Flight Speeds.Pdf

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Flight Speeds.Pdf Aircraft Motion & Control Flight Speed Flight Speeds Method of measuring flight speed 4 levels of flight Sonic boom Sound barrier Flight Speeds Measuring speed How is motor vehicle speed measured? Flight Speeds Measuring speed How is aircraft speed measured? Flight Speeds Aircraft flight speed is measured via a “Mach” number Mach number A quantity that defines how quickly a vehicle travels with respect to the speed of sound Flight Speeds Mach numbers 0.5 Mach = 1/2 times the speed of sound Mach 1 = the speed of sound Mach 2 = 2 x the speed of sound Etc. Flight Speeds What is the speed of sound? Flight Speeds Speed of sound Is a basic property of the atmosphere that changes with temperature Flight Speeds The actual speed of sound varies depending on the altitude above sea level Sound travels at slightly different temperatures, and the temperatures vary according to altitude Flight Speeds Speed of sound At sea level, the speed of sound is approximately 760 mph At 20,000 feet, the speed of sound is approximately 660 mph Flight Speeds Speed of sound So, the higher the altitude, the faster or slower the actual speed of sound? Flight Speeds Review Aircraft flight speed is measured with what type of number: A. Mach B. MPH C. Kilometer Flight Speeds Review The speed of sound is a basic property of the atmosphere that changes with: A. Time B. Temperature C. Weather Flight Speeds Review The actual speed of sound varies, depending on the __ above sea level: A. Magnitude B. Altitude C. Time Flight Speeds Review Sound travels at slightly different ___, which vary according to altitude: A. Magnitudes B. Times C. Temperatures Flight Speeds Review At sea level, the speed of sound is approximately ___: A. 350 mph B. 760 mph C. 1200 mph Flight Speeds Four primary levels of flight speed Subsonic Transonic Supersonic Hypersonic Flight Speeds What’s the root word of each of the primary levels of flight? Subsonic Transonic Supersonic Hypersonic Flight Speeds What does the word “sonic” relate to? Flight Speeds Sonic: Sound Audible to the human ear Flight Speeds Subsonic 350 – 750 mph Light, powerful engines Example: Small passenger aircraft Commercial jets Flight Speeds Transonic 750 to 760 mph Flies right at the speed of sound Lighter, more powerful engines Can travel quickly Example: Lear jets Flight Speeds Supersonic 760 to 3500 mph Flies above the speed of sound Aircraft in this category: Have specially designed high performance engines Designed with lightweight materials to provide less drag Example The Concorde Military Aircraft Flight Speeds Hypersonic 3500 to 7000 mph Travel in this category can be 5 to 10 times the speed of sound as the craft goes into orbit Specialized material and very powerful engines were developed to handle this rate of speed Example The Space Shuttle Flight Speeds Review: List the four primary levels of flight: _____sonic _____sonic _____sonic _____sonic Flight Speeds Review: Sonic relates to: A. Speed B. Temperature C. Sound Flight Speeds Review: Which type aircraft fly at subsonic speeds: A. Military aircraft: 760 to 3500 mph B. Lear jets: 750 to 760 mph C. Small passenger aircraft and commercial jets: 350 to 750 mph Flight Speeds Review: Which type aircraft fly at supersonic speeds: A. Military aircraft: 760 to 3500 mph B. Lear jets: 750 to 760 mph C. Small passenger aircraft and commercial jets: 350 to 750 mph Flight Speeds Review: Which type aircraft fly at transonic speeds: A. Military aircraft: 760 to 3500 mph B. Lear jets: 750 to 760 mph C. Small passenger aircraft and commercial jets: 350 to 750 mph Flight Speeds Review: Aircraft flying at hypersonic speeds: A. Travel 5 to 10 times less than the speed of sound B. Travel right at the speed of sound C. Travel 5 to 10 times more than the speed of sound Flight Speeds