David
Thu December 19, 2002 2:17pm
|
The Black Hawk is the Arm
The Black Hawk is the Army's primary helicopter for air assault, general support, and aeromedical evacuation units. It has enhanced the Army's mobility with improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability. US Army Photo
|
|
David
Fri December 20, 2002 8:01am
|
An Aviation Boatswain's M
An Aviation Boatswain's Mate directs a C-2A Greyhound from the ?Rawhides? of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero (VRC-40) onto one of four steam catapults on the ship?s flight deck. The Greyhound provides critical logistics support to aircraft carriers and can deliver payloads of up to 10,000 pounds. The cabin can readily accommodate cargo, passengers or both. It is also equipped to accept litter patients in medical evacuation missions. The Norfolk, Va.-based George Washington is on a routine deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Summer Anderson.
|
|
David
Fri December 20, 2002 8:01am
|
Members of the flight dec
Members of the flight deck crew are about to direct a C-2A Greyhound to one of the the carrier's four steam powered catapults aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The Greyhound provides critical logistics support to aircraft carriers and can deliver payloads of up to 10,000 pounds. The cabin can readily accommodate cargo, passengers or both. It is also equipped to accept litter patients in medical evacuation missions. Theodore Roosevelt is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting flight deck certifications. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 2nd Class Floyd Grimm.
|
|
David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
|
Navy Seabees from Naval C
Navy Seabees from Naval Construction Battalion 17 brush up on their firing techniques during Exercise Mountain Bee '97. The exercise gave the reserve Seabees in-field training on the use of weapons, medical evacuations, communications and logistics and other combat related training. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 2nd Class Don Peterson.
|
|
David
Mon January 13, 2003 10:16am
|
Med Evacuation
Oil by Jim Pollock
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
|
C-2A Greyhound
Function: Description: Twin-engine cargo aircraft, designed to land on aircraft carriers.
History: The C-2 Greyhound is a derivative of the E-2 Hawkeye and replaced the piston-engined C-1 Trader in the Carrier On-board Delivery role. The C-2 shares wings, power plants and empennage with the E-2 Hawkeye, but has a widened fuselage with a rear loading ramp. The first of two prototypes flew in 1964 and production began the following year. The original C-2A aircraft were overhauled to extend their operational life in 1973. In 1984, a contract was awarded for 39 new C-2A aircraft to replace earlier the airframes. Dubbed the Reprocured C-2A due to the similarity to the original, the new aircraft include substantial improvements in airframe and avionic systems. All the older C-2As were phased out in 1987, and the last of the new models was delivered in 1990. During the period November 1985 to February 1987, VR-24, operating with seven Reprocured C-2As, demonstrated exceptional operational readiness while delivering two million pounds of cargo, two million pounds of mail and 14,000 passengers in support of the European and Mediterranean theatres. The C-2A also provided support to the carrier battle groups during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as during the recent operations in Kosovo.
Description: The C-2A Greyhound provides critical logistics support to aircraft carriers. Its primary mission is Carrier On-Board delivery. Powered by two PT-6 turboprop engines, the C-2A can deliver a payload of up to 10,000 pounds. The cabin can readily accommodate cargo, passengers or both. It is also equipped to accept litter patients in medical evacuation missions. Priority cargo such as jet engines can be transported from shore to ship in a matter of hours. A cage system or transport stand provides cargo restraint for loads during carrier launch or landing. The large aft cargo ramp and door and a powered winch allow straight-in rear cargo loading and downloading for fast turnaround. The C-2A's open-ramp flight capability allows airdrop of supplies and personnel from a carrier-launched aircraft. This, plus its folding wings and an on-board auxiliary power unit for engine starting and ground power self-sufficiency in remote areas provide an operational versatility found in no other cargo aircraft.
