USAF B-52 Low Approach & Fly-By at Berlin Schoenefeld Airport (full HD) - YouTube
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Air Force Still Doesn’t Know What’s Choking Its Stealth Fighter Pilots
The Air Force Still Doesn’t Know What’s Choking Its Stealth Fighter Pilots:
America’s newest stealth fighters have a major problem: their pilots can’t breathe, due to some sort of malfunction in the planes’ oxygen-generation systems. For months, the Air Force has been studying the problem, which temporarily grounded the entire fleet of F-22 Raptors and may have contributed to a pilot’s death. Today, the Air Force admitted they still don’t know exactly what’s causing the issue.
“We have looked at everything on that system at the nth degree, and the bottom line is that there’s no smoking gun,” said Lt. Gen Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements. But Carlisle later told the Air Force Times that investigators from the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board have pinpointed a leak in the Raptor’s cooling system. Somehow, the cooling fluid was getting into oxygen system, blocking air from getting to pilots.
Problems with the F-22′s air supply date back years, resulting in two fleet-wide groundings in 2011 and the possible death of a pilot the previous year. The cause was likely a defect somewhere in the F-22′s On-Board Oxygen-Generation System, or “OBOGS.” With a failure in the OBOGS, pilots would be denied their oxygen. Then, it’s only a matter of time before developing “hypoxia and decompression sickness” — which can lead to blackouts. But no one knew exactly what the problem was, perhaps until now.
Along with the cooling leak, another problem may be “an interaction between contaminants and the materials in OBOGS that the service has yet to uncover.” Also, a problem has been found with the a valve connecting the oxygen system to the pilot’s mask. So when there’s a problem, the pilot may not have adequate warning or enough time to respond. Investigators have also previously pointed toward toxic nitrogen as a possible culprit, but this seems unlikely now.
But some combination of the above may have been what happened in the Nov. 10, 2010 crash in Alaska that killed Capt. Jeffrey Haney. According to investigators, a system responsible for channeling air away from the engines on board Haney’s F-22 began leaking. To prevent the air-dependent OBOGS from being contaminated, the system shut down — no more air. The Air Force blamed the crash on pilot error, but an examination from the plane’s black box recording found that Haney had attempted to switch on his emergency oxygen system before plummeting into the ground.
Meanwhile, the Air Force says it’s adding backup oxygen systems to the Raptor and is continuing to investigate. The stealth fighters have also been flying since October’s brief grounding. As a safety precaution the planes are flying above 50,000 feet, below the F-22′s normal operating altitude of 60,000 feet. Nonetheless, the F-22 is still flying with a lemon oxygen system, and without a fix in sight, that puts pilots at risk.
Photo: DVIDS
Today in History: 19 February 1942
Today in History: 19 February 1942:
War Comes to Australia: The Bombing of Darwin
On this day in 1942, Japan launched the first of a number of air raids on northern Australia, striking Darwin in the Northern Territory. The bombing of Darwin on the 19th February 1942 resulted in the deaths of over 250 people, hundreds more wounded, the destruction of 23 aircraft and 10 ships, with an
additional 25 ships damaged. The Japanese lost 7 aircraft in the attack.
Australia suffered more than 60 attacks from Japanese aircraft during World War II.
For more visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombing_of_Darwin
Vin Fiz flying replica at the Oakland Aviation Museum
Vin Fiz flying replica at the Oakland Aviation Museum:
Vin Fiz flying replica at the Oakland Aviation Museum
This Vin Fiz replica has an outstanding appearance and is on display in the Oakland Aviation Museum.
This Vin Fiz replica has been made more air worthy the 1911 original using modern materials as needed, as well as flight instruments located on the foot beam — photo by Joseph May
The Vin Fiz had a wide wingspan but not as wide as the Wright Flyer B, it was a Wright EX meant for exhibition flights — photo by Joseph May
This was the aircraft flown by Robert Sebring but I could not find information about him or his flights in this replica Vin Fiz — photo by Joseph May
Information about Vin Fiz and Calbraith Perry Rodgers brave, as well as historic flight, can be read by going to the 13 February 2012 post. Images of the original Vin Fiz can be seen there, as well.
EUA cancelam acordo com Embraer para compra de Super Tucano
EUA cancelam acordo com Embraer para compra de Super Tucano:
WASHINGTON, 28 Fev (Reuters) – A Força Aérea dos Estados Unidos informou nesta terça-feira que está cancelando contrato de US$ 355 milhões (cerca de R$ 604 milhões) para fornecimento de 20 aviões Super Tucano, da Embraer (EMBR3), citando problemas com a documentação.