Review: What type of aircraft fly at hypersonic speeds: A. Military fighter jets B. Commercial air passenger planes C. NASA space shuttles Flight Speeds Flight Speeds Sonic boom A loud, thunder-like noise heard by a person on the ground when an aircraft flies overhead at supersonic speeds Flight Speeds Sonic boom: Air reacts like a fluid to supersonic objects As objects travel through the air, the air molecules are pushed aside with great force This force forms a shock wave, much like the wave created by the fronts of a boat moving in water Flight Speeds Sonic boom: The shock wave forms a cone of pressurized air A sharp release of pressure after the buildup of a shock wave is heard as the sonic boom occurs Flight Speeds Sonic boom: Similar to the sharp release of pressure when a pin pops a balloon and makes a noise Flight Speeds Sound barrier A “wall” between subsonic and supersonic speed levels Level at which the sonic boom occurs Breaking the sound barrier Process of accelerating through Mach 1 and going from subsonic to supersonic speeds Flight Speeds F-18 speeds up to supersonic speed as it is flying through an unusual cloud This cloud sometimes forms as aircraft break the sound barrier Flight Speeds Review: Sonic booms occur when aircraft fly at what flight level: Transonic Supersonic Hypersonic Flight Speeds Review: Sonic booms sound most similar to: A. Thunder B. Drum rolls C. Books dropping Flight Speeds Review: A sharp release of pressure after the build up of a ___ is heard as the sonic boom occurs: A. Thunderstorm B. Volcanic eruption C. Shock wave Flight Speeds Review: A sound barrier is a ___ between the subsonic and supersonic speed levels: A. Wall B. Break C. Net Flight Speeds Method of measuring flight speed 4 levels of flight Sonic boom Sound barrier Aircraft Motion & Control Flight Speed Aircraft Motion & Control Future Lesson: Pilot Control Center.
Recommended publications
  • Brazilian 14-Xs Hypersonic Unpowered Scramjet Aerospace Vehicle
    ISSN 2176-5480 22nd International Congress of Mechanical Engineering (COBEM 2013) November 3-7, 2013, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil Copyright © 2013 by ABCM BRAZILIAN 14-X S HYPERSONIC UNPOWERED SCRAMJET AEROSPACE VEHICLE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AT MACH NUMBER 7 Álvaro Francisco Santos Pivetta Universidade do Vale do Paraíba/UNIVAP, Campus Urbanova Av. Shishima Hifumi, no 2911 Urbanova CEP. 12244-000 São José dos Campos, SP - Brasil [email protected] David Romanelli Pinto ETEP Faculdades, Av. Barão do Rio Branco, no 882 Jardim Esplanada CEP. 12.242-800 São José dos Campos, SP, Brasil [email protected] Giannino Ponchio Camillo Instituto de Estudos Avançados/IEAv - Trevo Coronel Aviador José Alberto Albano do Amarante, nº1 Putim CEP. 12.228-001 São José dos Campos, SP - Brasil. [email protected] Felipe Jean da Costa Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica/ITA - Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, nº 50 Vila das Acácias CEP. 12.228-900 São José dos Campos, SP - Brasil [email protected] Paulo Gilberto de Paula Toro Instituto de Estudos Avançados/IEAv - Trevo Coronel Aviador José Alberto Albano do Amarante, nº1 Putim CEP. 12.228-001 São José dos Campos, SP - Brasil. [email protected] Abstract. The Brazilian VHA 14-X S is a technological demonstrator of a hypersonic airbreathing propulsion system based on supersonic combustion (scramjet) to fly at Earth’s atmosphere at 30km altitude at Mach number 7, designed at the Prof. Henry T. Nagamatsu Laboratory of Aerothermodynamics and Hypersonics, at the Institute for Advanced Studies. Basically, scramjet is a fully integrated airbreathing aeronautical engine that uses the oblique/conical shock waves generated during the hypersonic flight, to promote compression and deceleration of freestream atmospheric air at the inlet of the scramjet.
