The Amazing Aviation Story of VFP
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LESSON 3 Significant Aircraft of World War II
LESSON 3 Significant Aircraft of World War II ORREST LEE “WOODY” VOSLER of Lyndonville, Quick Write New York, was a radio operator and gunner during F World War ll. He was the second enlisted member of the Army Air Forces to receive the Medal of Honor. Staff Sergeant Vosler was assigned to a bomb group Time and time again we read about heroic acts based in England. On 20 December 1943, fl ying on his accomplished by military fourth combat mission over Bremen, Germany, Vosler’s servicemen and women B-17 was hit by anti-aircraft fi re, severely damaging it during wartime. After reading the story about and forcing it out of formation. Staff Sergeant Vosler, name Vosler was severely wounded in his legs and thighs three things he did to help his crew survive, which by a mortar shell exploding in the radio compartment. earned him the Medal With the tail end of the aircraft destroyed and the tail of Honor. gunner wounded in critical condition, Vosler stepped up and manned the guns. Without a man on the rear guns, the aircraft would have been defenseless against German fi ghters attacking from that direction. Learn About While providing cover fi re from the tail gun, Vosler was • the development of struck in the chest and face. Metal shrapnel was lodged bombers during the war into both of his eyes, impairing his vision. Able only to • the development of see indistinct shapes and blurs, Vosler never left his post fi ghters during the war and continued to fi re. -
The Cost of Replacing Today's Air Force Fleet
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE The Cost of Replacing Today’s Air Force Fleet DECEMBER 2018 Notes The years referred to in this report are federal fiscal years, which run from October 1 to September 30 and are designated by the calendar year in which they end. All costs are expressed in 2018 dollars. For the years before 2018, costs are adjusted for inflation using the gross domestic product price index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Costs for years after 2018 are adjusted for inflation using the Congressional Budget Office’s projection of that index. On the cover: An F-15C Eagle during takeoff. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Joe W. McFadden. www.cbo.gov/publication/54657 Contents Summary 1 Today’s Air Force Aircraft and Their Replacement Costs 1 BOX 1. MAJOR AIRCRAFT IN THE AIR FORCE’S FLEET AND THEIR PRIMARY FUNCTIONS 2 How CBO Made Its Projections 5 Projected Costs of New Fighter Aircraft 6 F-35A 7 Light Attack Aircraft 7 Penetrating Counter Air Aircraft 8 Managing Procurement Costs in Peak Years 9 Appendix: Composition of the Current Air Force Fleet and CBO’s Estimate of Replacement Costs 11 List of Tables and Figures 18 About This Document 19 The Cost of Replacing Today’s Air Force Fleet Summary different missions (seeBox 1 and the appendix). They The U.S. Air Force has about 5,600 aircraft, which range range widely in age from the 75 new aircraft that entered in age from just-delivered to 60 years old. -
Aircraft Collection
A, AIR & SPA ID SE CE MU REP SEU INT M AIRCRAFT COLLECTION From the Avenger torpedo bomber, a stalwart from Intrepid’s World War II service, to the A-12, the spy plane from the Cold War, this collection reflects some of the GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS IN MILITARY AVIATION. Photo: Liam Marshall TABLE OF CONTENTS Bombers / Attack Fighters Multirole Helicopters Reconnaissance / Surveillance Trainers OV-101 Enterprise Concorde Aircraft Restoration Hangar Photo: Liam Marshall BOMBERS/ATTACK The basic mission of the aircraft carrier is to project the U.S. Navy’s military strength far beyond our shores. These warships are primarily deployed to deter aggression and protect American strategic interests. Should deterrence fail, the carrier’s bombers and attack aircraft engage in vital operations to support other forces. The collection includes the 1940-designed Grumman TBM Avenger of World War II. Also on display is the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, a true workhorse of the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and Grumman A-6 Intruder, stalwarts of the Vietnam War. Photo: Collection of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum GRUMMAN / EASTERNGRUMMAN AIRCRAFT AVENGER TBM-3E GRUMMAN/EASTERN AIRCRAFT TBM-3E AVENGER TORPEDO BOMBER First flown in 1941 and introduced operationally in June 1942, the Avenger became the U.S. Navy’s standard torpedo bomber throughout World War II, with more than 9,836 constructed. Originally built as the TBF by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, they were affectionately nicknamed “Turkeys” for their somewhat ungainly appearance. Bomber Torpedo In 1943 Grumman was tasked to build the F6F Hellcat fighter for the Navy. -
U.S. Command and Control and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Aircraft