General Characteristics, C-2A Greyhound
Contractor:
Grumman Aerospace Corporation
Unit Cost:
$38.96 million
Length:
57 feet 7 inches (17.3 meters)
Height:
17 feet (5 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
57,000 pounds (25,650 kilograms)
Crew:
Four
Power Plant:
Two Allison T-56-A-425 turboprop engines; 4,600 shaft horsepower each
Maximum Cruising Speed:
300 knots (345 mph, 553 kph)
Ceiling:
30,000 feet (9,100 meters)
Range:
1,300 nautical miles (1,495 statute miles)
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
|
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
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
|
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
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
|
C-23 Sherpa
Function: Transport and airdrops.
Description: The Sherpa is an all-freight version of the Shorts 330 regional airliner with a 5 foot, 6 inch square cabin section over an unimpeded hold length of 29 feet. Through-loading is provided via a large forward freight door, and via a full width, hydraullically operated rear ramp door with removable roller conveyors. The C-23 Sherpa is the Army National Guard?s answer to missions requiring an aircraft that is capable of faster, higher-altitude and longer-distance coverage than helicopters. The Sherpa comes with a low operating cost due to its simple, robust construction, compared to that of other cargo aircraft.
The Army National Guard has procured 44 C-23B/B+ Sherpa light cargo aircraft to support theater aviation, cargo, airdrop, and aeromedical evacuation for both state and federal wartime missions. The C-23 multi-role utility airplane is the only cargo airplane in the Army, and is organized into 4 theater airplane companies. Each company has four detachments. The detachments are all located in different states. Each detachment has two aircraft. In the Alaska Army National Guard the UV-18As have been replaced by the C-23B+. Requirements exist to standardize C-23B/B+ systems to include global positioning systems, high frequency radios, airdrop equipment, aeromedical evacuation, and engine upgrades. A few of these aircraft are used as all-freight regional airliners by Air Force Material Command.
The aircraft can carry up to 30 passengers in airline-type seats, along with palletized cargo, four small pallets, and do airdrop of those pallets, or 18 litter patients plus their medical personnel. It has a range of a thousand miles, cruises up to two hundred knots, and it?s square because most of the things the Army has are square rather than round. It has six-and-a-half feet of headroom. It is unpressurized, but if it flies above 10,000 feet for an extended period of time, the crew wears oxygen masks. The Sherpa has a crew of three, but sometimes flies with four man crews if there is a need for two flight engineers.
The C-23B Sherpa aircraft is a light military transport aircraft, designed to operate efficiently, even under the most arduous conditions, in a wide range of mission configurations. The large square-section hold, with access at both ends, offers flexibility to perform ordnance movement, troop & vehicle transport, airborne/airdrop missions, medical evacuation and is suitable for conversion to other specialist duties such as maritime or land surveillance.
Configured as a troop transport, the Sherpa provides comfortable, air-conditioned seating for 30 passengers, features "walk about" headroom, a removable latrine unit, and has a 500 lb capacity / 345 cu. ft. baggage compartment located in the nose of the aircraft. Additional space for a 600 lb capacity optional baggage pallet is provided on the rear ramp of the aircraft.
During airborne operations, the aircraft accommodates 27 paratroopers. Optionally, it can be outfitted to handle up to 18 stretchers plus 2 medical attendants. The airplane meets Army Short Take-off & Landing guidelines (STOL), can operate from unpaved runways and is equipped with self-contained ground handling equipment. Operational experience with this remarkable aircraft has proven it to have low maintenance costs and low fuel consumption.
The grey, 30-foot long Sherpa, begins life as a Shorts 360 Airliner. The Shorts Aviation Company is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is one of the oldest aircraft builders in the world. The airplanes are then sent to Clarksburg, West Virginia, where each is remanufactured into an Army Sherpa. The West Virginia Air Center (WVAC) operated by Bombardier Defence Services Inc. provides Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for the C-23 Sherpa aircraft operated by the United States Army National Guard (USARNG) and the US Air Force. This entails support of 27 C-23B and C-23B+ aircraft located at 19 different bases in the USA, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Additionally, the company provide CLS to the fleet of C-23A aircraft operated by the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base CA.