    [Show full text]
  • HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE a Need for Speed
    n HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE A need for speed Mach 0.8 to 1.2 and above the speed of powerful turbine engine available. To mit- Skystreak taught lots sound, respectively). The U.S. Army Air igate as much risk as possible, the team Forces took responsibility for supersonic kept the design simple, using a conven- about flight near research—which resulted in Chuck Yea- tional straight wing rather than the new ger breaking the sound barrier in the Bell and mostly unproven swept wing. The the sound barrier X-1 on Oct. 14, 1947. That historic event 5,000-lb.-thrust (22-kilonewton) Allison overshadowed the highly successful re- J35-A-11 engine filled the fuselage, leav- BY MICHAEL LOmbARDI search conducted by the pilots who flew ing just enough room to house instrumen- s World War II was coming to a the Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak to the edge tation and a pilot in a cramped cockpit. close, advances in high-speed aero- of the sound barrier while capturing new Because of the lack of knowledge about Adynamics were rapidly progressing world speed records. the survivability of a high-altitude, high- beyond the ability of the wind tunnels of The D-558-1 was developed by the speed bailout, Douglas engineers designed the day, prompting a dramatic expansion Douglas Aircraft Company, today a part a jettisonable nose section that could pro- of flight-test research and experimental of Boeing, at its El Segundo (Calif.) tect the pilot until a safe bailout speed was aircraft. Division. It was designed by a team led reached.
    [Show full text]
  • Airspace: Seeing Sound Grades
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration GRADES K-8 Seeing Sound airspace Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Museum in a BO SerieXs www.nasa.gov MUSEUM IN A BOX Materials: Seeing Sound In the Box Lesson Overview PVC pipe coupling Large balloon In this lesson, students will use a beam of laser light Duct tape to display a waveform against a flat surface. In doing Super Glue so, they will effectively“see” sound and gain a better understanding of how different frequencies create Mirror squares different sounds. Laser pointer Tripod Tuning fork Objectives Tuning fork activator Students will: 1. Observe the vibrations necessary to create sound. Provided by User Scissors GRADES K-8 Time Requirements: 30 minutes airspace 2 Background The Science of Sound Sound is something most of us take for granted and rarely do we consider the physics involved. It can come from many sources – a voice, machinery, musical instruments, computers – but all are transmitted the same way; through vibration. In the most basic sense, when a sound is created it causes the molecule nearest the source to vibrate. As this molecule is touching another molecule it causes that molecule to vibrate too. This continues, from molecule to molecule, passing the energy on as it goes. This is also why at a rock concert, or even being near a car with a large subwoofer, you can feel the bass notes vibrating inside you. The molecules of your body are vibrating, allowing you to physically feel the music. MUSEUM IN A BOX As with any energy transfer, each time a molecule vibrates or causes another molecule to vibrate, a little energy is lost along the way, which is why sound gets quieter with distance (Fig 1.) and why louder sounds, which cause the molecules to vibrate more, travel farther.
    [Show full text]
  • 10. Supersonic Aerodynamics
    Grumman Tribody Concept featured on the 1978 company calendar. The basis for this idea will be explained below. 10. Supersonic Aerodynamics 10.1 Introduction There have actually only been a few truly supersonic airplanes. This means airplanes that can cruise supersonically. Before the F-22, classic “supersonic” fighters used brute force (afterburners) and had extremely limited duration. As an example, consider the two defined supersonic missions for the F-14A: F-14A Supersonic Missions CAP (Combat Air Patrol) • 150 miles subsonic cruise to station • Loiter • Accel, M = 0.7 to 1.35, then dash 25 nm - 4 1/2 minutes and 50 nm total • Then, must head home, or to a tanker! DLI (Deck Launch Intercept) • Energy climb to 35K ft, M = 1.5 (4 minutes) • 6 minutes at M = 1.5 (out 125-130 nm) • 2 minutes Combat (slows down fast) After 12 minutes, must head home or to a tanker. In this chapter we will explain the key supersonic aerodynamics issues facing the configuration aerodynamicist. We will start by reviewing the most significant airplanes that had substantial sustained supersonic capability. We will then examine the key physical underpinnings of supersonic gas dynamics and their implications for configuration design. Examples are presented showing applications of modern CFD and the application of MDO. We will see that developing a practical supersonic airplane is extremely demanding and requires careful integration of the various contributing technologies. Finally we discuss contemporary efforts to develop new supersonic airplanes. 