U.S. Command and Control and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Aircraft Jeffrey Nelson US Air Force Fellow July 15, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R44108 c11173008 . U.S. Command and Control and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Aircraft Summary The fleet of manned aircraft accomplishing the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) Command and Control (C2) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions for the joint military community (E-8, E-3, RC-135, WC-135, OC-135, and E-6) is primarily based on Boeing 707 aircraft procured from the 1960s to the early 1990s. As the age of these legacy C2ISR aircraft increases, understanding the Air Force and Navy modernization and recapitalization plans is likely important for Congress. This report examines the Air Force’s and Navy’s current sustainment, modernization, and recapitalization efforts for these Boeing 707-based aircraft, and issues Congress may take into account when considering appropriating funds for continued sustainment and modernization of these aircraft versus funding for recapitalization of these missions to new aircraft. This report addresses potential congressional oversight and appropriations concerns for the sustainment, modernization, and recapitalization of the DOD’s Boeing 707-based legacy C2ISR aircraft fleet. It does not address options for recapitalization currently being offered by industry to other countries. Congress has the authority to approve, reject, or modify Air Force and Navy funding requests for C2ISR aircraft sustainment, modernization, and recapitalization, as well as oversight of the nation’s C2ISR requirements and capabilities. Congress’s decisions on appropriations for the C2ISR force could impact the nation’s C2ISR capabilities and have additional consequences for the U.S. -
Manned Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Strategic, Tactical
ISR Focus Feature Manned Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Strategic, Tactical . Both? Maj Tyler Morton, USAF We’ve adapted over time . from a predominantly strategic asset that is able to bring a tremendous amount of capability to bear in the tactical environment. —Lt Col Rich Rosa, Commander 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, 2011 he Obama administration’s desire to rebalance the United States’ global focus to the Western Pacific and East Asia has seri- ous ramifications for the manned airborne intelligence, surveil- T 1 lance, and reconnaissance (ISR) community. That force, historically steeped in strategic-level intelligence collection, has become—through November–December 2012 Air & Space Power Journal | 34 ISR Focus Feature Morton Manned Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance the exigencies of the counterinsurgency conflicts of the early twenty- first century—the world’s finest supplier of tactical-level intelligence. The US Air Force’s arsenal of manned airborne ISR assets is a fixture over the battlefields of Afghanistan, and ground war fighters rely on these platforms for tactical intelligence.2 The intelligence that the United States’ manned airborne ISR force communicates often means the difference between life and death for ground forces engaged in combat. This was not always the case, however. Prior to the Persian Gulf War, these platforms were the masters of the peacetime airborne reconnaissance program. They spent the Cold War flying near the pe- riphery of the Soviet Union—and that of many other nations—gather- ing intelligence designed to inform national-level decision makers. Beginning with the Persian Gulf War and developing fully in Operation Enduring Freedom, manned airborne ISR was transformed. -
Warbird Flyer 2019
Volume 20 October Issue 4 WARBIRD FLYER 2019 Dan Barry’s L-3 takes off at Gig Harbor Wings and Wheels. Photo: Dan Shoemaker Cascade Warbirds Squadron Newsletter CO’S COCKPIT By Ron Morrell Where do we go from here? The beginning of lings Foundation B-17. Lives were lost, the meeting season always presents new op- many are badly hurt, and a valuable piece portunities and new challenges. Just ask Dave of history is destroyed. The usual immedi- about finding presenters and interesting ate “knee-jerk” reactions have surfaced guests for the meeting dates! For me, this past concerning the flying of historic aviation year seems to include more challenges to over- assets and all I can advise is to step back, come than in previous years, as well as more don’t make any assumptions, and do some challenges being created as we go forward, but self-analysis. it is early yet! Consider your own flying habits, miti- I hope everyone, from the pilots/owners to the gate your own risks, and attempt to be pro- marshallers and enthusiasts had a great flying season and was able fessional in all we do as warbird pilots, to enjoy the opportunities that were available. I hope everyone will owners, and enthusiasts. You can do much see that, in my last few months as the CWB Squadron Commander, to help show others that we can safely fly my goal will be to concentrate on leaving the organization in a better historic military aircraft by maintaining place than it was when I was anointed as Flight Lead back in 2012. -
A Comparison of In-Flight Refueling Methods for Fighter Aircraft: Boom-Receptacle Vs
