vacuum cleaners involved. I figured the Russians would just shoot it down and figure it out later.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on August 29, 2013, 05:40:58 PM
In Soviet Russia, planes hijack you!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 29, 2013, 06:40:32 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on August 29, 2013, 06:51:12 PM
^The VVS forgot about the 'hijack' part though.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on August 30, 2013, 08:19:29 AM
I've got to hand it to the Russians, that's a beautiful paint scheme on their jets. Probably not as effective as our solid gray schemes but beautiful nonetheless.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 30, 2013, 02:06:30 PM
from the email files: From the mailbag and for all my Air Force friends: There I was at six thousand feet over central Iraq, two hundred eighty knots and we're dropping faster than Paris Hilton's panties. It's a typical September evening in the Persian Gulf; hotter than a rectal thermometer and I'm sweating like a priest at a Cub Scout meeting. But that's neither here nor there. The night is moonless over Baghdad tonight, and blacker than a Steven King novel. But it's 2003, folks, and I'm sporting the latest in night-combat technology. Namely, hand-me-down night vision goggles (NVGs) thrown out by the fighter boys. Additionally, my 1962 Lockheed C-130E Hercules is equipped with an obsolete, yet, semi-effective missile warning system (MWS). The MWS conveniently makes a nice soothing tone in your headset just before the missile explodes into your airplane. Who says you can't polish a turd? At any rate, the NVGs are illuminating Baghdad International Airport like the Las Vegas Strip during a Mike Tyson fight. These NVGs are the cat's ass. But I've digressed. The preferred method of approach tonight is the random shallow. This tactical maneuver allows the pilot to ingress the landing zone in an unpredictable manner, thus exploiting the supposedly secured perimeter of the airfield in an attempt to avoid enemy surface-to-air-missiles and small arms fire. Personally, I wouldn't bet my pink ass on that theory but the approach is fun as hell and that's the real reason we fly it. We get a visual on the runway at three miles out, drop down to one thousand feet above the ground, still maintaining two hundred eighty knots. Now the fun starts. It's pilot appreciation time as I descend the mighty Herk to six hundred feet and smoothly, yet very deliberately, yank into a sixty degree left bank, turning the aircraft ninety degrees offset from runway heading. As soon as we roll out of the turn, I reverse turn to the right a full two hundred seventy degrees in order to roll out aligned with the runway. Some aeronautical genius coined this maneuver the "Ninety/ Two-Seventy." Chopping the power during the turn, I pull back on the yoke just to the point my nether regions start to sag, bleeding off energy in order to configure the pig for landing. "Flaps Fifty!, Landing Gear Down!, Before Landing Checklist!" I look over at the copilot and he's shaking like a cat shitting on a sheet of ice. Looking further back at the navigator, and even through the NVGs, I can clearly see the wet spot spreading around his crotch. Finally, I glance at my steely-eyed flight engineer. His eyebrows rise in unison as a grin forms on his face. I can tell he's thinking the same thing I am. "Where do we find such fine young men?" "Flaps One Hundred!" I bark at the shaking cat. Now it's all aimpoint and airspeed. Aviation 101, with the exception there's no lights, I'm on NVGs, it's Baghdad, and now tracers are starting to crisscross the black sky. Naturally, and not at all surprisingly, I grease the Goodyear's on brick-one of runway 33 left, bring the throttles to ground idle and then force the props to full reverse pitch. Tonight, the sound of freedom is my four Hamilton Standard propellers chewing through the thick, putrid, Baghdad air. The huge, one hundred thirty thousand pound, lumbering whisper pig comes to a lurching stop in less than two thousand feet. Let's see a Viper do that! We exit the runway to a welcoming committee of government issued Army grunts. It's time to download their beans and bullets and letters from their sweethearts, look for war booty, and of course, urinate on Saddam's home. Walking down the crew entry steps with my lowest-bidder, Beretta 92F, 9 millimeter strapped smartly to my side, I look around and thank God, not Allah, I'm an American and I'm on the winning team. Then I thank God I'm not in the Army. Knowing once again I've cheated death, I ask myself, "What in the hell am I doing in this mess?" Is it Duty, Honor, and Country? You bet your ass. Or could it possibly be for the glory, the swag, and not to mention, chicks dig the Air Medal. There's probably some truth there too. But now is not the time to derive the complexities of the superior, cerebral properties of the human portion of the aviator-man-machine model. It is however, time to get out of this shit-hole. "Hey copilot, clean yourself up! And how's 'bout the 'Before Starting Engines Checklist." God, I love this job! - Author chooses to remain anonymous
Title: .
Post by: eyebiter on August 30, 2013, 02:54:58 PM
.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on August 30, 2013, 05:22:59 PM
^ Post Sequestration A-10.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 31, 2013, 01:26:21 AM
Some footage of the new Russian T-50 fighters from the MAKS airshow.
And some helicopters including the Mi-28 Havoc.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on September 03, 2013, 12:23:17 PM
Movie trivia question: What movie had a bunch of guys flying around in a restored B-29 converted into a pirate radio station? IIRC Dennis Hopper was in it. Made in the 80's, maybe?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 03, 2013, 06:05:08 PM
Just what the world needs a genetic hybrid of disillusioned tree hugger working with the man and a hot lesbian actress .... oh right... its been done before... nm
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 03, 2013, 08:05:10 PM
Just what the world needs a genetic hybrid of disillusioned tree hugger working with the man and a hot lesbian actress .... oh right... its been done before... nm
thank you for admitting that your agw issues. that must have been difficult for you.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on September 03, 2013, 08:19:13 PM
Just what the world needs a genetic hybrid of disillusioned tree hugger working with the man and a hot lesbian actress .... oh right... its been done before... nm
thank you for admitting that your agw issues. that must have been difficult for you.
must you contaminate every thread?????????????????????????????? have you no boundaries??????????????????????is there no limit to these question marks??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 03, 2013, 08:41:27 PM
I suffer the same with my PitF review. You suffer with the global warming. neither exists but we both claim they do. ;)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on September 04, 2013, 07:16:15 AM
Quote
Then I thank God I'm not in the Army.
Amen!
Good read. :)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on September 04, 2013, 08:09:34 AM
Notice the chase plane? The first test flight was in 1958.
That's because we were ordered/arm twisted not to make it as it was direct competition for the US manufacturers. :P
well thats one part, the one I know and put credence to is that it just cost too damn much and the american armtwister was giving us a helluva a deal to shelve the project
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 18, 2013, 04:06:52 PM
well thats one part, the one I know and put credence to is that it just cost too damn much and our great American allies and brothers to the south were giving us a helluva a deal to for much better kit
fixed it for ya.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on September 18, 2013, 06:16:21 PM
Anyone recognize this rare sight?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 18, 2013, 06:19:51 PM
A QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target from the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron flies over the Gulf of Mexico during its first unmanned flight at Tyndall Air Force Base Sept. 19. The 82nd ATRS operates the Department of Defense’s only full-scale aerial target program. The QF-16 will provide a more accurate representation of real world threats for testing and training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. J. Scott Wilcox).
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 23, 2013, 07:04:44 PM
If we use those to buzz Iranian jets over the Gulf I think we should put glow-in -the-dark plastic skeletons wearing Ray-Bans in the pilot's seats, making sure that the Iranians got a good look as the F-16s buzz them.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on September 24, 2013, 08:18:12 AM
If we use those to buzz Iranian jets over the Gulf I think we should put glow-in -the-dark plastic skeletons wearing Ray-Bans in the pilot's seats, making sure that the Iranians got a good look as the F-16s buzz them.
Awesome!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on September 30, 2013, 08:52:17 AM
not quite... think we have about 80 of those bad boys operational
You're talking about the AIM-7s right?
nah... probably have 2 per plane so thats about 160 ;D
The aircraft is also furnished with AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles. The air-to-ground missile installed in the hornet encompasses AGM-65 Maverick and CRV7 rockets.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 23, 2013, 12:52:36 PM
^^That's an RAF Lightening, despite it's resemblance to a Mig21 from that angle.
Aha!
Sorry, I thought everyone would realize it wasn't a 21 :P
thats gotta be sub sonic; look at the length of those two rods coming off of it. I am gussing the one is for aerial refueling
It was most definitely supersonic, with the later models capable of Mach 2. Also was the first 'supercruise' capable fighter in the world. It was a beast of an interceptor.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on October 24, 2013, 11:27:24 AM
how the hell could it pull high-g with those rods coming off it?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on October 24, 2013, 12:19:01 PM
the front is a pitot tube and the other is a refueling probe. I dont see whats so difficult about it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on October 24, 2013, 01:25:18 PM
Brazil operates a fleet of 12 Mirage 2000 single and two-seat fighter planes that are used for air-defense purposes.
The Mirages, known as “Jaguars” in the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira – FAB), were obtained from a French Air Force surplus between 2006 and 2008. They are assigned to the 1º Grupo de Defesa Aérea (1º GDA – 1st Air Defence Group), based at Annapolis, in Central-West Brazil, and they will be withdrawn from service by the end of 2013.
For this reason, the cool image taken by an FAB photographer from the backseat of a Mirage 2000B may be one of the last ones shot aboard the French plane.
The Mirage 2000 was to be replaced by the future Brazilian fighter F-X2. However, until a next generation fighter plane is selected (the procurement of a new fighter jet started at the beginning of the 2000s as F-X….), Brazil will replace the Mirages with some upgraded F-5 Tigers.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 15, 2013, 09:47:48 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/WDDP7up.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on November 15, 2013, 10:46:24 AM
but do you know what they are? ;)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on November 15, 2013, 10:49:34 AM
I started reading guides for Cold War Era military hardware before I was a teenager.
listen... if you can't play 'the game' without getting the rules spelled out for you (thus disqualifying you from 'the game') and getting huffy about it ... go visit Azz
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 15, 2013, 11:25:19 AM
I started reading guides for Cold War Era military hardware before I was a teenager.
listen... if you can't play 'the game' without getting the rules spelled out for you (thus disqualifying you from 'the game') and getting huffy about it ... go visit Azz
Are you off your meds, Methuselah?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on November 15, 2013, 11:28:05 AM
Was there ever any doubt?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on November 15, 2013, 11:31:53 AM
I started reading guides for Cold War Era military hardware before I was a teenager.
listen... if you can't play 'the game' without getting the rules spelled out for you (thus disqualifying you from 'the game') and getting huffy about it ... go visit Azz
Are you off your meds, Methuselah?
never even heard of that one... is it like the raloxifene you've been taking?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on November 15, 2013, 11:33:02 AM
We are better off having just a few multi-role types than a bunch of specialized aircraft, but do miss some of the sexy ones.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on November 16, 2013, 07:04:22 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/4giFvGH.gif)
nice little gif at takeoff. As you can see while accelerating, there's a little right wing dip ... typical torque steering from a front wheel drive .... ::)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on November 16, 2013, 08:03:17 PM
thats just a crazy maneuverable plane.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: LongBlade on November 16, 2013, 08:05:10 PM
nice little gif at takeoff. As you can see while accelerating, there's a little right wing dip ... typical torque steering from a front wheel drive .... ::)
Is that really from stop? The wheels are off the ground in under 1 second.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on November 24, 2013, 11:33:24 PM
Earlier this year Iran unveiled the Qaher F-313 stealth fighter jet ”one of the most sophisticated fighter jets in the world,” according to Tehran.
Even if Iranian media outlets published articles that listed the aircraft’s top features, based on the first (and only) images released on Feb. 2, 2013, we explained that the Qaher would never fly unless it was extensively modified and improved.
No more images of the F-313 have been released since then, until a new photo (taken by a user nicknamed “Iranian Spotters”) has emerged on Pakistan Defense forum, an image that allegedly shows the Qaher being moved to be prepared for taxi tests.
The new image (possibly partly photoshopped, based on some suspect blurry details on the tails and elsewhere) doesn’t add much to what we have already seen: the aircraft is probably the same (mock-up) plane showcased on Feb. 2.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 01, 2013, 05:56:33 PM
testbed. We didn't field/sell too many X-29s either now did we?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 01, 2013, 06:14:52 PM
oh, they wanted to buy and sell Berkuts. they were already weapon capable whereas the x-29 never was.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: endfire79 on December 02, 2013, 08:29:15 PM
(http://tinyurl.com/n8m4r5r)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 04, 2013, 10:06:36 PM
its a big one!!!
A group of F-15E Strike Eagles taxi, following a combat mission during Blue Flag exercise on Uvda Air Force Base, Israel, Nov. 26, 2013. Aircraft from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, deployed to participate in the exercise, where they engaged multiple heavy air defense assets, ground base targets and simulated opposition forces to meet combined operations requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lee Osberry/Released)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 04, 2013, 10:10:12 PM
and one for Toonces:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2013) Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bill Pennington Jr. takes off on a P-8A Poseidon No. 429 aircraft from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Nov. 29. The take-off represents the squadron's historic first operational deployment of the Poseidon within the Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance community. (U.S. Navy photo by Clark Pierce/Released)
I saw this monster take off from IAH when I worked there...it was amazing it could get in the air!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 17, 2013, 05:17:26 PM
You should see the AN 225, the version that the Sovs built to schlep around their Space Shuttleski, the Buran. That thing must touch down in one postal zone and finally come to a stop in another.
You should see the AN 225, the version that the Sovs built to schlep around their Space Shuttleski, the Buran. That thing must touch down in one postal zone and finally come to a stop in another.
Maybe it was a 225 I saw, then, and not the 124. It was a while ago, but it stopped all of us in our tracks to watch it take off. Either way, this 225 is pretty incredible too.
I like the Guppy (Super Guppy?), also...saw one at an airshow here a few years back. Amazed me as a kid that it could get up into the air at all.
You should see the AN 225, the version that the Sovs built to schlep around their Space Shuttleski, the Buran. That thing must touch down in one postal zone and finally come to a stop in another.
Maybe it was a 225 I saw, then, and not the 124. It was a while ago, but it stopped all of us in our tracks to watch it take off. Either way, this 225 is pretty incredible too.
I like the Guppy (Super Guppy?), also...saw one at an airshow here a few years back. Amazed me as a kid that it could get up into the air at all.
Lockheed Martin maintainers complete preflight checks on the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II prior to a sortie at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The RNLAF completed their first joint strike fighter flying sortie Dec. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 08, 2014, 08:21:11 AM
Man, the F-35 is such an ugly plane. I guess it gets the job done, though.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on January 08, 2014, 01:24:03 PM
The Vulcan is a great old plane. These flew at 100 ft over my head when I was a kid in Goose Bay, Labrador. The terrain around there apparently resembled terrain in Russia.... Man were they loud..... :o
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on January 15, 2014, 07:56:58 AM
Some Vulcans flew over my head too, here in Nova Scotia. But they were too high up to hear. They were heading south, far south to visit some Argentinians.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 15, 2014, 08:10:56 AM
I used to draw those all the time when I was in elementary school. No idea why I was so fascinated with that particular plane.
Because it was awesome. A rocket with wings!
Pretty apt description- It was also know as a Widow Maker due to high landing speed and teeny-tiny wings. Both the KLu and Luftwaffe lost a number of Starfighters and also pilots to the plane's unforgiving flight envelope.
EDIT: Also, IIRC, the Starfighter is the only true supersonic production aircraft that did not have swept wings.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 16, 2014, 06:30:55 PM
it didnt have swept back wings but the leading edge was swept. ;)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 16, 2014, 07:09:16 PM
That was pretty much the case with every jet built since the dawn of the jet age- none of them had a leading edge perpendicular to their fuselage centerline axis. The Starfighter's wing is a trapezoid.