10.2 Supersonic “Cruise” Airplanes The supersonic capability described above is typical of most of the so-called supersonic fighters, and obviously the supersonic performance is limited.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mathematical Approach to the Sonic Barrier1
    BULLETIN (New Series) OF THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY Volume 6, Number 2, March 1982 THE MATHEMATICAL APPROACH TO THE SONIC BARRIER1 BY CATHLEEN SYNGE MORAWETZ 1. Introduction. For my topic today I have chosen a subject connecting mathematics and aeronautical engineering. The histories of these two subjects are close. It might however appear to the layman that, back in the time of the first powered flight in 1903, aeronautical engineering had little to do with mathematics. The Wright brothers, despite the fact that they had no university education were well read and learned their art using wind tunnels but it is unlikely that they knew that airfoil theory was connected to the Riemann conformai mapping theorem. But it was also the time of Joukowski and later Prandtl who developed and understood that connection and put mathematics solidly behind the new engineering. Since that time each new generation has discovered new problems that are at the forefront of both fields. One such problem is flight near the speed of sound. This one in fact has puzzled more than one generation. Everyone knows that in popular parlance an aircraft has "crashed the sonic *or sound barrier" if it flies faster than sound travels; that is, if the speed of the craft q exceeds the speed of sound c or the Mach number, M = q/c > 1. In simple, if perhaps too graphic, terms this means that if you are in the line of flight the plane hits you before you hear it. But it is not my purpose to talk about flight at the speed of sound.
    [Show full text]
  • Aircraft of Today. Aerospace Education I
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 068 287 SE 014 551 AUTHOR Sayler, D. S. TITLE Aircraft of Today. Aerospace EducationI. INSTITUTION Air Univ.,, Maxwell AFB, Ala. JuniorReserve Office Training Corps. SPONS AGENCY Department of Defense, Washington, D.C. PUB DATE 71 NOTE 179p. EDRS PRICE MF-$0.65 HC-$6.58 DESCRIPTORS *Aerospace Education; *Aerospace Technology; Instruction; National Defense; *PhysicalSciences; *Resource Materials; Supplementary Textbooks; *Textbooks ABSTRACT This textbook gives a brief idea aboutthe modern aircraft used in defense and forcommercial purposes. Aerospace technology in its present form has developedalong certain basic principles of aerodynamic forces. Differentparts in an airplane have different functions to balance theaircraft in air, provide a thrust, and control the general mechanisms.Profusely illustrated descriptions provide a picture of whatkinds of aircraft are used for cargo, passenger travel, bombing, and supersonicflights. Propulsion principles and descriptions of differentkinds of engines are quite helpful. At the end of each chapter,new terminology is listed. The book is not available on the market andis to be used only in the Air Force ROTC program. (PS) SC AEROSPACE EDUCATION I U S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EDUCATION & WELFARE OFFICE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO OUCH) EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIG INATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPIN 'IONS STATED 00 NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OF EOU CATION POSITION OR POLICY AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC MR,UNIVERS17/14AXWELL MR FORCEBASE, ALABAMA Aerospace Education I Aircraft of Today D. S. Sayler Academic Publications Division 3825th Support Group (Academic) AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC AIR UNIVERSITY MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA 2 1971 Thispublication has been reviewed and approvedby competent personnel of the preparing command in accordance with current directiveson doctrine, policy, essentiality, propriety, and quality.
