David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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F-15 Eagle
Function: The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat.
History: The first F-15A flight was made in July 1972, and the first flight of the two-seat F-15B (formerly TF-15A) trainer was made in July 1973. The first Eagle (F-15B) was delivered in November 1974. In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron was delivered.
The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory beginning in 1979. These new models have Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) improvements, including 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of additional internal fuel, provision for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 pounds (30,600 kilograms).
The F-15 Multistage Improvement Program was initiated in February 1983, with the first production MSIP F-15C produced in 1985. Improvements included an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles; and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 included a Hughes APG-70 radar.
F-15C, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm where they proved their superior combat capability with a confirmed 26:0 kill ratio. F-15 fighters accounted for 36 of the 39 Air Force air-to-air victories. F-15Es were operated mainly at night, hunting SCUD missile launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system.
They have since been deployed to support Operation Southern Watch, the patrolling of the UN-sanctioned no-fly zone in Southern Iraq; Operation Provide Comfort in Turkey; in support of NATO operations in Bosnia, and recent air expeditionary force deployments.
Description: The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.
The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. Low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.
A multimission avionics system sets the F-15 apart from other fighter aircraft. It includes a head-up display, advanced radar, inertial navigation system, flight instruments, ultrahigh frequency communications, tactical navigation system and instrument landing system. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic-warfare system, "identification friend or foe" system, electronic countermeasures set and a central digital computer.
The head-up display projects on the windscreen all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.
The F-15's versatile pulse-Doppler radar system can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. For close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.
A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.
The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal 20mm Gatling gun in the right wing root.
Low-drag, conformal fuel tanks were especially developed for the F-15C and D models. Conformal fuel tanks can be attached to the sides of the engine air intake trunks under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft. Each conformal fuel tank contains about 114 cubic feet of usable space. These tanks reduce the need for in-flight refueling on global missions and increase time in the combat area. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles, moreover, can be attached to the corners of the conformal fuel tanks.
The F-15E is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep interdiction missions. The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multi-purpose CRT displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant Lear Siegler flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system.
For low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the F-15E carries a high-resolution APG-70 radar and low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night pods.
?General Characteristics, F-15 Eagle
Contractor:
McDonnell Douglas Corporation
Unit Cost:
$15 million
Power Plant:
Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or 229 turbofan engines with afterburners
Thrust:
(C/D models) 23,450 pounds each engine
Length:
63.8 feet (19.44 meters)
Height:
18.5 feet (5.6 meters)
Wingspan:
42.8 feet (13 meters)
Maximum Take-Off Weight:
C/D models: 68,000 pounds (30,844 kilograms)
Speed:
Mach 2+
Range:
3,450 miles (3,000 nautical miles) ferry range with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
Ceiling:
65,000 feet (19,812 meters)
Crew:
F-15A/C: one
F-15B/D/E: two
Armament:
One internally mounted M-61A1 20mm 20-mm, six-barrel cannon with 940 rounds of ammunition
Four AIM-9L/M Sidewinder and four AIM-7F/M Sparrow air-to-air missiles, or eight AIM-120 AMRAAMs, carried externally
Inventory:
Active force, 423
Reserve, 0
ANG, 45
Date Deployed:
July 1972
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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F-15E Strike Eagle
Function: The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in inclement weather and perform its primary function as an air-to-ground attack aircraft.
History: The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through its high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low-wing loading. It was the first U.S. operational aircraft whose engines' thrust exceeded the plane's loaded weight, permitting it to accelerate even while in vertical climb. Low-wing loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.
The first flight of the F-15A was made in July 1972. In November 1974, the first Eagle was delivered to the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., where training began in both F-15A and B aircraft. In January 1976, the first F-15 destined for a combat squadron was delivered to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, VA.
The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory in 1979 and were delivered to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. These models were equipped with production Eagle package improvements, including 2,000 pounds of additional internal fuel, provisions for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks, and increased maximum takeoff weight of 68,000 pounds.
The first production model of the F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, AZ, in April 1988.
Description: The aircraft uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer. Previous models of the F-15 are assigned air-to-air roles; the "E" model is a dual-role fighter. It has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way out.
An inertial navigation system uses a laser gyro to continuously monitor the aircraft's position and provide information to the central computer and other systems, including a digital moving map in both cockpits.
