David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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UH-1N Iroquois
Function: The UH-1N is a light-lift Air Force utility helicopter used for support of Department of Defense contingency plans. The helicopter has a number of uses. Its primary mission includes airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces, medical evacuation, security surveillance of off-base movements of nuclear weapons convoys and test range areas during launch conditions. It is also used for space shuttle landing support, priority maintenance dispatch support, and search and rescue operations. Other uses include airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and distinguished visitor transport.
History: The UH-1N entered the Air Force inventory in 1970 to provide search and rescue capabilities. The missions expanded to include missile, distinguished visitor and survival school support. Some of the UH-1Fs supporting the missile wings were eventually replaced by the UH-1N due to the greater safety and capability offered by the twin engine. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N is the military version of the Bell 212.
Description: The UH-1N is capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. The crew complement is normally two (pilot and copilot), but may be flown single-pilot depending on weather and mission requirements. The crew complement for hoist, over water and navigational operations is three, adding a flight engineer. When configured for passengers, the UH-1N can seat up to 13 people, but actual passenger loads are dependent on fuel loads and atmospheric conditions. The medical evacuation configuration can accommodate up to six litters. Without seats or litters, the cabin can carry bulky, oversized cargo. Access to the cabin is through two full-sized sliding doors, one on each side of the aircraft.
General Characteristics, UH-1N Huey
Contractor:
Bell Helicopter Company
Power Plant:
Two Pratt and Whitney T400-CP-400 turboshaft engines
Thrust:
1,770 horsepower
Length:
57 feet, 3 inches (17.44 meters)
Width:
9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Height:
12 feet, 10 inches (3.9 meters)
Main Rotor Diameter:
48 feet (14.63 meters)
Tail Rotor Diameter:
8 feet, 6 inches (2.6 meters)
Maximum Gross Weight:
10,500 pounds (4,763 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
149 mph (130 knots)
Cruise Speed:
103-115 mph (90-100 knots)
Ceiling:
15,000 feet (4,572 meters)
10,000 feet (3,048 meters) for gross weights above 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms)
Range:
300-plus miles
Crew:
Pilot with co-pilot and flight engineer, depending upon mission
Inventory:
Active force, 63
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
1970
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 5:31pm
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MC-130P Combat Shadow
Function: The Combat Shadow flies clandestine or low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level missions intruding politically sensitive or hostile territory to provide air refueling for special operations helicopters. The MC-130P primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats.
Secondary mission capabilities may include airdrop of small special operations teams, bundles and combat rubber raiding craft, as well as night vision goggles, takeoff and landing procedures and in-flight refueling as a receiver.
History: MC-130Ps were previously designated HC-130N/P. However, the "H" designation is a rescue and recovery mission code and not representative of the aircraft's special operations role. In February 1996, AFSOC's tanker fleet was redesignated MC-130Ps, aligning the Combat Shadow with other M-series special operations mission aircraft. MC-130Ps have been a part of the special operations mission since the mid-80s. They provided critical air refueling to Army and Air Force helicopters during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. In 1990, the aircraft deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for Operation Desert Storm and provided air refueling of special operations helicopters over friendly and hostile territory.
Since Desert Storm, the MC-130P has been involved in operations Northern and Southern Watch, supporting efforts to keep Iraqi aircraft out of the no-fly zones. Although MC-130Ps left Southern Watch in 1993, they have returned periodically to relieve Air Combat Command rescue forces. The aircraft also took part in Operation Deny Flight in Yugoslavia in 1993, and Operations Restore Democracy and Uphold Democracy in Haiti in 1994. The MC-130P has been involved in operations Deliberate Force and Joint Endeavor in Bosnia since 1995.
Additionally, the MC-130P took part in Operation Assured Response in 1996, providing air refueling for the MH-53s shuttling evacuees between Liberia and the rear staging area.
In March 1997, the MC-130P was diverted from Italy to provide combat search and rescue during the evacuation of non-combatant Americans from Albania. Also in 1997, the MC-130P provided command and control and refueling support during Operation Guardian Retrieval, the evacuation of Americans from Zaire. In July 1997, the aircraft provided aerial refueling for MH-53J's when U.S. forces prepared for possible evacuations of noncombatants from Cambodia. The aircraft also was part of Operation High Flight, the search to locate an American C-141 involved in a mid-air collision with another aircraft off the coast of Angola in September 1997.
Description: Special operations forces improvements are being made to the fleet of MC-130Ps. When modifications are completed in Fiscal 2000, all MC-130Ps will feature improved navigation, communications, threat detection and countermeasures systems. When fully modified, the Combat Shadow fleet will have a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system, and night vision goggle compatible interior and exterior lighting. It will also have forward looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, night vision goggle compatible heads-up display, satellite and data-burst communications, as well as in-flight refueling capability as a receiver (on 15 aircraft).