REUTERS: 29 de fevereiro de 2012
A Força Aérea disse que vai investigar e refazer a licitação, que também está sendo contestada na Justiça dos EUA pela norte-americana Hawker Beechcraft. O contrato havia sido concedido pela Força Aérea dos EUA para a Embraer e a parceira Sierra Nevada Corp.
"Apesar de buscarmos a perfeição, nós as vezes não atingimos nosso objetivo, e quando fazemos isso temos que adotar medidas de correção", disse o secretário da Força Aérea, Michael Donley, em comunicado. "Uma vez que a compra ainda está em litígio, eu somente posso dizer que o principal executivo de aquisições da Força Aérea, David Van Buren, não está satisfeito com a qualidade da documentação que definiu o vencedor.
Procurada pela Reuters, a Embraer não se pronunciou até a publicação desta reportagem.
O comandante da área de materiais da Força Aérea dos Estados Unidos, Donald Hoffman, ordenou uma investigação sobre a situação, afirmou o porta-voz da Força Aérea.
Em 30 de dezembro, a Força Aérea dos Estados Unidos definiu que a Sierra Nevada e a Embraer tinham obtido o contrato para venda de 20 aviões Super Tucano A-29, assim como treinamento e suporte. Entretanto, a licitação foi paralisada em janeiro, quando a Hawker Beechcraft entrou na Justiça questionando a decisão.
No ocasião, a Força Aérea disse que acreditava que a competição e a avaliação para seleção do fornecedor tinham sido justas, abertas e transparentes.
O Super Tucano A-29 foi desenvolvido para missões de contra-insurgência e atualmente é usado por cinco forças aéreas, e ainda existem outras encomendas, segundo a Embraer.
First 747-8 Intercontinental set for Tuesday delivery (Update4)
First 747-8 Intercontinental set for Tuesday delivery (Update4):
SEATTLE -- While no official confirmation exists beyond a very telling Qatari registration, the Government of Qatar Amiri Flight will take delivery of the first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental today.
The aircraft, registered A7-HHE, the prefix denoting a Qatar registered aircraft, will depart Paine Field in Everett, Washington around noon pacific time enroute to a business jet completion facility.
Currently, Jet Aviation's Basel, Switzerland facility is the most likely candidate to host RC002 for the 24-month completion process, as it was the first completion center selected by an undisclosed Middle East in December 2010.
Sources point to all of the first three 747-8 VIP transports as intended for Middle Eastern customers. RC001, Boeing's Sunrise-liveried jumbo flight test aircraft, destined for the Government of Qatar, while RC003, wearing an A6-PFA United Arab Emirates registration, will fly with the Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight.
Lufthansa Technik has signed up customers for completion of a further two 747-8 aircraft. It's first is speculated to be the Kuwaiti VIP transport and the second for the UAE.
Boeing holds orders for a total of nine VIP configured 747-8s.
I'll be up in Everett for the pre-flyaway press conference with program leaders starting at 11 AM PT, and will be posting photos and updates by way of Flickr and Twitter.
UPDATE 11:14 AM PT: Boeing has officially delivered the first 747-8 Intercontinental to an officially undisclosed VIP customer. RC002 will fly to Vancouver for export then to McConnell Air Force Base at Boeing's Global Transport & Executive Systems for Greenpoint Technologies' outfitting of the Aeroloft. Then later to Hamburg, Germany for full completion at Lufthansa Technik. The date of first 747-8 delivery to Lufthansa has not yet been officially set, but it rapidly approaching.
UPDATE 11:17 AM PT: Boeing will deliver eight 747-8 VIP aircraft in 2012 and its production system is advancing to two 747-8s per month in the middle of this year. 747 vice president and general manager Elizabeth Lund says the back end of the factory (wing and structures) has already "broken rate" accelerating to two per month and the forward part of the factory for final body join will join soon.
UPDATE 11:27 AM PT: Boeing's 747-8 performance improvement package (engine and airframe) will fly on the aircraft on 2013 and will bring the aircraft within 1% of the originally planned specification, says Bruce Dickinson, 747-8 chief project engineer. Boeing is continuing its analysis of the flutter condition found on the 747-8's tail fuel tanks, and aims to have the system reactivated in 2013.