The U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (USAATTC) has a C-23A aircraft which has been modified to acquire various electronic sensor data in support of the Program Executive Officer (PEO) Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Programs. The Sherpa (C-23A) is owned by Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC), Ft. Rucker, AL. Originally under the sponsorship of PM, Airborne Reconnaissance Low (PM ARL) and currently being transitioned to PM NV/RSTA, it acts as a UAV surrogate for payload testing. The C-23A Sherpa, with its on-board workstation and capability to carry observers, is ideal for real-time evaluations of various sensor and target detection/recognition systems.
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
|
C-130 Hercules
Function: The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. C-130s operate throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command (stateside based), theater commands, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Arctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, aerial spray missions, fire-fighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.
History: Four decades have elapsed since the Air Force issued its original design specification, yet the C-130 remains in production. The initial production model was the C-130A, with four Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprops. A total of 219 were ordered and deliveries began in December 1956. Two DC-130As (originally GC-130As) were built as drone launchers/directors, carrying up to four drones on underwing pylons. All special equipment was removable, permitting the aircraft to be used as freighters, assault transports or ambulances.
The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprops and the first of 134 entered Air Force service in April 1959. C-130Bs were used in aerial fire fighting missions by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. Six C-130Bs were modified in 1961 for snatch recovery of classified U.S. Air Force satellites by the 6593rd Test Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
As a partial response to the overwhelming role played by the tactical airlift fleet in Operation Just Cause and in the Persian Gulf War, Congress approved the procurement of more C-130Hs to replace aging E models.
Description: In its personnel carrier role, the C-130 can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 fully-equipped paratroops on side-facing seats. For medical evacuations, it carries 74 litter patients and two medical attendants. Paratroopers exit the aircraft through two doors on either side of the aircraft behind the landing-gear fairings. Another exit is off the rear ramp for airdrops.
The C-130 Hercules joins on mercy flights throughout the world, bringing in food, clothing, shelter, doctors, nurses and medical supplies and moving victims to safety. C-130 Hercules have served other nations, airlifting heavy equipment into remote areas to build airports and roads, search for oil and transport local goods.
The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet and will eventually begin to replace retiring C-130Es and C-130Hs. The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements, lower operating and support costs, and provide life cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. Compared to older C-130s, the C-130J climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance. Currently there are six aircraft in the test program.
Major Improvements include:
- Advance two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics
- Color multifunctional liquid crystal displays and head-up displays
- State-of-the-art navigation systems with dual inertial navigation and global positioning systems Mission planning system
- Low power color radar
- Digital moving map display
- New turboprop engines with six bladed, all composite propellers
- Digital auto pilot
- Improved fuel, environmental and ice protection systems
?General Characteristics, C-130 Hercules
Contractor:
Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company
Length:
97 feet, 9 inches (29.3 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 3 inches (11.4 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters)
Cargo Compartment:
Length - 41 feet (12.5 meters)
Width - 108 inches (2.74 meters) Height - 9 feet (2.74 meters)
Rear ramp (one pallet position): Length, 88 inches (2.23 meters)
Width, 108 inches (2.74 meters)
Height, 76 inches (1.93 meters)
Speed:
374 mph (Mach 0.57) at 20,000 feet (6,060 meters)
Ceiling:
33,000 feet (10,000 meters) with 45,000 pounds (17,716 kilograms) payload
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops;
4,300 horsepower, each engine
Range:
2,356 miles (2,049 nautical miles) with maximum payload
2,500 miles (2,174 nautical miles) with 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) cargo
5,200 miles (4,522 nautical miles) with no cargo
Crew:
Five (two pilots, a navigator, flight engineer and loadmaster); up to 92 troops or 64 paratroops or 74 litter patients or six standard freight pallets with a maximum of 45,000 pounds of cargo
Unit Cost:
$14.1 million (1996 dollars)
Date Deployed:
April 1955
Inventory:
Active force, 93
Air Reserve component (Reserve and ANG), 296
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:31am
|
C-12F Huron
Function: Twin-engine logistics aircraft carrying passengers and cargo between military installations.
