Apr 29
JobelleAir Force, News f-16, f-16 model plane, F-16 pilot, spy
A former Dutch F-16 pilot from 313 Squadron has been charged for spying, the Telegraaf reported Tuesday. It is understood that the 37-year-old captain had left the military in 2010 and later got into financial troubles.
The man, named as captain Chris V, was arrested on March 17 following a secret service investigation and was said to be on the verge of revealing ‘one or more state secrets’. Sources within the 313 squadron told the paper the 37-year-old F16 pilot ‘wanted to do business with a resident of Belarus’. He was arrested in The Hague six weeks ago.
The paper says the issue is particularly painful because Belarus is the last dictatorship in Europe and that president Alexander Lukashenko is a close ally of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Source: DutchNews.nl
Apr 29
TynibelleNews aircraft models, airplane models, F-22, F-22 aircraft, F-35 Lightning II, helicopter models, model airplanes, model helicopters, model planes, plane models, warplanes, wooden airplane models
NGRAIN(R), a leading provider of interactive 3D equipment simulation solutions that maximize the effectiveness of training programs and maintenance support systems, announced on April 26 that Lockheed Martin has chosen to integrate NGRAIN’s Virtual Damage Repair and Tracking™ software into the Integrated Maintenance Information System (IMIS) software suite for the F-22 aircraft.
The software, already in use on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Program as part of the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), provides maintenance technicians on the flight line with an advanced, mobile, and interactive maintenance and repair tracking solution.
“Applying NGRAIN solutions to the F-22 program is a natural progression of our relationship and will enhance the overall maintenance programs of both the F-35 and F-22,” said Jeff A. Babione, vice president of the F-22 Program, Lockheed Martin. “Extending this unique application to both programs will result in United States Air Force maintainers being able to easily transition between aircraft.”
The IMIS software suite designed by Lockheed Martin supports the exterior maintenance, supply and training operations for its aircraft. NGRAIN will configure its software to provide aircraft maintainers of the F-22 with a detailed exterior representation of the aircraft which will be deployed on a ruggedized Microsoft Windows -based device. Maintainers will be able to accurately map damage of the aircraft exterior on the digital representation provided by NGRAIN. The automatic transfer of data and its subsequent integration with the F-22 IMIS software platform is designed to improve the accuracy in data capture and overall workflow.
“This contract is a testament to the innovative technology and strong relationship NGRAIN has developed with Lockheed Martin,” said Paul Lindahl, CEO, NGRAIN. “At the same time it is also recognition of the benefits that can be realized from being a member of the F-35 program. As our relationship continues with Lockheed Martin, the United States Air Force, and with NATO countries around the world, we look forward to setting a new standard for aircraft maintenance using interactive 3D technology.”
Employees at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company assembly plant at Marietta, Georgia.
-amtonline.com
-wikipedia.org
Apr 28
Jobelle 48th Fighter Wing, Capt. Tyler Stark, F-15 pilot, F-15E, F-15E Strike Eagle, f15, F15 in Libya, Maj. Kenneth Harney, MV-22 Osprey, Royal Air Force
For the first time since their F-15E crashed on March 21 in Libya, U.S. Air Force Maj. Kenneth Harney of Lexington, Kentucky, and Capt. Tyler Stark of Littleton, Colorado, spoke publicly to a small group of friends , family and Air Force personnel.
“You feel the weight of not only the Air Force, but the entire military, focusing on you, making sure you get home,” Stark said recently in a video prepared by the Air Force.
The Air Force public affairs office posted pictures and video of the event on its official website, even after U.S. military public affairs officers involved in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya told CNN their names would never be made public.
The men were part of a the 48th Fighter Wing normally based at RAF Lakenheath, a Royal Air Force base that has hosted U.S. Air Force units for years in Suffolk, England. But on March 21 they took off from the U.S. air base in Aviano, Italy, in support of the no-fly zone enforcement over Libya.
After the ejection, Harney — “Meso” to his fellow fliers — and “Mask” Stark became separated.
“When you find yourself alone, and you’re isolated, in a country where there’s hostiles, you are scared,” said Harney, a veteran of both the Afghan and Iraq wars.
Stark was found by Libyan civilians who protected him from possible retaliation by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, and eventually he was taken safely back to Europe. Details of how he was taken out of Libya have yet to be disclosed.
