Merlin’s Post

Excitement soared as the 908th Airlift Wing welcomed the first of its MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, after a hiatus of 726 days, marking a significant milestone for the Wing. Col. Christopher Lacouture, Commander of the 908th Airlift Wing, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting this day as the dawn of a new era for the Wing. Col. Shane Devlin, Operations Group Commander, shared his anticipation, emphasizing the importance of resuming flight operations for crew training and readiness, paving the way for the Wing's role as the United States Air Force’s formal training unit for Grey Wolf aircrew. The MH-139A Grey Wolf, a modern variant based on the Leonardo AW139 helicopter, boasts enhanced speed, range, cabin size, and lifting capacity compared to its predecessor, the UH-1N Huey helicopters, aligning with the Air Force’s evolving needs. Col. Lacouture acknowledged the invaluable support from the local community and stakeholders during the Wing’s transition, underscoring the collective effort that made this milestone possible. This development signifies a leap forward in capabilities and readiness for the 908th Airlift Wing, strengthening its position as a vital asset within the U.S. Air Force’s operational framework. For a detailed account of this remarkable achievement, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #908thAirliftWing #MH139AGreyWolf #USAirForce #AerospaceTechnology #MilitaryAviation

Odd though it sounds on the surface, the US armed forces operate quite a few “business” aircraft. They’re outfitted for all manner of purposes, from VIP transport to command-and-control to electronic warfare. Today, let’s check out the Navy’s TC-4C Academe – a specialized version of the original Grumman Gulfstream I. Before they split their civilian operations off into Gulfstream Aerospace, Grumman produced a dual-turboprop executive craft called the Gulfstream I in the late ‘50s. It could seat as many as 24 passengers, depending on the configuration. The US Navy decided they could use that space to streamline some of their training. After some significant modifications, the TC-4C was born. It was fitted with the radome of an A-6 Intruder (another Grumman design), giving the plane an awkward, bulbous nose. Inside, they mounted four stations for A-6 navigator/bombardier trainees. The cockpit, too, was revamped to mimic that of the fighter-bomber. Nine TC-4C aircraft were built in total. They were ultimately mothballed at Davis-Monthan AFB in 2018. However, if your Gulfstream is aging, there’s no need to retire it; give us at Luminary Air Group a call! Custom conversions and specialty cabin modifications are what we do best! #cabincomfortsystem #aircraftinteriors #refurbishment #aircraftmodifications #noisereduction

What Might Have Been: A view of a conceptual operational USAF Northrop RB-49A reconnaissance variant, escorted by two USAF F-86E Sabre Jets. This flying wing variant has its payload bay reconfigured to carry various photo-optical cameras and also six-118 lb. photoflash bombs. Four of the wing-mounted engines have been removed and, two engines are mounted on pylons and drop tanks similar to the B-47. The total of six engines have uprated thrust and to further lighten the airframe, the defensive 20mm cannons were removed from the tail fairing. These modifications would allow for higher operating altitudes. Only one YRB-49A prototype variant was built and was stored outside for over two years at the Northrop facility at Ontario Airport, CA (ONT). With no allocated funding the Honeywell Electronic Stabilization System, dubbed “Little Herbert” was never installed. During November 1953, the Air Force ordered the only YRB-49A flying wing to be scrapped. Erik Simonsen Illustration - Per requests, various size Prints of this image and other aircraft/spacecraft available ‘online’ at Fine Art America - Enter Erik Simonsen in ‘Search’ to view photo selections.