Description: The C-12F Huron provides logistics support between Navy air stations. Powered by two PT-6A-42 turboprop engines, the C-12F can deliver a total payload of up to 4,215 pounds. The cabin can readily accommodate cargo, passengers or both. It is also equipped to accept litter patients in medical evacuation missions.
?General Characteristics, C-12F Huron
Prime Contractor:
Raytheon Aircraft Company (formerly Beech Aircraft)
Unit Cost:
$2 million
Power Plant:
Two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-42 turboprop engines; 850 shaft horsepower each
Length:
43 feet 10 inches (13.3 meters)
Height:
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
15,000 pounds (6,750 kilograms)
Maximum Cruising Speed:
294 knots (334 mph or 544 kmh)
Ceiling:
35,000 feet (10,668 meters)
Range:
1,974 nautical miles (3,658 kilometers)
Crew:
Two
Date Deployed:
1994
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:31am
|
C-26 Metroliner
Description: The C-26 is operated exclusively by the Air and Army National Guard and was first delivered in 1989. They have quick change passenger, medevac, or cargo interiors. The C-26A is the civilian equivalent of the Fairchild Metro III with the C-26B being equivalent to the Fairchild Metro 23. The C-26B(CD) [Counter Drug] and the UC-26 are National Guard Bureau aircraft used to support the Air National Guard in drug control operations. The UC-26C is a derivative of the Fairchild Merlin IVC. The C-26B provides time-sensitive movement of personnel and cargo, as well as limited medical evacuation. The UC-26C provides support to counter drug (CD) operations. Additionally, up to ten ANG C-26Bs are being modified to carry specialized electronic equipment used to support CD operations.
The C-26 aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated, is a high performance, fixed wing, pressurized, twin engine turboprop that has accomodations for a pilot and a co-pilot and 19 passengers and/or cargo or a combination of both. It is powered by two Garrett TPE331-12URH engines, rated at 1100 shaft horsepower (820 kw) takeoff power and 1000 shaft horsepower (746 kw) maximum continuous power and equipped with 106 inch (269 cm) diameter McCauly full feathering, reversible, constant speed four bladed propellers.
The aircraft represents an on-call, rapid response, modern air transport for high priority resupply and movement of key personnel to remote, unserviced or feeder sites. Specifically, the aircraft is used to deliver repair parts, equipment, technical teams, crash and accident investigation teams. In its role, such functions as range clearance, Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), administrative movement of personnel, transportation connections and courier flights are accomplished.
The C-26 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) Follow-On Acquisition effort in 1997 focused on providing full CLS for 32 Air National Guard (ANG) and Army National Guard (ARNG) C-26B aircraft and 1 ANG UC-26C aircraft. The C-26 Program Office used acquisition streamlining initiatives to remove all Military Standards & Specifications (MIL STDs/SPECs) from the RFP. The RFP Support Office was employed to support the C-26 program. The team also reduced government-mandated Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) from 22 to 4, and substituted a performance-based Statement of Objectives (SOO) for a Statement of Work (SOW). The requirement was designed to conform to Federal Aviation Administration certifications and standards, creating a high level of interest and competition within the commercial industry. These efforts resulted in program cost avoidance of approximately $33.4M.
On 23 January 1998 the US Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center Reconnaissance Systems Program Office (ASC/RAKBL) awarded a $5,489,211 contract to Versatron Corp. for a replacement Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) System for the Air National Guard C-26B Aircraft. The system is a third generation detector technology, non developmental item consisting of eleven installed and fully integrated systems and two complete spares. The FLIR system includes a Thermal Imaging System (TIS), color TV and Laser Range Finder all co-located in a single gimbal turret, plus any separate associated electronic units. The turret fits in the existing pod and weighs less than 145 pounds. The total system including the turret, electronic units and cabling weighs less than 285 pounds. The turret rotates a full 360 degree in azimuth field of regard and elevation coverage above 0 degree level elevation and beyond -90 degrees (NADIR). The FLIR is able to receive azimuth and elevation cue commands. The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) combined must result in a Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD) that provides thermal sensitivity and spatial resolution to detect and recognize a .5m x 2m man size target from other thermal sources or the background at 30,000 feet slant range under clear visibility weather conditions.
