David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:43am
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U-2R/U-2S
Function: The U-2 provides continuous day or night, high-altitude, all-weather, stand-off surveillance of an area in direct support of U.S. and allied ground and air forces. It provides critical intelligence to decision makers through all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, crises, low-intensity conflict and large-scale hostilities.
History: Current models are derived from the original version that made its first flight in August 1955. On Oct. 14, 1962, it was the U-2 that photographed the Soviet military installing offensive missiles in Cuba.
The U-2R, first flown in 1967, is significantly larger and more capable than the original aircraft. A tactical reconnaissance version, the TR-1A, first flew in August 1981 and was delivered to the Air Force the next month. Designed for stand-off tactical reconnaissance in Europe, the TR-1 was structurally identical to the U-2R. Operational TR-1A's were used by the 17th Reconnaissance Wing, Royal Air Force Station Alconbury, England, starting in February 1983. The last U-2 and TR-1 aircraft were delivered to the Air Force in October 1989. In 1992 all TR-1s and U-2s were redesignated U-2R. Current U-2R models are being reengined and will be designated as a U-2S/ST. The Air Force accepted the first U-2S in October, 1994.
When requested, the U-2 also has provided photographs to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in support of disaster relief.
U-2s are based at Beale Air Force Base, CA and support national and tactical requirements from four operational detachments located throughout the world. U-2R/U-2S crew members are trained at Beale using three U-2ST aircraft. The last R model trainer will be converted to an S model trainer in 1999.
Description: The U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude, reconnaissance aircraft. Long, wide, straight wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics. It can carry a variety of sensors and cameras, is an extremely reliable reconnaissance aircraft, and enjoys a high mission completion rate.
Because of its high altitude mission, the pilot must wear a full pressure suit. The U-2 is capable of collecting multi-sensor photo, electro-optic, infrared and radar imagery, as well as performing other types of reconnaissance functions. However, the aircraft can be a difficult aircraft to fly due to its unusual landing characteristics.
The aircraft is being upgraded with a lighter engine (General Electric F-118-101) that burns less fuel, cuts weight and increases power. The entire fleet should be reengined by 1998. Other upgrades are to the sensors and adding the Global Positioning System that will superimpose geo-coordinates directly on collected images.
General Characteristics, U-2R/U-2S
Builder:
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
Cost:
Classified
Power Plant:
One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-13B engine; one General Electric F-118-101 engine
Thrust:
17,000 pounds (7,650 kilograms)
Length:
63 feet (19.2 meters)
Height:
16 feet (4.8 meters)
Wingspan:
103 feet (30.9 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms)
Speed:
475+ miles per hour (Mach 0.58)
Ceiling:
Above 70,000 feet (21,212 meters)
Range:
Beyond 7,000 miles (6,090 nautical miles)
Crew:
One (two in trainer models)
Inventory:
Active force, 36 (four trainers)
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
U-2, August 1955
U-2R, 1967
U-2S, October 1994
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David
Tue March 25, 2003 8:50am
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Bird's eye view
A U.S. military aircraft takes off from the USS Constellation Tuesday in this view photographed from a support helicopter. The carrier is in the Persian Gulf off Iraq.
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Marissa
Sun March 30, 2003 5:21pm
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FRIENDLY FORCES; Members
FRIENDLY FORCES; Members of the 39 (1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit) Squadron, British Royal Air Force, perform nightly maintenance on a Canberra PR9, a photographic reconnaissance aircraft, March 29. The 39 (1 PRU) Squadron is deployed from Royal Air Force Marham, in the United Kingdom, and provides aerial intelligence to coalition forces while operating alongside the 410th Air Expeditionary Wing in a forward-deployed location.
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David
Thu April 17, 2003 2:00pm
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A British soldier holds a
Saturday, April 5, 2003, A British soldier holds a catalogue of photographs of dead people, as coffin-sized boxes with bags containing human remains are lined up in a warehouse at an abandoned Iraqi military base in Zubayr, southern Iraq, on Saturday. British forces said Saturday they had found an estimated 200 coffin-sized boxes containing hundreds of human remains along with a catalogue of photographs of the dead. Capt. Jack Kemp of the Royal Horse Artillery said he believed the people had been dead for several years.
