David
Tue December 10, 2002 2:36pm
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The Second Continental Co
The Second Continental Congress voting independence. Painting by Robert Pine and Edward Savage.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
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C-9 Skytrain
Function: The Navy and Marine Corps C-9 aircraft provide cargo and passenger transportation as well as forward deployment logistics support. The Air Force C-9s are used for medical evacuation, passenger transportation, and special missions.
Description: The C-9 fleet is located throughout the continental United States, Europe, and Asia. The C-9 is the military version of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 used for many years by commercial airlines.
General Characteristics, C-9 Skytrain
Contractor:
Boeing Aircraft Corporation (formerly the McDonnell Douglas Corporation)
Unit Cost:
$35 million
Thrust:
Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A turbofan engines; 14,500 pounds (6,525 kg) each engine
Length:
119 feet 3 inches (35.7 meters)
Wingspan:
93 feet 3 inches (27.9 meters)
Height:
27 feet 5 inches (8.2 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
108,000 pounds (48,600 kilograms)
Range:
More than 2,000 miles (1,739 nautical miles or 3,200 km)
Basic Weight:
65,283 pounds (29,369 kilograms) in passenger configuration, 59,706 pounds (26,868 kilograms) in cargo configuration
Ceiling:
37,000 feet
Speed:
565 mph (Mach 0.86/904 km/h) at 25,000 feet ( 7.500 meters), with maximum takeoff weight
Load:
40 litter patients, or four litters and 40 ambulatory patients, or other combinations)
Crew:
C-9A/C, eight (pilot, copilot, flight mechanic, two flight nurses, three aeromedical technicians)
C-9B, two pilots plus cabin attendants
Date Deployed:
August 1968
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
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C-21A
Function: The C-21A is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and passenger airlift. The aircraft is the military version of the Lear Jet 35A business jet. In addition to providing cargo and passenger airlift, the aircraft is capable of transporting litters during medical evacuations.
History: Delivery of the C-21A fleet began in April 1984 and was completed October 1985. Glasco, a subsidiary of Learjet, Inc., provides full contractor logistics support at 16 worldwide locations. On April 1, 1997, all continental U.S.-based C-21s were realigned under Air Mobility Command, with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, IL, as the lead command. C-21s stationed outside the continental United States are assigned to the theater commanders.
Description: The 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 of the C-21A is 931 gallons (3,537.8 liters) with refueling accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank. The safety and operational capabilities of the C-21A are increased by the autopilot, color weather radar and tactical air navigation system, as well as high frequency, very high frequency and ultra high frequency radios.
The aircraft has a crew of two and may be flown from either cockpit seat. It is equipped with an automatic navigation system to enhance crew efficiency. Four cathode ray tubes display essential information to the pilots.
General Characteristics, C-21A
Prime Contractor:
Learjet, Inc.
Thrust:
3,500 pounds(1,575 kilograms) each engine
Length:
48 feet, 7 inches (14.71 meters)
Height:
12 feet, 3 inches (3.71 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
18,300 pounds (8,235 kilograms)
Wingspan:
39 feet, 6 inches (11.97 meters)
Maximum Speed:
530 mph (Mach 0.81, 461 knots at 41,000 feet (12,496.8 meters)
Ceiling:
45,000 feet (13,716 meters)
Power Plant:
Two Garrett TFE-731-2-2B turbofan engines
Fuel Capability:
931 gallons (3,537.8 liters), or 1,120 gallons (4,256 liters) with ferry tanks
Maximum Range:
2,306 miles (3,689.6 kilometers)
Maximum Load:
Eight passengers and 3,153 pounds (1,433.18 kilograms) of cargo
Crew:
Two (pilot and co-pilot)
Date Deployed:
April 1984
Unit Cost:
$3.1 million (fiscal 1996 constant dollars)
Inventory:
Active forces, 70
ANG, 4
Reserve, 0
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:24pm
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AT-37 Tweet
Function: The T-37 Tweet is a twin-engine jet used for training undergraduate pilots, undergraduate navigator and tactical navigator students in fundamentals of aircraft handling, and instrument, formation and night flying.
History: The T-37A made its first flight in 1955 and went into service with the Air Force in 1956. The T-37B became operational in 1959. All T-37A's have been modified to T-37B standards. A contract was awarded in August 1989 to Sabreliner Corp. for the T-37B Structural Life Extension Program. The contract included the design, testing and production of kits, installed by a U.S. Air Force contract field team, which modified or replaced critical structural components for the entire fleet, extending the capability of the T-37 into the next century. More than 1,000 T-37s were built, and 507 remain in the U.S. Air Force inventory. All have been repainted in a distinctive dark blue and white to help formation training and to ease maintenance.