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has unveiled state-of-the-art hyper-realistic flight test and training simulators for the US Navy and United States Air Force. This game-changing initiative, called the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), offers an unparalleled training experience for pilots. Initially designed for testing the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, the JSE has now expanded to include four Air Force F-22 Raptor cockpits as well. This expansion enables the program to serve both Navy and Air Force personnel. The JSE provides an immersive and challenging simulation and modeling environment, allowing pilots to fully stress-test and evaluate their aircraft's performance and their own capabilities. The simulators offer realistic training scenarios, complete with lifelike threat environments, making it an effective tool in enhancing the pilot's skills. The NAWCAD team has developed an impressive array of simulators, featuring eight F-35 cockpits and domes, along with four F-22 cockpits and additional adversary cockpits. These simulators not only facilitate testing but also provide pilots with the opportunity to train in complex mission sets on a daily basis. The success of this endeavor has led to further expansion plans, including the addition of E-2D Hawkeye cockpits and F-18E/F Super Hornet cockpits. Moreover, NAWCAD aims to bring the JSE program to other Navy and Air Force facilities, amplifying its impact on pilot training and readiness. #Navy #MarineCorps #AirForce #AviationTraining #SimulationTechnology #Pilots #TrainingInnovation

US Army Special Ops orders two more MH-47G Block II Chinooks In June, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) awarded Boeing a $115 million contract to produce two more MH-47G Block II Chinook aircraft and begin advanced procurement on future helicopters. Including the new order, the Army has contracted for a total of 46 MH-47G Block II aircraft. “Whether it’s operating in the dead of night or in difficult terrain, the MH-47G Block II is a proven workhorse for special operations, it is our privilege to support ongoing USASOAC modernization efforts that will continue to have a real-world impact on U.S. national security.” Heather McBryan, Cargo Programs vice president and program manager for Boeing Defense, Space & Security USASOAC’s Chinook modernization program supports more than 20,000 jobs and 360 suppliers in 40 states across the U.S. Chinook Block II production leverages and strengthens the manufacturing base that will provide support to the production line for new aircraft and fleet sustainment. With a reinforced airframe, redesigned fuel tanks and state-of-the-art avionics, the MH-47G Block II heavy-lift helicopter improves USASOAC’S global reach capabilities. In addition, the Block II design enables future affordable modernization efforts, keeping the iconic heavy-lift helicopter flying for decades to come. The post US Army Special Ops orders two more MH-47G Block II Chinooks appeared first on Horizon. https://bit.ly/4c8jLxj

I'm a C-17 Globemaster and I transport stuff. C-5 Galaxy: "That's cute"✈️💪 The two largest strategic airlifters operated by the United States Air Force are undeniably some of the most dynamic military transports ever built. These two quad-engine jets can carry immense payloads, traverse oceans, and provide dynamic logistical support for all US military engagements. The C-5 Galaxy, first built by Lockheed in the late 1960s, would enter service in 1970 and remains a part of the USAF fleet today. The jet would be upgraded by Lockheed Martin in the 1980s, and, in total, 131 examples of the type were built. Rival McDonnell Douglas' C-17 Globemaster III first took to the skies for the Air Force in 1995 and did not stop rolling off Boeing's assembly lines until 2015. A total of 279 examples of the C-17 were built, and they entered service with air forces from across the globe, not just the USAF. That's one big bird... First taking to the skies on June 30th, 1968, the C-5 Galaxy was one of the largest military aircraft ever to enter service. Longer than a Boeing 747, the aircraft can carry over 135 tons and has a maximum takeoff weight of 840,000 pounds. The jet is powered by four General Electric CF6 turbofan engines, helping it to traverse impressive distances -- Lockheed's C-5 Galaxy maintains a range of 4,800 nautical miles (5,500 miles). The jet is impressive not just due to its ability to cargo massive amounts of freight but also because it can transport oversized machines. It can carry two M-1 Abrams tanks or six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters! The C-17 Globemaster III was McDonnell Douglas's follow-up to the C-5 Galaxy program, as the Air Force required a slightly smaller strategic airlifter. The C-17 is 174 feet long, making it roughly similar in length to a Boeing 757-300, but with far more potent engines. The jet is undeniably capable, with a maximum payload of over 170,000 pounds, and can carry a singular M1 Abrams tank or six armored security vehicles. The aircraft is more suitable for short-haul operations, with a range of 2,420 nautical miles (2,700 miles) while lugging a 157,000-pound payload. However, the plane can be easily deployed anywhere across the globe within hours, with a ferry range in excess of 6,000 miles. The aircraft performed critical logistics missions during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While the US Air Force exclusively adopted the C-5 Galaxy, the C-17 has been popular with air forces across the globe. Boeing in 2013 decided to end production due to a lack of orders, and completed output at its at Long Beach, California final assembly facility by building several “white tails” ahead of securing contracts from customers. The last example was transferred to the Indian air force in August 2019. #aerospace #aviation #airforce #logistics

