Memorable Events April, May & June
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Sunken Treasures –––––––––––––––– Naked Fanny –––––––––––––––– Gunship 049 1 Multi-Mission Mustang the Collings Foundation’S North American A-36
warbirddigest.com Number 78 WARBIRDD I G E S T Multi-Mission Mustang –––––––––––––––– Sunken Treasures –––––––––––––––– Naked Fanny –––––––––––––––– Gunship 049 1 Multi-Mission Mustang The Collings Foundation’s North American A-36 By James Church Photo: Scott Slocum 1616 • • WARBIRD WARBIRD DIGEST DIGEST • • MAY MAY/JUNE/JUNE 2018 2018 1717 he concept of using aircraft in the role of dive bombing wasn’t exactly something the Army Air Corps T considered as a high priority prior to World War Two. While the U.S. Navy had embraced the concept as an accurate means of attacking enemy ships using aircraft, the Air Corps saw no real need to embrace the idea and felt that bombardment by heavy or medium bombers from large formations in level flight was more than adequate. 1 The original Baby Carmen served with However, the success of the Luftwaffe’s use the 526th FBS, 86th FBG, while operating of the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka in this role during in the MTO, and these markings have the early Blitzkrieg campaigns in Europe and been faithfully reproduced on the Collings Foundation’s restored example. Photo: elsewhere could not be ignored. Collings Foundation 2 One of Baby Carmen’s wartime pilots was Lt. Walter L. Gibson, here being strapped into the aircraft by Crew Chief Sgt. Mike Brown. Photo: Collings Foundation 2 The situation came to a head with the disastrous attack on Pearl Harbor, when pinpoint attacks by Imperial Japanese Navy Aichi D3A Val dive bombers contributed greatly to the decimation of a large portion of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, which had been sitting at anchor providing an excellent target, along with the heavy damage inflicted to shore installations and airfields. -
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. -
Military Aviation: Issues and Options for Combating Terrorism and Counterinsurgency
Order Code RL32737 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Military Aviation: Issues and Options for Combating Terrorism and Counterinsurgency January 27, 2006 Christopher Bolkcom Specialist in National Defense Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle East Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress Military Aviation: Issues and Options for Combating Terrorism Summary By all accounts, the U.S. military dominates state-on-state conflict. In the past, non-state actors (terrorists, guerrillas, drug traffickers) appeared to be less threatening to U.S. national security than the well funded, well organized, and potent armed forces of an enemy nation-state. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 illustrate, however, that small groups of non-state actors can exploit relatively inexpensive and commercially available technology to conduct very destructive attacks over great distances. Today’s U.S. armed forces were developed principally with state-on-state conflict in mind. Combating non-state actors, however, presents a number of distinct challenges in terms of operations, cost, and mindset. Non-state actors generally strive to hide within civilian populations. While U.S. policy makers typically seek quick and decisive victories, non-state actors seek protracted war. Non-state actors often employ cheap, commercially available weapons, that often result in expensive responses by the United States. Many of the weapons and methods employed today by U.S. armed forces can be used against non-state actors. Some, however, are more directly applicable than others. U.S. experience in conducting close air support (CAS), employing special operations forces (SOF) and advising friendly governments in using aviation to defend themselves from insurgents and terrorists may form a basis for building capabilities against non-state actors. -
Airpower in Counterinsurgency and Stability Operations
Airpower in Counterinsurgency and Stability Operations BY NORTON A. SCHWARTZ n 2001, the U.S. military, aided by indigenous forces, swiftly toppled a Taliban government responsible for providing sanctuary to al Qaeda. In 2003, the Iraqi military disintegrated in the face of a devastat- Iing demonstration of American power that ended the regime of Saddam Hussein. America showcased its unique ability to project power over vast distances to achieve substantial results. Unfortunately, those initial victories were short-lived. As the security situations deteriorated in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States became engaged in longer term irregular conflicts. American and allied militaries struggled to adapt their doctrine, training, and technology to