The APG-70 radar system allows air crews to detect ground targets from longer ranges. One feature of this system is that after a sweep of a target area, the crew freezes the air-to-ground map then goes back into air-to-air mode to clear for air threats. During the air-to-surface weapon delivery, the pilot is capable of detecting, targeting and engaging air-to-air targets while the WSO designates the ground target.
The low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) system allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in any weather conditions, to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system gives the F-15E unequaled accuracy in weapons delivery day or night and in poor weather, and consists of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft.
The navigation pod contains terrain-following radar which allows the pilot to safely fly at a very low altitude following cues displayed on a heads up display. This system also can be coupled to the aircraft's autopilot to provide "hands off" terrain-following capability.
The targeting pod contains a laser designator and a tracking system that mark an enemy for destruction as far away as 10 miles. Once tracking has been started, targeting information is automatically handed off to infrared air-to-surface missiles or laser-guided bombs.
One of the most important additions to the F-15E is the rear cockpit, reserved for the weapons systems officer. On four screens, this officer can display information from the radar, electronic warfare or infrared sensors, monitor aircraft or weapons status and possible threats, select targets, and use an electronic "moving map" to navigate. Two hand controls are used to select new displays and to refine targeting information. Displays can be moved from one screen to another, chosen from a "menu" of display options.
In addition to three similar screens in the front seat, the pilot has a transparent glass heads up display screen at eye level that displays vital flight and tactical information. The pilot doesn't need to look down into the cockpit, for example, to check weapon status. At night, the screen is even more important because it displays a video picture nearly identical to a daylight view of the world that is generated by the forward-looking infrared sensor.
The F-15E is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or 229 engines that incorporate advanced digital technology for improved performance. For example, with a digital electronic engine control system, F-15E pilots can accelerate from idle power to maximum afterburner in less than four seconds, a 40 percent improvement over the previous engine control system. Faster engine acceleration means quicker takeoffs and crisper response while maneuvering. The F100-PW-220 engines can produce 50,000 pounds of thrust (25,000 each) and the F100-PW-229 engines 58,000 pounds of thrust (29,000 each).
Each of the low-drag conformal fuel tanks that hug the F-15E's fuselage can carry 750 gallons of fuel. The tanks hold weapons on short pylons rather than conventional weapon racks, reducing drag and further extending the range of the Strike Eagle.
For air-to-ground missions, the F-15E can carry most weapons in the Air Force inventory. It also can be armed with AIM-7F/M Sparrows, AIM-9M Sidewinders and AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) for the air-to-air role. The "E" model also has an internally mounted 20mm gun that can carry up to 500 rounds .
General Characteristics, F-15E Strike Eagle
Builder:
McDonnell Douglas Corporation
Unit Cost:
$42 million
Power Plant:
Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or 229 turbofan engines with afterburners
Thrust:
25,000 - 29,000 pounds each engine
Length:
63.8 feet (19.44 meters)
Height:
18.5 feet (5.6 meters)
Wingspan:
42.8 feet (13 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
81,000 pounds (36,450 kilograms)
Speed:
High subsonic
Service Ceiling:
50,000 feet (15,000 meters)
Combat Ceiling:
35,000 feet (10,500 meters)
Range:
2,400 miles (3,840 kilometers) ferry range with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
Crew:
Pilot and weapon systems officer
Armament:
One 20mm multibarrel gun mounted internally with 500 rounds of ammunition
Four AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles and four AIM-9L/M Sidewinder missiles, or eight AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
Any air-to-surface weapon in the Air Force inventory (nuclear and conventional)
Inventory:
Active force, 201
ANG, 0
Reserve, 0
Date Deployed:
April 1988
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:34pm
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M577 Mobile Command Post
Function: Mobile command post.
Description: The M577 is very similar to the M113 in appearance. The driver is situated in the left front corner of the vehicle, while the powerpack is located in the right front corner. The M577 retains the M113's torsion bar suspension, utilizing five pairs of evenly spaced aluminum alloy cast road wheels with the drive sprocket in front, the idler wheel to the rear, and no track support return rollers. The track is a steel single pin variety with each track block riding on a replaceable rubber pad. As with the M113, the M577 is fully amphibious, and is equipped with a driver deployable trim vane mounted on the front slope of the hull. The M577 is propelled through the water and maneuvered by track manipulation.