UPDATE 11:41 AM PT: The 747-8Fs since service entry have served 55 airports to date, roughly twice as many as the A380. Operators have found performance to be about 1% better than first though despite the initial shortfall. Boeing is also "on track" to roll out updates to the 747-8's avionics in 2012. To get within 1% of final specification, the airframe weight will be reduced by about 5,000lbs, paired with aerodynamic and General Electric GEnx-2B engine updates.
Video Courtesy Matt Cawby
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Lockheed L-188 Electra in Western Airlines colors
Lockheed L-188 Electra in Western Airlines colors: 
Lockheed L-188 Electra in Western Airlines colors
Lockheed L-188 Electra in Western Airlines colors
Lockheed L-188 Electra in Western Airlines colors: 
Lockheed L-188 Electra in Western Airlines colors
Lockheed L-188 Electra flying over the Golden Gate and the...
Lockheed L-188 Electra flying over the Golden Gate and the...: 
Lockheed L-188 Electra flying over the Golden Gate and the bridge
A330 MRTTs in formation - it's a Voyager discovery.
A330 MRTTs in formation - it's a Voyager discovery.:
This pic comes courtesy of airbus Military and shows a flight of three A330-based multi role tanker transports (MRTT). The lead aircraft, furthest from the camera will join the UK Royal Air Force - rechristened Voyager for the service - the middle aircraft is the original development example which will eventually enter service with the Royal Australian Air Force; and the aircraft nearest the camera is the second for the United Arab Emirates air force.
Credit: Airbus Military
Boeing B-1 Bomber Completes 10,000th Combat Mission
Boeing B-1 Bomber Completes 10,000th Combat Mission: Oklahoma City OK (SPX) Feb 28, 2012
The Boeing B-1 bomber aircraft has completed its 10,000th combat mission. The heavy bomber entered service with the U.S. Air Force on June 29, 1985, and has been in nearly continuous combat for the past 10 years. The milestone mission took off from a base in Southwest Asia and was flown in support of operations over Afghanistan before returning to base.
"The B-1 brings tremendous flexibili
The Boeing B-1 bomber aircraft has completed its 10,000th combat mission. The heavy bomber entered service with the U.S. Air Force on June 29, 1985, and has been in nearly continuous combat for the past 10 years. The milestone mission took off from a base in Southwest Asia and was flown in support of operations over Afghanistan before returning to base.
"The B-1 brings tremendous flexibili
Israel plans for second F-35 squadron
Israel plans for second F-35 squadron: Tel Aviv, Israel (UPI) Feb 27, 2012
Despite deepening defense budget cuts, the Israeli air force is reported to be moving toward ordering a second squadron of 20 F-35 stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin, possibly as early as this year.
The first 20 Joint Strike Fighters were ordered in October 2010 at a cost of $2.75 billion.
Israel ultimately wants to acquire 75 F-35s, to replace Lockheed Martin's F-16I and Boei
Despite deepening defense budget cuts, the Israeli air force is reported to be moving toward ordering a second squadron of 20 F-35 stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin, possibly as early as this year.
The first 20 Joint Strike Fighters were ordered in October 2010 at a cost of $2.75 billion.
Israel ultimately wants to acquire 75 F-35s, to replace Lockheed Martin's F-16I and Boei
CUANDO LOS MIG-23BN ARGELINOS ESTABAN EN SERVICIO ACTIVO
CUANDO LOS MIG-23BN ARGELINOS ESTABAN EN SERVICIO ACTIVO: 
Aunque fueron retirados de la Fuerza Aérea Argelina hacia 2002 o 2003, se conocen muy pocas fotos de buena calidad de este modelo cuando aún estaba en servicio activo, asi que esta serie, aunque sea de 1999, es una colección excepcional. En la imagen Mig-23BN que parece llevar el serial "FH-61", aunque no lo distingo cno claridad. A la izquierda de la imagen un cisterna Il-78 Midas, argelino con sus característicos pods de reabastecimiento en vuelo.
Linea de vuelo de los Mig-23BN argelinos, posiblemente en la base aérea de Laghouat. El avión en primer plano puede haber pasado una revisión recientemente (respecto al momento en que se tomó la foto) ya que su camuflaje reluce en comparación con el del ejemplar inmediatamente a su izquierda. Nótese igualmente que las bombas que lleva bajo los soportes dobles son de origen "occidental", en concreto parecen ser del modelo "MK-82". Aún están sin armar ya que les falta la espoleta en el morro.