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David
Fri April 18, 2003 11:33am
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An Iraqi man rips up a ph
Friday, April 11, 2003, An Iraqi man rips up a photograph of Saddam Hussein inside Iraq's embassy in Tehran as about 200 Iraqis storm their embassy in the Iranian capital April 11.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-34 Flanker
Function: Tactical fighter bomber.
History: Developed in the late 1980's as a variant to the Su-27 Flanker B, the Su-27IB (or Su-34) is a new tactical fighter bomber intended to replace the aging fleet of Russian Su-17, Su-24, and MiG-27 attack aircraft currently in service. Based on the Su-27UB two seat in line trainer, the Su-34 first flew in April of 1990 with the first purpose built tandem side by side seat prototype flying in December of 1993.
Description: As a strike aircraft, the Su-34 incorperates an advanced multi-function phased array radar capable of terrain following and avoidance for high speed, low level operations. In addition, the Su-34 features a rearward facing radar capqable of detecting, tracking, and directing R-73 or R-77 AAMs at persuing enemy aircraft. In addition to its capabilities as a strike aircraft, a version is being fielded to replace the Su-24MR for service as a tactical reconnaissance aircraft (similar in function to the RC-4 Phantom II) and airborne electronic warfare (similar to the EF-111 Raven). This version will incorperate sideways looking radar, signal gathering and classification equipment, television, infrared, laser and photographic abilities into a single, fully integrated package. The Su-34 is currently entering service with the Russian Airforce with Naval and export versions under development.
General Characteristics, Su-34 Flanker
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two Lyulka AL-31MF afterburning turbofans
Thrust:
29,320 pounds each
Length:
21.94 meters (71.98 feet)
Height:
5.93 meters (19.45 feet)
Wingspan:
14.7 meters (48.22 feet)
Speed:
2,500 kmh (1,553 mph) at 30,000 feet
1,400 kmh (870 mph) at sea level
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
23,249 kilograms (51,257 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
44,359 kilograms (97,796 pounds)
Range:
4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) on internal fuel; capable of in-flight refueling
Crew:
Two
Armament:
One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 225 rounds of ammunition
17,635 pounds (8,000 kilograms) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 11 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
1997
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:51pm
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Deep Drone 7200 Remotely
Function: Deep sea underwater recovery.
Description: The Deep Drone is a 7,200-foot depth rated Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The system is designed to meet the Navy's needs for deep ocean recovery. The system is air transportable on military cargo aircraft and is designed to operate from various ships.
Features: The operator can control the ROV in all six degrees of freedom. Auto-control functions are provided for depth, altitude, and heading. The vehicle is capable of functioning with both long and short baseline bottom navigation systems. The vehicle uses electric propulsion, giving it a low noise signature. It carries a target locating sonar and has two manipulators capable of working with tools and attaching rigging. For photographic documentation, the vehicle has a 35mm still camera and both black and white and color television cameras that produce quality videotape. Electrical power for the system is provided by a diesel generator or the power system of the supporting ship if it is compatible. For special operations, the ROV can accommodate custom, skid-mounted tool packages. These packages could include, but are not limited to, trenchers, specialized salvage tools, and instrument packages or other mission-oriented equipment.
General Characteristics, Deep Drone 7200
Propulsion:
Electrical
Length, Overall:
9 feet 3 inches (2.8194 meters)
Width:
4 feet 7 inches (1.397 meters)
Displacement:
67.5 tons
Height:
6 feet 2 inches (1.8796 meters)
Lift Capacity:
3,200 pounds (1,451.52 kilograms)
Payload:
300 pounds (136.08 kilograms)
Maximum Operating Depth:
7,200 feet (2,194.56 meters)
Lift Capacity:
3,200 pounds (1,451.52 kilograms)
Speed:
3 knots (5.559 kmh)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:51pm
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Mini Remotely Operated Ve
Function: Shallow water survey and light salvage vehicles.