Harney’s rescue came more quickly. He stayed in communications with another F-15 pilot still in the air over Libya. Eventually an MV-22 Osprey carrying Marines who were part of a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, or TRAP, team landed near his position.
“As that back door opened, I see a group of young Marine recon units jump out, and that was probably the best feeling I’ve ever felt in my entire life,” Harney said.
Source: CNN, U.S. Air Force
Apr 27
JobelleAir Force, News 19th Airlift Wing, C-130 damage, C-130 H, c-130 hercules, C-130 Hercules aircraft, C-130 J, Little Rock Air Force Base, Tornado
Damaged C-130 Hercules aircraft sit on the flightline April 26, 2011, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., hours after a tornado struck at approximately 8 p.m.
A tornado struck Little Rock Air Force Base Monday, approximately 8 p.m. causing damage to three C-130s and roughly 100 houses.
Emergency crews immediately responded in the aftermath of the tornado and conducted a house-to-house recall of all personnel, according to a 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs news release. Base housing residents were also encouraged to stay indoors due to downed power lines in base housing.
When officials further assessed the damage to the base, a press release said that roughly 100 houses were damaged and on the flightline there were at least three C-130 Hercules aircraft damaged.
“There were at least half a dozen tornadoes, and it appears some of them were strong and long-lived,” the NWS Web site reported.
Little Rock Air Force Base is the home of C-130 combat airlift. The 19th Airlift Wing, the base’s host unit, in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and U.S. Air Force Mobility Weapons School is known as the world’s ‘Center of Excellence’ for tactical airlift.
Currently Little Rock AFB is home to more than 90, C-130 H, C-130 J and E models. Further investigation and work on the base is on-going, officials said.
Source: dvidshub.net, littlerock.af.mil
Apr 27
TynibelleNews aircraft models, airplane models, f-15, F-15 fighter jet, F-15 plane, helicopter models, Libya, model airplanes, model helicopters, model planes, plane models, warplanes, wooden airplane models
An F-15 fighter jet carrying two 1,000-pound missiles went down in a field near the eastern city of Benghazi on March 22.
US forces later bombed the remains of the crashed F-15 to destroy what they called sensitive technology.
A local man was injured in the US bombing of the F-15 crash site.
“Fortunately we got rid of it (the F-15 plane). Before that we were always worried by the plane crash but today after they blew it up we feel safe and everything is good,” Associated Press quoted a local resident as saying on Monday, April 25.
An international team of demolition experts has disposed of the scattered wreck.
The developments come as NATO airstrikes have destroyed Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi’s office in the capital, Tripoli. Reports say at least 45 people were wounded in the attack — 15 of them seriously.
Dozens of civilians have also been killed in Libya since the Western military alliance launched their attacks on the North African country.
The US Department of Defense has recently confirmed that it is using Predator missile strikes on Libya amid rising controversy over such attacks in other parts of the world.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Saturday that President Barack Obama had approved the use of armed Predator drones to improve the precision of strikes in Libya.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the western city of Misratah with the population of over one million has been reported as alarming with many people in dire need of food, water and medical supplies.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for an immediate ceasefire in crisis-hit Libya, urging that the resolutions made by the UN Security Council should be implemented.
An image from derived from PressTV's video
See video posted by PressTV.
-presstv.ir
Apr 26
JobelleArmy, News ah-64, AH-64 aircraft, ah-64 apache, AH-64 helicopter, apache, GFAS system, Ground Fire Acquisition System, Longbow Apache, Lt. Col. Jeff Johnson, Maj. Justin Highley
The U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, will become the first unit equipped with the new Ground Fire Acquisition System for its AH-64 helicopters next spring. The system uses cameras and infrared sensors to instantly identify the source location of ground fire, service officials said.
“GFAS (Ground Fire Acquisition System) detects ground fire. It allows us to take information about incoming fire, get our sensors on it and identify and prosecute ground targets,” said Maj. Justin Highley, Assistant product manager for the Longbow Apache.
The infrared sensors built into the GFAS system detect muzzle flashes from the ground, allowing Apache pilots to get their sensors on potential targets and immediately know the location, and distance of ground fire, Highley explained.
The cameras on the AH-64 aircraft detect the muzzle flash from ground fire – and move the information through an Aircraft Gateway Processor into the cockpit so pilots will see an icon on their display screen, said Lt. Col. Jeff Johnson, product manager, Longbow Apache.