A Comparison of In-flight Refueling Methods for Fighter Aircraft: Boom-receptacle vs. Probe-and-drogue Brian J. Theiss Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ABSTRACT Aerial refueling dates back to the very beginnings of flight and has developed into two very different and incompatible methods. While the U.S. Air Force primarily uses a boom-receptacle method, the U.S. Navy uses a probe-and-drogue method. Cross-service commonality of aerial refueling methods is a concept that has the potential to save money and increase the tactical abilities of the armed services. This paper serves to examine the feasibility of using a common method of aerial refueling for fighter/attack aircraft (collectively referred to as fighter aircraft). Safety, reliability, weight and refuel rates have been examined for each method. Currently there can be no set standard for fighter aircraft. The requirements for the U.S. Navy are such that they would not be able to utilize boom-receptacle refueling adequately, and similarly the requirements for the U.S. Air Force are such that probe-and-drogue refueling would not be feasible. There are many variables to consider with each aircraft and its intended use that affect which method is best incorporated. INTRODUCTION once the adapter is attached, the tanker can only refuel probe-equipped aircraft (Byrd, 1994). Currently, there are two different and The BDA kit also has a greater tendency to snap incompatible methods for aerial refueling. The off at the probe (Gebicke, 1993a). The Navy first method is a probe-and-drogue method used requires two drogues in the air for redundancy by the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and and that translates to two KC-135s with adapter limited United States Air Force aircraft. -
Nato Support and Procurement Agency Agence Otan De Soutien Et D'acquisition
NATO SUPPORT AND PROCUREMENT AGENCY AGENCE OTAN DE SOUTIEN ET D'ACQUISITION PROCUREMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTION DES ACHATS P/2019/070 NATO UNCLASSIFIED 2 July 2019 ..... SUBJECT Request For Information (RFI) in relation to potential Cooperation on Accelerated Interim Multinational MPA Solution (AIM2S) NATO will face an increasingly widening gap of available Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) starting in 2023. Beyond this quantitative aspect, some NATO Allies and Partner nations are also experiencing qualitative challenges due to the rapidly ageing assets and equipment in their fleet inventories. In addition, as some NATO Allies and Partner nations upgrade their fleets to meet current and future threats, interoperability challenges arise with ageing assets and less capable modernization programs. A group of 9 (nine) NATO Allies and Partner nations are considering joining efforts to create an Accelerated Interim Multinational MPA Solution (AIM2S) to their ageing maritime anti-submarine, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. This initiative is looking for solutions for a multinational fleet construct for this critical capability area, which will deliver an affordable interim solution to meet the current threat and address the operational challenges until potential longer-term solutions can be developed and delivered. NSPA is seeking, in coordination with NATO IS Defence Investment Division, Industry responses to the attached Request for Information (RFI), to provide interested NATO Allies and Partner nations with relevant information on a number of key aspects such as existing market capabilities, potential applicable contractual frameworks, and potential benefits of a cooperative approach. If your company has the interest and ability to deliver AIM2S solutions starting in 2023, you are kindly invited to confirm your participation in this RFI by returning the form at Annex A hereto by 19 July 2019. -
The Air Refueling Receiver That Not Complain
AIR Y U SIT NI V ER The Air Refueling Receiver That Does Not Complain JEFFREY L. STEPHENSON, Major, USAF School of Advanced Airpower Studies THESIS PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AIRPOWER STUDIES, MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA, FOR COMPLETION OF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, ACADEMIC YEAR 1997–98. Air University Press Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama October 1999 Disclaimer Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the author, and do not necessar ily represent the vie ws of Air University, the United States Air F orce, the Department of Defense, or any other US government agency. Cleared for public release: dis tribution unlimited. ii Contents Chapter Page DISCLAIMER . ii ABSTRACT . v ABOUT THE AUTHOR . vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . ix 1 Introduction . 1 Notes . 6 2 The Need for Air Refueling Unmanned Aerial V ehicles and Current Air Force Systems . 7 Notes . 17 3 The Air Refueling Rendezvous and Contr olling the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles during the Air Refueling . 19 Notes . 27 4 Comparison and Analysis of Curr ent Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems, Rendezvous, and Methods of Contr ol of the UAV during Aerial Refueling . 29 Notes . 36 5 Conclusions and Implications . 39 Illustrations Figure 1 AQM-34 Lightning Bug . 4 2 Predator Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle . 9 3 Notional Predator Mission Concept . 11 4 Predator (Tier II) Mission Profile . 12 5 DarkStar Unmanned Aerial Vehicle . 13 6 Notional DarkStar (Tier III-) Mission Profile . 14 7 Notional DarkStar Split-Site Concept . 15 iii Figure Page 8 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle . 15 9 Notional Global Hawk (T ier II+) Mission Profile . -