    [Show full text]
  • 7. Transonic Aerodynamics of Airfoils and Wings
    W.H. Mason 7. Transonic Aerodynamics of Airfoils and Wings 7.1 Introduction Transonic flow occurs when there is mixed sub- and supersonic local flow in the same flowfield (typically with freestream Mach numbers from M = 0.6 or 0.7 to 1.2). Usually the supersonic region of the flow is terminated by a shock wave, allowing the flow to slow down to subsonic speeds. This complicates both computations and wind tunnel testing. It also means that there is very little analytic theory available for guidance in designing for transonic flow conditions. Importantly, not only is the outer inviscid portion of the flow governed by nonlinear flow equations, but the nonlinear flow features typically require that viscous effects be included immediately in the flowfield analysis for accurate design and analysis work. Note also that hypersonic vehicles with bow shocks necessarily have a region of subsonic flow behind the shock, so there is an element of transonic flow on those vehicles too. In the days of propeller airplanes the transonic flow limitations on the propeller mostly kept airplanes from flying fast enough to encounter transonic flow over the rest of the airplane. Here the propeller was moving much faster than the airplane, and adverse transonic aerodynamic problems appeared on the prop first, limiting the speed and thus transonic flow problems over the rest of the aircraft. However, WWII fighters could reach transonic speeds in a dive, and major problems often arose. One notable example was the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Transonic effects prevented the airplane from readily recovering from dives, and during one flight test, Lockheed test pilot Ralph Virden had a fatal accident.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Base Shape to Drag at Transonic and Supersonic Speeds by Cfd
    DAAAM INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC BOOK 2019 pp. 071-080 Chapter 06 EFFECTS OF BASE SHAPE TO DRAG AT TRANSONIC AND SUPERSONIC SPEEDS BY CFD SERDAREVIC-KADIC, S. & TERZIC, J. Abstract: This work is focused on numerical simulations of air flow around a projectile in order to determine the influence of base shape on the drag coefficient. Simulations are made for transonic and supersonic speeds of air flow. Several shapes of projectile base is considered and the results are compared to drag coefficient of projectile with flat base. Base drag component can be as high as 50% or more of drag and any reduction in base drag can have a large payoff in increased range. Base drag is depended by flow characteristics and geometrical parameters. Influence of base shape to drag coefficient of projectile is studied by commercially CFD code FLUENT. Key words: Drag, Base, Pressure, CFD Authors´ data: Assist. Prof. Dr. Sc. Serdarevic-Kadic S[abina]; Assist. Prof. Dr. Sc. Terzic, J[asmin], Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, Vilsonovo setaliste 9, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina, [email protected], [email protected]. This Publication has to be referred as: Serdarevic-Kadic, S[abina] & Terzic, J[asmin] (2019). Effects of Base Shape to Drag at Transonic and Supersonic Speeds by CFD, Chapter 06 in DAAAM International Scientific Book 2019, pp.071-080, B. Katalinic (Ed.), Published by DAAAM International, ISBN 978-3-902734-24-2, ISSN 1726-9687, Vienna, Austria DOI: 10.2507/daaam.scibook.2019.06 071 Serdarevic-Kadic, S. & Terzic, J.: Effects of Base Shape to Drag at Transonic and S..
    [Show full text]
  • Ping Pong Balls Break the Sound Barrier STEM Lesson Plan / Adaptable for Grades 7–12 Lesson Plan Developed by T
    INSIDE SCIENCE TV: Ping Pong Balls Break The Sound Barrier STEM Lesson Plan / Adaptable for Grades 7–12 Lesson plan developed by T. Jensen for Inside Science and the American Institute of Physics About the Video (click here to see video) Purdue University students, led by their mechanical engineering technology professor, designed an hourglass-shaped nozzle like those found in the engine of F-16 fighter planes for their air-cannon. The cannon accelerates a ping-pong ball to supersonic speeds, propelling it with incredible momentum through wood, soda cans, and even denting steel. Related Concepts acceleration energy momentum aerodynamics force sound barrier air pressure linear motion speed continuity equation mass vacuum Bell Ringers Use video to explore students’ prior knowledge, preconceptions, and misconceptions. Have students write or use the prompts to promote critical thinking. Time Video content Students might… 0:00–0:05 Series opening 0:06–0:13 What can travel at Have students make written predictions about supersonic speed and what might travel at supersonic speed and can shatter plywood? blast through plywood. Predictions should be supported with physics concepts. (You can play the video at full screen without the label Ping Pong Balls Break The Sound Barrier showing by keeping your cursor out of the screen.) 0:14–0:25 Purdue mechanical Students might put on their engineering hats and engineering and make annotated drawings that depict how they technology students build would propel a ping-pong ball to supersonic an air-powered cannon. speeds. 0:26–0:32 Students determine how Have students outline the procedure they would fast the ping-pong ball is follow to determine how fast the ping-pong ball traveling and makes was going when it hit the metal grid.
