domingo, 30 de septiembre de 2012
Humphreys Garrison.-
Armed with Hellfire missiles and 30mm Canon munitions during a blustery week in the middle of November, the 4th Attack Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment took aim with their AH-64 Apache helicopters at the Jikdo Islands. Jikdo is an instrumented range facility on two islands off the western coast of Korea, near Kunsan Air Base.
Prior to deploying to Kunsan, the unit participated in an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise at Humphreys Garrison and the gunnery was part of the alert. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Delta Company and Echo Company deployed immediately following the alert to Kunsan to provide support with command and control, fueling operations, and ammunition support to the Apache pilots.
However, extreme weather conditions throughout the week limited the battalion’s ability to conduct the exercise as planned. Dealing with 15-foot waves and a fog cover that cut visibility to less than a mile, the “Death Dealers” persevered and on Nov. 8th the weather conditions lifted just long enough to conduct the mission.
“Conducting a mission while dealing with high winds, large waves, cold temperatures and long flights is difficult, but it also adds a level of realism to the training,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Rowell, 4-2 Avn. Battalion commander. For Rowell, the realistic nature of the training and intent behind the alert are extremely important in order to keep his battalion ready to “Fight Tonight.”
“The intent of the mission was to validate the battalion’s ability to conduct EDRE operations in support of the division commander’s readiness improvement initiative,” said Rowell. “Conducting missions like this helps to practice every aspect of our real world mission from the initial alert to deploying and finally to destroying any existing threats. The opportunity to execute an event that supports our war time mission and full spectrum training from an alert to firing missiles overwater is invaluable to the battalion.”
Elaborating on the importance of overwater training Rowell said, “Live fire overwater training extends our leaders’ reach and is an integrated component of the comprehensive defense posture here on the Korean peninsula. One of our objectives is to deny an adversary avenues and approaches into Korea. We do this by demonstrating our ability to search, acquire and destroy waterborne and ground threats with fire control radars, modernized target acquisition and designation systems, and long range Hellfire missiles.”
Rowell added, “Our ability to engage while stationary or while flying over 125 mph just over the water, day or night, gives us a tactical and maneuver advantage. If necessary, we can close with enemy vehicles or individuals and engage with our canon weapon systems to eliminate the threat.”
“Jikdo Island is a great venue for these types of exercises,” Rowell added, “because it provides an excellent field of fire and observation to engage Hellfire missiles. Furthermore, its location is perfect because of reduced shipping activity and its close proximity to Korea Search and Rescue services from both Republic of Korea and U.S. emergency services and recovery units.”
When asked whether he had enjoyed the exercise Rowell said emphatically, “The bottom line is that attack pilots always enjoy firing their primary weapon system in challenging environments. Not only do successful training events provide confidence to the individuals and organizations involved, but they also validate our full spectrum operations training focus as we conduct major combat operations in areas we may engage during a real world threat.”
***Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy N. Oberle, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs.-
Fotos para la historia.-
sábado, 29 de septiembre de 2012
jueves, 27 de septiembre de 2012
miércoles, 26 de septiembre de 2012
Fotos para la historia.-
Photo By National Air and Space Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution. |
martes, 25 de septiembre de 2012
Above All.-
“There are more people who have Super Bowl rings than there are U-2 pilots,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Rodriguez, the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron commander. “There are less than 1,000 pilots in the history of this program. That’s less than some airframes train in one year.”
Since the first model was assembled in the 1950s, the aircraft’s original, shiny aluminum skin has evolved to the current flat black paint scheme, and its mission has broadened as intelligence imagery techniques have improved.
It was originally designed to fly high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions during the Cold War to gather intelligence on opposition forces. Today the U-2S flies in support of a variety of missions from ground combat to disaster relief. The aircraft has been updated over the years with a 33 percent larger frame, fiber-optic wiring and an all glass cockpit. These improvements increase the aircraft’s payload and loiter time, making it easier to fly.
The U-2’s dynamic airframe can carry approximately 4,000 pounds of equipment, paving the way as a test platform for new technologies. With its immense and diverse payload capacity, it is capable of a multitude of missions. Some pilots describe it as the “Lego” airplane.
“It’s like Mr. Potato Head,” said Lt. Col. John, an instructor pilot with the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron. “You just take one part out and add a new one. There are so many new developments running through the works right now. New weapons systems are going to emerge and accelerate the curve of the U-2 even more.”
One of the aircraft’s primary missions is to capture imagery via the decades-old, wet-film camera, which is sharp enough to see roadside bombs from 70,000 feet and offers greater resolution than any digital sensors available.
“The U-2 started out only carrying a wet-film camera. Now, with today’s technology, I’m alone up there, but I may be carrying 40 to 50 Airmen via data link who are back at a (deployable ground station),” John said.