What Might Have Been: A conceptual operational USAF Northrop RB-49A reconnaissance variant. This flying wing variant has its payload bay reconfigured to carry various photo-optical cameras and also six-118 lb. photoflash bombs. Four of the wing-mounted engines have been removed and, two engines are mounted on pylons similar to the B-47. The total of six engines have uprated thrust and to further lighten the airframe, the defensive 20mm cannons were removed from the tail fairing. These modifications would allow for higher operating altitudes. Only one YRB-49A prototype variant was built and was stored outside for over two years at the Northrop facility at Ontario Airport, CA (ONT). With no funding the Honeywell Electronic Stabilization System, dubbed “Little Herbert” was never installed. During November 1953, the Air Force ordered the only YRB-49A flying wing to be scrapped. Erik Simonsen Illustration - Per requests, various size Prints of this image and other aircraft/spacecraft available ‘online’ at Fine Art America - Enter Erik Simonsen in ‘Search’ to view photo selections

The US Navy has resumed using the T-45C Goshawk test aircraft, with 104 out of the 149 aircraft in the fleet now in flight status. The remaining 45 aircraft are undergoing maintenance and will soon be back in flight status as well. The operational pause was implemented in April following an engine malfunction on one of the training jets. The issue was related to a blade fault, but no injuries were reported. The Navy determined that the blade failure may have been due to a manufacturing defect on a low-pressure compressor blade. To ensure safety, meticulous inspections were conducted on the T-45s that were returned to flight status. Additionally, blades produced by a different manufacturer, which have a proven track record with over 1.6 million flight hours, were also used. As a result, more than 85 percent of T-45 engines have been returned to service. The T-45C Goshawk is a crucial aircraft used by the US Navy and United States Marine Corps for training aircraft carrier pilots. Although the class is aging, discussions are underway to explore potential replacements for these aircraft. #Navy #MarineCorps #T45CGoshawk #FlightResumption #SafetyFirst #TrainingAircraft #Aviation #MilitaryAviation #OperationalPause #AircraftMaintenance #AircraftCarrierTraining

The Farnborough International Air Show is happening this week over in England. This is an opportunity for companies to show off all things aviation related, including where they're headed in the military aviation realm. On the EW front, there was an interesting article published about the new F-15EX aircraft. Boeing is interested in building up this new jet's electronic warfare capabilities so that it can compete as a peer to the EA-18G. The EA-18G is currently the premier dedicated electronic warfare aircraft for both the US and Australia. The EA-18G line is slated to stop production in 2027 though, and although the platform is being improved (see the Next Generation Jammer program), there will be a need for similar capability in the future. Boeing is exploring turning the F-15EX, which already has advanced self-protection capabilities through its Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), into a platform that can provide electronic warfare capabilities supporting other aircraft as well. This comes on the heels of Northrop Grumman's announcement about improved F-16 self-protection capabilities that I posted about a couple of days ago. There are interesting things happening in Big EW! #ew #electronicwarfare #boeing #f15 #f15ex #farnborough #ea18g https://lnkd.in/eeKBV_HA

#SNSinstitutions #SNSdesignthinkers #Designthinking Aircraft Propellers : Aircraft propellers are devices consisting of blades that rotate to provide thrust for an aircraft. They convert engine power into a forward-moving force by pushing air backward. Propellers can be found on various types of aircraft, including small general aviation planes, commercial airliners, and military aircraft. They come in different designs and configurations, such as fixed-pitch or variable-pitch, and are essential components in many aircraft propulsion systems.