EDIT: The U2 comes close though...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: W8taminute on January 17, 2014, 06:43:40 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 18, 2014, 10:07:06 AM
Is there more to the story? They would have to have repainted the entire aircraft darker grey and those markings are pretty sharp for a quicky gag-picture. Did the US phantom actually operate off the RN CV for a while?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2014, 10:19:13 AM
its the same thing as the pictures of the Rafales operating of the Truman. arresting and launch kit is common across NATO/France aircraft. the Brits probably just repainted the Colonial bit while in the second photo the Marines added the tail markings.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 18, 2014, 10:53:44 AM
Actually, on closer examination, the phantoms in the two pictures are different airframes. The RN types in the 1st pic have the modified vertical stabilizers with upgraded RWR unit and the Marine example on the flight deck (as well as the RN examples in the back) have the US standard fin. the 1st picture must have been taken much later after the change to the Marconi RWR. US and RAF Phantoms were never fitted with them, just the RN types.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 18, 2014, 12:41:19 PM
Gotta love those takeoff/landing intake vents on top of the regular ones. The MiG designers obviously planned for chickens on the runways of some of their customers. :D
Who's insignia is that anyway?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 18, 2014, 01:29:40 PM
Slovakian Air Force and the vents were for grass/rough field operations.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 18, 2014, 01:51:57 PM
Thanks for clarification on the insignia. The vents I know about. There are doors on the main lower intakes that close during takeoff.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 21, 2014, 10:26:20 AM
An F-102A Delta Dagger static display stands in Heritage Park at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as a reminder of its service here. The F-102A was considered a high-tech upgrade over the fighter jet it replaced, the F-89 Scorpion. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: endfire79 on January 27, 2014, 02:33:20 PM
(http://tinyurl.com/oocbwlg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 27, 2014, 02:42:53 PM
Always loved the Buccaneer!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: endfire79 on January 27, 2014, 03:05:21 PM
I've recently had the pleasure of working with two former RAF helo pilots (Wessex & Merlin). They were stationed in Cyprus aound the bad times in Beirut and had to fly out UK nationals from there. The Brits also sent a few Buccs to fly through (not over) Beirut back in the early 80's in order to send a message. From the stories I've heard, this was quite an impressive feat (the planning going into that and not crashing into buildings (or each other)). Not to mention how that must have sounded on the ground.
Was just looking at some of the Navy Buccs attempting landings on Ark Royal back in the day. That was a big beast.
Another story I heard was before they replaced it, they tried to mixing 1 engine from the Bucc and 1 engine from the Tornado. The pilots said it was a fantastic improvement in power and handling. However, I guess the Bucc had had its day.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on January 27, 2014, 03:18:48 PM
Try reading 'Phoenix Squadron', its absolutely superb.
Title: .
Post by: eyebiter on January 28, 2014, 07:59:31 PM
.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 28, 2014, 08:05:37 PM
my personal belief is that they never went forward with that because having a dedicated weapons officer would be to unfair. ;D
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 28, 2014, 08:07:37 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 29, 2014, 09:07:51 PM
because both me and that plane are to big for your mouth.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: endfire79 on January 30, 2014, 05:10:30 AM
Ladies and fellow Grogs, I present to you a small ballad to highlight this event between Star & Windy (in good spirited jest, no harm intended). To be sung in the fashion of Gordon Lightfoot's "The Edmund Fitzgerald" Please enjoy!
The legend lives on at the Grog-nadi fo-rum of the Big Two they named Star & Windy The two they say never would give way-ay! Both with big packages and brimming fumes of hot-air Global warming folks might well find their holy grail right the-re! And we all hoped for a few more fixed-wing pin-ups But then the gales of Star & Windy came early!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 30, 2014, 05:27:39 AM
Ladies and fellow Grogs, I present to you a small ballad to highlight this event between Star & Windy (in good spirited jest, no harm intended). To be sung in the fashion of Gordon Lightfoot's "The Edmund Fitzgerald" Please enjoy!
The legend lives on at the Grog-nadi fo-rum of the Big Two they named Star & Windy The two they say never would give way-ay! Both with big packages and brimming fumes of hot-air Global warming folks might well find their holy grail right the-re! And we all hoped for a few more fixed-wing pin-ups But then the gales of Star & Windy came early!
beautiful
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on January 30, 2014, 09:11:05 AM
Brought a tear to my eye........
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on January 30, 2014, 09:12:33 AM
that was really awesome.... :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 30, 2014, 10:18:22 AM
That was full of more gooderness.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on January 30, 2014, 02:34:26 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/on6lhLJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 30, 2014, 05:42:24 PM
^Fokker T-V Bomber in wartime plumage.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 30, 2014, 06:22:31 PM
Check the rest of the website out. They have some cool stuff there and And I highly recommend a visit if you live within a few hours' drive of Bradley Int'l Airport in Windsor Locks, CT.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: TheCommandTent on February 01, 2014, 06:21:11 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 01, 2014, 02:24:56 PM
Russian Tomcats
(http://i.imgur.com/R1yl8hA.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 01, 2014, 02:25:51 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/bAZRcmt.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 01, 2014, 02:32:46 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/BEZb6y2.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 01, 2014, 05:13:12 PM
heres some trivia for ya:
Dragon was the symbol of Chinese Emperor, it never allowed using this design by others including nations around China. That is to say, China was the center for all things.
Accordingly, the Emperors of nations around China were sensitive to this, they settled that reducing the number of claws. China : five claws (five fingers). Korea : four claws (four fingers). Japan : three claws (three fingers).
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 06, 2014, 04:51:16 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/uDfRsWE.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Capn Darwin on February 06, 2014, 04:58:07 PM
Nuke powered B-36 and a heavily modified B-29 or B-50 to be particular. Nice picture.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on February 06, 2014, 07:50:40 PM
It wasn't actually Nuke powered, it had a working reactor installed so they could test shielding in flight. The reactor wasn't hooked up to anything. Actually propelling the beast was a next but far off step. Many plans for ways to get the reactor output were explored but before a prototype was built somebody remembered that a big honking rocket could carry a nuke payload and was much cheaper. The reason the USAF wanted nuclear-powered a/c was so they could perma-loiter with intent just outside enemy airspace, allowing them to go in to said airspace at a moment's notice. An ICBM fits that bill as well. It just does it's loitering a bit farther away.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 08, 2014, 09:54:40 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/K0EtRsr.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 08, 2014, 09:55:58 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/YT37nth.jpg)
Title: .
Post by: eyebiter on February 10, 2014, 05:07:20 AM
.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on February 10, 2014, 06:31:27 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 14, 2014, 05:44:09 PM
and for my mates across the pond a cracking good bit o history boyo! 100 years!
(http://i.imgur.com/WppSMjx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/RUEOZgK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/RUR4UC6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/V4spNCH.jpg)
so lets recap that: British fighter pilots 100 year squadron birthday spending 6 weeks in Vegas
what could go wrong?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on February 14, 2014, 06:25:52 PM
Those Eurofighter Typhoons really do look sharp. Do the RAF pilots refer to them as 'Tiffys' (as their predecessors did the Hawker typhoon) by any chance?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on February 15, 2014, 06:48:58 AM
Nice one Star :) :) :)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on February 18, 2014, 11:43:17 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on February 20, 2014, 04:54:51 PM
^ Good for getting tons of gold bullion out of your last regional capital when the Ministry buildings have fallen and all you have is a short runway with a rebel BMP2 rolling up to the other end...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 20, 2014, 05:51:22 PM
The Russian Air Force is getting down to the official testing of their T-50 fifth-generation jetfighter in what is evidence that the aircraft is actually ready and can soon be passed into service. The T-50 flight tests have been scheduled to start at the Akhtubinsk flight test centre in March or April this year. Click image for larger version. Name: 130795.jpg Views: 0 Size: 109.2 KB ID: 215614Five aircraft are due to be tested, with the fifth T-50 having taken off in October 2013. Just a month later, the overall number of flights exceeded 450. Once the Russian Air Force gets 6 or 8 experimental T-50 jetfighters, the number of flights could easily reach 400 to 500 per year, which provides for carrying out the flight test programme of 2000 flights in a matter of three to four years. The first few T-50 jetfighters are due to arrive at the Lipetsk training centre of the Russian Air Force for retraining Russian military pilots in 2015. T-50 will become the first new-generation jetfighter that the Russian Air Force has adopted for service since the late 1980s, when the Su-27 was commissioned. 50 to 60 T-50 jetfighters are due to be bought by the Russian Air Force by 2020, while the overall number of T-50 to be adopted for service will make up 200 to 250. It is held that the first combat manoeuvre unit will be combat ready by 2017 or 2018.
The new jetfighter should largely boost the Russian Air Force combat potential by replacing the now obsolete Su-27 and partly Su-30, and ensuring supremacy in hypothetical air combat clashes with the enemy who relies on updated fourth-generation and even fifth-generation jetfighters, such as the F-35 or the F-22, which is currently used by the USAF.
The Soviet Union launched work on fifth-generation jetfighters back in the 1980s. By the mid-1990s, the Mikoyan Design Office came up with Project 1.44, while the Sukhoi Design Office, with Project S.37. S.37 was originally meant to hone some new technologies, so a new MIG jetfighter could have gone into production, but the Mikoyan project ground to a halt for lack of funding.
It became obvious by the mid-1990s that the projects in question were growing morally obsolete and should therefore be given up. A decision to develop a basically new aircraft was taken in the early 21st century. The Sukhoi, Mikoyan and Yakovlev Design Offices came up with their respective projects. As a result, Sukhoi became the lead developer of the new aircraft, which came to be known as T-50.
The F-22 designers have largely sacrificed performance characteristics for low-observability, while the T-50 designers focused on ensuring the acceptable combination of the former and the latter. As a result, T-50 boasts by far better performance characteristics, including cruising speed and flying range, which are crucial for a heavy jetfighter, such as T-50. All signs are the Russian jetfighter also boasts more capacious inner weapon compartments, which is a major tactical advantage.
But the low observable technology was not sacrificed at all in the long run, since Russia has begun to produce new composite materials, radar-absorbing coatings, and the types of dyes that, if combined with an advanced aircraft geometry analysis and radar blockers in the intake duct passages, make T-50 a very low observable aircraft.
The key factor in the T-50 kill potential is the jetfighter’s fire control system, including an active phased array radar in the fore-body and more antennas in the wings and the aft-body, ensuring an all-round view. T-50 is still more superior to F-35, which has failed to become a fully-fledged fifth-generation jetfighter, but costs nevertheless only slightly less than its predecessor, F-22. The cost of F-35 has been lowering recently as its series production gains momentum, but it’s not that easy to improve performance characteristics.
Just as F-35, T-50 will be offered for sale abroad. The first major project to that end is the Russian-Indian joint effort to develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, FGFA, on the basis of T-50. Once FGFA is manufactured, T-50 is expected to emerge on foreign markets, just as an Indian contract many years ago became the hour of triumph for the Russian Su-30 aircraft, which has been the best-selling fighter plane in the past 15 years.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 02, 2014, 04:59:27 PM
In WW2 smaller carriers often ferried non-carrier planes from place to place. The USS Langley (CV1) was also ferrying P-40's to Australia (IIRC) when she was attacked by Vals and sunk (or had to be scuttled?).
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 02, 2014, 05:43:16 PM
In WW2 smaller carriers often ferried non-carrier planes from place to place. The USS Langley (CV1) was also ferrying P-40's to Australia (IIRC) when she was attacked by Vals and sunk (or had to be scuttled?).
Brits did it quite a bit in the Med too. Particularly to reinforce Malta. Think we used Wasp for one of those runs too.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on April 02, 2014, 08:37:35 PM
According to the article that little CVE was carrying 77 of them!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 02, 2014, 09:17:34 PM
on some levels it would be awesome if Japan sank most of the Chinese navy with replica Zero's flown off their new carriers. fabric covered and wood framed for stealth.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on April 03, 2014, 01:04:14 PM
I like your idea of giant killer robots better Star
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 03, 2014, 04:34:40 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/a2RaBiB.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Capn Darwin on April 03, 2014, 07:28:41 PM
Okay Mirth, I think it's happy to see you... :o
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 04, 2014, 09:48:56 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 16, 2014, 07:51:22 AM
Thuds waiting for a drink:
(http://i.imgur.com/4icQWaE.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 17, 2014, 09:21:13 AM
Swiss Air Force F-18 and German Luftwaffe MiG-29 next to the Matterhorn
(http://i.imgur.com/cBjyTxa.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on April 17, 2014, 09:56:48 AM
Cool.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 17, 2014, 05:18:13 PM
How are those hand-me-down MiGs holding up anyway? IRRC the Poles eventually bought em for a dollah each. :D
Still, I heard there were some seriously bent noses after the Luftwaffe first started using their 29s as aggressors for NATO eval and wiped the floor with any Western fighters inside 5 or 10 miles.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 17, 2014, 05:30:13 PM
This led Johann Koeck, Oberstleutnant at German Luftwaffe, to the analysis:
"Inside ten nautical miles I’m hard to defeat, and with the IRST, helmet sight and ‘Archer’ I can’t be beaten. Period."
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 17, 2014, 05:31:53 PM
Another article breaking down the pros and cons of the 29 while in Luftwaffe service:
http://www.16va.be/mig-29_experience.htm
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 17, 2014, 05:56:28 PM
150 nm range..... BWAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 17, 2014, 06:03:37 PM
Keep in mind those were the export version of very early model MIG-29s.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 17, 2014, 06:31:58 PM
keep in mind we have helmet mounted sights and Aim-9x now. to be fair I think NATO training standards are what let them get what they do out of those frames. thankfully neither the Russians or China seem to spend as much on training as we do.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 17, 2014, 06:35:52 PM
keep in mind we have helmet mounted sights and Aim-9x now. to be fair I think NATO training standards are what let them get what they do out of those frames. thankfully neither the Russians or China seem to spend as much on training as we do.
I agree about the training making the difference.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 17, 2014, 06:37:17 PM
The 29 was probably designed to operate from forward airfields and insure local air superiority over the conflict zone at the cost of being able to operate far into enemy airspace. For that, the russians designed the Su-27 line.
keep in mind we have helmet mounted sights and Aim-9x now.
We have those now. We didn't back in the late 80's and 90's. Every dog may have it's day. This particular one just never got to play in it's own neighborhood when the day came.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 17, 2014, 06:43:54 PM
that version got its day in Iraq. ;D
USAF F-15Es vs IRAF MiG-29s
On the opening night of the war two MiG-29s attempted to engage a flight of USAF F-15Es. One of the MiGs crashed while flying at low altitude but the other MiG pressed on. One of the F-15Es fired an AIM-9 Sidewinder when the MiG locked him up but missed. Several other F-15Es simultaneously tried to engage the lone MiG-29 but were unable to get the kill. One F-15E was actually flying past the Iraqi jet and maneuvered in for the kill but the pilot hesitated to take the shot because he was unsure of his wingmen's location and because he did not get a good tone with the Sidewinder missile.[2]
I hadnt heard about this one:
IRAF MiG-29 vs USAF F-111 and B-52G
An Iraqi MiG-29 struck an F-111 aircraft with a R60 missile, though the sturdy F-111 stayed airworthy. Several minutes later the same pilot fired a R27 missile at a B-52G on a bombing run, severely damaging it.[4]
and so it goes...
USAF F-15Cs vs. IRAF MiG-29s
Two F-15Cs, piloted by Captains Craig Underhill and Cesar Rodriguez gave chase to a pair of MiG-29s detected by AWACS. The Iraqi aircraft, one piloted by Captain Jameel Sayhood, promptly turned and engaged the two American fighters, and one of the most dramatic dogfights of the Persian Gulf War ensued. The two MiGs and F-15s flew straight at each other, each attempting to visually identify the other. Underhill was facing Sayhood's wingman, while Sayhood himself was facing Rodriguez. Underhill fired an AIM-7 at Sayhood's wingman, scoring a head-on hit and killing the opposing pilot instantly. Simultaneously, Sayhood gained a lock on Rodriguez, throwing him onto the defensive. Rodriguez dove to low altitude in order to clutter Sayhood's radar and break the lock-on, and dropped flares to counter his adversary's infra-red search-and-track. However, after seeing his wingman shot down, Sayhood disengaged and fled to the north. Considering the engagement over, Rodriguez and Underhill turned south to rendezvous with a KC-135 tanker in order to refuel, but Sayhood reversed course and set off after them, prompting them to reengage. With the now lone MiG-29 closing head-on with the pair of F-15s, Underhill gained radar lock-on, but did not fire due to a glitch in his IFF interrogator system keeping him from being certain he wasn't about to shoot down a Coalition aircraft. Sayhood sliced into the American formation, causing a classic merge. Underhill kept Sayhood locked-on and climbed, while Rodriguez committed to the merge in order to visually identify the opposing aircraft as hostile. As they passed head-on, Rodriguez identified it as an Iraqi, and each pilot turned left to engage the other. Sayhood was relying on his MiG's better turning radius to get into a firing position on Rodriguez' tail. Both aircraft lost altitude through the sustained hard turning, bringing them perilously close to the ground. Fearing that Rodriguez would obtain infra-red lock-on and shoot him down with an AIM-9, Sayhood attempted to disengage using a split-s. Rodriguez didn't match Sayhood's manoeuvre, and observed him eject just prior to his MiG impacting the ground - he'd commenced his escape maneuver too low. It is not known if he survived.[2][3]
RAF GR.1 Tornado vs. IRAF MiG-29
It has been claimed by some sources that a Tornado (ZA467) crewed by Squadron Leader Gary Lennox and Squadron Leader Adrian Weeks was shot down on 19 January by a R-60MK (NATO reporting name: AA-8 Aphid) missile fired from an Iraqi MiG-29 piloted by Jameel Sayhood,[5] however this aircraft is officially recorded as having crashed on 22 January on a mission to Ar Rutbah.[6][7]
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2014, 10:24:57 AM
Formation of Short Stirlings
(http://i.imgur.com/6XjWzYo.png)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2014, 10:27:18 AM
Hellcat testing the hangar deck catapult of an Essex class carrier.