Trends in Air-To-Air Combat: Implications for Future Air Superiority
TRENDS IN AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE AIR SUPERIORITY JOHN STILLION TRENDS IN AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE AIR SUPERIORITY JOHN STILLION 2015 ABOUT THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND BUDGETARY ASSESSMENTS (CSBA) The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) is an independent, nonpartisan policy research institute established to promote innovative thinking and debate about national security strategy and investment options. CSBA’s analysis focuses on key questions related to existing and emerging threats to U.S. national security, and its goal is to enable policymakers to make informed decisions on matters of strategy, security policy, and resource allocation. ©2015 Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. All rights reserved. ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Stillion is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Dr. Stillion is a former U.S. Air Force officer, instructor navigator, and tactical aviator. He is a Distinguished Graduate of Air Force ROTC, USAF Navigator Training, and RF-4C Tactical Aircrew Training. He previously worked at the RAND Corporation where he led multi-disciplinary study teams and analyzed a wide range of issues related to airpower and future warfare, including air operations in urban environments and against elusive targets, airbase vulnerability, combat aircrew skill acquisition and retention, tanker and airlift operations, aerial ISR, and fire support to Special Operations Forces. During his time at RAND he received a number of awards for the quality of his research. Prior to joining CSBA Dr. Stillion was a Senior Analyst in the aerospace industry where he analyzed the cost-effectiveness of existing and possible future products as well as the emerging demand for advanced capabilities and production techniques. -
Eyes Wide Open
The lone Global Hawk flying above Iraq was one busy, busy bird. Eyes Wide Open By Rebecca Grant HE US Air Force dispatched more What Global Hawk Did than 600 fighters, bombers, tankers, in the War airlifters, and intelligence-surveil- lance-reconnaissance aircraft to Op- eration Iraqi Freedom. In the pack All told, the RQ-4 aircraft snapped Twas one loner: the RQ-4 Global Hawk 3,655 images using all sensors unmanned aerial vehicle. The Air (radar, infrared, and electro-optical). These images helped locate and Force deployed to the theater just identify the following: one Global Hawk and flew it 18 days in a row to provide unblinking cov- ● 300+ tanks. erage of the Republican Guard and other key targets. ● 13 full SAM batteries. The performance of this aircraft over Iraq drew praise from all quar- ● 50+ individual SAM launch- ters and marked a significant step ers. forward for long-range, high-altitude ● 300+ SAM canisters. unmanned reconnaissance. The 1991 Gulf War dramatized ● 70+ SAM transporters. the possibilities of real-time imag- ery. The Desert Storm coalition ac- quired tremendous situation aware- ness from new assets such as E-8 Joint STARS aircraft, but there were gaps in ISR coverage of the battle- space. Commanders wanted a plat- form that would provide 24-hour coverage to support the hunt for Scuds and help keep track of Iraqi forces. That new requirement in 1991 led directly to the presence of 38 AIR FORCE Magazine / November 2003 Global Hawk in the skies over Iraq In the early 1980s, the Defense emy surface-to-air missiles and in 2003. -
Kc-X: the Next Mobility Platform
HEADQUARTERS AIR MOBILITY COMMAND WHITE PAPER KC-X: THE NEXT MOBILITY PLATFORM THE NEED FOR A FLEXIBLE TANKER KC-X: THE NEXT MOBILITY PLATFORM THE NEED FOR A FLEXIBLE TANKER The requirement for a flexible Aerial Refueling Aircraft that can operate throughout a battlespace to deliver fuel and/or cargo and/or passengers is rooted in Joint Doctrine. Equipping the Nation’s new KC-X aircraft with appropriate floors for carrying passengers and cargo, reasonably-sized doors to accommodate standard-sized pallets, and modest defensive systems which allow the aircraft access to an area of operations will ensure success for US Combatant Commanders. General Norton A. Schwartz, Commander, US Transportation Command, is on record stating his need for tanker flexibility: “I am looking for versatility; single-mission airplanes don’t give that. The Secretary of Defense went to Baghdad in a C-17. Would I send [him] to Baghdad in a C-17 if I had a KC-X? Probably not, I would use the C-17 in a better way.” “If I had a properly configured tanker that had doors and floors, could carry passengers, and defensive systems, I could…return the C-17 either to moving cargo or reduce the tempo.” General Michael Moseley, speaking to reporters during a 13 Dec 06 Pentagon briefing, noted the dual-role tanker would bolster the service's lift toolbox. "When you need a tanker, it is a tanker. When you don't need hundreds of tankers, then you use it in the mobility" role, the four-star said. "So to build an air bridge, if you need an air bridge for [B-2 bombers] for global strike, you need it as a tanker.