Warbird Watch

This remarkable photo captures two icons of experimental flight together: NASA’s SR-71 Blackbird and the sleek F-16XL. 👇 The SR-71, originally developed for the U.S. Air Force, transitioned to NASA operations after its military retirement in 1990. Its primary role under NASA was to push the boundaries of high-altitude, high-speed flight, supporting research in aerodynamics and propulsion technologies. The SR-71 could reach speeds over Mach 3 and cruise at altitudes above 85,000 feet, earning its place as one of the fastest jets ever built. The F-16XL, a radical evolution of the original F-16, features a distinctive delta wing. This design delivered greater lift and range, making it perfect for testing supersonic aerodynamics and expanded payloads. In the 1980s, NASA used the F-16XL to investigate advanced wing shapes and reduce drag—critical insights for the next generation of supersonic and hypersonic aircraft. This moment, frozen in time, represents a collaboration where two different speed demons served a singular purpose: progressing the bounds of crewed aviation forward. /// HOLDEN SENDS

I found a fascinating photo of an F-14 without its engines - you can really see the "lifting body" design in full force here. 👇 The F-14 Tomcat doesn’t just rely on its engines to stay in the air—it’s got some serious lift magic built into its airframe. Thanks to a blended wing-body design, the entire fuselage helps generate lift, even when the engines are dead. Those sweeping wings? They’re not just for show; they extend forward to boost lift during slower speeds, making it possible for the F-14 to glide longer than you’d expect. The strakes along the fuselage add extra vortex lift at high angles, keeping the jet stable even when things get dicey. The Tomcat is a perfect example of smart aerodynamics, using its entire body to cheat gravity for just a bit longer. /// HOLDEN SENDS

The unfulfilled promise of the A-16 is one we are doomed to repeat. Yes, A-16, not F-16. Let explain. 👇 In the 1980s, as the Cold War matured, the United States Air Force (USAF) was deeply invested in developing a multirole aircraft that could excel in deep-interdiction missions. Sound familiar? The AirLand Battle doctrine, ratified in 1984, sought a faster, more maneuverable aircraft to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II in this role. The A-10 was deemed too slow and vulnerable for the evolving demands of modern warfare. The answer? Modify the the F-16, call it the A-16 The A-16 project envisioned the F-16 transformed into a dedicated close air support (CAS) aircraft. This variant, designated as the A-16 Block 60, was to be equipped with a 30 mm cannon and a strengthened wing structure, enabling it to carry anti-tank weapons. Prototypes were developed, with two F-16 Block 15s undergoing conversion at Shaw Air Force Base. These modifications included advanced systems like a digital terrain-mapping system, a Global Positioning System (GPS) for improved navigation and weapon delivery accuracy, and an Automatic Target Handoff System (ATHS) for better coordination between air and ground forces. The project soon encountered significant headwinds. Despite the USAF's initial enthusiasm, the A-16 was met with skepticism. Critics of the A-16 highlighted its limited range and payload compared to the A-10, along with increased susceptibility to anti-aircraft fire. During tests, the A-16's 30 mm gun pod, similar to the A-10's Avenger cannon, caused intense vibrations affecting control and accuracy. Pilots struggled with the aircraft's speed and rapid targeting, leading to the trial's abrupt end. Ultimately, a 1990 Congressional mandate to keep two wings of A-10s in service sealed the A-16's fate, halting its development. This decision was influenced by the A-10’s demonstrated effectiveness in Operation Desert Storm, where its ruggedness and precision in CAS roles outshone the F-16’s performance in similar tasks. While the idea of transforming a multirole fighter into a dedicated CAS aircraft was appealing, it underestimated the unique requirements and challenges of such a role. The A-10’s design, purpose-built for CAS, offered advantages that a modified platform like the A-16 struggled to match. Fast forward to today: we are still comparing current generation F-35's to the A-10's CAS capabilities. Its mind blowing how great that platform is at its intended role. The story of the A-16 serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of adapting existing platforms for roles they weren't originally designed for. Let us not get in the habit of mashing square pegs of systems into round holes of capabilities. /// HOLDEN SENDS

Here’s a real-deal look at how busy an F/A-18 Hornet pilot’s hands are during a carrier launch. From adjusting throttle to checking control surfaces, it’s all quick, precise, and essential. Every move matters in these seconds before the jet goes full throttle off the deck. No room for error, just pure focus and control. And yes, pilots keep their hands off the stick when launching. /// HOLDEN SENDS