(http://i.imgur.com/N7kd9FM.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 21, 2014, 10:30:07 AM
Different angle, different Hellcat, probably a different carrier entirely:
Quote
An F6F-3 Hellcat from Fighting Squadron One (VF-1) being launched from the hangar deck catapult of USS Yorktown (CV-10) during her shakedown cruise near Trinidad in June 1943.
(http://i.imgur.com/7ZhXRk5.jpg)
I don't think these were ever used operationally.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on April 21, 2014, 11:23:23 AM
I was not aware that such a thing even existed. How interesting.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 24, 2014, 01:52:40 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 28, 2014, 05:39:19 PM
nah, thats how theyre born.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 29, 2014, 11:47:29 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/lGGJwII.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 29, 2014, 11:52:16 AM
Hawaiian Pre-War Fleet Maneuvers. January, 1941 onboard USS Enterprise (CV-6).
(http://i.imgur.com/hZqw3eB.jpg)
More - http://imgur.com/a/ziRQC#aaR4PNu (http://imgur.com/a/ziRQC#aaR4PNu)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 29, 2014, 11:56:52 AM
YB-40 bomber escort gunship:
(http://i.imgur.com/sQgPxTQ.png)
More pics - http://imgur.com/a/3IL2w#nGFLxbc
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 29, 2014, 12:52:08 PM
That pic of the Devastators still in peacetime colors is a nice find! I've always had a soft spot for that aircraft ever since I first read about Torpedo 8.
The YB-40 looks formidable on paper but it turned out to be as heavily laden with those added guns and armor as a regular Fortress was with bombs. Once the bombs had been dropped the YB-40 couldn't keep up with the now fast and agile B-17s on their way home. Also, there are supposedly several cases of YB-40s shooting down 'friendly forts' because the YB-40 crews were told to look out for strange Forts that didn't seem to belong. This happened after Kampfgeschwader-200 supposedly shadowed a few raids with crashed airframes that had been returned to flying condition by the Luftwaffe.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on April 29, 2014, 03:12:55 PM
its a VERY good thing they didnt get that into squadron service.
Finding trained pilots would have been a bigger problem.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 02, 2014, 11:08:18 AM
Quote
U.S. Air Force Capt. David Vincent, 65th Aggressor Squadron pilot, flies an F-15 Eagle with an updated Splinter paint scheme Oct. 20, 2011, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The updated Russian paint scheme promotes realistic threat replication when participating in simulated air to air combat.
(http://i.imgur.com/rK0bYL7.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 02, 2014, 11:09:02 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on May 02, 2014, 12:02:59 PM
Thanks guys.
Doesn't that add an "explosive" vulnerability to the top of yer plane though? And you can't drop them when empty.... are they mostly fro long haul restaging?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 02, 2014, 12:07:30 PM
Are Israelis using them for anything other than fuel? We stopped calling them FAST (Fuel and Sensor Tanks) packs I believe because they were only used for extra fuel.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 02, 2014, 12:09:47 PM
Doesn't that add an "explosive" vulnerability to the top of yer plane though? And you can't drop them when empty.... are they mostly fro long haul restaging?
I imagine the Israelis use them operationally for long range strike missions. Handy to have when you don't have a ton of tanker assets.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 02, 2014, 12:10:36 PM
I know the IAF likes jamming more ECM and flares into theirs. as for damage... IMHO if youre taking any hits youre probably fucked any way ya slice it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 02, 2014, 12:11:26 PM
IMHO if youre taking any hits youre probably fucked any way ya slice it.
That's the truth.
True enough.... thanks again ... I have learned something new today. I think I'll call it and go fer beer.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Capn Darwin on May 02, 2014, 02:06:28 PM
The big trick is not screwing up your wave drag for supersonic flight with those tanks. I'm betting a lot of simulation time has been invested in getting the shapes right. 8)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 02, 2014, 05:26:32 PM
its a VERY good thing they didnt get that into squadron service.
RAF testpilot-extrodinaire Eric Brown flew the He-162 and thought it was quite a formidable fighter. It's main problems were very limited range and lots of production defects. Considering who had to built those things I'm sure a number of those defects were intentional.
Also, rumor has it that it did get into service at the very end of things and scored at least one kill.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 05, 2014, 10:49:57 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/vOIeg5u.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 05, 2014, 05:49:55 PM
^I surrender!!!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 06, 2014, 08:09:40 AM
TBM Tarpons (Avengers) in Royal Navy colors.
(http://imgur.com/iUoySiQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on May 06, 2014, 09:01:41 AM
Great picture.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on May 06, 2014, 10:01:50 AM
I agree Boob48
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 06, 2014, 10:25:40 AM
Marcan using metric who's not a scientist or government worker... how positively progressive of you
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 07, 2014, 06:41:41 PM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 07, 2014, 07:10:30 PM
hes a crown loyalist.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on May 07, 2014, 09:49:35 PM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
I am a loyalist.... still pissed that you let those bloody insurrectionists off the hook the way you did.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 07, 2014, 09:53:31 PM
shit... we went with 120mm as the common NATO round because 4.7 inches hit to close to home for Europe.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 08, 2014, 04:15:11 AM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
I am a loyalist.... still pissed that you let those bloody insurrectionists off the hook the way you did.
Hey, don't blame me- I showed up long after the fuss was all over. According to conventional wisdom hereabouts you were actually around then to do something about it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: undercovergeek on May 08, 2014, 04:18:45 AM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
wait, what?
what does your beer and milk come in?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 08, 2014, 09:20:28 AM
Bartini Beriev VVA-14, vertical take-off amphibious aircraft, designed to destroy US SSBNs.
(http://i.imgur.com/3a3egHn.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on May 08, 2014, 09:30:33 AM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
wait, what?
what does your beer and milk come in?
Cartons and bottles.
(Note, I said "as well", not "instead". We are all in this mixed measuring thing together. ;))
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on May 08, 2014, 11:25:03 PM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
wait, what?
what does your beer and milk come in?
Cartons and bottles.
(Note, I said "as well", not "instead". We are all in this mixed measuring thing together. ;))
and socks too?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 09, 2014, 04:32:12 AM
Those are for making Goat Cheese. Fill'em up, hang 'em up, and a few days later- Voila!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: undercovergeek on May 09, 2014, 05:09:18 AM
I'm neither of those things and I use millimeters and milliliters all the time, both at work and home. How come you're not picking on the Brits with their pints, pounds, farthings, miles, stone, and yards as well?
wait, what?
what does your beer and milk come in?
Cartons and bottles.
(Note, I said "as well", not "instead". We are all in this mixed measuring thing together. ;))
but whats the capacity of your cartons and bottles
you dont have a pint of milk? :o
surely you can get a pint of beer in the US
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 09, 2014, 05:37:39 AM
Milk is usually in quarts, 1/2 gallons, and gallons but there are some smaller containers such as pints, used mainly for putting some milk in your coffee at work.
Pints of beer you can get by the glass at bars and restaurants. For retail sale (stores) beer is sold mostly in 12 ounce bottles or cans. You can also find 7, 22, and 40 ounce bottles and Foster's is available in 24 ounce cans. Some microbreweries and brewpubs will also sell 'growlers' (64 ounces). Occasionally you can find those in liquor stores as well. I recently heard that my state (Connecticut) passes a law allowing beer in smaller cartons similar to those used for wine and some premixed cocktails. It remains to be seen if anything comes of it as no one has started packaging them that way yet.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 09, 2014, 07:58:42 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/m8b1Ves.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 09, 2014, 10:19:07 AM
No, . . . lesser known members of the Dutch royal family ::)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 20, 2014, 10:55:05 AM
I Dinant know what you are talking about. That was a very Hague reference.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 20, 2014, 08:59:12 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/j6Axo7f.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 20, 2014, 11:55:32 PM
An F-18 Hornet from the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Air Group 50 taxis down a runway to join flying operations during Exercise Eager Tiger May 11, 2014, at an air base in northern Jordan. This exercise provides fighter pilots from the U.S. and Jordanian militaries a chance to conduct joint operations which enhance interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tyler McLain/Released)
(http://i.imgur.com/vLRMZmD.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 20, 2014, 11:57:20 PM
F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. and Royal Jordanian air forces, as well as an F-18 Hornet from the U.S. Marine Corps, fly over Jordan May 13, 2014, during Exercise Eager Tiger. Hosted annually in Jordan, the exercise allows fighter pilots and maintainers from around the world to exchange knowledge while increasing interoperability and showing their dedication to regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Roidan Carlson/Released)
(http://i.imgur.com/7s047Ea.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 21, 2014, 01:32:17 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 28, 2014, 04:09:09 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/3oHMN3i.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 28, 2014, 04:37:42 PM
Quote
A Strategic Air Command B-52D Stratofortress aircraft overflies the Soviet aircraft carrier Kiev while on a routine maritime reconnaissance mission over international waters, 03/11/1983
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 02, 2014, 10:07:57 AM
Quote
U.S. Navy Martin P5M-2 Marlin (BuNo 135534) from Patrol Squadron VP-47 being hoisted aboard the seaplane tender USS Currituck (AV-7). near Kodiak, Alaska 1962
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 02, 2014, 10:11:12 AM
Quote
Flying low over the jungle, an A-1 Skyraider drops napalm on a Viet Cong position below as smoke rises from a previous pass at the target, December 26, 1964.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 05, 2014, 10:33:11 AM
Quote
F2H-2 Banshee of Fighter Squadron 12 (VF-12), "Flying Ubangis," part of Air Group 1 (CVG-1), early 1950s
(http://i.imgur.com/p5FBgSU.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 05, 2014, 01:25:12 PM
landing in a jet, on a carrier with the cockpit open.... :idiot2:
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on June 05, 2014, 04:43:57 PM
Ejection mechanisms were still a little squirrelly back then. Maybe the pilot figured he would eliminate one variable by not having to punch through the canopy if it didn't blow off.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 06, 2014, 07:19:08 AM
Here's a PDF with specs for the Banshee. Bottom of page 4 lists the landing stall speed at 86-91kts.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 08, 2014, 08:35:48 AM
and accurate to within 60 feet! lol
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 08, 2014, 03:41:00 PM
That early 80s AF vid had some interesting tidbits. Like how the narrator called the Tomahawks "glickums". I realize that was the terminology back then for GLCMs. Just like SLCMs were "slickums". But how much cooler and easier it is to just call them Tomahawks.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 09, 2014, 10:36:31 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/NrcFgZB.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on June 09, 2014, 04:51:17 PM
If WW2 in Europe had gone on another year or the Red Army had kept rolling west after getting to the Elbe then those P-80s (later F-80s) would have been escorting waves of B-29s and possibly B-36s.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 10, 2014, 10:30:11 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/1C806yQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on June 10, 2014, 10:31:55 AM
Been there, done that.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 10, 2014, 07:40:13 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 30, 2014, 06:42:31 PM
Quote
A Harrier at San Carlos Forward Operating base, a crude airfield constructed on the Falklands to allow for a few Harriers to operate closer than the aircraft carriers allowed.
(http://i.imgur.com/HgVQTfL.jpg)
Title: .
Post by: eyebiter on July 02, 2014, 10:11:55 AM
.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 04, 2014, 09:17:08 AM
Fantastic looking aircraft. P61 Black Widow Night Fighter.
Ah, yes. My bad.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 28, 2014, 05:44:34 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/cvUz7vK.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on July 28, 2014, 07:33:06 PM
Hey look! The intakes have adjustable doors that regulate how much money it can suck up and burn as it makes low-level passes over the Pentagon budget... ;D
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 28, 2014, 07:47:12 PM
dont be a jealous 3rd world country.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 30, 2014, 07:14:59 PM
Mak-10/101. Designed by Russian Ivan Makhonine and built in France. It had a telescoping wing and was used for early research into variable wing area.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 01, 2014, 09:24:42 AM
Curtis Hawk
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 01, 2014, 10:30:46 AM
F-15SGs of the Singapore Air Force ready for take off on the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base for Ex Red Flag 2014.
(http://i.imgur.com/i9QjUft.jpg)
Quote
The F-15SG will be an advanced version of the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle external link, which adds longer range and a lot of ordnance to the base F-15 air superiority fighter. Singapore’s fighters will add a number of enhancements, making them the world’s most modern Strike Eagles.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: endfire79 on August 09, 2014, 07:39:41 PM
Was just browsing the news, and there was a tight landing the other day at RNAS Culdrose in UK during the Royal Navy's Air Day. It was an old Hawker Sea Fury that appeared to have some problems at the end of the flight and then it had a problem with 1 of its landing gear (good landing considering that and the age of the aircraft). All the exciting stuff happens when I'm not in town.
John Madden was a commentator for American football who was well known for stating the very obvious during games. Some people found this very maddening.
::)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 24, 2014, 04:57:29 PM
The false canopy is a rudimentary deception technique. Makes it more difficult to tell the true orientation of the aircraft. Butterflies have been doing similar things for much longer.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on August 24, 2014, 05:22:05 PM
The jury's still out on whether or not the technique has helped boost the butterflies' kill ratio in dogfights.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on August 24, 2014, 06:37:02 PM
Put a 20 mike-mike on a butterfly and that might change.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 24, 2014, 08:43:17 PM
you should really hug a butterfly and find your happy place.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 25, 2014, 05:26:32 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/yi34hrM.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 25, 2014, 05:37:09 PM
(http://imgur.com/qrOcgEO.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: W8taminute on August 25, 2014, 05:43:37 PM
Awesome display from old to not so old. :)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on August 25, 2014, 06:12:44 PM
Hawker Hunter 3rd down from the top- my dad flew those in the KLu (Royal Netherlands Air Force) back in the early 60s. He said that when you fired all four Aden 30mm guns at once the resultant airframe deceleration felt like the plane hit a cement wall.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on September 03, 2014, 12:02:15 PM
we've seen far better flying at far lower altitudes.
besides, now isnt the time to be a ruski propagandist. :P
Better flying from a plane designed as a high altitude, supersonic interceptor? The 25 is a pig. It was never meant to be driven in the weeds.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 04, 2014, 07:07:23 PM
thats treetop not the weeds. I'd also submit that anything that big looks like its hauling ass that low. in reality I can see a C-17 passing them in the backround during a combat takeoff.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 04, 2014, 07:12:54 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 07, 2014, 05:42:36 AM
I can't believe the US/West doesn't have an operational shuttle service anymore. Without it we can't start any missions to other solar system destinations (Mars, Europa, Asteroids). We can't depend on the Russians and in this fiscal environment I fear it will be a long time before we once again regularly operate our own surface-to-orbit payload lifting craft.
If we actually ever do... :(
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: W8taminute on September 07, 2014, 07:21:51 AM
I know exactly why we don't have a shuttle service anymore but I'm not going into any details. I don't want to get myself or this site into trouble. But in a word let's just say "Don't have the money to waste on a space program anymore" perhaps?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 07, 2014, 08:03:42 AM
???