“The beauty of this system is that we are not changing the aircraft software. We are not adding displays. It’s integrated through an Aircraft Gateway Processor,” he said.
The GFAS effort – called an Early User Evaluation – has undergone a range of key tests at places such as Mesa Ariz., and Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., Johnson explained.
Pending successful outcome of the User Evaluation, the Apache Program Manager will look at expanding GFAS’ capabilities, including integrating the technology with Blue Force Tracker display screens, Johnson said.
Source: U.S. Army
Apr 25
TynibelleNews aircraft models, airplane models, f-15, helicopter models, model airplanes, model helicopters, model planes, plane crash, plane models, RV-6, RV-6 experimental aircraft, warplanes, wooden airplane models
On Apr. 23, two people were on board a small airplane that crashed in Owyhee County. Luckily, both of them were able to walk away with no serious injuries.
It all happened at about 11:45 a.m. near the Sunrise Skypark, a residential airport community 12 miles south of Marsing.
“I just heard the plane sputtering and trying to get power,” said Mike Alexander. He lives near the crash site and saw it happen. “Then, he porpoised once. You heard that last little sputter and then saw him go in.”
Alexander said the RV-6 experimental aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, and did a brief cartwheel before coming to rest in the field.
“Told my son to call 911, grab some fire extinguishers and then I came down,” said Alexander.
The man and woman aboard escaped without serious injuries, although the woman was visibly shaken.
“He was just getting her out of the plane as I came down,” said Alexander. “Took her over there, and laid her down, see if she could move her legs. She had a burn across her neck where the strap had caught her. But that was about it.”
The pilot told people that he had built the plane himself. He said it took him about 4 years, and that it had been flying fine for about a year.
Despite the small size of the plane, the man installed shoulder harnesses, instead of just lap seatbelts. An airplane mechanic on the scene said those kept the couple from going through the windshield, and probably saved their lives.
“They walked away,” said Alexander.
Alexander also happens to be an F-15 mechanic. He said he couldn’t comment on the safety of experimental aircraft. However, he did say he’d trust something that he put together himself, but not something someone else put together.
The Owyhee County Sheriff’s Department has now turned over the crash investigation to the FAA.
-ktvb.com
Apr 20
TynibelleNews AgustaWestland AW119, aircraft models, airplane models, Bell ARH-70A, Block II, Boeing AH-6S, EADS AAS-72, helicopter models, Kiowa Warrior, model airplanes, model helicopters, model planes, OH-58, OH-58 Block II, OH-58D, plane models, warplanes, wooden airplane models
Bell Helicopter has flown its demonstrator for the OH-58 Block II, which the company is proposing to meet the U.S. Army’s Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) requirement to replace the Kiowa Warrior.
Flown for the first time on April 14 from Bell’s Xworx research and development facility in Fort Worth, the Block II is re-engined with Honeywell’s 1,000-shp-class HTS900 turboshaft to improve the OH-58’s hot-and-high performance, and meet the Army’s requirement to hover out of ground effect at 6,000 ft. altitude on a 95F day.
The Block II builds on the Army’s existing cockpit and sensor upgrade program (Casup), which is modernizing OH-58Ds to F models by updating the avionics and moving the electro-optical/infrared sensor from above the rotor to under the nose. Bell argues the Block II upgrade is a cost-efficient way of meeting the AAS requirement compared with developing a new helicopter or buying an off-the-shelf machine such as the Boeing AH-6S, EADS AAS-72 or AgustaWestland AW119.
The Army was forced to upgrade its OH-58Ds and launch the AAS program after development of the Bell ARH-70A Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) was canceled in 2008 because of cost escalation and schedule delays.
Bell President and CEO John Garrison says the engine, transmission and rotor upgrades in the Block II “provide a great deal of the performance of the ARH” and, combined with the F-model Casup update, “give the Army a way to extend the life of the OH-58 to 2025.” Delaying retirement of the Kiowa Warrior would allow time for a next-generation replacement to emerge from the Army’s Joint Multi-Role technology demonstration, now getting under way with rival demonstrators planned to fly around 2017.
“Increasing the capability of the OH-58 platform to 6K/95 [6,000 ft. at 95F] … provides the Army with the best-value solution for AAS,” Garrison says, adding, “A new start does not make sense as there is no money in the budget.”