The Combat Shadow can fly in the day against a reduced threat. The crews fly night low-level, air refueling and formation operations using night vision goggles. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, employment tactics incorporate no external lighting and no communications to avoid radar and weapons detection.
General Characteristics, MC-130P Combat Shadow
Builder:
Lockheed
Unit Flyaway Cost:
$18.6 million (Fiscal Year 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
98 feet, 9 inches (30.09 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed:
289 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling:
33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range:
Beyond 4,000 miles
Crew:
Officers - pilot, co-pilot, right navigator and left navigator
Enlisted - flight engineer, communications systems operator and two loadmasters
Inventory:
Active force, 19
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
1986
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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AC-130 H/U Gunship
Function: The AC-130 gunship's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include air base defense and facilities defense.
History: The AC-130H's call sign is "Spectre." The AC-130U's call sign is "Spooky," and traces its history to the first operational gunship, the AC-47. The U-model is the third generation of C-130 gunships. The AC-130 gunship has a combat history dating to Vietnam. Gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close air support missions. During Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces enabling the successful assault of the Point Salines Airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces. The AC-130 aircrew earned the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for the mission. AC-130s also had a primary role during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989 when they destroyed Panamanian Defense Force Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities. Aircrews earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year and the Tunner Award for their efforts. During Operation Desert Storm, AC-130s provided close air support and force protection (air base defense) for ground forces. Gunships also were used during operations Continue Hope and United Shield in Somalia, providing close air support for United Nations ground forces. More recently, gunships played a pivotal role in supporting the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The AC-130H provided air interdiction against key targets in the Sarajevo area. In 1997, gunships were diverted from Italy to provide combat air support for U.S. and allied ground troops during the evacuation of American noncombatants in Albania. Gunships also were part of the buildup of US forces in 1998 to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections.
Description: 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 loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of a television sensor, infrared sensor and radar. These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets any place, any time. The AC-130U employs synthetic apertures strike radar for long-range target detection and identification. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation systems and global positioning system. The AC-130U employs the latest technologies and can attack two targets simultaneously.
?General Characteristics, AC-130H/U Gunship
Contractor:
Boeing North American (AC-130U)
Builder:
Lockheed Aircraft Company
Unit Cost:
AC-130H, $52.29 million
AC-130U, $81.1 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Speed:
300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Ceiling:
25,000 feet (7,576 meters)
Range:
Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling
Armament:
AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon
AC-130H: two 20mm guns
AC-130U: 25mm gun
Crew:
AC-130H - Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and nine enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, five aerial gunners)
AC-130U - Five officers (pilot, copilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners)
Inventory:
Active duty: AC-130H, 8
AC-130U, 13
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
AC-130H, 1972
AC-130U, 1995
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:33am
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A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH
A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G takes off from the USS Juneau during ship landing training in the Pacific. The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night operations into hostile environments to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel during war. Because of its versatility, the HH-60G is also tasked to perform military operations other than war. These tasks include civil search and rescue, emergency aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC), disaster relief, international aid, counterdrug activities and NASA space shuttle support.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:34am
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A HH-60G from Detachment
A HH-60G from Detachment 1 of the 33rd Rescue Squadron sits on a landing zone near Osan Air Base, South Korea. Det. 1 is base at Osan and the 33rd RQS is based at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night operations into hostile environments to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel during war. Because of its versatility, the HH-60G is also tasked to perform military operations other than war. These tasks include civil search and rescue, emergency aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC), disaster relief, international aid, counterdrug activities and NASA space shuttle support.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:34am
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33rd Rescue Squadron HH-6
33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60Gs prepare for a nighttime takeoff at Osan Air Base, South Korea, to search for a Korean air force F-5 that crashed off the coast of South Korea. The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night operations into hostile environments to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel during war. Because of its versatility, the HH-60G is also tasked to perform military operations other than war. These tasks include civil search and rescue, emergency aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC), disaster relief, international aid, counterdrug activities and NASA space shuttle support.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:34am
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The UH-1N is a light-lift