In addition to its other capabilities, the U-2 provides service members on the ground with the intelligence they need to effectively carry out their mission, said Capt. Michael, a 1st Reconnaissance Squadron instructor pilot. This could include acting as an antenna to troops on the ground in Afghanistan or providing detailed imagery during a natural disaster.
“We are up there to make a difference,” Michael said. “We are there to make an impact on the troops we support.”
For operational security reasons, many details about the U-2 and its mission are unknown to the public. When the airframe was in its infancy, even pilots coming into the program knew very little about it. One of those men is retired Lt. Col. Tony Bevacqua, one of the original Air Force U-2 pilots.
Photo By USAF. |
This first class of pilots had to learn everything about the aircraft from the ground up. They developed the first U-2 training program in a matter of weeks, much of which is still used today.
“Before I joined the Air Force, I’d never even built a model airplane, but we trained hard to learn everything about the U-2,” he said. “After weeks of being the first pilots in the U-2, we became the instructors for the second class of pilots.”
The program is considered an exclusive group, with less than 80 current U-2 pilots. After flying for years in other military airframes, a pilot from any U.S. service can apply to fly the U-2, Rodriquez said. Following a strict interview process, he sends these prospective aviators on a series of training flights to test the pilot’s aptitude.
Photo By USAF. |
Although the pilots are the face of the U-2’s mission, hundreds of Airmen behind closed doors in windowless buildings exploit, disseminate and transmit the information the aircraft collects. These Airmen provide mission-essential assistance to commanders around the globe.
“To be able to support the warfighter from the U.S. is a great feeling,” said Master Sgt. Sean, the 9th Intelligence Squadron flight lead. “We contribute to the mission downrange whether we deploy and support the efforts with manpower and bullets or we support it through ‘intel’ from home station.”
The U-2 is at a high operational tempo and with the program schedule to endure through 2040, there are no signs of slowing down. U-2 pilots will continue to provide timely, relevant and persistent high altitude ISR to meet the needs of the nation’s leaders to support the current fight and any future challenges our nation may face.
Photo By Shane A. Cuomo. |
domingo, 23 de septiembre de 2012
sábado, 22 de septiembre de 2012
Endeavour Mated to SCA.-
At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in preparation for its ferry flight to California. The SCA, a modified 747 jetliner, will fly Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era.
Small Diameter Bomb II.-
Photo By Raytheon. |
viernes, 21 de septiembre de 2012
At her Majesty's service (One).-
Photo By Paul A. Barrow. |
Photo By Martin Carney. |
Photo By Ray Jones. |
Photo By Caroline Davies. |
Photo By Dave Jenkins. |
Photo By Mez Merrill. |
Photo By Stewart Paterson. |
Photo By Pete Mobbs. |
The aircraft is also equipped with Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) and is Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible. This gives it a relatively unique all weather night capability as well as making it an impressive platform for mounting passive night electro-optical operations.
For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated Global Positioning Inertial Navigation System (GPINS). The GR4 also has a Ground Mapping Radar (GMR) to identify fix-points and update navigation systems as well as providing an air to air search facility.
The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS) that can be used to locate targets designated on the ground or can provide accurate range information to ground targets.
Photo By Russ Nolan. |
More than 1600 troops were taking part in Exercise Joint Warrior in southwest Scotland. The training is a key step in maintaining the skills necessary for the Airborne Task Force (ABTF) role, which sees the Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade ready to deploy anywhere in the world at five days notice. The exercise scenario saw the area of West Freugh airfield representing part of an area disputed by two fictional nations named Pastonia and Dragonia, which were divided by economic and ethnic factors.
The scenario represented complex challenges for the international community requiring NATO to send a rapid intervention force to the area to create the conditions for a United Nations peacekeeping force to take control. The UK's ABTF used a combination of parachute, air assault, and tactical air landings to rapidly insert the troops into the disputed area.
Once inserted the ABTF, based around the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS) Battle Group, continued to defend the airfield. The Battle Group also developed the airfield into a base from which several air assault operations could be launched to defeat the enemy force, create stable conditions for the population, and potentially evacuate UK civilians.
Photo By Ray Jones. |
The flight deck crews and aircraft maintainers had to battle high winds and blizzard conditions to secure the aircraft to the deck before retreating inside for a well earned cup of tea.
Photo By Simmo Simpson. |
As HMS ST Albans made passage en route to Kuwait, the ship took part in a Passex (Passage Exercise) with Kuwaiti forces. The ship came under attack from Kuwaiti F18 Hornet jets prior to providing a Kuwaiti Supe Puma helicopter a platform to practice winching drills.