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 13, 2014, 11:16:17 PM
After all those years of parts embargos it's probably apropos that you used the singular rather than the plural.
My understanding is that the Iranians scored some parts as we scrapped our Tomcat fleet. However you are correct that there aren't many operational these days. Ironic though that without the handful of IRIAF Tomcats still flying, there would be none at all. :(
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 15, 2014, 06:53:38 PM
its because of those fucksticks that we chopped ours up! >:(
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on September 18, 2014, 09:29:50 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 26, 2014, 06:15:44 PM
flying to low over the farther reaches of the Amazon would be my bet.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on September 26, 2014, 11:48:14 PM
Back in the day the natives would have a proper God fearing respect for a plane. Now the punks shoot anything that moves. It's the damn music these days I tells ya.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 27, 2014, 05:45:04 AM
The Cargo Cult must have been pissed that their Great God didn't bring them more prepaid android phones and Kardashian-themed supermarket checkout magazines.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 29, 2014, 10:38:52 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 03, 2014, 02:30:10 PM
^Most excellent!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on October 03, 2014, 08:54:45 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on October 04, 2014, 05:38:03 AM
Awesome.
No matter how many times I've seen the Lanc, the sound of those 4 Merlins still gives me a thrill.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 04, 2014, 11:32:28 AM
Brazilian F-5s
(http://i.imgur.com/oeASvb3.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on October 04, 2014, 12:07:56 PM
^A very underrated Gen-3 fighter. Rumor has it that when the USAF and US Navy first used F5Es as aggressor aircraft the F5s kicked ass against the F-15s and Tomcats until the pilots of both latter aircraft got used to what an F5 can and can't do as well as benefiting from a 'tweak' or two to the simulated performance of their own missiles.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 04, 2014, 12:30:11 PM
Over 50 years in service and entirely possible some F-5s will still be operational 15-20 years from now.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 05, 2014, 02:54:47 PM
Corsair being readied for launch off Korea, 1952
(http://imgur.com/W2LX6Ze.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on October 05, 2014, 03:17:05 PM
I loves me some F4U. :)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Steelgrave on October 05, 2014, 03:46:43 PM
The C-47 differed from the civilian DC-3 in numerous modifications, including being fitted with a cargo door and strengthened floor, along with a shortened tail cone for glider-towing shackles, and an astrodome in the cabin roof.[3][4]
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 06, 2014, 05:46:33 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 04, 2014, 05:25:04 PM
Quote
An F-14A Tomcat of Fighter Squadron (VF) 111, the "Sundowners," pictured during recovery on board the carrier Carl Vinson (CVN 70) underway in the waters off southern California, on November 2, 1987.
(http://i.imgur.com/YWEDA2B.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on November 04, 2014, 05:58:02 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 05, 2014, 08:33:48 PM
^SAAB Draken. Got to be.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 05, 2014, 08:42:20 PM
sweet ride aint it!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 05, 2014, 08:46:25 PM
The Draken is a lot like the F-16XL 'Cranked Arrow', except 20 years earlier. Benefits of a steep swept wing with those of a shallower one without complicated swing-wing mechanisms.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 05, 2014, 08:48:42 PM
they couldnt build cars for shit, I owned one, but they made some damn fine airplanes.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 05, 2014, 08:54:34 PM
Might as well be two different companies.
Oh, wait...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on December 08, 2014, 08:38:31 AM
Yeah.... someone lodged a proton in the electron gun...... >:(
Are you...positive about that?
;D
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 08, 2014, 09:43:22 AM
dont be discouraged, get up and atom.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 10, 2014, 10:24:34 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/qk8y3J1.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 10, 2014, 10:26:21 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/9RYtAok.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on December 10, 2014, 10:26:24 AM
^^Nice... but is real?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 10, 2014, 10:34:40 AM
High bank refueling of B-52s, done as a training maneuver:
(http://pilotballcaps.com/74a.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pVoWp0q.jpg)
Quote
During Instructor training, pilots were shown the full envelope of the aircraft including what was not in the manual and what could be accomplished. In this particular maneuver, the aircraft would perform refueling and accomplish a whifferdill in formation
To perform a whifferdill (because Wikipedia's description is pitiful) basically, you pull up to vertical while in level flight and as airspeed bleeds off, you kick in a little rudder, and your nose drops to that side; it should be noted that . As you approach the top of the maneuver, your vertical velocity drops off and the nose drops to the side of you put in rudder with that side's wing pointing at the ground. From the point you go vertical, the wings are not producing lift and you are being held in the air by momentum. The rudder movement redirects that momentum into an arc that allows the airplane to fall ballistically until airspeed picks up and the control surfaces are fully effective. The airplane then pulls up from a nose-low dive going 180 degrees from the starting heading and with the same energy/airspeed as before (an energy neutral maneuver)
Since, at the top, they are falling ballistically at the same rate (weight and lift are not a factor), it's relatively easy to stay in formation and continue refueling without spoilers. I think the flaw in your logic is assuming they are doing this in a level turn (which they aren't).
Again, this was a demonstration maneuver to show student instructor pilots on the KC-135 and B-52 the full limitations of their respective airframes.
High bank refueling of B-52s, done as a training maneuver:
(http://pilotballcaps.com/74a.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pVoWp0q.jpg)
Quote
During Instructor training, pilots were shown the full envelope of the aircraft including what was not in the manual and what could be accomplished. In this particular maneuver, the aircraft would perform refueling and accomplish a whifferdill in formation
To perform a whifferdill (because Wikipedia's description is pitiful) basically, you pull up to vertical while in level flight and as airspeed bleeds off, you kick in a little rudder, and your nose drops to that side; it should be noted that . As you approach the top of the maneuver, your vertical velocity drops off and the nose drops to the side of you put in rudder with that side's wing pointing at the ground. From the point you go vertical, the wings are not producing lift and you are being held in the air by momentum. The rudder movement redirects that momentum into an arc that allows the airplane to fall ballistically until airspeed picks up and the control surfaces are fully effective. The airplane then pulls up from a nose-low dive going 180 degrees from the starting heading and with the same energy/airspeed as before (an energy neutral maneuver)
Since, at the top, they are falling ballistically at the same rate (weight and lift are not a factor), it's relatively easy to stay in formation and continue refueling without spoilers. I think the flaw in your logic is assuming they are doing this in a level turn (which they aren't).
Again, this was a demonstration maneuver to show student instructor pilots on the KC-135 and B-52 the full limitations of their respective airframes.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 24, 2014, 06:19:38 AM
The photo must be from the 60's based on the paint scheme (or lack there of).
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 24, 2014, 07:05:35 AM
There isn't much in the way of source information on that pic. This guy has it on his blog: https://dougkeeney.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/the-clobber-factor-2/
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 24, 2014, 07:07:15 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/JNrageh.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 24, 2014, 08:39:19 AM
In Sweden the runways can double as roads when needed... :))
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on December 24, 2014, 08:48:27 AM
There isn't much in the way of source information on that pic. This guy has it on his blog: https://dougkeeney.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/the-clobber-factor-2/
I'm almost sure that it's just north of El Paso, Texas, looking west at the Franklin mountains, out in the Ft. Bliss/White Sands reservation.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 26, 2014, 08:17:14 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on December 30, 2014, 06:06:31 PM
Nice pic!
IIRC, many of the bracing wires on the Peashooter were not really needed but the designers added them thinking that Army Air Corps pilots transitioning from biplanes wouldn't trust the monoplane's structural integrity without seeing the wires they were used to.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 31, 2014, 10:11:57 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/zugtnJq.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on December 31, 2014, 01:09:53 PM
Don't know if this copied properly. Never heard that the U-2 tried carrier landings.
http://creativefission.com/Frame_Film_DVD_U2.html
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 31, 2014, 01:12:06 PM
About the only thing that hasn't landed on a carrier is one of Mirths larger ex's.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on December 31, 2014, 01:29:33 PM
Let me guess, there's an issue with the wingspan?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 31, 2014, 01:40:10 PM
No way to strap JATO bottles to her.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 31, 2014, 06:03:25 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 01, 2015, 06:17:31 AM
From the Wikipedia entry on the Wellington:
Quote
In one incident, a German Bf 110 night-fighter attacked a Wellington returning from an attack on Münster, Germany, causing a fire at the rear of the starboard engine. Co-pilot Sergeant James Allen Ward climbed out of the fuselage in flight, kicked holes in the doped fabric of the wing for foot and hand holds to reach the starboard engine, and smothered the burning upper wing covering. He and the aircraft returned home safely, and Ward was awarded the Victoria Cross.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Wellington
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Allen_Ward
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on January 01, 2015, 08:42:28 AM
If my memory is right, it was unable to stay in flight if one of the engines failed. Although most of the Welly's ultimately went to Coastal Command, they were not appreciated by the pilots due to this dangerous flaw.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 03, 2015, 03:12:53 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on January 03, 2015, 03:34:43 PM
What is that?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 03, 2015, 03:44:00 PM
Handley Page Victor. Former Brit nuke bomber that was converted to a tanker. They used them in the Falklands War to refuel Vulcans that carried out the Black Buck Raids.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: W8taminute on January 03, 2015, 03:46:37 PM
Looks like something out of Star Wars. I've always loved seeing them at air shows. :smitten:
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 08, 2015, 09:11:01 AM
Quote
German "Albatros D.III" fighters of elite squadron "Jasta 11". The 2nd closest aircraft is piloted by Manfred von Richthofen, the "Red Baron". (France - 1917)
(http://i.imgur.com/eBb212H.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 08, 2015, 09:13:37 AM
Quote
"Hannover CL.II" fighter with pilot and gunner
(http://i.imgur.com/8eCy63Q.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 08, 2015, 09:15:36 AM
Quote
U.S. fighter ace Eddie Rickenbacker in his French SPAD XIII (1918)
(http://i.imgur.com/euHZJWk.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 09, 2015, 10:28:19 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/5pqrNiU.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 09, 2015, 10:31:55 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/WRrMoX8.jpg)
http://www.vfp62.com/f14_rio.html
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 09, 2015, 10:34:23 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 12, 2015, 06:43:54 PM
Quote
Convair XC-99 prototype heavy cargo aircraft. The largest piston-engined land-based transport aircraft ever built, it was developed from the B-36 bomber.
now thats the life! wake up and go for a swim, have some cocktails in cut out fruit with umbrellas and then jump in your sea plane fighter.
... did they call those guys the twenty minuters? Or was that only reserved for the WWI flying corps on the western front (and Japanese pilots after late 1943) ? ;)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 14, 2015, 08:20:29 PM
Im going non-historical here. thinks Thunderbirds.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on January 15, 2015, 07:42:41 AM
Thunderbirds go!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 19, 2015, 11:04:29 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 24, 2015, 05:59:14 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/ufyPBu9.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 24, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
Kfir on loan from Israel for the Aggressor Unit at TOPGUN?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on January 24, 2015, 07:12:28 PM
Colombian Air Force
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 24, 2015, 07:14:47 PM
Ah.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on January 25, 2015, 05:00:14 AM
Don't think the logistics would work so well, maybe if they flew P-51s or OV-10 Broncos.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: W8taminute on January 25, 2015, 02:48:55 PM
^Nice!
I've been having a ball flying my A20 Havoc in War Thunder. Those nose mg's really tear enemies up to shreds whether they're planes or light vehicles. The Havoc is a joy to fly.
some nice pics of Russian aircraft that have wandered into other nation's airspace.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 21, 2015, 05:05:40 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/Dq1eNdZ.png)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 21, 2015, 06:48:05 PM
this: (http://i.imgur.com/Dq1eNdZ.png)
plus this: (https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2226/2004656398_3359d99ad7_z.jpg)
is how Warthogs are made! (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7NKr1GVHCM/UtnMBG-yVlI/AAAAAAAAvw8/L1fgPKuu3Xk/s1600/a10-fuselage-transported-by-c5-galaxy-aircraft.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Steelgrave on February 22, 2015, 04:42:05 AM
A B-52, appropriately named "Ghost Rider", is resurrected from the Arizona desert to fly again.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 22, 2015, 06:26:12 AM
the flip side is that its not cool to be dipping into that part of the reserve pool for operational use as a complete airframe.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Steelgrave on February 22, 2015, 07:17:28 AM
My understanding was that the planes at Davis-Monthan were intended both for parts and for possible re-constitution in emergencies. No?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 22, 2015, 10:28:30 AM
yeah, but..... a B-52.....
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 22, 2015, 10:31:44 AM
Yeah turns out we need to keep 60 year old bombers in service for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 22, 2015, 10:33:47 AM
Our aircraft procurement in the past 30 years has not been great :(
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 22, 2015, 04:17:55 PM
I dont mind the use of parts. But a whole airframe that needs to be brought up to current spec....
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on February 22, 2015, 04:18:42 PM
oddly it will probably have the fewest flight hours in the fleet. :P
Title: A B-52H saved from the scrap heap
Post by: republic on February 22, 2015, 05:29:55 PM
Just saw this: http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/02/19/b52-comes-back-from-the-boneyard/23675305/ (http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/02/19/b52-comes-back-from-the-boneyard/23675305/)
A B-52H bomber named "Ghost Rider" is back from the dead.
The bomber was sitting in the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, when it was selected to replace another B-52 that was damaged in a fire, said Maj. Phillip Ventura, spokesman for the 2nd Bomb Wing.
The Air Force is such an odd animal. Bringing back an old Buff to replace a damaged one is a common sense thing. Then on the other hand you have them wanting to cut the A-10 and spending billions on stealth planes we don't use...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 04, 2015, 06:13:57 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/zGhh2i3.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 04, 2015, 06:18:12 PM
its like Bawbs moustache flying off into the sunset.
if his stach' didnt fly for the Luftwaffe.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on March 05, 2015, 06:41:19 AM
I always maintained an airworthy spare.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 05, 2015, 08:53:43 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on March 21, 2015, 01:48:40 PM
I dunno. It seems awfully good for the Dark Ages Before Photoshop. The jet wash could cause that kind of effect under the bridge and the plume is probably hollow and curtaining out to either side. If he had been flying very low for a short distance along the river on his approach getting very close to the water would also create 'wing in ground effect' and push down on the surface.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 21, 2015, 02:51:56 PM
I didn't post the link because I think it's a hoax. The guy breaking it down acknowledges that it probably happened, even if the pic was doctored.
Pretty cool either way.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 21, 2015, 05:40:20 PM
Shit... Photoshop learned editing from the Soviets.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 22, 2015, 04:51:34 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/Bsi6JRn.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on March 23, 2015, 06:19:04 AM
^ That's a cool shot! O0
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on March 23, 2015, 07:07:18 AM
Maj. Gen. James Post raised eyebrows this month when he warned fellow airmen in Nevada that talking to Congress about the embattled A-10 Thunderbolt could qualify as treason. “If anyone accuses me of saying this, I will deny it … anyone who is passing information to Congress about A-10 capabilities is committing treason,” Post told an audience of officers at Nellis Air Force Base according to the military blog John Q. Public. The Air Force has brushed off the statement as hyperbole but confirmed Friday the inspector general has opened an investigation. The two-star general’s warning comes at a delicate time for the Warthog — the service is facing an internal backlash from airmen who want to keep the close-air-support aircraft and another uphill budget battle with Congress over the retirement. The blog said it corroborated the quote through senior officials and several other sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Experts said the statement was meant to quash disagreement within the Air Force over phasing out the A-10 and push the plans by leadership. Whether Post’s method was inappropriate or trampled the rights of servicemembers depends on your point of view. “Just to the lay person who has never been in the military, it would seem to have a chilling effect” on protected speech among troops, said Larry Youngner, who served as an Air Force judge advocate for 20 years and is now a managing partner in the Virginia law firm Tully Rinckey. “Most of the A-10 pilots I’ve known in the past would take it as a challenge … They are so proud of the accomplishments of the A-10 they would take it as an opportunity. It would embolden them to contact Congress.” Post is the vice commander of the Air Combat Command, which oversees A-10 air wings and close-air-support units. Federal and military law gives all servicemembers the right to communicate with congressional representatives through official and private channels, though they are not to use their service or rank to endorse partisan political causes or campaigns. “I love that platform. That said, if I’m for it or against it, I have the unfettered right to contact Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina and tell him about my support of that aircraft,” Youngner said.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh faced tough questioning Wednesday in the Senate over whether the service is investigating airmen who have spoken to Congress about the planned retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., said she was told about the internal probes after the two-star vice commander of the Air Force Air Combat Command caused a minor scandal and prompted an ongoing inspector general investigation by warning airmen that discussing the aircraft’s capabilities with lawmakers could amount to “treason.”