Por el contrario, las bombas "redondeadas" de este otro ejemplar, muy probablemente sean de origen ruso
Magnífico primer plano del "FM-17" con su camo desértico y los lanzadores dobles bajo las alas. Curioso el tema insisto, de que el armamento sea "occidental" ¿Americano?...
El "FM-72" luce en cambio un aspecto más "fatigado" tras permanecer largas temporadas expuesto al abrasador sol del desierto, pero puede ser una impresión engañosa y el avión estar en perfectas condiciones operativas. Históricas y excepcionales fotos de gran calidad y valor. 
Aunque fueron retirados de la Fuerza Aérea Argelina hacia 2002 o 2003, se conocen muy pocas fotos de buena calidad de este modelo cuando aún estaba en servicio activo, asi que esta serie, aunque sea de 1999, es una colección excepcional. En la imagen Mig-23BN que parece llevar el serial "FH-61", aunque no lo distingo cno claridad. A la izquierda de la imagen un cisterna Il-78 Midas, argelino con sus característicos pods de reabastecimiento en vuelo.
Linea de vuelo de los Mig-23BN argelinos, posiblemente en la base aérea de Laghouat. El avión en primer plano puede haber pasado una revisión recientemente (respecto al momento en que se tomó la foto) ya que su camuflaje reluce en comparación con el del ejemplar inmediatamente a su izquierda. Nótese igualmente que las bombas que lleva bajo los soportes dobles son de origen "occidental", en concreto parecen ser del modelo "MK-82". Aún están sin armar ya que les falta la espoleta en el morro.
Por el contrario, las bombas "redondeadas" de este otro ejemplar, muy probablemente sean de origen ruso
Magnífico primer plano del "FM-17" con su camo desértico y los lanzadores dobles bajo las alas. Curioso el tema insisto, de que el armamento sea "occidental" ¿Americano?...
El "FM-72" luce en cambio un aspecto más "fatigado" tras permanecer largas temporadas expuesto al abrasador sol del desierto, pero puede ser una impresión engañosa y el avión estar en perfectas condiciones operativas. Históricas y excepcionales fotos de gran calidad y valor. Monday, February 27, 2012
244 Sentai - Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony) #5 - Model by Rodney Williams
244 Sentai - Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony) #5 - Model by Rodney Williams:
An excellent Hien model expertly photographed and presented by Mr. Williams.
Thank you very much for your contribution to our blog.
Click HERE to download the article in PDF form.
moneyissues:London was taken in the early 1920s by Alfred G...
moneyissues:
London was taken in the early 1920s by Alfred G...:
With an Armstrong Whitworth Argosy
London was taken in the early 1920s by Alfred G...:
London was taken in the early 1920s by Alfred G Buckham.
With an Armstrong Whitworth Argosy
Lufthansa's 747-8I takes to the skies
Lufthansa's 747-8I takes to the skies:
Pictured on a pre-delivery test flight from Seattle's Paine Field, here's a shot from Flightglobal's AirSpace gallery of Lufthansa's first Boeing 747-8I (D-AGYA) in its full livery. Handover of the aircraft is due in March.
Credit: Joe G Walker gallery on Flightglobal AirSpace
Boeing and USAF Mark Delivery of First Re-winged A-10 Thunderbolt II
Boeing and USAF Mark Delivery of First Re-winged A-10 Thunderbolt II: Hill AFB CO (SPX) Feb 27, 2012
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 15 celebrated the rollout of the first re-winged A-10 Thunderbolt II in a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base. Boeing is under contract with the Air Force to deliver 233 wing sets through 2018.
"This enhanced wing assembly will give the A-10 new strength and a new foundation for its continued service into 2040," said Mark Bass, Maintenance, Modifications a
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 15 celebrated the rollout of the first re-winged A-10 Thunderbolt II in a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base. Boeing is under contract with the Air Force to deliver 233 wing sets through 2018.
"This enhanced wing assembly will give the A-10 new strength and a new foundation for its continued service into 2040," said Mark Bass, Maintenance, Modifications a
Lockheed Martin's Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V
Lockheed Martin's Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V: Singapore (SPX) Feb 27, 2012
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new version of the F-16 at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit - all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.
With nearly 4,500 F-
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new version of the F-16 at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit - all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.