HMS St Albans was deployed to the Middle East for 6 months carrying out Counter Terrorism, Anti Narcotics and Anti Piracy operations before returning to the UK in December 2011.
Photo By Russ Nolan. |
Exercise Crimson Eagle is the final conversion training for Army Air Corps Apache pilots, the first part takes place in Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California, before moving to Gila Bend in Arizona for the live firing phase. The terrain for the exercise is very similar to that of Afghanistan, making it extremely realistic and demanding for the pilots.
Photo By Dave Blackburn. |
Photo By Dave Sterratt. |
Photo By Phil Major. |
Since the Royal Air Force Puma Force completed its role on operations in Iraq in the Summer of 2009, it has been providing dedicated aviation support to British Army training on Exercise ASKARI THUNDER in northern Kenya. Exercise ASKARI THUNDER is a major stepping stone for the Army’s pre-deployment training for Afghanistan. Aviation support to this exercise is provided by the Joint Helicopter Force (Kenya) (JHF(K)), which comprises a joint command structure, primarily operating RAF Puma helicopters.
The home base for JHF(K) is elevated some 6200ft above mean sea level at the Kenyan Air Force’s Laikipia Air Base. With a generally hot and dry climate that includes two rainy seasons, conditions are testing. The Exercise area covers a range of environments from the dense Jungle of Kathendini to the relatively high mountains which surround the extensive plains of the Great Rift Valley. Conditions in the areas of the plains and mountains are very similar to those found in Afghanistan.
The extensive Kenyan-managed live-firing range at Archers Post provides a realistic backdrop for integrated tactical and live-fire preparatory training; a five-hour drive from the basic medical facilities at NSG (Nanyuki Show Ground) and a further four hours from Nairobi. Soldiers deploy for a minimum of two weeks to Archers Post and throughout this time it is inevitable that there will be a requirement for medical treatment due to the nature of the environment in which they are training. The availability of JHF(K) support is therefore critical to enabling the arduous live-fire training to take place with the comfort of a rapid casualty transfer from the point of wounding to the most suitable medical facility.
Photo By Pete Devine. |
The Typhoons of 3(F)Squadron were deployed on Operation Ellamy as part of the UK contribution to NATO's Operation Unified Protector which enforces UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which aims to protect Libyan civilians from the Qadhafi regime.
The Typhoons formed part of 906 Expeditionary Air Wing (906 EAW). IX personnel saw off the jets from the pan at Gioia del Colle; 3(F) Squadron personnel left theatre earlier in the morning.
Photo By Andy Benson. |
A Joint UK/US/Afghan operation south of Bastion Airfield involving 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment, has found and destroyed a large cache of Taliban IED-making equipment which was ready to be used in attacks against Afghan and ISAF forces.
Operation Dishata Pasha (Pashtu for Backfoot) was launched at dawn on Monday (Feb 6), with RAF Regiment troops under command of Sqn Ldr Jules Weekes (33), Officer Commanding 2 Sqn, RAF Regiment. The force also included warriors from Afghan Army’s 3rd Brigade and US Marines from 2 Marine Expeditionary Force.
The force deployed by US Osprey aircraft, with its unique tilt-rotor capability, and the operation resulted in the find and destruction of a suspected insurgent IED cache close to Bastion Airfield in Helmand Province. The force also scooped a wealth of intelligence despite coming under fire several times.
The operation took place in the Dasht (or desert) south of Bastion Airfield, whose protection is the task of 2 Squadron, operating as part of 3 RAF Force Protection Wing. The Dasht is a sparse landscape of rolling fields and scrub dotted with compounds and is increasingly being used as a harbour area by Taliban forces who have come under pressure elsewhere by successful coalition operations.
Photo By Mez Merrill. |
Photo By RayJones. |
Photo By Mark Dixon. |
Uno de esos días duros.-
Hay días complicados, duros, interminables...., uno de esos días en que uno hubiése preferido seguir, calentito, en la cama. Esto es una conversación absolutamente real entre la TWR del aeropuerto JFK de Nueva York, y el diferente tráfico civil desplegado por rampas y rodaduras.
PS.- Gracias a la tripulación del IBERIA (A340-600) que me ha dado a conocer la grabación para deleite de todos, y que tuvo que sufrir en directo "uno de esos días duros" para el controlador.
To infinity and beyond.-
Photo By Luftwaffe. |
Work conducted under the upgrade includes adding a Saab radar warning receiver below the forward fuselage, a digital moving map sourced from the Eurofighter Typhoon programme, a digital video and data recorder, and a Saturn radio.
A new display also enables the pilot to see imagery from the aircraft's targeting pod for the first time. Crucially, it also introduces the hardware and basic software for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)/Link 16 datalink.