Description: The twin engines and flying characteristics of the T-37 give student pilots the feel for handling the larger, faster T-38 Talon or T-1A Jayhawk later in the undergraduate pilot training course. The instructor and student sit side by side for more effective training. The cockpit has dual controls, ejection seats and a clamshell-type canopy that can be jettisoned. The T-37 has a hydraulically operated speed brakes, tricycle landing gear and a steerable nose wheel. Six rubber-cell, interconnected fuel tanks in each wing feed the main tank in the fuselage.
The T-37B has improved radio navigational equipment, UHF radio and redesigned instrument panels. Many foreign air forces fly the T-37B, including those of Thailand, Greece, Chile, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan. Students from 12 North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries train in T-37B's at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Flying the T-37C are the air forces of Portugal, Peru, Colombia and Greece, among others.
The T-37C is similar to the T-37B, but has provisions for both armament and wingtip fuel tanks. The plane can carry two, 250-pound (112.5 kilogram) bombs. Associated equipment includes computing gun sights and a 16mm gun camera. The aircraft can be fitted with cameras for reconnaissance missions.
General Characteristics, T-37 Tweet
Builder:
Cessna Aircraft Company
Unit Cost:
$164,854
Power Plant:
Two Continental J69-T-25 turbojet engines
Thrust:
1,025 pounds (461.25 kilograms), each engine
Length:
29 feet, 3 inches (8.9 meters)
Height:
9 feet, 2 inches (2.8 meters)
Wingspan:
33 feet, 8 inches (10.2 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
6,625 pounds (2,981 kilograms)
Speed:
315 mph (Mach 0.4 at sea level)
Ceiling:
35,000 feet (10.6 kilometers)
Range:
460 miles (400 nautical miles)
Armament:
T-37B, none
T-37C has provisions for external armament
Crew:
Two (instructor and student)
Inventory:
Active force, 507
ANG, 0
Reserve 0
Date Deployed:
December 1956
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:49pm
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AAVP7A1 Amphibious Wheele
Function: Amphibious Assault.
History: The AAV7A1 is the newest Assault Amphibian in a series that started with the Roebling ALLIGATOR. The Alligator was developed over a period of 7 years, starting in 1932. The first "Gators" were a disappointment, in that the water speed was only 2.5 mph. The land speed was 25 mph. Through design changes, and by using larger engines, the water speed of the Alligator was increased to 8.6 mph by 1939. In 1940, Roebling built a new model which was designated the CROCODILE. The Crocodile had a land speed of 25 mph and a water speed of 9.4 mph. The LVT-1 was a direct copy of the Crocodile, except that it was fabricated from sheet steel instead of aluminum. The LVT-1 was in production from 1941 to 1943. Being heavier, the land speed of the LVT-1 was 18 mph and the water speed was 7 mph. A 6-cylinder, 146 hp Hercules engine was used for power. The LVT-1 was propelled by two endless chains fitted with cleats, both in the water and on land. The first LVT-1's were used as logistic support vehicles only. They were not armored and carried no armament, however, this soon changed. At the Battle of Tarawa, bolted on armor plate was used and the vehicles were equipped with one to four 30 cal. machine guns. The second generation of LVT's was the LVT-2. This vehicle was developed in 1941 and was in production from 1942 to 1945. The LVT-2 was the basic design for a series of vehicles used during WW II. This family of vehicles included the: LVTA1, LVTA2, LVT4, LVTA4, and LVTA5. A few of the LVTA5s were modified in 1949 and continued in service until the mid 1950s. These vehicles were powered with 7-cylinder radial aircraft engines built by Continental Motors. These engines developed 220hp, their service life was very short. Major overhaul was scheduled for 100 hours, however few ever lasted that long. The transmission was a 5 speed, manual shift SPICER that incorporated a manually operated steer differential. This transmission had been developed for the M-3 light tank. As a result, the transmission was too narrow for the LVT. This problem was overcome by using four final drives. The internal finals were bolted to the transmission / differential gear case and supported by two mounting yokes. The external final drives were bolted to the hull and powered the drive sprockets. This generation of LVTs was used through the Okinawa campaign in 1945.
Description: The AAVP7A1 is an armored assault amphibious full-tracked landing vehicle. The vehicle carries troops in water operations from ship to shore, through rough water and surf zone. It also carries troops to inland objectives after ashore.