The service is trying to retire the close-air-support aircraft — known for its 30 mm Gatling-type cannon — to save money, but has run into resistance from troops and members of Congress who believe the so-called Warthogs are still highly valuable on the battlefield. Maj. Gen. James Post’s comments and the report of internal investigations come as the White House prepares to release the proposed defense budget and likely opens another year of wrangling between the Air Force and Congress over the aircraft’s retirement.
“What I’m hearing is there is actually an investigation going on in reverse — to find out who has communicated with Congress — and to me that seems the opposite of what we would be trying to accomplish in looking at what Gen. Post said, and whether it was lawful or not,” Ayotte said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. “So, I hope there will be no punishment or any kind of pursuit of people trying to communicate with Congress.”
Welsh, who had been called to testify on budget caps, denied any involvement or knowledge of the probes.
“I know of nothing along those lines at all. I would be astonished by it,” Welsh said. “Certainly I am not part of it; the secretary is not part of it; and I would not condone it.”
Federal and military law gives all troops the right to communicate with congressional lawmakers through official and private channels, though they are not to use their service or rank to endorse partisan political causes or campaigns.
“I completely commit to the lawfulness of communication with Congress,” Welsh said. “I support any airman’s right to discuss anything that you’d like to discuss with them, and for them to give you their honest opinion.”
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 03, 2015, 07:36:51 AM
::)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 03, 2015, 10:30:17 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/jrTtdTB.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 05, 2015, 06:13:45 PM
Meet the Douglases
(http://i.imgur.com/g1t7LQ7.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 05, 2015, 06:33:26 PM
gotta love the Skyhawk.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 05, 2015, 06:38:03 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 05, 2015, 06:42:03 PM
One of the most brilliant aircraft designs ever.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 05, 2015, 06:43:35 PM
And still operational after 60 years.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 05, 2015, 07:38:06 PM
"Heinemann's Hot-Rod"
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 05, 2015, 10:43:36 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 06, 2015, 04:47:06 AM
Impressive.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 06, 2015, 04:58:08 AM
the things man can achieve when hes single....
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 06, 2015, 04:59:00 AM
Or has more money than responsibilities...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 06, 2015, 05:08:07 AM
you dont just buy into that hobby at that level. if married there are no pans in the kitchen.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on April 06, 2015, 05:36:44 AM
That's a highly time intensive hobby. Before he passed, my grandfather started getting into it and would spend Saturdays out at a private field where they flew those things. His was prop-driven if I remember right. He was retired so he had all the time in the world and had a workshop in his garage for it. The cabinets and stuff are still there (my mom lives there now), but all the aircraft and parts they sold after he passed. I didn't have an interest in it at all back then, but neither did he ever invite me, so I guess it worked out for him.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 08, 2015, 06:38:55 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/kGcER6n.jpg)
RNLAF F-16s intercepting a USAF B-52 on April 2nd in a simulated strategic bombing mission.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Steelgrave on April 08, 2015, 11:47:14 AM
^Damn, she still looks lethal. I used to love hearing them fly....you always knew it was a BUFF by the sound of those engines alone.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 08, 2015, 04:02:44 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/iW2Nyh5.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 08, 2015, 04:03:28 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/N25b2Nv.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 08, 2015, 04:04:31 PM
The Air Force general who told airmen that speaking to Congress about plans to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt amounts to treason has left his command position and been reprimanded, the Air Combat Command said Friday.
The service’s inspector general found that the comments by Maj. Gen. James Post, then the ACC vice commander, had a “chilling effect” and caused airmen to feel constrained about their right to speak to lawmakers about important issues, according to the command.
Post was issued a letter of reprimand and is moving from his position following the statements Jan. 10 to about 300 airmen at a Weapons and Tactics Review Board meeting at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The board was discussing the controversial retirement of the A-10, which has sparked a pushback from Congress and infantry troops and pilots who believe it has unique capabilities on the battlefield.
“It was sincerely never my intention to discourage anyone’s access to their elected officials,” Post said in a released statement. “I now understand how my poor choice of words may have led a few attendees to draw this conclusion and I offer my humble apology for causing any undue strain on the command and its mission.”
Post was asked a question about the A-10 and discussed the tight budget leading to the Air Force decision to retire the aircraft. The general talked about the importance of loyalty to the decisions by senior leadership and used the word “treason” to describe airmen who discuss dissenting opinions with lawmakers, the ACC said.
The IG found that Post had been “attempting to prevent” some of the airmen from contacting their representatives on Capitol Hill, according to the command.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 10, 2015, 01:27:03 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 10, 2015, 01:30:07 PM
Wheres the photo of the Chinese flanker and what are those bombs it was dropping?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: W8taminute on April 10, 2015, 03:52:41 PM
This plane here keeps interfering with my ground strike missions in WitE. I destroyed 6000 Soviet aircraft in the first 4 months of the war and I'm still getting harassed by the Soviet Air Force.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 15, 2015, 03:29:44 AM
Trivia: the B-52 took its first flight today in 1952.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on April 15, 2015, 05:24:22 AM
You just brought up a memory. In 1991 was driving down 295 east of the Potomac River. I always look to the east to see if a plane could be spotted over Andrews AFB. This one time it was a BUFF. There aren't any BUFFs based in the east. If the Big Uglies were moving out, it meant war.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on April 18, 2015, 09:36:23 AM
More airplane-nerd trivia, answering the question that has torn entire WW2 aircraft enthusiast communities apart:
Every so often, a verbal skirmish will break out over this seemingly contentious issue... "It's Bf 109!" "No, it's Me 109!" "Bf!" "Me!!" Frequently, this degenerates into name-calling, questioning of parentage, gnashing of teeth, and other such impolite and unproductive activities. Well, today we will conclusively lay this dispute to rest once and for all...
Both terms are correct.
First, a little history is in order. The 109 (8-109, if one wants to be strictly pedantic and refer to the aircraft with the 8- prefix assigned by the RLM to fighter aircraft) was first flown at the end of May 1935 at the home field of the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in Augsburg, Germany. Design of the aircraft was started in March 1934 under the direction of Dipl. Ing. Willy Messerschmitt, who joined the firm after a merger of his own company, Messerschmitt Flugzeugbau, with BFW as ordered by the Bavarian government. (1) Emboldened by the success of his Bf 108, and anticipating certain defeat in the RLM's fighter design competition due to personal animosities, Messerschmitt "went for broke" technologically, incorporating a number of aerodynamically and mechanically advanced features into the 109 such as automatic leading edge slots, trailing edge flaps, flush-retracting landing gear, an aluminum alloy monocoque fuselage, and a fully enclosed cockpit. The results of the competition, of course, are well known today... the 109 won handily due to the inherent superiority of the design, and the rest, as they say, is history.
With the competition decided, production orders soon followed, and further development of the airframe continued. A stream of prototypes and production aircraft issued forth from the BFW factory, and the German propaganda machine wasted no time in trumpeting the superiority of the 109. As part of the continued development of the aircraft, early production aircraft were sent to join the Legion Kondor in Spain, and comprehensively established air superiority wherever they appeared. Unfortunately, these were not the type of accomplishments which readily lent themselves to positive publicity in the eyes of the world... such an opportunity presented itself in July 1937, however.
The Fourth International Flying Meeting was held at Dübendorf in Switzerland between 23 July and 1 August 1937, and the Luftwaffe's latest and greatest aircraft were on hand to show their capabilities. Among the aircraft dispatched to the meet were five 109s, which swept the top spots in every event in which they were entered. With the world press on hand to record the mounting successes of the latest Messerschmitt wonder, the propaganda value of the event was immeasurable to the German government. Further glory was achieved on 11 November 1937 when Dr.-Ing. Hermann Wurster snatched the landplane speed record with an average speed of 379.38 mph on four passes over a 3km straight course. (2)
With this run of incredible achievements, the management of BFW saw an opportunity to maximize on the positive publicity surrounding the achievements of their designer, and on 11 July 1938 incorporated the company as Messerschmitt AG (Aktien Gesellschaft), and Dr. Ing. Willy Messerschmitt was made Chairman and Managing Director.(3) This is a significant turning point in our story of "Bf vs. Me"... heretofore, all aircraft designed under the auspices of the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke carried the prefix "Bf" before the type number to indicate the origin of the aircraft. After the incorporation of Messerschmitt AG, all aircraft designed by the firm carried the prefix "Me", indicating the Messerschmitt factory (e.g. Me 210, Me 323, Me 262, etc).
So, the 109 would therefore only be called a "Bf 109", right? Read on...
As always, things aren't always what they seem. While it is undoubtedly correct to refer to the 109 as the Bf 109, the "Me" prefix was used interchangeably, and not just by outside sources such as American or RAF pilots or licensees such as Erla or WNF, as has been suggested... allow me to demonstrate below.
Exhibit A: Page 1 of a 10 page factory report from Messerschmitt AG concerning high-speed stability tests on Me 109F W.Nr. 9928 (reproduced in full elsewhere here on the site, translation to follow at some point): (http://109lair.hobbyvista.com/articles/bf-me/exhibit_a.jpg) Exhibit B: Page 8 from the SAME FACTORY REPORT, from the MESSERSCHMITT FACTORY, by the SAME AUTHOR (Kalinowski), referring to Bf 109F W.Nr. 9928... did it somehow miraculously become a different aircraft?! No, it's obviously still the same aircraft.
For my next trick, I present for your investigation and edification two documents scanned from Vol 1. of the Bethke/Henning Jagdgeschwader 300 books... this first example is an example of an actual Verlustmeldung, or loss report for I./JG300, as typed up at unit level and submitted to the RLM for accounting purposes; note the consistent use of the term "Bf 109" throughout (this is reflected in other Verlustmeldungen copied in the book)(4) Click for a full-size version.
And lastly, from the SAME UNIT, we have the following damage assessment form from I./JG300 concerning an Me 109G-6/AS or G-14/AS.(5) Click for a full-size version.
Wow... Me 109! Could this be the SAME THING as a Bf 109? Why, it sure is!
And that's not all. Allow me to quote from an 8 December 1942 German radio broadcast from Dr. Ing. Messerschmitt himself, as published in Armand van Ishoven's "Messerschmitt Bf 109 At War":
"With extremely limited means I designed and built a series of sports and transport aircraft which, through their high performance, served as first steps towards a high performance fighter. Soon after, when I received the assignment to develop a fighter, it was evident to me that it would have to derive from aircraft like the M23 and M29. I then tried to equip an aircraft as small and light as possible with a powerful engine, in order to create a fighter that could out-perform anything then known. This was proved clearly at the International Flying Meeting in Zürich in 1937. Since that time this aircraft has been developed constantly at a hectic pace to meet the new challenges, and improved upon over and over again, so taht to this day our enemies consider it the most successful fighter in the world. In English circles now and then one hears the assertion that they have brought out an aircraft superior to the Me 109. Nothing can better disprove this than the list of our victories. From the steadily improving performance of the Me 109 in the course of this war, and its lasting superiority, you can see that we are actively maintaining this superiority into the future as well."(6)
So, what have we learned today? We've learned where the confusion stems from between Bf and Me, we learned when the changeover occurred, and we learned that the terms are used interchangeably at ALL levels within the Luftwaffe... so they're BOTH right!
Thus endeth the sermon. :)
(1) Wings of Fame vol. 4, Messerschmitt Bf 109- The First Generation. David Donald, p.40. (2) ibid. (3) ibid. (4) Jagdgeschwader 300, Teil I. Herbert Bethke and Friedhelm Henning, p.76. (5) Jagdgeschwader 300, Teil I. Herbert Bethke and Friedhelm Henning, p.190. (6) Messerschmitt Bf 109 At War, Armand van Ishoven, p. 184.
If the Germans themselves couldn't even figure it out then the rest of us can finally cut each other some slack. Whew!
Now, onto Peace in the MiddleEast...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 19, 2015, 07:47:41 PM
U.S. Air Force command center at Tân Sơn Nhứt Air Base (Saigon, South Vietnam - 1966)
(http://i.imgur.com/lF58s8S.jpg)
Those poor basturds in white t-shirts are writing all the info in the status board live, backwards so it can be read through the board. I guy my father worked with a guy that used to do this and was able to use both hands at the same time while listening to two different info feeds, one into each ear!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 02, 2015, 04:41:24 PM
Quote
A Sea Vixen of 899 Naval Air Squadron during live firing practice
(http://i.imgur.com/dPbbQq4.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on May 04, 2015, 05:55:05 AM
I want one!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 05, 2015, 06:27:16 PM
Hawker Nimrod
(http://i.imgur.com/mK15ngX.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on May 05, 2015, 07:10:20 PM
Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk scout-fighter circa 1934, based on (or more correctly in) the USS Macon (ZRS-5) US Navy Rigid Airship. By the time the first two photos had been taken the pilots had become so adept at operating from the Macon that the planes' landing gear was removed to save weight and improve streamlining.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on May 13, 2015, 06:07:56 AM
Wilbur don't get no respect.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 13, 2015, 10:51:07 AM
Quote
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles wait to receive fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during exercise Red Flag 15-1 on their way to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 23, 2015.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 20, 2015, 10:14:00 AM
Quote
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons refuel behind a KC-135 Stratotanker during Red Flag-Alaska 15-2 while flying over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 11, 2015.
(http://i.imgur.com/HsyeNkb.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 21, 2015, 04:28:28 PM
Tomcats on the deck of USS Enterprise. First cruise for the F-14A, during which the Enterprise took participated in the evacuation of Saigon
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 22, 2015, 06:29:33 AM
Anyone know if the Toms operated over Vietnam during the evacuation?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 23, 2015, 07:22:09 AM
IIRC the answer is yes.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 28, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
Quote
A flight of F-15C Eagles from the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, flies during a solar eclipse over the island of Okinawa (July 22, 2009).
(http://i.imgur.com/MOlbqsY.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 28, 2015, 10:30:57 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/HWjn46d.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 28, 2015, 10:36:37 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 16, 2015, 10:11:56 AM
Quote
The nose of this P-47 struck the ground on a strafing run outside of Milan, Italy. After hitting the ground, the pilot managed to get the aircraft safely back to home base 150 miles away in occupied Grosseto
(http://i.imgur.com/DMo4bxO.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 16, 2015, 10:15:22 AM
Continuing my ongoing effort to make Star cry like a little girl...
(http://i.imgur.com/EmG7JrJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 17, 2015, 10:31:07 AM
Quote
Italian "Fiat CR.32" utilized by the rebel Nationalist Air Force (Spanish Civil War c. 1936-1939)
(http://i.imgur.com/NdWTeJy.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 17, 2015, 10:33:20 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/CZmk8mo.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 17, 2015, 11:37:24 AM
Its good to be the king. :knuppel2:
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on June 17, 2015, 01:41:27 PM
We'll just send it north and take all your sirop d'erable.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on June 18, 2015, 11:39:39 AM
syrup on MREs... could be on to something
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 19, 2015, 10:22:53 AM
Quote
Gloster Javelin FAW.9R (XH890) of No 23 Squadron banking away from the camera clearly showing the identification markers and the missile complement of Firestreak infra-red homing air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is flying from No. 23 Squadron's base at RAF Coltishall, c1960's.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 19, 2015, 10:23:57 AM
Quote
Douglas Thor intermediate range ballistic missile arrives in the UK. The missile is on a trolley and is being removed from the cargo bay via the nose of an C-124 Globemaster of the USAF's Military Air Transport Service. Royal Air Force Police and doghandlers are nearby, c1960's.
Gloster Javelin FAW.9R (XH890) of No 23 Squadron banking away from the camera clearly showing the identification markers and the missile complement of Firestreak infra-red homing air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is flying from No. 23 Squadron's base at RAF Coltishall, c1960's.