counter an elusive foe. While ground forces relearned and incorporated counterinsurgency (COIN) lessons, Airmen explored how airpower’s flexibility, respon- siveness, and bird’s-eye view of the battlefield could respond to those lessons. This reexamination of airpower revealed several enduring principles. Most important is that Airmen must gain airspace control, so the full advantages of rapid mobility, intelligence, surveillance, and recon- naissance (ISR), and precision strike are available to the commander. At higher altitudes, the adversary generally ceded control, but at lower altitudes, control could be contested. By controlling the air and space over Iraq and Afghanistan, the air component was able to transport thousands of personnel, drop supplies to isolated units, evacuate wounded, gather real-time intelligence, and conduct precision strikes to disrupt and destroy insurgent forces. In addition, air and space control allows Airmen to conduct train, advise, assist, and equip missions for indigenous air forces and to strengthen civil aviation infrastructures necessary for national sovereignty and economic growth. -
Gallery of USAF Weapons Note: Inventory Numbers Are Total Active Inventory Figures As of Sept
Gallery of USAF Weapons Note: Inventory numbers are total active inventory figures as of Sept. 30, 2015. By Aaron M. U. Church, Senior Editor ■ 2016 USAF Almanac BOMBER AIRCRAFT B-1 Lancer Brief: Long-range bomber capable of penetrating enemy defenses and de- livering the largest weapon load of any aircraft in the inventory. COMMENTARY The B-1A was initially proposed as replacement for the B-52, and four proto- types were developed and tested before program cancellation in 1977. The program was revived in 1981 as B-1B. The vastly upgraded aircraft added 74,000 lb of usable payload, improved radar, and reduced radar cross section, but cut maximum speed to Mach 1.2. The B-1B first saw combat in Iraq during Desert Fox in December 1998. Its three internal weapons bays accommodate a substantial payload of weapons, including a mix of different weapons in each bay. Lancer production totaled 100 aircraft. The bomber’s blended wing/ body configuration, variable-geometry design, and turbofan engines provide long range and loiter time. The B-1B has been upgraded with GPS, smart weapons, and mission systems. Offensive avionics include SAR for tracking, B-2A Spirit (SSgt. Jeremy M. Wilson) targeting, and engaging moving vehicles and terrain following. GPS-aided INS lets aircrews autonomously navigate without ground-based navigation aids Dimensions: Span 137 ft (spread forward) to 79 ft (swept aft), length 146 and precisely engage targets. Sniper pod was added in 2008. The ongoing ft, height 34 ft. integrated battle station modifications is the most comprehensive refresh in Weight: Max T-O 477,000 lb. -
HELMOED COMBAT AIRCRAFT Layout 1
Adequate, Affordable, Appropriate – COMBAT AIRCRAFT FOR SMALL AIR FORCES Researched and written by Helmoed Romer-Heitman IR POWER can be critical in its own presented by guerrillas, terrorists and even flying illegally mined cassiterite ore from the right for some small countries, and large criminal groups. DRC to neighbouring countries, using Let-410 Awill almost always be an immensely Some of these groups, however, will be well light transports landing on roads. valuable force multiplier. But air forces are armed and highly mobile, using “technicals” In 2008 there were reports of armed expensive, so the acquisition of aircraft, even mounting a range of heavy weapons, including personnel and “technicals” being flown into combat aircraft, must be handled rationally. twin and quad 14,5 mm machineguns and twin the Birao airfield, in the Vakaga province, of It will not do to buy aircraft incapable of 23 mm cannon and even, in a few cases, truck- the Central African Republic, after it was seized meeting the mission requirements just mounted twin 37 mm cannon. by local guerrillas. because they are cheap; nor should any air Although these are all intended primarily for That small air-landed force apparently then force chase the “latest and greatest” if that is use against ground targets, making them fanned out to cover the flank of a major not required for the missions likely to fall to it extremely dangerous to light forces, they also guerrilla force moving through the Vakaga – not even if it could afford to do so, as there present a real threat to aircraft that come province into Chad as part of the raid on the will always be opportunity costs to consider. -
Brothers in Berets the Evolution of Air Force Special Tactics, 1953-2003