General Characteristics, C-26 Metroliner
Builder:
Fairchild Aircraft Corporation
Power Plant:
Two Garrett TPE331-11U-612G engines
Thrust:
1,100 horspower each shaft
Length:
42.17 feet
Height:
16.83 feet
Wingspan:
46.25 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
16,500 pounds
Maximum Speed:
248 knots
Service Ceiling:
25,000 feet
Range:
2,040 nautical miles
Crew:
Two pilots, maximum of 19 passengers
Cargo Capacity:
Rear compartment: 850 pounds
Nose compartment: 800 pounds
Date Deployed:
1989
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:31am
Rating: 10
|
C-141B Starlifter
Function: The C-141B Starlifter is the workhorse of the Air Mobility Command. The Starlifter fulfills the vast spectrum of airlift requirements through its ability to airlift combat forces over long distances, deliver those forces and their equipment either by air, land or airdrop, resupply forces and transport the sick and wounded from the hostile area to advanced medical facilities.
History: C-141s are stationed at Charleston Air Force Base, SC; McChord AFB, WA; McGuire AFB, NJ; and Travis AFB, CA. AMC began transferring C-141s to the Air Reserve and Air National Guard forces in July 1986. The first Air Reserve unit was Andrews AFB, Md., followed by others now at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and March AFB, CA; and Air National Guard units at Jackson, MI, and Memphis, TN.
The first C-141A, delivered to Tinker AFB, OK, in October 1964, began squadron operations in April 1965. Starlifters made flights almost daily to Southeast Asia, carrying troops, equipment and supplies, and returning patients to U.S. hospitals.
The C-141 was the first jet transport from which U.S. Army paratroopers jumped, and the first to land in the Antarctic. A C-141 established a world record for heavy cargo drops of 70,195 pounds (31,588 kilograms).
The first C-141B was received by the Air Force in December 1979. Conversion from A to B models was completed in 1982.
The C-141 continues to be the backbone of military airlift capability and the cornerstone of a valuable national asset, airlift. The C-141's reliability and intrinsic capabilities enable AMC to meet any commitment anywhere national interest dictates.
Description: The C-141B is a stretched C-141A with in-flight refueling capability. The stretching of the Starlifter consisted of lengthening the planes 23 feet 4 inches (7.11 meters). The added length increased the C-141 cargo capacity by about one-third, for an extra 2,171 cubic feet (62.03 cubic meters). The lengthening of the aircraft had the same overall effect as increasing the number of aircraft by 30 percent. The C-141A, built between 1963 and 1967, was AMC's first jet aircraft designed to meet military standards as a troop and cargo carrier. The development of the B model was the most cost-effective method of increasing AMC's airlift capability.
A universal air refueling receptacle on the C-141B, with the ability to transfer 23,592 gallons (89,649 liters) in about 26 minutes, means longer nonstop flights and fewer fuel stops at overseas bases during worldwide airlift missions.
The C-141 force, nearing nine million flying hours, has a proven reliability and long-range capability. In addition to training, worldwide airlift and combat support, the C-141 has amassed a laudatory record in response to humanitarian crises.
The C-141, with its changeable cargo compartment, can transition from rollers on the floor for palletized cargo to a smooth floor for wheeled vehicles to aft facing seats or sidewall canvas seats for passengers, quickly and easily, to handle over 30 different missions.