An F-4 Phantom flown into a specially designed concrete wall, which is used to protect Nuclear Power Plants. The plane is flying at 500 mph, and is completely vaporized upon impact, while the wall remains standing.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 26, 2015, 10:42:59 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on July 10, 2015, 06:55:44 AM
Nice cammo scheme.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: jomni on July 11, 2015, 08:01:08 PM
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/472/19430673018_133fdfbae8_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vB2h8L)SAM_0774 (https://flic.kr/p/vB2h8L) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 13, 2015, 10:53:18 AM
Quote
An Italian F-104 Starfighter and Tornado, a Turkish F-104 Starfighter and a US Air Force A-7D Corsair II participating in NATO Exercise DRAGON HAMMER '87
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Electric_Strawberry on July 13, 2015, 06:43:51 PM
I don't know if this has been posted here before, but I thought you might find it interesting. It's a C-130 landing and taking off from an aircraft carrier.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 14, 2015, 06:50:52 AM
LMAO :D
Title: USS Missouri 1 Kamikaze 0
Post by: Electric_Strawberry on July 14, 2015, 11:05:30 AM
On April 11, 1945, off Okinawa, The USS Missouri was struck by a kamikaze. The Missouri suffered several small dents to her armor and some scratched paint. The kamikaze was obliterated.
http://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=2420
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on July 14, 2015, 05:40:26 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on July 15, 2015, 11:37:59 PM
Thanks Wing, I knew valkyrie, I was lost on the other. The front looks very similar to the delta dart style. The 4 engines on the delta wing i had not ever seen before.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 17, 2015, 10:22:08 AM
French "Amiot 143" bomber (France c. 1940)
(http://i.imgur.com/KWCs3IK.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on July 17, 2015, 11:13:43 AM
Needs more windows.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on July 17, 2015, 11:35:38 AM
That's the baguette display case. The French take their gastronomic standards with them.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 17, 2015, 11:41:01 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on July 21, 2015, 05:03:12 PM
B17s are really pretty maneuverable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGGynxYbA48
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on July 22, 2015, 06:50:59 AM
A few years back my son and I were at an airshow in south Houston, and they had a B-17. As we left for the day their B-17 buzzed the crowd, but it was virtually standing on its right wingtip a hundred feet or so off the ground. Holy hell was that impressive.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 22, 2015, 07:31:48 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/VInD7Xn.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on July 23, 2015, 05:38:24 AM
Fighter pilots can ignore basic realities.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 23, 2015, 06:15:56 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/8NgJqB7.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 24, 2015, 08:13:41 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: jomni on August 09, 2015, 12:37:13 AM
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/319/20411013922_f33f712afe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/x6DMk9)SAM_0872 (https://flic.kr/p/x6DMk9) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/370/20393413716_e6881a99d7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/x56zpj)SAM_0907 (https://flic.kr/p/x56zpj) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/364/19796997304_e6a4aa431b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/waoMzJ)SAM_0908 (https://flic.kr/p/waoMzJ) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 12, 2015, 04:35:50 PM
Hellenic Air Force F-16
(http://i.imgur.com/2kpxB9B.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 12, 2015, 04:43:35 PM
Tomcat ops from USS Coral Sea, noteworthy because the Coral Sea was not a "super carrier" (and the Tomcat was a big aircraft). It was a modernized Midway-class launched in 1946. The Tomcat didn't normally operate from the Midways, but it could.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 27, 2015, 10:32:18 AM
3 generations of North American Aviation fighters.
(http://imgur.com/wDMIc7u.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on August 27, 2015, 11:03:34 AM
Awesome.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 28, 2015, 10:06:41 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/kbTrQEC.jpg)
Quote
In support of an operational test exercise for their F-35s, the Royal Netherlands Air Force contingent at Edwards brought in six A-4s from Draken International, six F-16s from the 162nd Fighter Wing, Arizona Air National Guard, and a KDC-10 Air Refueling tanker from the RNLAF 334th Transport Squadron at Eindhoven Airport, Netherlands. The Joint Strike Fighter Operational Test Team contracted Draken International to provide the small fleet of A-4s that were employed as adversary aircraft with a variety of types of mission sets.
I must have watched it a dozen times or more when I was a kid. It was a Movie Channel staple.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Capn Darwin on September 07, 2015, 02:09:08 PM
1941 is a classic. Seen it way too many times and will see it more I'm sure. O0
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 08, 2015, 05:41:08 AM
A-6E Intruder of Attack Squadron (VA) 52 on final approach for recovery on the snow-covered flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) operating in the Bering Sea, Jan. 21, 1987.
This is a picture of me and my B/N landing on the USS Carl Vinson in 1987 in the Bering Sea.
We were launched early in the morning to do a weather recon. They shot us off the pointy end with more airframe icing than I had ever seen on an aircraft. During our preflight, I called the Air Boss to discuss this with him and his answer was, "We will just give you a few extra knots of end speed, man up your aircraft." I anticipated that we would be very close to stall AOA when they shot us (the needle initially pegged) so I was prepared to nurse it until we slowly accelerated and started our ascent.
We pickup up a considerable amount of icing during our climb-out. The tops were above 20,000 feet if I recall correctly. We stayed above the clouds for close to an hour while the ice sublimated from the airframe. We then did a high speed penetration with the speedbrakes fully extended to descend below the icing as quickly as possible to a Case 3 recovery.
I can remember breaking out of the clouds and not seeing anything other than a completely white flight deck. You could not see a defined landing area. The only guidance for lineup was the faint strobe of the centerline lighting sparkling through the ice on the flight deck. We recovered on our first pass and flight ops were ceased for the remainder of the day. I'm not certain but I think this might have been the only time on our 1986 Cruise that our Airwing had one event on the flight schedule for the day.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 08, 2015, 10:25:21 AM
Quote
A Leoning OL-8 flies over USS Lexington (CV-2), Dec. 1928. The two-star fuselage placard and wing-strut pennant signify that this plane is the command aircraft of RADM Joseph M. Reeves. Location unknown.
(http://i.imgur.com/Gz97hAc.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on September 08, 2015, 10:32:55 AM
A Leoning OL-8 flies over USS Lexington (CV-2), Dec. 1928. The two-star fuselage placard and wing-strut pennant signify that this plane is the command aircraft of RADM Joseph M. Reeves. Location unknown.
(http://i.imgur.com/Gz97hAc.jpg)
Interesting rigging on the top wing. Looks like some kind of radio antenna array.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 08, 2015, 06:09:59 PM
I think it is. It's a special setup as a command plane.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 09, 2015, 04:19:55 PM
Quote
Handley Page Halifax B Mark III Series 1As of No. 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit undergo maintenance at night in a T2 Type hangar at Rufforth, Yorkshire, c1943.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on September 10, 2015, 07:02:05 AM
Great pic!! O0
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 13, 2015, 09:35:01 AM
Quote
Mitsubishi XF-2A test aircraft carrying experimental XASM-3 anti-ship missiles and other weapons.
(http://i.imgur.com/T8zYiCs.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 13, 2015, 09:42:04 AM
The Horten H.IX, RLM designation Ho 229, German prototype fighter/bomber designed by Reimar and Walter Horten and built by Gothaer Waggonfabrik late in the war. Pictured is Ho229 V3, the third prototype that was unfinished. It is being restored at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 13, 2015, 01:53:55 PM
^There was a great NOVA episode (or maybe it was NatGeo?) about the serendipitous stealth capabilities of the 229. A bunch of engineers who specialize in building radar cross-section models built a full size mockup of the Horton jet with internal components designed to simulate the metal in the engines. While it was no F-117 the tests showed that it would have a notable detection range advantage against Britain's Chain Home system.
IIRC, the ep was titled something like 'Hitler's Stealth Fighter'.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 13, 2015, 02:09:45 PM
Cool. Don't think I've seen that one. I'll check it out.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 13, 2015, 02:16:31 PM
Quote
In early 2008, Northrop-Grumman paired up television documentary producer Michael Jorgensen and the National Geographic Channel to produce a documentary to determine whether the Ho 229 was, in fact, the world's first true "stealth" fighter-bomber.[3] Northrop-Grumman built a full-size non-flying reproduction of the V3, constructed to match the aircraft's radar properties. After an expenditure of about US$250,000 and 2,500 man-hours, Northrop's Ho 229 reproduction was tested at the company's classified[clarification needed] radar cross-section (RCS) test range at Tejon, California, where it was placed on a 15-meter (50 ft) articulating pole and exposed to electromagnetic energy sources from various angles, using the same three HF/VHF-boundary area frequencies in the 20–50 MHz range used by the Chain Home system in the mid-1940s.[3]
RCS testing showed that a hypothetical Ho 229 approaching the English coast from France flying at 885 kilometres per hour (550 mph) at 15–30 metres (49–98 ft) above the water would have been visible at a distance of 80% that of a Bf 109. This implies a frontal RCS of only 40% that of a Bf 109 at the Chain Home frequencies. The most visible parts of the aircraft were the jet inlets and the cockpit, but caused no return through smaller dimensions than the CH wavelength. Given the high-speed capabilities of the aircraft, it would have given the British defences just two and a half minutes to respond, which would not have been enough time.
[The RAND study] analyzed a U.S.-China air war over Taiwan made the bold assumption that every air-to-air missile fired from a U.S. F-22 hit a Chinese fighter (100 percent kill rate) and that every Chinese missile missed the U.S. F-22s (0 percent kill rate). In their simulation, the United States still lost the fight. The F-22s ran out of missiles and the Chinese fighters were able to go after vulnerable tankers and command and control aircraft. A far more detailed simulation the following year showed the same results. Even though U.S. F-22s were pegged with a 27-to-1 qualitative advantage over Chinese fighters, their diminished numbers and the fact that they had to fight from long range meant the Chinese had vastly superior numbers and won the fight.
The RAND study emphasized that improvements in forward basing infrastructure were necessary for U.S. airpower to achieve its objective effectively.
But in a new report from CNAS, “Robotics on the Battlefield Part II: The Coming Swarm,” Scharre offers another solution to mitigate China’s numerical advantage – an unmanned “missile truck” fighter:
An uninhabited “missile truck” that brought additional air-to-air missiles to the fight to supplement human-inhabited F-22s could tip the scales back in the United States’ favor. Such an aircraft need not have the full performance characticeristics of a 5th or 6th generation fighter aircraft. It would only need to have sufficient stealth to get close enough to launch its missiles against Chinese fighters. If it then perished in the engagement, that would be acceptable provided it took a sufficient number of enemy fighters with it. It would still have accomplished the mission. The uninhabited aircraft would not need advanced autonomy, merely enough to fly in a straight line under a human’s control and sufficiently robust communications links for the human-inhabited F-22s to pass targeting data. All targeting and firing decisions would be made by the F-22 pilots. If such an aircraft could be built at relatively low costs, this uninhabited “loyal wing-man” could be a tremendous force multiplier for U.S. human-inhabited fighters.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 14, 2015, 07:06:15 PM
IIRC properly data linked legacy aircraft can already turn their missile control over to F-22s. they can fire them from way beyond the front line and hand them off to either F-22s or AWACS.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 14, 2015, 07:13:57 PM
In reference to the 'missile truck' concept- the vehicle would not have to be a true fighter airframe. Instead surplus airliners could be utilized in much the same way that the 747 was once proposed as a cruise missile carrier:
IIRC properly data linked legacy aircraft can already turn their missile control over to F-22s. they can fire them from way beyond the front line and hand them off to either F-22s or AWACS.
That's pretty much the idea.
Quote
More air-to-air missiles is a good thing for the Eagle. As the the new AIM-120D AMRAAM comes on line and is paired along with the F-15C/D’s APG-63V3 and F-15E’s APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array radars, the Eagle will be able to sling missiles from about double the range they can today, depending on the engagement situation. More missiles means more tactical options when facing a robust foe, and it also means the Eagle may be able to work as an arsenal ship of sorts for stealthy F-35s and F-22s which have far less beyond-visual-range missile carrying capabilities. By using the F-35 and F-22’s data collected forward of an Eagle’s position, along with the Eagle’s greatly enhanced radar data, the F-15 could provide missiles on demand from many dozens of miles away. This would also allow F-35s and F-22s to work as battle managers of sorts well ahead of the Eagle’s position even after their weapons bays are empty.
Many of them have that 'Yesterday's Tomorrow' aesthetic as well.
Futuristic 1950s
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on September 20, 2015, 06:10:08 AM
Secret british design to win the war.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 20, 2015, 07:20:58 AM
I think Longblade has some of the minis from that game...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 22, 2015, 09:20:46 AM
Quote
The experimental XNBL-1 Barling Bomber in flight testing (1923). The bomber was armed with seven .30-caliber Lewis machine guns, operated from 5 stations, covering practically the whole area around the bomber. It was also one of the first to incorporate bomb bay doors in the fuselage.
(http://i.imgur.com/LxbvYKC.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 22, 2015, 10:51:57 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on September 23, 2015, 06:34:55 AM
Wrong thread
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 23, 2015, 10:08:11 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/bFPmD3v.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 23, 2015, 06:09:52 PM
What's funny about those planes...Folland Gnat, right? I saw 'em in the Hot Shots movies and thought surely they were some kind of prop, but no, they were real damn planes...huh. That was a weird revelation.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 23, 2015, 06:14:59 PM
Actually...
... it's a T-45 Goshawk. Not the first Navy plane to be named Goshawk either.
It is modified from a British design, Just not the Gnat.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on September 23, 2015, 06:17:00 PM
My bad. To my untrained eye, they look much the same.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 23, 2015, 06:18:28 PM
Here's a Gnat:
(http://www.combatreform.org/Folland_Gnat.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: undercovergeek on September 24, 2015, 01:00:50 AM
When it comes to sinking battleships, either directly or indirectly, those "already-antiquated-in-their-own-time" Stringbags had nothing to be ashamed of.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 27, 2015, 06:24:05 AM
Nice little plane. It's too bad that the followup version, the F-20, was cancelled. It was actually more advanced than the competing generation of F-16 and way cheaper.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: eyebiter on October 04, 2015, 10:23:55 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on October 16, 2015, 05:25:26 AM
at Kep, North Vietnam, Lieutenant Commander Theodore R. Swartz received a Silver Star for shooting down a North Vietnam MiG-17 aircraft with air-to-ground rockets. The event was the only enemy aircraft downed by an A-4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam conflict.
The Tinker Toy don't get no respect.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 16, 2015, 10:24:29 AM
With the Libs talking killing the F35 purchase... bring on the Super Hornets.
I want some A-10s too! Or at least a tribe of Apache's!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on October 22, 2015, 07:18:46 AM
Just finished watching a doc on Netflix about the founding of the Israeli Air Force. Absolutely fascinating story of how it came about. Ironic how the IAF's first fighters we Me 109s.
Just finished watching a doc on Netflix about the founding of the Israeli Air Force. Absolutely fascinating story of how it came about. Ironic how the IAF's first fighters we Me 109s.
Just finished watching a doc on Netflix about the founding of the Israeli Air Force. Absolutely fascinating story of how it came about. Ironic how the IAF's first fighters we Me 109s.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on October 25, 2015, 10:35:42 AM
Wow. I'm glad they were able to bring it back home.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 25, 2015, 11:01:05 AM
Sorry Goose, but it's time to buzz the tower.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 25, 2015, 12:41:53 PM
Quote
60 years ago today the Saab-35 Draken had its first flight.
(http://i.imgur.com/aUlIdpw.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on October 25, 2015, 01:40:50 PM
Pretty amazing considering it was 1955. Now that I think about it the Draken does have a bit of an Alexander Lippisch-style Luft-46 vibe to it. Maybe Saab got to collaborate with him while he was assisting Convair in the USA.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on October 26, 2015, 05:37:50 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 27, 2015, 08:00:59 AM
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F-4 Phantoms over North Vietnam, 1972.