Description: The Navy's two Mini Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are standard commercial, 1,000-foot depth-rated ROVs used to meet the Navy's requirements for shallow water surveys, photographic documentation and light salvage/recovery. They are air transportable on cargo aircraft and operate with minimum support from select vessels of opportunity, piers or shorelines. Auto-control functions are provided for depth, altitude and heading. The vehicles use electric propulsion. They carry a high resolution target locating sonar and have a manipulator capable of working with simple tools. They have a 35mm still camera and a color television camera that produces quality videotape. Electrical power is provided by a diesel generator or any compatible AC power system. For special operations, the ROVs can accommodate some small tools or instrument packages.
General Characteristics, Standard Vehicle (MR-1)
Propulsion:
Electrical
Length:
4 feet 8 inches (1.4478 meters)
Width:
2 feet 3 inches (0.6858 meters)
Height:
2 feet 1 inch (0.635 meters)
Maximum Operating Depth:
1,000 feet (304.8 meters)
Speed:
3 knots (5.559 kmh)
Payload:
22 pounds (9.9792 kilograms)
General Characteristics, Open Frame Vehicle (MR-2)
Propulsion:
Electrical
Length:
4 feet 2 inches (1.2243 meters)
Width:
2 feet 4 inches (0.7112 meters)
Height:
2 feet 4 inches (0.7112 meters)
Maximum Operating Depth:
1,000 feet (304.8 meters)
Speed:
3 knots (5.559 kmh)
Payload:
90 pounds (40.824 kilograms)
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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NR-1 Deep Submergence Cra
Function: A nuclear-powered ocean engineering and research submarine.
History: NR-1, the first deep submergence vessel using nuclear power, was launched at Groton on Jan. 25, 1969, and successfully completed her initial sea trials August 19, 1969. It maneuvers by four ducted thrusters, two in the front and two in the rear. The vehicle also has planes mounted on the sail, and a conventional rudder. NR-1's missions have included search, object recovery, geological survey, oceanographic research, and installation and maintenance of underwater equipment. NR-1's unique capability to remain at one site and completely map or search an area with a high degree of accuracy has been a valuable asset on several occasions. Following the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, the NR-1 was used to search for, identify, and recover critical parts of the Challenger craft. Because it can remain on the sea floor without resurfacing frequently, NR-1 was a major tool for searching deep waters. NR-1 remained submerged and on station even when heavy weather and rough seas hit the area and forced all other search and recovery ships into port. Today, NR-1 continues to provide a valuable service to the Navy and many research and educational institutions.
Description: The NR-1 performs underwater search and recovery, oceanographic research missions and installation and maintenance of underwater equipment, to a depth of almost half a mile. Its features include extendable bottoming wheels, three viewing ports, exterior lighting and television and still cameras for color photographic studies, an object recovery claw, a manipulator that can be fitted with various gripping and cutting tools and a work basket that can be used in conjunction with the manipulator to deposit or recover items in the sea. Surface vision is provided through the use of a television periscope permanently installed on a mast in her sail area. NR-1 has sophisticated electronics and computers that aid in navigation, communications, and object location and identification. It can maneuver or hold a steady position on or close to the seabed or underwater ridges, detect and identify objects at a considerable distance, and lift objects off the ocean floor. NR-1 can travel submerged at approximately four knots for long periods, limited only by its supplies. It can study and map the ocean bottom, including temperature, currents, and other information for military, commercial and scientific uses. Its nuclear propulsion provides independence from surface support ships and essentially unlimited endurance. NR-1 is generally towed to and from remote mission locations by an accompanying surface tender, which is also capable of conducting research in conjunction with the submarine.
General Characteristics, NR-1
Builders:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Power Plant:
1 nuclear reactor, 1 turbo-alternator; 2 motors (external), 2 propellers, 4 ducted thrusters (2 horizontal, 2 vertical)
Date Deployed:
Oct. 27, 1969
Length, Overall:
150 feet (45.72 meters)
Displacement:
400 long tons (406.42 metric tons)
Diameter:
12 feet (3.66 meters)
Maximum Operating Depth:
2,375 feet (723.90 meters)
Crew:
2 officer, 3 enlisted, 2 scientists
Armament:
None
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:34am
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Photography Spec. AAF Clo
Photography Spec. AAF Cloth Patch 1/1943-7/1947
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:15pm
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Order of St. Andrew the F
The Order of St. Andrew the First Called, was Imperial Russia's highest ranking order. The order was named for Andrew, whom Jesus called first to be one of His Disciples, who was popularly thought to have traveled and evangelized in the region that would become Russia, eventually martyred on an X-shaped cross. For this, Andrew is taken as the patron saint of Russia. Hence the blue cross saltire symbol used on this order, and the Imperial Russian Navy ensign.