General Characteristics, AAVP7A1
Manufacturer:
FMC Corporation
Date First Prototype:
1979
Date First Production Vehicle:
1983
Crew:
Three
Weight:
Unloaded: 46,314 pounds (with EAAK, less crew, fuel, OEM and ammo)
Combat equipped: 50,758 pounds (EAAK, crew, fuel, OEM and ammo)
Troop loaded: 56,743 pounds (combat equipped with troops)
Cargo loaded: 60,758 pounds (combat equipped with cargo)
Mine clearance kit: 61,158 pounds (combat equipped with MKl MOD 0 MCS)
Load Capacity:
21 Combat Equipped Troops (at 285 pounds) or 10,000 pounds of cargo
Fuel Capacity:
171 gallons
Cruising Range:
Land: 20 to 30 mph
Water: 6 mph
Cruising Speed:
Land: 20 to 30 mph
Water: 6 mph
Maximum Speed Forward:
Land: 45 mph
Water: 8.2 mph
Maximum Speed Reverse:
Land: 12 mph
Water: 4.5 mph
Engine:
Make: Cummins
Model: VT400
Type: 4 cycle, 8 cylinder, 90' Vee, water cooled, turbocharged
Fuel: Multifuel
Cargo Compartment:
Length: 13.5 feet
Width: 6.0 feet
Height: 5.5 feet
Volume: 445.5 cubic feet
Capacity: 21 combat equipped troops
Armament and Ammunition:
HBM2 .50 caliber machine gun
MK 19 MOD3 40 mm machine gun
Unit Replacement Cost:
$2.2-2.5 million
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 10:23pm
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Armor Branch Insignia
ARMOR
Branch Insignia: The front view of an M-26 tank, gun slightly raised, superimposed on two crossed cavalry sabers in scabbards, cutting edge up, 13/16 inch in height overall, of gold color metal.
The Armor insignia, approved in 1950, consists of the traditional crossed sabers (originally adopted for the cavalry in 1851) on which the M-26 tank is superimposed. The design symbolizes the traditional and current roles of armor.
Branch Plaque: The plaque design has the branch insignia, letters and border in gold. The background is green.
Regimental Insignia: Personnel assigned to the Armor branch affiliate with a specific regiment and wear the insignia of the affiliated regiment.
Regimental Coat of Arms: There is no standard armor regimental flag to represent all of the armor regiments. Each regiment of armor has its own coat of arms which appears on the breast of a displayed eagle. The background of all the armor regimental flags is yellow.
Branch Colors: Yellow. 65002 cloth; 67108 yarn; 123 PMS.
In March 1855, two regiments of cavalry were created and their trimmings were to be of "yellow." In 1861, the designation of dragoon and mounted rifleman disappeared, all becoming Cavalry with "yellow" as their colors. Armor was assigned the colors green and white by Circular 49 on 21 February 1947. When the Cavalry branch was abolished, the present Armor was assigned the former Cavalry color yellow by SR 600-60-1 dated 26 October 1951.
Birthday: 12 December 1775. The Armor branch traces its origin to the Cavalry. A regiment of cavalry was authorized to be raised by the Continental Congress Resolve of 12 December 1775. Although mounted units were raised at various times after the Revolution, the first unit in continuous service was the United States Regiment of Dragoons, organized in 1833. The Tank Service was formed 5 March 1918. The Armored Force was formed on 10 July 1940. Armor became a permanent branch of the Army in 1950.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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American Campaign Medal w
1. Description: The Bronze medal is 1 1/4 inches in width. On the obverse is a Navy cruiser under full steam with a B-24 airplane flying overhead with a sinking enemy submarine in the foreground on three wave symbols, in the background a few buildings representing the arsenal of democracy, above the scene the words "AMERICAN CAMPAIGN." On the reverse an American bald eagle close between the dates "1941 - 1945" and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/16 inch oriental blue 67172; 1/16 inch white 67101; 1/16 inch black 67138; 1/16 inch scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch white; 3/16 inch oriental blue; center 1/8 triparted old glory blue 67178, white and scarlet; 3/16 inch oriental blue; 1/16 inch white; 1/16 inch scarlet; 1/16 inch black; 1/16 inch white; and 3/16 inch oriental blue.
3. Criteria:a. The American Campaign Medal was awarded to personnel for service within the American Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946 under any of the following conditions.
(1) On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States.