With nearly 4,500 F-
Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test And Production Progress Report
Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test And Production Progress Report: Fort Worth, TX (SPX) Feb 27, 2012
Lockheed Martin's F-35 program continues to build on its 2011 flight test success. For 2012, the baseline F-35 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flight test plan calls for the accumulation of 1,001 test flights and 7,873 test points. However, growth in test point requirements throughout the year is anticipated, and the plan will be adjusted as needed.
As of Feb. 20, the F-35 Light
Lockheed Martin's F-35 program continues to build on its 2011 flight test success. For 2012, the baseline F-35 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flight test plan calls for the accumulation of 1,001 test flights and 7,873 test points. However, growth in test point requirements throughout the year is anticipated, and the plan will be adjusted as needed.
As of Feb. 20, the F-35 Light
Boeing Completes F/A-18E/F, EA-18G Multi-Year Procurement II Deliveries Ahead of Schedule
Boeing Completes F/A-18E/F, EA-18G Multi-Year Procurement II Deliveries Ahead of Schedule: St. Louis MO (SPX) Feb 27, 2012
Boeing has announced that it has completed delivery of 257 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft to the U.S. Navy. Each aircraft was delivered ahead of schedule and within the contract budget.
The aircraft were delivered to the Navy from 2007 through 2011 under a multi-year procurement (MYP) contract awarded to Boeing on Dec. 29, 2003. The Nav
Boeing has announced that it has completed delivery of 257 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft to the U.S. Navy. Each aircraft was delivered ahead of schedule and within the contract budget.
The aircraft were delivered to the Navy from 2007 through 2011 under a multi-year procurement (MYP) contract awarded to Boeing on Dec. 29, 2003. The Nav
Sunday, February 26, 2012
U. S. Navy Blue Angels
U. S. Navy Blue Angels:
Mitsubishi F1M Reikan (Pete) - 零式水上観測機
Mitsubishi F1M Reikan (Pete) - 零式水上観測機: Here's another photo from a vintage December 1942 magazine this time showing a Pete on the beach of a Southern Pacific island with its crew walking away after coming back from a mission. Note that the floatplane is resting on its trestle in front of a scaffold usually used for propeller or engine changes.
Jean Barby from France added:
"This island is nothing but the shore opposite of Lakunai airfield in Rabaul. In the middle the "brothers" can be seen, they appeared during the volcano eruption in the early 30's. A long time ago I did a couple of dives there, and there are many wrecked barges at the bottom of the two rocks. There are about 40 ship wrecks in Simpson harbor, the bridge of the closest is 120 feet from the surface, the others are further down. Keep in mind that I was there in 1979, and that there were no decompression chamber in case of bends or decompression troubles. Only single tanks were available thus limiting the length and stay at such a depth. Nevertheless one Pete is accessible from the shore and is in fairly good condition (probably less now!) Some pretty good wrecks were still in the bush around Lakunai. A Ki-21, remnants of some Ki-43 and of a twin engine which could be anything from a Ki-46 or a J1N1, and even an in line engine from a Ki-61 or a D3Y2; all those treasures are now buried under heavy ashes as Rabaul was destroyed by the eruption of the Volcano close to lakunai, the Mother, in 1994. The new capital is now Vopopo; I also went to Tobera and Vanukanau but had little time to investigate."
Merci beaucoup for the excellent first hand information. If there are underwater photos from dives, we would be most interested to see.
Jean Barby from France added:
"This island is nothing but the shore opposite of Lakunai airfield in Rabaul. In the middle the "brothers" can be seen, they appeared during the volcano eruption in the early 30's. A long time ago I did a couple of dives there, and there are many wrecked barges at the bottom of the two rocks. There are about 40 ship wrecks in Simpson harbor, the bridge of the closest is 120 feet from the surface, the others are further down. Keep in mind that I was there in 1979, and that there were no decompression chamber in case of bends or decompression troubles. Only single tanks were available thus limiting the length and stay at such a depth. Nevertheless one Pete is accessible from the shore and is in fairly good condition (probably less now!) Some pretty good wrecks were still in the bush around Lakunai. A Ki-21, remnants of some Ki-43 and of a twin engine which could be anything from a Ki-46 or a J1N1, and even an in line engine from a Ki-61 or a D3Y2; all those treasures are now buried under heavy ashes as Rabaul was destroyed by the eruption of the Volcano close to lakunai, the Mother, in 1994. The new capital is now Vopopo; I also went to Tobera and Vanukanau but had little time to investigate."
Merci beaucoup for the excellent first hand information. If there are underwater photos from dives, we would be most interested to see.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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