History: Type classified in March 1963 as a mobile command post, the M577 has also been utilized as a mobile field aid station, artillery fire direction center, and communications vehicle. Essentially a vertically expanded M113 armored personnel carrier, the interior of the M577 has been reconfigured to accommodate additional communications equipment, map and tactical information boards, field desks or artillery plotting tables, and additional crewmembers. Each 577 is equipped with an externally mounted electric generator capable of powering the additional equipment to reduce loading on the vehicle's inherit electrical system. In addition, each M577 is equipped with an integral expandable shelter which can be deployed when the vehicle is stationary. In a tactical situation, multiple M577 shelters can be linked together to create an enclosed working space. Like the M113, the M577 is amphibious, and is equipped with a diagram for load equalization, necessary to counteract the M577s high center of gravity. The M577 is equipped with a standard M113 driver's hatch and a single vehicle commander's hatch centered in the roof of the vehicle. The commander's position is equipped with a pintle machine gun mount which may accommodate either an M2 HB caliber .50 machine gun, an M60 7.62mm machine gun, or a Mk19 40mm grenade launcher. The vehicle is equipped with an engine driven Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, filtration system which supplies the crew with purified air via a protective mask hose coupling, but does not over pressurize the crew compartment. Since it's introduction, over 4,000 M577, M577A1, and M577A2 command vehicles have been produced for the United States Army.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:05pm
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M1084 Standard Cargo Truc
Function: Transport.
Description: The M1084 Standard Cargo Truck with MHE is designed to transport cargo and soldiers. The M1084 has a payload capacity of 10,000 pounds and lift capacity of 2,500 to 5,000 pounds using the on board MHE. The cargo bed side rails are hinged for the ease of loading and unloading cargo. The cargo bed can be equipped with an optional bench seat kit for transport of soldiers. The bench seats are constructed of a non-wood material and attach to the cargo bed side rails. The seats can be folded down and stowed when not in use. Soldiers are assisted climbing in and out of the cargo bed area with the aid of a ladder stowed on the vehicle when not in use. A canvas and bows kit is provided to keep soldiers and cargo protected from the elements. The M1084 can be equipped with a self-recovery winch capable of fore/aft vehicle recovery operations. The winch has 280 feet of line capacity and 15,500 pounds bare drum line pull at 110% overload.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:05pm
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Mk 48-17 Dropside Cargo
Function: Transport.
History: The Marine Corps fielded the heavy tactical vehicle system during the mid 1980s. The Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) is a modular system consisting of a MK48 front power unit and, originally, four interchangeable rear body units (RBU). The front power unit and rear body units are joined by a hydraulically powered articulated joint that assists in steering the vehicle and allows a degree of independent movement between the front and rear units for more mobility. The articulated joint transfers automotive power to the RBU axles and hydraulic power for any hydraulically operated equipment. The completed units are 8x8 systems with two front steering axles. The LVS has an off road payload of 12.5 tons and an on road payload of 22.5 tons.
Description: The MK48 Front Power Unit is an enclosed cab, diesel powered, automatic transmission, 4x4 vehicle that provides all automotive and hydraulic power for the LVS combinations.
The MK17 Dropside Cargo Rear Body Unit with Material Handling Crane is a dropside bulk cargo vehicle with an integral hydraulically operated crane to provide a self loading capability.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:05pm
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Mk 48-18 Dropside Cargo
Function: Transport.
History: The Marine Corps fielded the heavy tactical vehicle system during the mid 1980s. The Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) is a modular system consisting of a MK48 front power unit and, originally, four interchangeable rear body units (RBU). The front power unit and rear body units are joined by a hydraulically powered articulated joint that assists in steering the vehicle and allows a degree of independent movement between the front and rear units for more mobility. The articulated joint transfers automotive power to the RBU axles and hydraulic power for any hydraulically operated equipment. The completed units are 8x8 systems with two front steering axles. The LVS has an off road payload of 12.5 tons and an on road payload of 22.5 tons.
Description: The MK48 Front Power Unit is an enclosed cab, diesel powered, automatic transmission, 4x4 vehicle that provides all automotive and hydraulic power for the LVS combinations.
Since the initial fielding, 325 MK14s have been converted to the MK18 Self-loading Container and Ribbon Bridge Transporter. The MK18 is capable of self loading and off-loading fully loaded 20 foot standard containers and the ribbon bridge interior and ramp bays and standard bridge boat. An additional 164 MK14s will be converted during 1996 and 1997 to the MK18A1 configuration. The MK18A1 differs from the MK18 in the loading and off-loading mechanism.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
Rating: 10
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BLU-82 "Daisy Cutter
Function: 15,000 pound special purpose bomb.