(http://imgur.com/TLrM0Wo.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 27, 2015, 08:01:56 AM
Quote
F-14A of VF-51 Screaming Eagles intercepts a Soviet Tu-95RT
(http://i.imgur.com/yCbd8jX.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 29, 2015, 07:49:58 AM
Quote
McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2, XV423 'R', of No. 29 Squadron RAF takes off from Coningsby in 1975. This aircraft later formed part of the Squadron detachment which deployed to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands in October 1982.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 08, 2015, 09:44:09 AM
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Flight of Brewster F2A Buffalo's in Finnish service, The Continuation War (1941-'44)
(http://i.imgur.com/6I7fael.jpg?1)
Quote
During the Continuation War (1941-'44) Finnish Brewster pilots shot down 484 aircrafts with own losses of 24. The top-scoring Buffalo pilot was Hans Wind, with 39 of his 75 kills with a Buffalo. The top scoring Finnish ace, Ilmari Juutilainen, scored 34 of his 94½ confirmed kills in a F2As.
During the Winter War in December, 1939, Finns signed a contract for the provision of 44 Model 239 Brewster fighters. The total price to be paid was US $3.4 million, and the deal included the provision of spare parts, 10 replacement engines and 20 Hamilton Standard propellers. The Buffalo fighters that were sent to Finland were de-navalized; before these fighters were placed onto ships for delivery to Finland, Brewster Company employees removed all the naval equipment on the fighters, such as their tailhooks and life-raft containers, resulting in a somewhat lighter aircraft. The Finnish F2A-1s further lacked self-sealing fuel tanks and cockpit armor.
These F2A-1 Buffalos given the export number Model B-239, were equipped with an export-approved Wright R-1820-G5 nine-cylinder radial engine of 950 hp (708 kW). After delivery to Finland, the Finnish Air Force added armored backrests for their pilots, metric flight instruments, the Finnish Väisälä T.h.m.40 gunsight, and four .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns. The top speed of the Finnish Buffalos, as modified, was 297 mph (478 km/h) at 15,675 ft (4,750 m), and their loaded weight was 5,820 lb (2,640 kg).
Built in four batches, the "Finnish" Brewster were loaded to merchant ships in New York and shipped to Norway in January-February 1940. The crates with the fighters were sent by railway to Sweden and assembled by SAAB, near Gothenburg. But as the Winter War ended, only five Brewsters were combat-ready in Finland.
The Brewster B-239E fighter aircraft was never referred to as the "Buffalo" in Finland; it was known simply as the "Brewster" or sometimes by the nicknames "Pearl of the Sky", "Butt-Walter", "American hardware" and "flying beer bottle". The 44 Buffalo Model B-239(export) fighters used by the FAF received serial numbers BW-351 to BW-394.
In Finnish Air Force service, the B-239s were regarded as being very easy to fly, a "gentleman's plane". The Buffalo was also popular within the FAF because of their relatively long range and flight endurance, and also because of their low-trouble maintenance record. This was in part due to the efforts of the Finnish engine mechanics, who solved a problem that plagued the Wright Cyclone engine simply by inverting one of the piston rings in each cylinder. This had a positive effect on engine reliability. The cooler weather of Finland was also a plus for the engine. In the end, the Brewster Buffalo gained a reputation in Finnish Air Force service as one of their most successful fighter aircraft.
Attacking Soviet Air Force pilots using formulaic defensive tactics, many Finnish pilots racked up enormous scores on the Finnish front. The default tactic was the four-plane "swarm" with a pair flying low (but visible, not too close to the terrain) as the bait and a pair flying high to dive on the eventual interceptors. In the long run, the Soviet Air Force on the Finnish front never developed an efficient approach to counter this tactic.
After end of hostilities, cpt. Jorma Karhunen, one of the top-scoring Buffalo pilots(25½ kills out of his 31½ total) and commander of the 3rd flight of LeLv 24, recalled:
"The Brewster model 239 was good against the older Russian fighters, I-153 and I-16. Hence the period 1941–42 was the best time for us. In 1943 it was already significantly more difficult when the Russians began to use their newer fighters against us... Later, with the Yaks, Hurricanes, Tomahawks and MiGs, it became a fight to the death."
By late 1943, the lack of spare parts, aircraft wear-and-tear, and the improvement of Soviet fighters greatly reduced the effectiveness of the Finnish Buffalo. Brewster pilots still scored some 35 victories against Soviet aircraft in mid-1944. The last kills of Finnish Airforce were made with couple of B-239s, when they shot down two Ju 87s in Lapland War.
The remaining Brewster Buffalos served until september of 1948, when the type saw it's last flight. They were all scrapped in 1953. Only remaining authentic B-239 today is the one that Lauri Pekuri crash landed to a Karelian lake in 1942, and was lifted from there in 1998.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 08, 2015, 09:50:48 AM
Quote
The Red Arrows flying with the Vulcan bomber for the final time.
(http://i.imgur.com/a1sl4Hi.png)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 08, 2015, 09:54:55 AM
4 members of the Century Series. Clockwise from top:
McDonnell F-101 Voodoo Convair F-102 Delta Dagger North American F-100 Super Sabre Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
(http://imgur.com/XVaV8Lp.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on November 08, 2015, 09:55:44 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 03, 2015, 04:02:20 PM
The XB-40. This was a B-17 that was modified to be a heavily armed and armoured gunship that would fly with bomber formations and provide enhanced defensive firepower. It was brought into service just prior to the P-51s. 59 sorties saw 5 kills and 2 probables for a single loss. The main problem was that it was unable to keep up with the bombers once they had dropped their bombs due to its greater weight.
The XB-40. This was a B-17 that was modified to be a heavily armed and armoured gunship that would fly with bomber formations and provide enhanced defensive firepower. It was brought into service just prior to the P-51s. 59 sorties saw 5 kills and 2 probables for a single loss. The main problem was that it was unable to keep up with the bombers once they had dropped their bombs due to its greater weight.
IIRC, the chin turret on the B-17G was originally designed for the X/YB-40 and a number of other gunner-friendly improvements were ported over as well.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on December 17, 2015, 06:29:27 AM
Not necessarily new "news," but some interesting specifics here on where the Air Force is going with laser weapons. And the video demonstration of a laser cutting through a thick metal plate..impressive: http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/17/politics/us-air-force-laser-fighter-jet-weapons-research/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/17/politics/us-air-force-laser-fighter-jet-weapons-research/index.html)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on December 18, 2015, 02:38:02 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on January 17, 2016, 06:28:44 AM
Yeah Baby! Sexy! O0
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 17, 2016, 06:33:58 AM
Quote
Ground crews service the F-117A aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing on the flight line. The 37th TFW was preparing to deploy to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.
I remember back in 2nd/3rd grade or so, I LOVED to draw this airplane. I don't know where my fetish for drawing it came from, but I got pretty good at it, I remember.
That ain't no Thunderchief.... -10 PlaneGeek points.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on January 21, 2016, 06:16:38 AM
F-104 = Starfighter = your picture F-105 = Thunderchief ;)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 21, 2016, 07:04:10 AM
Oh BC, for shame :(
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 22, 2016, 07:23:51 AM
$*%*#
You're right. I meant to say it was a Starfighter. I don't know what I was thinking. It's been a bad few days, I should just stay off the frigging board.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 22, 2016, 07:30:39 AM
You're right. I meant to say it was a Starfighter. I don't know what I was thinking. It's been a bad few days, I should just stay off the frigging board.
No, no. Please continue to embarrass yourself. It's highly amusing. ;D
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on January 22, 2016, 07:36:30 AM
Glad I amuse you, mirth.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 22, 2016, 08:01:50 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 26, 2016, 09:03:54 AM
Quote
A mock-up of an A-12 plane is radar tested on a pylon at Nevada's secret Area 51 base in the late 1950s.
(http://i.imgur.com/MfD2Zlt.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on January 26, 2016, 05:26:09 PM
The A-12 almost became the F-12 as well, the worlds fastest interceptor carrying AIM-47 missiles, the precursor to the AIM-54 Phoenix.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on January 27, 2016, 09:14:22 AM
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Sergeant Michael 'Jacko' Jackson, air engineer of Avro Shackleton MR.3 XF707 of No 206 Squadron, checks the wheel bay and undercarriage of his aircraft pre-flight at RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall - 1964.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 02, 2016, 01:26:42 PM
Quote
Mosquito FB Mark VI Series 2, MM417 EG-T, of No. 487 Squadron RNZAF based at Hunsdon, Hertfordshire, in flight carrying two 500-lb MC bombs on underwing carriers, 28th February 1944.
I'll add a few more LED lights at home to offset it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 15, 2016, 07:01:41 AM
Quote
Sturmovik factory, Zavod 1 sometime in 1944.
(http://i.imgur.com/8pRM2n5.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 16, 2016, 08:07:37 AM
Quote
Egyptian Air Force F-4 Phantom, Mirage III, F-16 Falcon, Mig-19 and Mig-21 in formation with US Navy F-14 Tomcat , Vought Corsair and an A-6E Intruder over the Great Pyramid of Giza during Operation Bright Star - 1983.
(http://i.imgur.com/fYxVXPz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on February 16, 2016, 11:09:29 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: jomni on February 20, 2016, 01:35:29 AM
More Eagles. Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG. Poor birds being molested and groped by the crowds.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1456/25142944115_a91c395cd6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EiNajt)SAM_1456 (https://flic.kr/p/EiNajt) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/25024686962_17a56c6213_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/E8m4A3)SAM_1458 (https://flic.kr/p/E8m4A3) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1663/24516085353_d22be2f666_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dmpm3M)SAM_1459 (https://flic.kr/p/Dmpm3M) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1541/24847278350_422f8d9a28_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DRENbS)SAM_1478 (https://flic.kr/p/DRENbS) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1650/25049661241_7f21d38bf2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Eay4z4)SAM_1471 (https://flic.kr/p/Eay4z4) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1671/24516084833_49e05c1be6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DmpkTP)SAM_1474 (https://flic.kr/p/DmpkTP) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
Some demonstration during the air show. (https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1560/24512259834_380700b002_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dm4JRy)SAM_1265 (https://flic.kr/p/Dm4JRy) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1514/24847280140_86f60c23e5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DRENHJ)SAM_1277 (https://flic.kr/p/DRENHJ) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1696/25049662901_33589c56d6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Eay54F)SAM_1282 (https://flic.kr/p/Eay54F) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: jomni on February 21, 2016, 04:09:52 PM
Rafale showing off.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1689/25024688522_fcc9b6e2f9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/E8m53W)SAM_1435 (https://flic.kr/p/E8m53W) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/25024687322_d1e486767b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/E8m4Gf)SAM_1434 (https://flic.kr/p/E8m4Gf) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/24516085743_a66559546e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dmpmav)SAM_1426 (https://flic.kr/p/Dmpmav) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1521/24516086223_516d8ed714_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DmpmiM)SAM_1384 (https://flic.kr/p/DmpmiM) by jomni1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63207426@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 24, 2016, 10:19:41 AM
Quote
T-50A Advanced Trainer built by Lockheed Martin & Korea Aerospace Industries for United States Air Force T-X program
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 03, 2016, 08:23:24 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on March 03, 2016, 08:51:24 AM
I saw an An124 take off from IAH once back when I worked the ramp at the airport. Didn't think that monster was going to get off the ground, but damned if it didn't. ;D
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 03, 2016, 01:55:15 PM
Dad was a crewman on the E-4's in the late 70's early 80's. He told me the other day that it cost $10,000 to fly back then.
The B model is what they currently fly and were converting the A models to B's in the 80's. Back then they were costing half a billion. The B models have that extra hump which houses a satellite antenna. There is a 3 rung ladder to access it. The ladder cost $50,000 by itself.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2016, 11:15:45 AM
Quote
19-year-old Lieutenant Edwin Wright looks upon his airplane after being hit by an 88 mm shell, over the town/city of Munster, Germany. WW2
(http://i.imgur.com/fJFsmZF.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2016, 11:17:43 AM
Quote
Commander shows pilots how to perform aerobatic maneuvers on SU-7BM. Taganrog, 1979.
(http://i.imgur.com/Uhf7Nds.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on March 08, 2016, 05:47:53 AM
Not sure if this should go in the Planes thread, or the Ship thread.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 30, 2016, 02:55:16 PM
Quote
This beautiful photo of a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber soaring above the Pacific Ocean was taken by Bobbi Garcia. The B-2 Spirit is flying below Mach 1. The creation of the B-2 Spirit's cloud involves a phenomenon in fluid mechanics called the Prandtl-Glauert Singularity.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 11, 2016, 10:38:03 AM
Quote
Cold War: USAF F-15 Eagles escort two USSR MiG-29 fighters above Alaska, USA. Canadian Armed Forces Major Bob Wade says the MiG-29s "came from the USSR into Alaska and spent the night at Elmendorf AFB on the 5th of August [1989]." The MiG-29s flew to Canada after visiting the USA.
Last flying mosquito flies with a Lancaster, Hurrican, Spitfire, and Mitchell.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 23, 2016, 10:19:03 AM
Quote
101 F-84 Thunderstreak fighters line up at Goose Bay, Newfoundland, November 1961 for a flight to the Azores with a final destination of Europe during the Berlin Crisis. Fuel range was so critical the aircraft were towed to the end of the runway before being started for launch
.
(http://imgur.com/Z9nuGQt.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 23, 2016, 10:20:16 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/IL0lbPk.jpg?2)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on May 25, 2016, 10:06:03 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 15, 2016, 11:52:17 PM
There's a group of restorationists in Sidney, BC (nearby to where I live) who have restored a DeHaviland Mosquito. I had the privilege of seeing it put through its paces last year. Truly an amazing machine! Seeing her fly and hearing the roar of thos engines send a chill down my spine and took me away to another time. Anyway, there's a documentary coming up which goes into the operational history of the plane as well as the restoration process. It's going to be aired in July and it's on a public access channel so hopefully it should be available to everyone.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 29, 2016, 03:50:49 PM
Quote
Two Vought A-7B Corsair II's from Attack Squadron VA-215 "Barn Owls" in flight. VA-215 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 19 (CVW-19) aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from May to December 1971. 1971. USN Photo. 1971.
(https://i.redd.it/8okjiewg3o5x.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 29, 2016, 03:52:44 PM
Quote
Flight deck personnel watch as an F-14 Tomcat hits the afterburner before launching from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 29, 2016, 04:01:38 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 29, 2016, 04:07:30 PM
Quote
An airman lashes a Banshee (F2H) jet fighter to the flight deck of USS Essex (CVA-9)
(http://i.imgur.com/ayZFuAW.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 30, 2016, 01:06:00 PM
Quote
The 64th Aggressor Squadron's F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcon head to the fight after refueling during the Red Flag 07-3 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 22, 2016, 12:50:50 PM
yer killin me Bob.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 22, 2016, 01:19:05 PM
C'mon over, we'll give yer a good time.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 25, 2016, 11:47:44 AM
Today, we had a low pass over the house of the 2 Vampires and the MiG 15 flying in formation and heading south. We are about 5 miles south of Newcastle Airport and these chaps were parked there for the Sunderland Air Show.
We caught a glimpse of the Spit and Hurri, and also a Typhoon, but sadly not the B-25 or OV-10, a particular favorite of mine.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 25, 2016, 01:45:21 PM
Sounds awesome, Bob.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on July 25, 2016, 05:47:52 PM
Today, we had a low pass over the house of the 2 Vampires and the MiG 15 flying in formation and heading south. We are about 5 miles south of Newcastle Airport and these chaps were parked there for the Sunderland Air Show.
We caught a glimpse of the Spit and Hurri, and also a Typhoon, but sadly not the B-25 or OV-10, a particular favorite of mine.
Any sightings of the Vulcan these days? Used love watching these in Goose Bay, Labardor rattle the shingles on our row house as they did low fly overs.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 25, 2016, 05:51:39 PM
I think the final Vulcan flight was last year. Couldn't keep one in flying condition any longer.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 25, 2016, 05:55:09 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 18, 2016, 10:27:28 AM
Quote
Two US Navy OV-10A Bronco FAC/light-attack aircraft from VAL-4 (Light-attack squadron 4) the "Black Ponies" seen in flight. VAL-4 provided support to Brown Water Navy and SEAL units in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War
Two US Navy OV-10A Bronco FAC/light-attack aircraft from VAL-4 (Light-attack squadron 4) the "Black Ponies" seen in flight. VAL-4 provided support to Brown Water Navy and SEAL units in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War
Oh how I love the Bronco :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
Weren't you a fan of the OV-1 Mohawk as well, or am I thinking of someone else?