Brothers in Berets The Evolution of Air Force Special Tactics, 1953-2003 Forrest L. Marion, PhD Air Force History and Museums Program In Conjunction With Air Force Special Operations Command Air University Press Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama Project Editors Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Belinda Bazinet and Dr. Ernest Allan Rockwell Names: Marion, Forrest L., author. | Air University (U.S.). Press, publisher. | Curtis E. LeMay Center for Copy Editor Doctrine Development and Education, issuing body. Tammi Dacus Title: Brothers in berets : the evolution of Air Force Cover Art and Book Design Special Tactics, 1953-2003 / Forrest L. Marion Daniel Armstrong Description: First edition. | Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama : Air University Press, Curtis E. LeMay Cen- Composition and Prepress Production Michele D. Harrell ter for Doctrine Development and Education, [2018]. | At head of title: Air University, Curtis E. LeMay Center Print Preparation and Distribution for Doctrine Development and Education. | Includes Diane Clark bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2017059577| ISBN 9781585662784 | ISBN 158566278X Subjects: LCSH: United States. Air Force—Combat controllers—History. | United States. Air Force— Commando troops—History. | Special forces (Military science)—United States—History. | United States. Air Force Special Operations Command. Classification: LCC UG633 .M3144 2018 | DDC AIR UNIVERSITY PRESS 358.4131—dc23 | SUDOC D 301.26/6:T 11 -
The Best Aircraft for Close Air Support in the Twenty-First Century Maj Kamal J
The Best Aircraft for Close Air Support in the Twenty-First Century Maj Kamal J. Kaaoush, USAF Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed or implied in the Journal are those of the authors and should not be construed as carrying the official sanction of the Department of Defense, Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, Air University, or other agencies or departments of the US govern- ment. This article may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. If it is reproduced, the Air and Space Power Journal requests a courtesy line. Introduction and Background n a presentation to a Senate-led defense appropriations hearing, the incumbent Air Force secretary, Deborah Lee James, painted a very grim picture in the face of economic sequestration. “Today’s Air Force is the smallest it’s been since it Iwas established in 1947,” she explained, “at a time when the demand for our Air Force services is absolutely going through the roof.”1 Because of far-reaching govern- mental budget constraints, the Air Force is being forced to make strategic decisions regarding the levels of manning and aircraft to maintain tactical readiness. In 2013 the service responded to a $12 billion budget reduction by cutting nearly 10 percent Fall 2016 | 39 Kaaoush of its inventory of aircraft and 25,000 personnel, necessitating the reduction of flying squadrons and overall combat capability.2 With sequestration scheduled to last until 2023, however, the budget shows no sign of being restored any time soon. Conse- quently, Air Force senior leaders must continue to make tough decisions.3 A number of military experts have proposed eliminating less important “mission sets” by retiring aging airframes and replacing them and their single-role effective- ness with multirole aircraft.4 To meet mounting budget demands, the Air Force chose the A-10 Thunderbolt as the first aircraft to place on the budgetary chopping block. -
Zach Arbeitel
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY NEW BRUNSWICK AN INTERVIEW WITH EDWARD A. LAFFEY FOR THE RUTGERS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY SHAUN ILLINGWORTH and CHRISTOPHER DELUCA and RORY MCCLOSKEY NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY DECEMBER 2, 2011 TRANSCRIPT BY ZACHARY ARBEITEL and MARK BITTNER and DOMINGO DUARTE Shaun Illingworth: This begins an interview with Mr. Edward A. Laffey on December 2, 2011, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with Shaun Illingworth and … Christopher DeLuca: … Christopher DeLuca. SI: We will also be joined shortly by Rory McCloskey. Thank you very much, Mr. Laffey, for coming in today. Edward A. Laffey: It's my pleasure to be here. SI: Great. To begin, could you tell us where and when you were born? EL: I was born June 26, 1922, in Jersey City, New Jersey. That makes me eighty-nine years old. [laughter] SI: You look younger than eighty-nine years old. [laughter] EL: Thank you. SI: Can you tell us your parents' names for the record? EL: My father was Thomas J. Laffey, my mother Margaret F. Flynn, who became Laffey after she married. SI: Beginning with your father's side of the family, do you know anything about where they came from, if there was any immigration history on that side of the family? EL: I know very little of my father's history. He was rather closemouthed. I know his father was born in Ireland and they'd come over in the early 1880s. My father was born in 1885 in Jersey City. So, I know very little about my grandfather. -