The UH-1N is a light-lift Air Force utility helicopter used for support of Department of Defense contingency plans. The helicopter has a number of uses. Its primary mission includes airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces, medical evacuation, security surveillance of off-base movements of nuclear weapons convoys and test range areas during launch conditions. It is also used for space shuttle landing support, priority maintenance dispatch support, and search and rescue operations. Other uses include airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and distinguished visitor transport.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:41am
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Airman Alicia Guenther, A
Airman Alicia Guenther, Airmen First Class Raphael Jacobs and Nicholas Caines, 30th Airlift Squadron maintenance people, Yokota Air Base, Japan, give a C-9 Nightingale a good scrub Nov. 22, 1999. A paint safe detergent is used to wash the aircraft once every quarter, the wash also prevents corrosion. The C-9 is a twin-engine, T-tailed, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for Air Mobility Command's aeromedical evacuation mission. The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation's DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the inventory specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. The C-9A's airlift capability to carry 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory and four litter patients, or various combinations thereof, provides the flexibility for Air Mobility Command's worldwide aeromedical evacuation role.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:42am
Rating: 8
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The C-9 is a twin-engine,
The C-9 is a twin-engine, T-tailed, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for Air Mobility Command's aeromedical evacuation mission. The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation's DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the inventory specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. The C-9A's airlift capability to carry 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory and four litter patients, or various combinations thereof, provides the flexibility for Air Mobility Command's worldwide aeromedical evacuation role. A hydraulically operated folding ramp allows efficient loading and unloading of litter patients and special medical equipment.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:15pm
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The C-141B Starlifter air
The C-141B Starlifter aircraft leaves four plumes of exhaust behind it as it prepares for an airdrop during Operation Deep Freeze. Starlifter can airlift combat forces, equipment and supplies, and deliver them on the ground or by airdrop, using paratroop doors on each side and a rear loading ramp. It can be used for low-altitude delivery of paratroops and equipment, and high-altitude delivery of paratroops. It can also airdrop equipment and supplies using the container delivery system. It is the first aircraft designed to be compatible with the 463L Material Handling System, which permits off-loading 68,000 pounds (30,600 kilograms) of cargo, refueling and reloading a full load, all in less than an hour. The C-141 has an all-weather landing system, pressurized cabin and crew station. Its cargo compartment can easily be modified to perform around 30 different missions. About 200 troops or 155 fully equipped paratroops can sit in canvas side-facing seats, or 166 troops in rear-facing airline seats. Rollers in the aircraft floor allow quick and easy cargo pallet loading. A palletized lavatory and galley can be installed quickly to accommodate passengers, and when palletized cargo is not being carried, the rollers can be turned over to leave a smooth, flat surface for loading vehicles. In its aeromedical evacuation role, the Starlifter can carry about 103 litter patients, 113 ambulatory patients or a combination of the two. It provides rapid transfer of the sick and wounded from remote areas overseas to hospitals in the United States.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:17pm
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The C-21A provides cargo
The C-21A provides cargo and passenger airlift and can transport litters during medical evacuations. The C-21A's turbofan engines are pod-mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage. The swept-back wings have hydraulically actuated, single-slotted flaps. The aircraft has a retractable tricycle landing gear, single steerable nose gear and multiple-disc hydraulic brakes. The C-21A can carry eight passengers and 42 cubic feet (1.26 cubic meters) of cargo. The fuel capacity ofthe C-21A is 931 gallons (3,537.8 liters) carried in wingtip tanks. The safety and operational capabilities of the C-21A areincreased by the autopilot, color weather radar and tactical air navigation (TACAN) system, as well as HF, VHF and UHF radios.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:17pm
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A C-141 Starlifter from 4
A C-141 Starlifter from 445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, completes an air refueling mission over the North Carolina coastline for Air Mobility Rodeo 2000. During Rodeo 2000, teams from all over the world will compete in areas including airdrop, aerial refueling, aircraft navigation, special tactics, short field landings, cargo loading, engine running on/offloads, aeromedical evacuations and security forces operations. From May 6 to 13, more than 80 aircraft representing more than 100 teams from 17 countries will bring in about 3,500 competitors, observers, umpires, and support people to Pope AFB, NC.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:40pm
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HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopte
HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters. The Pave Hawk is a twin-engine medium-lift helicopter operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command, a component of the U.S. Special Operations Command. During Desert Storm, Pave Hawks provided combat recovery for coalition air forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Persian Gulf. They also provided emergency evacuation coverage for U.S. Navy sea, air and land (SEAL) teams penetrating the Kuwait coast before the invasion.
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Unregistered
Sun March 23, 2003 9:56pm
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Injured, but alive
A wounded Iraqi prisoner holds the hand of a U.S. Marine medic during his evacuation by helicopter from the field hospital of the 3rd Marine Battalion near Basra, southern Iraq, on March 22.
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David
Mon March 24, 2003 8:52pm
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Medic at the ready
Army crewmen of the medical evacuation air ambulance for the 3rd infantry Division mark landing ground for their Blackhawk helicopter at an airfield in southern Iraq Monday. The Army has been conducting emergency missions for wounded U.S. soldiers and Iraqi prisoners of war around the clock.
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