?General Characteristics, C-141B Starlifter
Contractor:
Lockheed-Georgia Company
Thrust:
20,250 pounds, each engine
Wingspan:
160 feet (48.7 meters)
Length:
168 feet, 4 inches (51 meters)
Height:
39 feet, 3 inches (11.9 meters)
Cargo Compartment:
Height - 9 feet 1 inch (2.77 meters)
Length - 93 feet 4 inches (28.45 meters)
Width - 10 feet 3 inches (3.12 meters)
Cargo Door:
Width - 10.25 feet (3.12 meters) Height - 9.08 feet (2.76 meters)
Speed:
500 mph (Mach 0.66) at 25,000 feet
Ceiling:
41,000 feet (12,496 meters) at cruising speed
Power Plant:
Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-7 turbofan engines
Range:
Unlimited with in-flight refueling
Maximum Take-off Weight:
323,100 pounds (146,863 kilograms)
Load:
Either 200 troops, 155 paratroops, 103 litters and 14 seats, or 68,725 lbs (31,239 kilograms) of cargo
Unit Cost:
$40.9 million (FY96 constant dollars)
Crew:
Five: two pilots, two flight engineers and one loadmaster (one navigator added for airdrops)
Aeromedical teams of two flight nurses and three medical technicians each are added for aeromedical evacuation missions
Date Deployed:
C-141A: May 1964
C-141B: December 1979
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
|
UH-60 Blackhawk
Description: The Black Hawk is the Army?s front-line utility helicopter used for air assault, air cavalry, and aeromedical evacuation units. It is designed to carry 11 combat-loaded, air assault troops, and it is capable of moving a 105-millimeter howitzer and 30 rounds of ammunition. First deployed in 1978, the Black Hawk?s advanced technology makes it easy to maintain in the field. The Black Hawk has performed admirably in a variety of missions, including air assault, air cavalry and aeromedical evacuations. In addition, modified Black Hawks operate as command and control, electronic warfare, and special operations platforms.
The Black Hawk is the primary division-level transport helicopter, providing dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability compared to the UH-1 Series "Huey" it replaces. The UH-60A, with a crew of three, can lift an entire 11-man fully-equipped infantry squad in most weather conditions. It can be configured to carry four litters, by removing eight troop seats, in the MedEval role. Both the pilot and co-pilot are provided with armor-protective seats. Protective armor on the Black Hawk can withstand hits from 23mm shells. The Black Hawk has a cargo hook for external lift missions. The Black Hawk has provisions for door mounting of two M60D 7.62mm machine guns on the M144 armament subsystem, and can disperse chaff and infrared jamming flares using the M130 general purpose dispenser. The Black Hawk has a composite titanium and fiberglass four-bladed main rotor, is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-700 1622 shp turboshaft engines, and has a speed of 163 mph (142 knots).
Elements of the U.S. Army Aviation UH-60A/l Blackhawk helicopter fleet will begin reaching their sevice life goal of 25 years in 2002. In order for the fleet to remain operationally effective through the time period 2025-2030 the aircraft will need to go through an inspection, refurbishment, and modernization process that will validate the structural integrity of the airframe, incorporate improvements in sub-systems so as to reduce maintenance requirements, and modernize the mission equipment and avionics to the levels compatible with Force XXI and Army After Next (AAN) demands.
A Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) is planned for the UH-60 beginning in FY99. The UH-60 modernization program will identify material requirements to effectively address known operational deficiencies to ensure the Black Hawk is equipped and capable of meeting battlefield requirements through the 2025-2030 timeframe. Primary modernization areas for consideration are: increased lift, advanced avionics (digital communications and navigation suites), enhanced aircraft survivability equipment (ASE), increased reliability and maintainability (R & M), airframe service life extension (SLEP), and reduced operations and support (O & S) costs. Suspense date for the approved Operational Requirements Document (ORD) is December 1998.