(2) Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
(3) Permanently assigned as a member of an operating crew of an airplane actually making regular and frequent flights over ocean waters for a period of 30 days.
(4) Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 days not consecutive.
(5) In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that he actually participated in combat.
(6) Within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year.
b. The eastern boundary of the American Theater is from the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the 77th parallel north latitude, then southeast through Davis Strait to the intersection of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, then south along the meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, then south along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole. The western boundary is from the North Pole, south along the 141st meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, then south and southeast along the Alaska boundary to the Pacific Ocean, then south along the 130th meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 100th meridian west longitude to the South Pole. The American Theater included North America (excluding Alaska) and South America.
4. Components: The following are authorized components:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/227. Medal set with full size medal and ribbon bar. NSN 8455-00-269-5760.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/227. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/9. NSN 8455-00-257-0517. Available commercially.
d. Streamer: The American Campaign ribbon is used as a streamer for one streamer on the Army flag. Although there are three designated campaigns in the American Theater, no Army units received campaign participation credit.
5. Background: a. The American Campaign Medal was established per Executive Order 9265, dated 6 November 1942, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 56, 1942. The criteria was initially announced in Department of the Army (DA) Circular 1, dated 1 January 1943, so that the ribbon could be authorized prior to design of the medal. The criteria for the medal was announced in DA Circular 84, dated 25 March 1948 and subsequently published in Army Regulation 600-65, dated 22 September 1948.
b. The ribbon design was approved by the Secretary of War on 24 November 1942. The blue color represents the Americas; the central blue, white and red stripes (taken from the American Defense Service Medal ribbon) refers to the continuance of American defense after Pearl Harbor. The white and black stripes refer to the German part of the conflict on the Atlantic Coast, while the red and white stripes are for the Japanese colors and refer to that part of the conflict on the Pacific Coast.
c. The medal was designed by Mr. Thomas Hudson Jones. The reverse side was designed by Mr. A. A. Weinman and is the same design as used on the reverse of the European-African-Middle Eastern and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medals. The first medal was presented to General of the Army George C. Marshall on 17 December 1947.
d. One bronze star is worn on the ribbon to indicate participation in an authorized campaign. There were three campaigns in the American Theater:
(1) Antisubmarine: 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45.
*(2) Ground Combat: 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45.
*(3) Air Combat: 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45.
* These campaigns are not displayed as streamers on the Army flag.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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American Defense Medal wi
AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
1. Description: The bronze medal is 1 ? inches in width. On the obverse is a female Grecian figure symbolic of defense, holding in her sinister hand an ancient war shield in reverse and her dexter hand brandishing a sword above her head, and standing upon a conventionalized oak branch with four leaves. Around the top is the lettering "AMERICAN DEFENSE". On the reverse is the wording "FOR SERVICE DURING THE LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 8,1939 OR DURING THE UNLIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 27,1941" above a seven-leafed spray of laurel. The foreign service clasp is a Bronze bar 1/8 inch in width and 1-1/2 inches in length with the words "FOREIGN SERVICE", with a star at each end of the inscription. The foreign service clasp is placed on the suspension ribbon of the medal.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/16 inch golden yellow 67104; 1/8 inch triparted old glory blue 67178; white 67101; and scarlet 67111; center ? inch golden yellow; 1/8 inch triparted scarlet; white; and old glory blue 67178; and 3/16 inch golden yellow.
3. Criteria: The American Defense Service Medal was awarded to personnel for active duty service from 8 September 1939 to 7 December 1941 for a period of twelve months or longer.
4. Components: The following are authorized components:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/228. Medal set with full size medal and ribbon bar. NSN: 8455-00-269-5780.
b. Medal (miniature): MIL-DTL-3943/228. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/10. NSN: 8455-00-257-0513. Available commercially.
d. Foreign Service Clasp: MIL-R-41819/9. NSN: 8455-00-249-0187.
5. Background:
a. The American Defense Service Medal was established per Executive Order 8808, dated 28 June 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941. The criteria was announced in Department of the Army Circular 44, dated 13 February 1942.
b. The ribbon design was approved by the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Navy on January 7, 1942. The golden yellow color was symbolic of the golden opportunity of the youth of the United States to serve the National colors, represented by the blue, white and red pin stripes on each side.
c. The medal was designed by Mr. Lee Lawrie, a civilian sculptor from Easton, Maryland. The model was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts on May 5, 1942.
d. The foreign service clasp is worn on the suspension ribbon to indicate service outside the Continental United States. A bronze star is worn on the service ribbon in lieu of the foreign service clasp.
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