Though the 1700s and 1800s, The Order of St. Andrew was bestowed mostly to royalty and heads of state, but also for great accomplishment in war. While not at all common during the Great War, we've included it here in case you see it around some notable's neck in formal photographs. There was only one class, usually worn from a light blue sash over the shoulder.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:34pm
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Order of the Black Eagle
Order of the Black Eagle, was the highest chivalric order in Prussia. Founded in 1701 by Friedrich I, the Black Eagle Order was not awarded for merit in the same sense as the Pour le M?rite, but was a "Collar" order with very limited membership, granted by the King of Prussia.
The Black Eagle figures into the Great War very little, since it was granted only to royalty and high heads of state, such as Kaiser Wilhelm, his sons, and Field Marshall von Hindenburg. We include it here for two reasons: (1) You may see it worn at the neck in formal pose photographs of the men named above, and wonder if it was a variant of the Pour le M?rite (it isn't), and (2) The strong similarity of the design with the more familiar Pour le M?rite (Prussia's highest gallantry award) can easily be seen.
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David
Mon November 8, 2004 3:14am
Rating: 10
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Capt. George Fishley
The Capt. George Fishley photograph is something most people have never seen. It is a daguerreotype made of a Revolutionary War soldier. This photo was take when he was 90 years old.
There are only a few photos of revolutionary war soldiers in existence and most never see the light of day outside of private collections.
There is a note attached to the back of the image. It reads:
"Capt. George Fishley is 90 years on his birthday June 11, 1850. He called at the house this afternoon and appeared well and healthy for an old man, he went to sleep and died December 26th aged 90 years, 7 months adn15 days."
George Fishley entered the Continental Army in 1777, under Gen. Poor and Col. Dearborn. He served three years and, according to his own account, was among the men who marched near Valley Forge wearing no shoes or stockings. Fishley was at Monmouth, the New Jersey confrontation led by George Washington. Monmouth is best known for the resulting court martial of Maj. Gen. Charles Lee and for the famous camp follower "Molly Pitcher" who took her husband?s place at a cannon when he was wounded in battle.
After the Revolution, Fishley served aboard a privateer, was captured and imprisoned in Halifax, according to the Portsmouth Journal. He later commanded a coaster shipping between Portsmouth and Boston. He was a popular figure in patriotic events for decades, and was one of the few surviving veterans to attend the opening of the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston in 1843. In another ceremony, dressed in his uniform, he commanded a miniature ship that was transported from Portsmouth inland to Concord, NH among a crowd of 300 celebrants. Invited to meet James Polk, Capt. Fishley at first declined to shake the President?s hand saying he had no political sympathies with the man. Born under the reign of King George, he lived under the first 13 American presidents, just missing New Hampshire born Franklin Pierce, who became President Number 14.
Capt. Fishley was among the three longest-surviving Revolutionary War veterans in Portsmouth and a patriot to the end, as this story from his obituary confirms:
"It is told of Fishley that when Adams and Jefferson were buried in 1826, and a procession was contemplated in Portsmouth, of which the Revolutionary heroes were to form a part, the committee came to Fishley requesting him to appear. He asked who were to be there. All were named until ----- was mentioned. "What" cried the old man. "He a patriot!" Why he was a d--- Hessian, and came over hear to fight us for six pence a day. No s-i-r, I don?t ride with such patriots as he!" And ride he did not on the solemn occasion."
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David
Mon November 8, 2004 3:17am
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Capt. George Fishley
The Capt. George Fishley photograph is something most people have never seen. It is a daguerreotype made of a Revolutionary War soldier. This photo was take when he was 90 years old.
There are only a few photos of revolutionary war soldiers in existence and most never see the light of day outside of private collections.
There is a note attached to the back of the image. It reads:
"Capt. George Fishley is 90 years on his birthday June 11, 1850. He called at the house this afternoon and appeared well and healthy for an old man, he went to sleep and died December 26th aged 90 years, 7 months adn15 days."