Existing Kiowa Warriors could be upgraded or remanufactured to the Block II standard. “We will have a warm line,” Garrison says.
-aviationweek.com
Apr 19
JobelleAir Force, News Gaddafi, GR4, Libya operation, Major General John Lorimer, RAF, raf tornado, Tornado fighter bombers, tornado gr4, Tornado GR4 aircraft, Typhoon jet
Typhoon jets are providing a ground attack capability in addition to Tornado GR4 aircraft as British forces continue to support NATO operations in Libya.
Speaking to the media in London, Air Vice-Marshal Phil Osborn, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, said that the use of Typhoon in a multi-role fit, combined with Tornado, provides a highly responsive and balanced capability while maintaining the deployed force at the most efficient level.
The Typhoons are carrying Enhanced Paveway II bombs for the operation, complementing the ordnance carried by the GR4s and increasing the variety of precision-guided weapons available to NATO.
Speaking about the wider operation, Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of the Defence Staff’s Strategic Communications Officer, said that most of the fighting in Libya remains focused firstly around the siege of Misurata by Colonel Gaddafi’s forces, and secondly the rather fluid situation in the region of Brega and Ajdabiya.
“We should recognise that, within the constraints of air power, the NATO-led operation is delivering very real effect,” Major General Lorimer said.
“Over the weekend, for example, NATO has reported successful engagements against 61 armoured vehicles and air defence assets. A third of these – 20 – were attacked by RAF fast jets, all in the area of either Misurata, or Brega and Ajdabiya.
“As everyone recognises, Colonel Gaddafi still poses a very real threat to civilians, but other means, including infantry in pick-up trucks and technicals, which are of course much more challenging from a targeting perspective. But it is with heavy armour and artillery that the regime is most able to inflict extensive casualties on the civilian population, and day by day these assets are being steadily denied to the regime.
Major General Lorimer said more needs to be done and NATO has asked for more ground attack aircraft to be made available, to which the UK has responded by increasing to twelve the number of Tornado GR4s deployed, and equipping four Typhoons to operate in either the ground attack or the air defence role as the commander requires.
He said that the use of Typhoon in a multi-role fit, combined with Tornado, provides a highly responsive and balanced capability while maintaining the deployed force at the most efficient level.
The General added that the RAF is now providing a quarter of the ground attack assets, and the UK is pressing other nations to match our commitment to what is proving to be the most important aspect of the NATO operation.
- Source: Air-Attack
Apr 18
JobelleAir Force, News f-16, f16, F16 fighter, F16 jet, usaf f-16 falcon
A dozen F-16s, their pilots and 36 of the airmen who flew the jest returned home to Hill Air Force Base, Friday from Afghanistan, where they have been deployed since late September.
The members of the 4th Fighter Squadron and 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit worked out of Bagram Airfield, providing close air support to ground forces. That meant dropping thousands of bombs, but often the F-16 jets accomplished their objectives just by being in the air making lots of noise.
“Their presence alone was often enough to satisfy the ground commanders’ intents,” said Col. Scott Long, who returned from Afghanistan in February to become the wing’s commander.
Pilots flew every day. Ground crews “got the aircraft airborne, got them back on the ground, got them loaded back up with munitions,” he said. “They supported with thousands of bombs.”
The sound of four F-16s flying in formation overhead interrupted all conversation. The first jet to peel off from the formation was Monica Bailey’s husband, Lt. Col. Chris Bailey, the squadron leader.
The F15 jets taxied to a stop and the families moved in close. Then engines stopped, the canopies popped up and crew chiefs hung ladders off the side of the cockpits. The pilots came down and were surrounded by their families.
“Seeing the family — it’s incredible,” Chris Bailey said. He said the pilots were also surprised by the number of people waiting on the ground, including the media. “We didn’t expect to see something like that. It’s very humbling.”
Squadron commander Bailey was wearing a patch noting 100 flying missions. He said it has taken him years of flying and three deployments, including one to Iraq, to reach that mark. The intensity of recent missions means pilots much younger than he have also reached the 100-mission mark.
“Until you have seen them you don’t realize the incredible sacrifices people are making,” Bailey said, “how dedicated they are to the mission and getting the job done.”
Source: Deseret News
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