    [Show full text]
  • Supersonic Combustion Ramjet: Analysis on Fuel Options
    SUPERSONIC COMBUSTION RAMJET: ANALYSIS ON FUEL OPTIONS by Stephanie W. Barone A thesis submitted to the faculty of The University of Mississippi in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Oxford May 2004 Approved by ___________________________________ Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Roux ___________________________________ Reader: Dr. Erik Hurlen ___________________________________ Reader: Dr. John O’Haver 1 © 2016 STEPHANIE BARONE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2 ABSTRACT STEPHANIE BARONE: Supersonic Combustion Ramjet: Analysis on Fuel Options This report focuses on different fuel options available to use for scramjet engines. The advantages and disadvantages of JP-7, JP-8, and hydrogen fuels are covered, also the effectiveness and requirements for each fuel are discussed. The recent history of the scramjet engine is included as well as its advantages and disadvantages. An explanation of what each fuel option encompasses and engineering analysis for each fuel are shown. The equations presented for the parametric analysis are shown as functions of the freestream Mach number, with the combustion Mach number as a parameter. The results can be seen for the theoretical possibilities of the scramjet engine and the most likely operating situations. Hydrogen has the highest lower heating value which makes it very appealing to use as a fuel, but it is not very dense so more volume of it is needed to create enough energy. The hydrocarbon fuels, JP-7 and JP-8, have half the value of hydrogen for the lower heating value
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Iv What Is the Thrust Ssc?
    THRUST SSC ENGLISH 2 – CHAPTER IV WHAT IS THE THRUST SSC? British jet-propelled car Developed by Richard Noble and his 3 asisstants Holds the World Land Speed Record 15. October 1997 First vehicle to break sound barrier DETAILS 16,5 metres long, 3,7 metres high, weights nearly 10 tons Two Rolls Royce engines salvaged from a jet fighter Two engines have a combined power of 55,000 pounds of thrust (110,000 horsepower) Two front and two back wheels with no tyres (disks of forged aluminium) Uses parachutes for breaking SAFETY OF THE CAR There is no ejection system in the car or any other kind of safety mechanisms The emphasis was placed on keeping the car on the ground HOW? Hundreds of sensors to ensure the vehicle to maintain safe path Aerodynamic system is there to keep the vehicle on the ground WORLD LAND SPEED RECORD The record set on 15th October 1997 The record holder is ANDY GREEN (British Royal Air Force pilot) WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL’S STATEMENT ABOUT THE RECORD The World Motor Sport Council homologated the new world land speed records set by the team ThrustSSC of Richard Noble, driver Andy Green, on 15 October 1997 at Black Rock Desert, Nevada (USA). This is the first time in history that a land vehicle has exceeded the speed of sound. The new records are as follows: Flying mile 1227.985 km/h (763.035 mph) Flying kilometre 1223.657 km/h (760.343 mph) In setting the record, the sound barrier was broken in both the north and south runs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cold War and Beyond
    Contents Puge FOREWORD ...................... u 1947-56 ......................... 1 1957-66 ........................ 19 1967-76 ........................ 45 1977-86 ........................ 81 1987-97 ........................ 117 iii Foreword This chronology commemorates the golden anniversary of the establishment of the United States Air Force (USAF) as an independent service. Dedicated to the men and women of the USAF past, present, and future, it records significant events and achievements from 18 September 1947 through 9 April 1997. Since its establishment, the USAF has played a significant role in the events that have shaped modem history. Initially, the reassuring drone of USAF transports announced the aerial lifeline that broke the Berlin blockade, the Cold War’s first test of wills. In the tense decades that followed, the USAF deployed a strategic force of nuclear- capable intercontinental bombers and missiles that deterred open armed conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. During the Cold War’s deadly flash points, USAF jets roared through the skies of Korea and Southeast Asia, wresting air superiority from their communist opponents and bringing air power to the support of friendly ground forces. In the great global competition for the hearts and minds of the Third World, hundreds of USAF humanitarian missions relieved victims of war, famine, and natural disaster. The Air Force performed similar disaster relief services on the home front. Over Grenada, Panama, and Libya, the USAF participated in key contingency actions that presaged post-Cold War operations. In the aftermath of the Cold War the USAF became deeply involved in constructing a new world order. As the Soviet Union disintegrated, USAF flights succored the populations of the newly independent states.
    [Show full text]