This photo was the inspiration for the movie "Top Gun". 👇 Back in 1983, California Magazine dropped an article called “Top Guns” by Ehud Yonay, diving into the lives of Navy fighter pilots and their training at the Fighter Weapons School, aka Top Gun. The piece caught the eye of producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, and from that moment, the idea for the Top Gun movie was born. One of the real Navy pilots featured in the article, C.J. “Heater” Heatley, was instrumental in helping Yonay capture the vibe, and he even made a cameo in the movie during the graduation scene. This photo is a snapshot of where it all started—the article that turned into a pop culture phenomenon and put naval aviation in the spotlight for a whole new generation. /// HOLDEN SENDS

It's hard to believe that the B-1 Lancer has been flying for 40 years. 👇 Growing up fascinated by planes, the B-1 always stood out to me as a symbol of speed, deep strike capability, and pique '80s swing-wing innovation. Developed during the Cold War to replace the B-52 Stratofortress, the B-1 combined speed with a massive payload capacity. Its first flight was in 1974, but it officially entered service in 1986 as the B-1B. They built 100 of these incredible machines, and they've been involved in conflicts like Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. One of the coolest features is its variable-sweep wings, which can adjust from 15 to 67.5 degrees. This allows the plane to perform both high-speed sprints and low-speed maneuvers. It's powered by four General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofan engines, each delivering 30,000 pounds of thrust. That pushes the B-1 to speeds up to Mach 1.25, roughly 950 mph at high altitude. The B-1 can carry up to 75,000 pounds of ordnance—the largest payload of any U.S. bomber. Its range without refueling is about 7,450 miles, and it can fly at altitudes up to 30,000 feet+. The plane is packed with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems like the AN/APQ-164 radar and the AN/ALQ-161 defensive suite. When it comes to armaments, the B-1 is incredibly versatile. It can deploy a wide array of conventional weapons, including JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions), JASSMs (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles), cluster bombs, and GPS-guided bombs. Although it was originally designed to carry nuclear weapons, it shifted to a conventional role in the 1990s due to arms reduction treaties. The B-1 has seen action in operations like Desert Fox, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and ongoing missions in the Middle East. Its ability to stay in the air for long periods and deliver precise strikes has made it a crucial asset in the far-off lands that we fight. Now, as the fleet gets older, plans are in place to gradually retire the B-1s and introduce the next-generation B-21 Raider. Even after four decades, the B-1 remains a favorite of mine. There's something awe-inspiring about watching one come in for a strike, wings swept back as the engines roar, that always brought a grin to my face. All B-1s are planned to be retired by 2036. As it nears retirement, I know I can appreciate the 40 years of service it has given and the impact it has had on deep-strike aviation and the modern battlespace. /// HOLDEN SENDS

During my many trips overseas, I would always bring the Iron Eagle soundtrack with me (on cassette). 👇 You see, we’d often provision vehicles for these trips, stuff that fits in with the local country. Dusty Land Cruisers, the legendary Toyota Hilux, or a little local beat-up sedan - you know the type. Without fail, they’d have tape decks in them. So, I usually stuffed a few choice cassettes in my pack and had some good tunes to roll to on those long drives in-country. There was something special about Adrenaline's "Road of the Gypsy" or Dio’s “Hide in the Rainbow” playing in the background that made the moment that much more special. As a young, impressionable kid, movies shaped my view of what was possible. Growing up with a love for aviation, I gravitated toward The Right Stuff, 12 O’Clock High, Top Gun, Iron Eagle, Flight of the Intruder, and played their VHS tapes on repeat. But it was Iron Eagle that got its hooks into me. Maybe it was because Doug Masters was someone more relatable than Pete Mitchell was at that time in my life, or maybe it was the slight edge on the Iron Eagle soundtrack. Either way, Iron Eagle won out over Top Gun in my childhood and, while Top Gun is an incredible movie, Iron Eagle made me fall in love with aviation in a way I wasn't prepared for. When I got my pilot’s license at 17, you know I strapped a mini-disc player on my kneeboard loaded up with all Doug’s tunes as I floated around the skies in a high-wing Cessna 152. So naturally, when I went into-country, I brought the Iron Eagle soundtrack with me. Along with a few others…in case you were wondering 👇 • Grosse Pointe Blank Soundtrack • Rambo III Soundtrack • Last Action Hero Soundtrack • The Beach Boys This is the point in the post where the LinkedIn gurus try to cram life advice down your throat to make the post relevant. But there’s no lesson here. Just something personal I wanted to share with you. Everyone who takes the time to share their personal stories in the comments, educate me with additional facts about the day's content or jump in from the top rope with funny remarks means a lot to me. Truly. I'm glad to be able to connect deeper with this community we've built here. It’s been great to get to know all of you over the past 18 months, and I’m looking forward to continuing to educate and entertain you with rad aerospace and aviation content here on LinkedIn. Because “Dammit, Chappie, I’m doing it my way.” /// HOLDEN SENDS