AC-130 GUNSHIP and ITS VARIANTS Research from 10/2010 AC-130
THE AC-130 GUNSHIP AND ITS VARIANTS Research from 10/2010 AC-130 The AC-130 gun ship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Other missions include perimeter and point defense, escort, landing, drop and extraction zone support, forward air control, limited command and control, and combat search and rescue. These heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended periods, at night and in adverse weather. The AC-130 has been used effectively for over thirty years to take out ground defenses and targets. One drawback to using the AC-130 is that it is typically only used in night assaults because of its poor maneuverability and limited orientations relative to the target during attack. During Vietnam, gun ships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close air support missions. AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. This enabled the successful assault of Point Saline’s airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces. The gunships had a primary role during Operation Just Cause in Panama by destroying Panamanian Defense Force Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities by surgical employment of ordnance in an urban environment. As the only close air support platform in the theater, Spectres were credited with saving the lives of many friendly personnel. Both the H-models and A-models played key roles. The fighting was opened by a gunship attack on the military headquarters of the dictator of Panama and the outcome was never in doubt. -
Martin Mariner
PROFILE Martin Mariner Editors Nico Braas Srecko Bradic LET LET LET WARPLANES Martin Mariner The Martin Mariner story Early development and flying The XPBM-1 prototype ashore on its beaching wheels photographed alongside its small 'sistership'. We can From XPBM-1 to PBM-5 see that the wing floats could be retracted inwards Introduction The famous PBY Catalina flying boat has earned from the date it became operational (and that was already in 1936!) a reputation for its durability, reliability and perfor- mances that lasted even for years after the end of the Second World War in 1945. It was built in large numbers and saw action on both the Atlantic and Pacific areas in a number of roles. Recognizing that the venerable with only, as usual at that time, all built a ⅜ scale flying model des- Soon a more modern successor was designed and mass produced, but this type, the Mar- PBY Catalina flying boat had to be control surfaces covered with fab- ignated as the Martin 162A. It tin PBM Mariner, gained for some obscure reasons much less fame than the Catalina. replaced by a more modern type, ric. It had a central two-step hull was fitted with a 120 hp Martin- This story will give the Mariner a little more credit on its side since it was far from a the Glenn Martin company started and two stabilizing floats in the built four-cylinder inverted in- mediocre aircraft as sometimes stated. Just like the Catalina it was produced in large in 1937 the design of the Model wings that were fully retractable. -
American Aviation Heritage
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Historic Landmarks Program American Aviation Heritage Draft, February 2004 Identifying and Evaluating Nationally Significant Properties in U.S. Aviation History A National Historic Landmarks Theme Study Cover: A Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” Bomber flies over Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, in the late 1930s. Photograph courtesy of 88th Air Base Wing History Office, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. AMERICAN AVIATION HERITAGE Identifying and Evaluating Nationally Significant Properties in U.S. Aviation History A National Historic Landmarks Theme Study Prepared by: Contributing authors: Susan Cianci Salvatore, Cultural Resources Specialist & Project Manager, National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers Consultant John D. Anderson, Jr., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland and Curator for Aerodynamics, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Janet Daly Bednarek, Ph.D., Professor of History, University of Dayton Roger Bilstein, Ph.D., Professor of History Emeritus, University of Houston-Clear Lake Caridad de la Vega, Historian, National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers Consultant Marie Lanser Beck, Consulting Historian Laura Shick, Historian, National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers Consultant Editor: Alexandra M. Lord, Ph.D., Branch Chief, National Historic Landmarks Program Produced by: The National Historic Landmarks Program Cultural Resources National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C.