There're both groovy planes, each in their own unconventional way. You don't see much in the way of modern aircraft with similar eccentric appeal.
Yes, but more the Bronco. I have a few versions of it in FSX and its likely the aircraft I've flown most. I've just added the Steam version of SFX since my old version went down the drain when my HD failed, but I have a lot of stuff saved on an external HD that I need restore.
There is a very nice payware OV-10 package by Aerosoft, but its a bit too pricey for me atm. They do, however, have periodic sales, so I'll be looking out for that.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 21, 2016, 10:07:33 AM
Quote
E-2C Hawkeye and a C-2A Greyhound fly over USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) as the ship travels to its new home port of San Diego, California
(http://i.imgur.com/kZDq7dS.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 21, 2016, 10:17:24 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 06, 2016, 11:34:26 AM
The one in the pic before yours was rebuilt from that plane that caught fire.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 07, 2016, 10:21:39 AM
Quote
A QF-4 Aerial Target in manned configuration, piloted by Jim Harkins from Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron, performs a flyby at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Oct. 25, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo/Paul Holcomb)
I'd Photoshop the cloud into that pic if I wasn't lazy/completely uninterested in opening my work laptop at the moment.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on November 17, 2016, 06:23:00 PM
IIRC, they removed all of the rear guns and gun stations from the BUFFs. Still, that would have been quite a zen deal, sitting there, having no idea what was ahead but master of all that was behind you. If only Life could be that way...
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on November 17, 2016, 06:28:30 PM
You can get close to it (-ish) by watching By Dawn's Early Light.
Looks cheesy now but I still like it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on November 17, 2016, 06:43:37 PM
I'm ashamed to say I've never seen it. Soon to be rectified.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 17, 2016, 06:48:34 PM
It was pretty good for back in the day.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on November 17, 2016, 08:08:08 PM
I think I've posted it from YouTube before - it's a pretty good movie. Powers Boothe, I always enjoyed his acting and the roles he's played. I loved the book Flight of the Old Dog, too, so I have an affinity for BUFFs.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 17, 2016, 08:10:55 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on November 29, 2016, 05:15:00 PM
Quote
An RAF Handley Page Victor refuelling a Royal Navy de Havilland Sea Vixen and a Blackburn Buccaneer above RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire during refuelling trials, November 1965.
In HS I was in AFJROTC. We got to take a ride on a KC-135 and refueled a B-52. Really cool to watch. When the refueling was done, they gave us each a turn on running the boom.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: jomni on December 09, 2016, 02:13:37 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on December 12, 2016, 07:43:14 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 15, 2016, 09:06:16 AM
We really didn't need so many different types in production throughout the war. The P-38 was far more expensive and manpower intensive to produce than the other types. The resistance to drop tanks was ridiculous as was the initial resistance to fighter escort of bombers.
As much as the US procurement/production process had issues, it was far more flexible and efficient than that of our enemies.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Electric_Strawberry on December 17, 2016, 09:34:01 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 21, 2016, 12:40:07 PM
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Lieutenant-Commander Eric "Winkle" Brown Does A Flyby Of HMS Ocean In His Sea Vampire (LZ551), This Is The First Instance Of A Jet Aircraft Taking Off And Landing On A Carrier, December 3rd, 1945.
(http://i.imgur.com/vbRsefC.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on December 23, 2016, 04:43:50 AM
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South Korean F-15K Slam Eagle armed with German Taurus KEPD 350K cruise missile
What's it say on the side? "Putin's Love Missile", maybe?
Nikolai Kuznetsov. The Russians name their Tu-160s after famous aviators, much like we name our B-2s. The Russian Air Force only has sixteen of them.
Thanks for the clarification AR. Apparently the aviator isn't the only notable Nikolai Kuznetsov from the Great Patriotic War. Check this guy out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Ivanovich_Kuznetsov. Pretty remarkable.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on February 16, 2017, 10:05:39 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 12, 2017, 06:38:19 AM
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XB-70 with downward wingtips. This phenomenon allowed the XB-70 to effectively "capture" the shockwave generated by its own supersonic flight into usable lift. This form of compression lift decreased the induced drag of the XB-70 by around 20-30%
(https://i.imgur.com/aNEKEvw.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 12, 2017, 07:48:51 AM
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A Bristol Blenheim light bomber flies through the clouds above RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, during the Royal International Air Tattoo, July 17, 2015
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 12, 2017, 07:50:35 AM
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A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit launch from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for an integrated bomber operation Aug.17, 2016
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Windigo on March 13, 2017, 11:45:47 AM
That's one official shit-tonne of flaps on that old girl....
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on March 14, 2017, 01:12:32 PM
Too high an angle on the landing. The landing gear will go through those wings some time.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on March 14, 2017, 02:53:17 PM
Good thing they never tried it in real life then.
Actually, iirc, the nasalized version of the Stuka would have beefed-up landing gear from it's land-based brethren, with much longer travel on the oleos and the ability to be jettisoned in case of water landing. The naval Stuka would also have been equipped with giant flotation bladders that would deploy to keep the plane afloat for several days.
(http://www.ww2incolor.com/d/487841-2/stuka_c1)
Looks a bit like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, don't 'e?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on March 14, 2017, 03:03:49 PM
There was also a modified version of the Bf 109E-3 produced and known as the 109T (Trager) for use on the Graf Zeppelin. These included increased wing span and manually folding wings amongst other things. they were later used by I/JG 77 after much of the deck equipment had been removed. This unit operated from Norway apparently.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on March 14, 2017, 03:25:02 PM
No doubt the short take-off ability and probable cold-weather survival upgrades would have suited operating among the Fjords. They didn't use the Norwegian Blue Parrot as unit insignia by any chance?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on March 14, 2017, 04:51:32 PM
LOL - if they didn't, then they should have :2funny:
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 17, 2017, 03:19:35 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 26, 2017, 07:03:14 AM
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An F-14A Tomcat of Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 engages an F-16N Viper aggressor aircraft during training at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California, in March 1989
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 28, 2017, 11:21:51 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 29, 2017, 10:11:17 AM
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French Mirage 2000D during Frisian Flag 2017
(http://i.imgur.com/7oXYZHL.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on March 29, 2017, 10:21:09 AM
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F-15 providing cover for Space Shuttle launch
(http://i.imgur.com/MxzEVYq.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 10, 2017, 11:00:19 AM
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Canadian CF-18 showing off it's paint job for Canada 150
(http://i.imgur.com/rrrhXWF.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on April 10, 2017, 11:02:55 AM
:bd:
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on April 11, 2017, 08:15:54 PM
Snoopy smokes cigars?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 13, 2017, 06:17:31 AM
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EAST CHINA SEA (April 3, 2017) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Matthew Titus signals an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the "Tomcats" of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
EAST CHINA SEA (April 3, 2017) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Matthew Titus signals an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the "Tomcats" of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
I still swear that the reimagined BSG Colonial Viper was inspired by the Harrier. Look at all the obvious vectored combat maneuver scenes and compare that the the experiences of RN pilots during the Falklands War.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 26, 2017, 05:18:33 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 03:25:28 PM
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RAF Eurofighter Typhoon low level flight in the Mach Loop, UK. Photo by Howyn Roberts
(https://i.redd.it/f2391bhod5uy.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on April 27, 2017, 03:31:39 PM
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Capt. Christopher Prout with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing shoots an AIM-7 Sparrow missile from an F/A-18C Hornet
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on April 28, 2017, 07:48:33 PM
I was watching Generation Kill on Prime and my son's been watching it with me (I saw it some years ago once already). When the A-10s flashed by he asked what they were, and I proudly told him what they could do. One scene had them BRRRRRRRRRPing and that led to some YouTube videos of A-10s chewing the crap out of tanks. :)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Barthheart on May 02, 2017, 10:33:27 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on June 02, 2017, 10:10:36 AM
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An F-15E Strike Eagle arrives to receive fuel from a 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a flight in support of Operation Inherent Resolve May 23, 2017.
That's a pretty fucking epic second though. Anyone who drove the Lead Sled is okay.
True. It was not an easy life for those guys. The Thud was kind of the Bf110 of it's time, too big to be a fighter, too small to be a bomber, yet expected pass as both.
Just as an aside here, did you watch the pseudo-pixar film 'Planes'? When the main plane character gets lost at sea he is escorted to a USN carrier by two F/A-18s. The two Hornets are voiced by non other than Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on July 13, 2017, 06:19:16 PM
Just as an aside here, did you watch the pseudo-pixar film 'Planes'? When the main plane character gets lost at sea he is escorted to a USN carrier by two F/A-18s. The two Hornets are voiced by non other than Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer.
Heh, I didn't know that. I saw the movie but don't remember it.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 15, 2017, 02:03:16 PM
Italian Typhoon flies alongside a Polish MiG-29 during a Baltic Air Policing deployment.
(https://i.redd.it/5yo9jmi27u9z.jpg)
Considering the Russian proclivity for hacking I'd think that the Poles would have traded in their MiGs by now for something that had avionics without legacy back-door exploits.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 16, 2017, 08:12:06 AM
Heh. I doubt the current avionics on Polish Mig-29s has much in common with Russian systems.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 16, 2017, 11:39:16 AM
also theres the question of whether or not vacuum tube analog systems can be hacked.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 16, 2017, 11:52:38 AM
The Israelis handled the updates to the 29s. Doubt there are vacuum tubes anymore.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on July 17, 2017, 05:04:24 PM
^I love stories like that. Having a military/civilian pilot for a dad meant that my childhood was full of them. Sadly, I've forgotten most of them and, at 80 years old, so has he.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on July 19, 2017, 01:31:35 PM
Really hope to see the Bronco this year - plus the other stuff, obviously.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 19, 2017, 06:45:54 PM
^very cool
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 19, 2017, 06:49:38 PM
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A-10 in support of Raqqa offensive
(http://i.imgur.com/NEuYLtD.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 19, 2017, 06:50:44 PM
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A Navy F-4 Phantom II returns to USS Midway (CVA-41), after a mission over North Vietnam. The LSO talks to the pilot on the radio, advising him as the Phantom plane approaches the carrier's deck. Date unknown.
(https://i.redd.it/iiewam2bckaz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 19, 2017, 06:52:21 PM
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USMC Aviation Assets (MV-22 Osprey/AV-8B Harrier) at RAAF Base Amberley (Exercise Talisman Sabre 2017)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 30, 2017, 07:07:52 AM
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A-4 Skyhawks on the deck of the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), Yankee Station, Vietnam, 1970
(https://i.redd.it/ihdgvtnaamcz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on July 30, 2017, 10:39:18 AM
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Aboard USS Constellation (CV-64) as hanger deck crew work to position a F-14D Tomcat onto one of the carrier's four elevators. Aircraft assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” from Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) . Apr. 2003.
(https://i.redd.it/roc2rzrjzsbz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 01, 2017, 08:39:12 AM
Always had a thing for airliners and their color schemes/logos. If I had the money I'd collect little model planes of them, too. Just what I need besides games to clutter up my office. ;D
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: GDS_Starfury on August 05, 2017, 11:41:46 AM
say goodby to your wallet:
http://airport-diorama-designs.com/
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on August 05, 2017, 11:44:58 AM
Between the paint job and frame, the new jet definitely evokes the style of the iconic fighters from the WWII era, but don’t let those looks fool you — this aircraft is packed with state-of-the-art technology.
So... the propellor is just for, uh... 'backup'?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 24, 2017, 08:59:20 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 29, 2017, 03:42:04 PM
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Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Kaga conducts air operations in 1937, on the deck are Mitsubishi B2M Type 89, Nakajima A2N Type 90, and Aichi D1A1 Type 94 aircraft
(https://i.redd.it/z19fm32i2liz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on August 29, 2017, 03:43:16 PM
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A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft perform an 'Elephant Walk' on the runway during Exercise Beverly Herd 16-01 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 13, 2017, 07:43:20 AM
(https://i.redd.it/wcucheb4pilz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on September 13, 2017, 08:26:18 AM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 17, 2017, 02:21:45 AM
Fairey Firefly 2 seat trainer variant
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-WRkqhXYAAMVl7.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on September 17, 2017, 04:11:26 AM
Good one. I'd not seen one of those before.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 17, 2017, 04:30:06 AM
That looks like a night fighter or ASW variant.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bob48 on September 17, 2017, 04:32:16 AM
The underwing pods look interesting. They don't appear to be drop-tanks.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 17, 2017, 04:47:45 AM
I did a quick google chop but it's hard to tell if those are radar pods or flush-mounted aux tanks. At least one Firefly variant carried radar, possibly AN/APS-4, in a fuselage pod.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 21, 2017, 06:26:51 AM
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A photo-reconnaissance variant of the P-40N Warhawk assigned to the 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from a Marston Mat steel runway on an island in the southwest Pacific, 1944-45.
(https://i.redd.it/fykwt6pfg5nz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: besilarius on September 23, 2017, 09:56:22 AM
Article by David Isby: The US Air Force's high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission and the aircraft that will carry it out are in a state of flux. The U-2R is likely, in the near future, to remain in service alongside the Global Hawk Block 40 UAV. Lockheed Martin is offering a unmanned U-2 version. Then there are the aircraft coming in from the "black world" of classified programs, the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 UAV and Lockheed Martin's pilot-optional SR-72.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on September 24, 2017, 10:03:10 AM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 01, 2017, 09:07:43 AM
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Rare photo of a B-52 with its vertical stabilizer in the folded position
(https://i.redd.it/2om7sud7kwoz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on October 01, 2017, 09:25:58 AM
I didn't even know that was a thing!
Is that so they can be based in lower-overhead hangers during emergencies?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 01, 2017, 09:32:01 AM
I didn't know either. It is for storage in low overhead hangars, which I'm guessing were much more common back when the BUFF first entered service.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 02, 2017, 10:36:23 AM
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A U.S. Air Force F-4E Phantom II seen in Karup, Denmark wearing the Cold War "European One" camoflauge scheme in April 6, 1985. The picture was also taken by Erik Frikke
(https://i.redd.it/mpaux1jr5fpz.jpg)
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 04, 2017, 03:40:39 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on October 11, 2017, 01:19:15 PM
Found a site that talks about the F-117, including a page that lists all current aircraft and ones that were lost.
http://www.f-117a.com/Gallery.html
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 11, 2017, 05:07:56 PM
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B-17G Fortress “Mizpah” took a direct AAA hit in the nose on mission to Budapest, 14 July 1944. Two men were killed instantly but the pilot held her level long enough for crew to get out and become POW's. The aircraft crashed near Dunavecse, Hungary.
when did they add the XB-70? that sure as shit wasnt there 10 years ago.
I thought it had been there for quite a number of years. I remember seeing it on several occasions during the '60s and '70s. I wonder if they had it in a maintenance area when you were there.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Centurion40 on October 14, 2017, 08:38:58 PM
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 16, 2017, 03:53:27 PM
I've seen that movie more times than I care to think about.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on October 16, 2017, 04:23:32 PM
"You must think in Rrrrrussian." ;D
I just rewatched it a few days ago. I don't know what it is about it that appeals. I think it was the laserdisc game, in which I lost many a quarter.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 16, 2017, 04:25:05 PM
Heh. I remember that too.
Did you know that Cliff Clavin was one of the sub crew?
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: BanzaiCat on October 16, 2017, 04:26:09 PM
Yeah! I noticed that when I re-watched it. I'm sure I noticed it before but it's been a long time since I've seen it...though back then I watched it more times than I care to count myself.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 16, 2017, 04:34:54 PM
John Ratzenberger showed up in a lot of small roles like that before he hit it big on Cheers.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: Staggerwing on October 16, 2017, 05:15:51 PM
Now he is in just about every Pixar film ever made.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: mirth on October 16, 2017, 05:29:15 PM
True. After Cheers made him too famous for phyiscal charcter acting, he moved on to voice character acting.
Helluva career he made for himself.
Title: Re: Planes!
Post by: bayonetbrant on October 19, 2017, 06:12:50 PM
flew over us at tonight's soccer game
(https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T74S7SLLF-F7M6R8V8U/b17-909.jpg) click to really enlarge