Background: Introduced in March of 1970 as a field expedient method for carving out helicopter landing zones in the jungles of Vietnam (known as Commando vault airlift operations), the 15,000-pound BLU-82B, more popularly known as the "Daisy Cutter", is arguably the world's largest non-nuclear conventional airdropped munition. The BLU-82 is filled with 12,600 pounds of GSX explosive slurry and when detonated creates a blast wave of over 1,000 lbs. per square inch, which is sufficient to shear an 8" diameter tree off at its base and clear an area approxiamately 260 feet in diameter.
The BLU-82 is equipped with a 38" stand-off detonator fuse, which facilitates in the formation of the blast wave and can only be delivered by Special Operations MC-130 Combat Talon cargo aircraft. Because the BLU-82 must be dropped from at least 6,000 feet AGL (to avoid collateral damage to the dropping aircraft) and the aircraft itself is not equipped with an offensive air-ground radar system, accurate delivery of the weapon is dependent upon precise aircraft alignment (this can be achieved through either internal, on board navigational and positioning equipment or through steering cues provided by either ground or aerial radar control stations) and strict adherence to the bomb run profile.
Because of its blast potential, the Commando Vault is extremely effective in urban or built up areas as well as collapsing defensive fortifications and bunker complexes. The BLU-82 is also of limited effectiveness as a minefield clearing munition.
Description: The BLU-82 is essentially a large, explosive filled cylinder. The cylinder is olive drab in color, 4.5 feet in diameter, approximately 12 feet long, and equipped with a conical aerodynamic nose cone and tipped with a 38-inch standoff detonator. The bomb itself is unguided and utilizes a drogue parachute to both orient the weapon "nose first" and to control its rate of descent. Prior to deployment the BLU-82 is mounted on a sled-like loading/delivery pallet.
To launch the bomb, a cargo extraction parachute is deployed which, in turn, pulls the palletized bomb out of the aircraft. Once the bomb has left the aircraft a static line automatically deploys the bomb stabilization chute. The cargo extraction chute and delivery cradle are both discarded once the bomb stabilization chute deploys.
?General Characteristics, BLU-82 Commando Vault
Length:
11.8 feet (3.63 meters)
Diameter:
4.5 feet (1.38 meters)
Unit Cost:
$27,318 each
Weight:
15,000 lbs (6,818 kg.)
Filler type:
12,600 lbs GSX Aluminum-based slurry
Introduction date:
March 1970
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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AGM-154A Joint Standoff W
Description: The AGM-154A Joint Standoff Weapon or JSOW is currently under development by Raytheon [Texas Instruments] for the Air Force and the Navy. The AGM-154A (Formerly Advanced Interdiction Weapon System) is intended to provide a low cost, highly lethal glide weapon with a standoff capability. JSOW family of kinematically efficient, air-to-surface glide weapons, in the 1,000-lb class, provides standoff capabilities from 15 nautical miles (low altitude launch) to 40 nautical miles (high altitude launch). The JSOW will be used against a variety of land and sea targets and will operate from ranges outside enemy point defenses. The JSOW is a launch and leave weapon that employs a tightly coupled Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS), and is capable of day/night and adverse weather operations. The JSOW uses inertial and global positioning system for midcourse navigation and imaging infra-red and datalink for terminal homing.
The JSOW is just over 13 feet in length and weighs between 1000-1500 pounds. Extra flexibility has been engineered into the AGM-154A by its modular design, which allows several different submunitions, unitary warheads, or non-lethal payloads to be carried. The JSOW will be delivered in three variants, each of which uses a common air vehicle, or truck, while substituting various payloads.
Weapon planning will be accomplished using the Navy's Tactical Automated Mission Planning System (TAMPS) and the Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS). Aircraft-to-weapon communications will be via the MIL-STD-1760 interface, making inflight programming/targeting possible, as well as preflight data loading. The weapon will be deployed from both carrier- and land-based aircraft, employing insensitive munitions technology. The JSOW will be employed on the following aircraft: F/A-18A/B, C/D, and E/F; AV-8B; F-14A/B and /D; F-16C/D; F-15E; F-117; B-1B; and B-52.