George Fishley entered the Continental Army in 1777, under Gen. Poor and Col. Dearborn. He served three years and, according to his own account, was among the men who marched near Valley Forge wearing no shoes or stockings. Fishley was at Monmouth, the New Jersey confrontation led by George Washington. Monmouth is best known for the resulting court martial of Maj. Gen. Charles Lee and for the famous camp follower "Molly Pitcher" who took her husband?s place at a cannon when he was wounded in battle.
After the Revolution, Fishley served aboard a privateer, was captured and imprisoned in Halifax, according to the Portsmouth Journal. He later commanded a coaster shipping between Portsmouth and Boston. He was a popular figure in patriotic events for decades, and was one of the few surviving veterans to attend the opening of the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston in 1843. In another ceremony, dressed in his uniform, he commanded a miniature ship that was transported from Portsmouth inland to Concord, NH among a crowd of 300 celebrants. Invited to meet James Polk, Capt. Fishley at first declined to shake the President?s hand saying he had no political sympathies with the man. Born under the reign of King George, he lived under the first 13 American presidents, just missing New Hampshire born Franklin Pierce, who became President Number 14.
Capt. Fishley was among the three longest-surviving Revolutionary War veterans in Portsmouth and a patriot to the end, as this story from his obituary confirms:
"It is told of Fishley that when Adams and Jefferson were buried in 1826, and a procession was contemplated in Portsmouth, of which the Revolutionary heroes were to form a part, the committee came to Fishley requesting him to appear. He asked who were to be there. All were named until ----- was mentioned. "What" cried the old man. "He a patriot!" Why he was a d--- Hessian, and came over hear to fight us for six pence a day. No s-i-r, I don?t ride with such patriots as he!" And ride he did not on the solemn occasion."
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David
Mon November 8, 2004 3:19am
Rating: 10
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Capt. George Fishley
The Capt. George Fishley photograph is something most people have never seen. It is a daguerreotype made of a Revolutionary War soldier. This photo was take when he was 90 years old.
There are only a few photos of revolutionary war soldiers in existence and most never see the light of day outside of private collections.
There is a note attached to the back of the image. It reads:
"Capt. George Fishley is 90 years on his birthday June 11, 1850. He called at the house this afternoon and appeared well and healthy for an old man, he went to sleep and died December 26th aged 90 years, 7 months adn15 days."
George Fishley entered the Continental Army in 1777, under Gen. Poor and Col. Dearborn. He served three years and, according to his own account, was among the men who marched near Valley Forge wearing no shoes or stockings. Fishley was at Monmouth, the New Jersey confrontation led by George Washington. Monmouth is best known for the resulting court martial of Maj. Gen. Charles Lee and for the famous camp follower "Molly Pitcher" who took her husband?s place at a cannon when he was wounded in battle.
After the Revolution, Fishley served aboard a privateer, was captured and imprisoned in Halifax, according to the Portsmouth Journal. He later commanded a coaster shipping between Portsmouth and Boston. He was a popular figure in patriotic events for decades, and was one of the few surviving veterans to attend the opening of the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston in 1843. In another ceremony, dressed in his uniform, he commanded a miniature ship that was transported from Portsmouth inland to Concord, NH among a crowd of 300 celebrants. Invited to meet James Polk, Capt. Fishley at first declined to shake the President?s hand saying he had no political sympathies with the man. Born under the reign of King George, he lived under the first 13 American presidents, just missing New Hampshire born Franklin Pierce, who became President Number 14.
Capt. Fishley was among the three longest-surviving Revolutionary War veterans in Portsmouth and a patriot to the end, as this story from his obituary confirms:
"It is told of Fishley that when Adams and Jefferson were buried in 1826, and a procession was contemplated in Portsmouth, of which the Revolutionary heroes were to form a part, the committee came to Fishley requesting him to appear. He asked who were to be there. All were named until ----- was mentioned. "What" cried the old man. "He a patriot!" Why he was a d--- Hessian, and came over hear to fight us for six pence a day. No s-i-r, I don?t ride with such patriots as he!" And ride he did not on the solemn occasion."
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