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has always fascinated me. 👇 Born during the tail end of the Cold War, this stealth aircraft was designed to slip undetected into hostile airspace. Its distinctive flying wing design minimizes its radar signature, making it nearly invisible to enemy early warning radars. Only 21 of these incredible machines were ever built, and after a crash in 2008, just 20 remain in active service. The B-2 made its combat debut in 1999 during the Kosovo conflict, flying nonstop missions from Missouri to Europe with the help of in-flight refueling. Since then, it's been a key player in operations over Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. In the early days of the Afghanistan war, the B-2 Spirit took on some of the longest combat missions ever flown. These stealth bombers flew nonstop from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri all the way to targets in Afghanistan—a round trip of over 40 hours and more than 12,000 miles (about 19,300 kilometers). Thanks to in-flight refueling, they could make this incredible journey without landing. It’s pretty wild to think about two pilots handling such an intense mission, cooped up in the cockpit for nearly two days. I have it on good authority that the kitchen microwave on the B-2 on that long-haul strike was used quite a bit during those 40 hours. These flights showed the world not just the B-2’s impressive range and stealth capabilities but also the endurance and skill of the crews flying them.⬤ For aviation enthusiasts like me, the specs are downright impressive. The B-2 has a wingspan of 172 feet (52.4 meters) and is powered by four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines. Despite its size, it operates with a crew of just two pilots. It can reach altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and fly at speeds approaching Mach 0.95. Without refueling, it has a range of about 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 kilometers), which extends dramatically with aerial refueling. When it comes to armaments, the B-2 is versatile. It can carry up to a mind-blowing 40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms) of payload, including nuclear weapons like the B61 and B83 bombs. On the conventional side, it can deploy JDAM GPS-guided bombs and even the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) for taking out fortified underground targets. Currently, the B-2 remains a critical asset in the U.S. Air Force's strategic bomber fleet - we're still striking targets with B-2s as of today. With the next-generation B-21 Raider on the horizon, the B-2's role will eventually transition, but for now, it continues to represent a pinnacle of stealth and long-range bombing capability and is our go-to asset for deep-strike missions. I know a few of you reading this have family members flying the B-2. Just know those B-2 pilots are downright remarkable. And your family did us proud last night. 🫡 /// HOLDEN SENDS

Ever heard the one about the fighter pilot who landed on the wrong aircraft carrier? 👇 No, it’s not the setup to a bad joke—it’s a real thing, and the Navy has a hilarious tradition to match. When a pilot mistakenly touches down on the wrong floating runway, the crew seizes the chance for some good-natured graffiti-infused teasing... /// HOLDEN SENDS

The unmistakable thrum of the Westland Lynx's rotor blades once signaled a new era in military aviation—a helicopter that combined speed, agility, and versatility like no other. 👇 First taking flight in 1971, the Lynx was developed to meet the British military's need for a multi-role aircraft capable of excelling in both land and maritime environments. In 1986, it demonstrated its exceptional capabilities by setting a world speed record for helicopters at 249.1 mph, a record that stands unbroken to this day. The Lynx emerged from a desire to replace outdated models like the Westland Scout and Wasp. Westland Helicopters engineered a twin-engine rotorcraft with cutting-edge technology, including a rigid rotor head that granted it unparalleled maneuverability. This innovation allowed the Lynx to perform aerobatic feats uncommon for helicopters, such as loops and rolls. Throughout its operational history, the Lynx proved indispensable across various theaters of conflict. During the Falklands War in 1982, Royal Navy Lynx helicopters played pivotal roles in anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and anti-ship missions, effectively employing Sea Skua missiles against enemy vessels. In the Gulf War of 1991, the Lynx provided critical support with its adaptability and advanced avionics. Equipped with Sea Skua missiles, Lynx helicopters launched successful attacks against Iraqi naval vessels, including patrol boats and minesweepers, effectively weakening enemy maritime capabilities. Their operations from Royal Navy ships under a challenging desert + coastal environment showcased the helicopter’s exceptional versatility and combat effectiveness in a wide variety of operational conditions. Adopted by numerous countries at its height, the Lynx served with distinction in the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, and Brazil, among others. Its versatility allowed it to undertake a range of missions from search and rescue to anti-tank warfare. The British Army and Royal Navy, in particular, relied heavily on its robust performance and reliability to complete its assigned missions. As of today, many operators have phased out the Lynx in favor of newer models like the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat; however, the helicopter remains in active service with some nations. Countries such as Brazil and South Korea continue to utilize the Lynx, valuing its proven capabilities and adaptability still today. This remarkable aircraft not only redefined what was possible in rotary-wing aviation but also left an indelible mark on military history. Enough so that it has become a highly requested airframe that I cover over the years, so here's that coverage. And yes, like your favorite wedding DJ, I do take requests on my content. /// HOLDEN SENDS