History: Texas Instruments (TI) Defense Systems & Electronics (DS&E) began Engineering and Manufacturing Development (E&MD) of JSOW in 1992. In December 1995, the Navy and Texas Instruments completed Development Test IIB (DT-IIB) at the Naval Air Weapon Center, (NAWC) China Lake and Point Mugu, California, with 10 for 11 successful flights of the AGM-154A BLU-97 dispenser variant.
On January 6, 1997, it was announced that Texas Instruments Defense Systems & Electronics was being purchased by Raytheon Company, Lexington, Massachusetts. The U.S. Navy began Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) testing in February 1997, after successful development testing and initial operational testing programs. The test program resulted in a 42 for 44 success rate or greater than 96% successful JSOW launches. The Air Force began Development Test & Evaluation (DT&E) flight testing of JSOW on the F-16 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in March 1996. Air Force testing of the baseline JSOW was hindered by less than desired progress in the area of F-16/JSOW integration.
The AGM-154A (Baseline variant) system entered Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) on schedule. The $65.9 million LRIP contract was awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), in Arlington, Virginia, for 111 JSOW AGM-154A/baseline systems. LRIP for the other two variants are scheduled for FY99 and FY00, respectively. On 29 December 1998 Raytheon Systems was awarded a $133,881,355 firm-fixed-price contract to provide funding for the Full Rate Production Lot 1 of JSOW AGM-154A and the Low Rate Initial Production Lot I of the JSOW AGM-154B (AGM-154A: Navy - 328 and Air Force - 75) (AGM-154B: Navy - 3 and Air Force - 21). Work is expected to be completed by March 2001.
JSOW test articles were deployed in 1997 aboard the USS Nimitz and are currently deployed on the USS Eisenhower. JSOW's initial introduction to the operational commands was on the Navy/Marine Corps F/A-18 in mid-1998. As of late 1997 a number of remaining JSOW test assets were on an interim deployment for further operational evaluation. USS Carl Vinson 's air wing first employed the JSOW during combat over southern Iraq on January 25, 1999.
On December 29, 1999 Raytheon Systems Company, Tucson, AZ, was awarded a $109,573,867 modification to previously awarded contract N00019-99-C-1014 to exercise an option for the full rate production Lot 2 of the Joint Standoff Weapon AGM-154A for the U.S. Navy (414) and U.S. Air Force (74). Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ, and was expected to be completed by March 2002.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 8:34am
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The MH-60G's primary wart
The MH-60G's primary wartime missions are infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions. Other missions include combat search and rescue. The MH-60G is equipped with an all-weather radar which enables the crew to avoid inclement weather. To extend their range, Pave Hawks are equipped with a retractable in-flight refueling probe and internal auxiliary fuel tanks. Pave Hawks are equipped with a rescue hoist with a 200-foot (60.7 meters) cable and 600-pound (270 kilograms) lift capacity. All MH-60G's have an automatic flight control system to stabilize the aircraft in typical flight altitudes. They also have instrumentation and engine and rotor blade anti-ice systems for all-weather operation. The non-retractable landing gear consists of two main landing gears and a tail wheel. Aft sliding doors on each side of the troop and cargo compartment allow rapid loading and unloading. External loads can be carried on an 8,000-pound (3,600 kilograms) capacity cargo hook. Pave Hawks are equipped with folding rotor blades and a tail stabilator for shipboard operations and to ease air transportability.
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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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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 12:17pm
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A C-5 Galaxy from the 439
A C-5 Galaxy from the 439th Airlift Wing Westover ARB, Mass., arrives at McChord AFB, Wash. With its tremendous payload capability, the gigantic C-5, an outsized-cargo transport, provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of United States national defense. The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world. It can carry outsized cargo intercontinental ranges and can take off or land in relatively short distances. Ground crews can load and off load the C-5 simultaneously at the front and rear cargo openings since the nose and aft doors open the full width and height of the cargo compartment. It can also "kneel down" to facilitate loading directly from truck bed levels.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:40pm
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Senior Airmen Brian Warfe
Senior Airmen Brian Warfel and Rex Panting, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members, prepare an AIM-9 missile before loading it onto an F-15C Feb. 16. Warfel and Panting are temporary duty to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, as part of Operation Northern Watch.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 1:28pm
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Loading the Detail
Loading the Detail
by Priscilla Messner-Patterson
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The Patriot Files Forums