Another key enhancement is the integration of Boeing's GBU-54 laser-guided JDAM. Five of the 226kg (500lb) weapons will be released over Sweden's Vidsel test range next month as part of an operational test and evaluation activity involving four aircraft.
Full integration of the MIDS equipment will come with a subsequent ASSTA 3.1 phase in 2015. This will also replace obsolete displays in the rear cockpit and introduce new chaff and flare dispensers to further boost self-protection.
Photo By Craig Barret. |
The completion of the Hornet Upgrade Phase 2.3 (HUG2.3) has delivered a comprehensive capability upgrade to the RAAF's fleet of Classic Hornets including an electronic warfare modification program comprising a replacement radar warning receiver, a supplementary countermeasures dispenser and electronic countermeasures systems, and an enhanced data recording capability.
Photo By Craig Barret. |
From myth to legend.-
A TV crew doing a show on the weapons and vehicles of war in Afghanistan, happen to be aboard an RAF Chinook helicopter when it is called out to evacuate some US and Afghan Army casualties from a firefight.
The aircraft comes under fire during the evacuation, and a round goes through the windshield, wounding pilot Flight Lieutenant Ian "Chomper" Fortune in the face. He maintains his composure and completes his mission by returning the damaged aircraft, crew and casualties safely back to base.
The pilot, 28, from the RAF's 27 Squadron, received the Distinguished Flying Cross for "an act of valour, courage whilst flying in active operations". Flt Lt Fortune, of Kingston, Surrey, said to his crew: "Chaps, I think I've been hit - but I'm OK."
In addition, the legend of the Bravo November Continues to Grow.
jueves, 20 de septiembre de 2012
Flanker Bar at Nellis.-
Hipoxia.-
Si bien es cierto que podría tratarse de un video demostrativo de las capacidades intelectuales de los pilotos de la armada, la verdad es que la hipoxia (carencia de oxígeno en el organismo) es uno de los peligros fundamentales y más aterradores que cualquier tripulante puede sufrir.
Conocer los síntomas y anticiparse a ellos es fundamental para sobrevivir a un ambiente hipóxico, así como la comprobación anterior al vuelo de todos los elementos físicos que componen el Sistema de Alimentación y Generación de Oxígeno. Sistemas Automáticos de Control de Vuelo que toman el mando de la aeronave y la colocan en una situación espacial segura para el piloto, en caso de que se detecte un comportamiento errático e incoherente por su parte, marcan hoy en día la gran diferencia entre la vida y la muerte. Sin duda el Eurofighter ha dado un paso en ese sentido, que aún no ha podido ser igualado por ninguna otra aeronave operativa en el mundo, ni lo será entre las que próximamente entren en servicio.
miércoles, 19 de septiembre de 2012
Fotos para la historia.-
Photo By Alenia Aeronautica. |
He was then assigned to the Operational Conversion Unit at Grosseto Air Force Base, Italy, flying the TF-104 and after the completion of the course he joined the 9th Fighter Interceptor Squadron flying the F-104S Starfighter.
After four years of operational flying, Marco was selected from the Italian Air Force Flight Test Center and, on May 1992, was assigned to the US Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California, from where he graduated Experimental Test Pilot in June 1993.
Returning to Italy, Marco was assigned to the Eurofighter Test Team of the Italian Air Force where he worked till September 1997 participating at various Working Groups. He flew the Eurofighter as military Test Pilot twice (October 1996 and April 1997).
In September 1997 Marco was recalled to the operational world as Squadron Commander of the 101st Operational Conversion Unit flying the AMX and AMX-T. During this period he participated to the Bosnia campaign flying the AMX in the Close Air Support role. Marco left the active service in September 1998 to join Alenia Aeronautica as Experimental Test Pilot where, beside the Eurofighter, he was involved in all Company fighter programs like TORNADO and AMX.
In November 2006 he was appointed Chief Test Pilot and since December 2008 is the Director of Flight Operations. Marco has flown more than 4500 hours and has been pilot in command in 76 different aircraft and helicopters.
martes, 18 de septiembre de 2012
Un día en la escuela.-
Nenes, al cole. Hoy toca gestión del vuelo de prueba en un C-12. Algo ligerito.
Vértice geodésico en Edwards.
Ya está la cartera, faltan los Donuts.
Otro que sale a sus cosas en un T-38.
¡Ninja!
Toda la noche poniendo hilitos en la cola.
Por ahí abajo un Viper anda zascandileando.
Y por ahí arriba dos van que se las pelan.
De vuelta a casa, debriefing, una comida rápida a salto de mata y por la tarde simulador, dos horitas de clase y ya queda menos para empezar un nuevo día en el cole.
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