History: The UH-60A, first flown in October 1974, was developed as a result of the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program. The UTTAS was designed for troop transport, command and control, MedEvac, and reconnaissance, to replace the UH-1 Series "Huey" in the combat assault role. In August 1972, the U.S. Army selected the Sikorsky (model S-70) YUH-60A and the Boeing Vertol (model 237) YUH-61A (1974) as competitors in the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program. The Boeing Vertol YUH-61A had a four-bladed composite rotor, was powered by the same General Electric T700 engine as the Sikorsky YUH-60A, and could carry 11 troops. In December 1976 Sikorsky won the competition to produce the UH-60A, subsequently named the Black Hawk.
Variants: The Army began fielding the UH-60 in 1978. From 1978 until 1989 the Army procured UH-60A model aircraft. In October 1989, a power train upgrade resulted in a model designation change from UH-60A to UH-60L. The UH-60L version that provides 24 percent more power than the original 1970 UH-60A model. As of the end of FY97, the Army had procured 483 UH-60L models for a total UH-60 acquisition of 1,463 aircraft. The Army is in the fifth and final year of a multi-year procurement contract calling for the delivery of 60 aircraft per year.
UH-60L: In October 1989, the engines were upgraded to two General Electric T700-GE-701C 1890 shp turboshaft engines, and an improved durability gear box was added, resulting in a model designation change from UH-60A to UH-60L. The T700-GE-701C has better high altitude and hot weather performance, greater lifting capacity, and improved corrosion protection.
The UH-60 Firehawk is a Reseach and Development program to provide the UH-60 series helicopter with both a wartime and peacetime fire fighting capability by use of a detachable 1,000 gal. belly tank. Qualification issues include design and testing required to maintain the combat capabilities of the UH-60 Black Hawk and the safe flight envelope of the aircraft with the tank.
The EH-60A Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) variant has a unique external antenna designed to intercept and jam enemy communications. The EH-60E is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-700 1622 shp turboshaft engines.
The EH-60B version has a Stand-Off Target Acquisition System designed to detect the movement of enemy forces on the battlefield and relay the information to a ground station.
UH-60Q Medevac: The UH-60Q MEDEVAC helicopter provides significant enroute patient care enhancements. The UH-60Q provides a 6 patient litter system, on-board oxygen generation, and a medical suction system. UH-60Q is a UH-60A derivative and incorporates approximate UH-60A characteristics. It is simply the best in aeromedical evacuation. Building on the BLACK HAWK's heritage of saving lives in Grenada, Panama, Kuwait and Somalia, the UH-60Q delivers exceptional patient care, increased survivability, longer range, greater speed and added missions capability. For military combatants. War victims. Civilians injured in natural disasters. It has a state-of-the-art medical interior that can accomodate a crew of three and up to six acute care patients. The UH-60Q's leading-edge technology incorporates an improved environmental control system. Cardiac monitoring systems. Oxygen generation, distribution and suction systems. Airway management capability. Provision for stowing IV solutions. And an external electrical rescue hoist. And in addition to extensive immediate care, the UH-60Q can perform all weather terrain battlefield evacuation, combat search and rescue, hospital ship lifeline missions, deep operations support, forward surgical team transport, medical logistics resupply, medical personnel movement, patient regulating, disaster/humanitarian relief, and MAST/HELP state support.
The UH-60Q's medical interior can accomodate three to six acute care patients and their medical attendants. Ergonomic design has maximized the UH-60Q cabin space, placing sophisticated, life-saving instruments and equipment at the fingertips of the medical attendants. A unique platform design allows the interior to transport either six litter of seven ambulatory systems, oxygen distribution and suction systems, airway management capability, and provisions for stowing intravenous solutions. The interior also features these additional capabilities, essentical to providing the highest degree of patient care when every second counts:
- Oxygen Generating Systems
- NVG Compatible Lighting Throughout
- Environmental Control System
- Medical Equipment
- Patient Monitoring Equipment
- Neonatal Isolettes
Modernizing the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) system is the Army Surgeon General's number one near term priority. The UH-60Q communications architecture provides situational awareness and digital communications and is expected to be the model for anticipated fleet-wide improvements to the UH-60. Other improvements include integrated Doppler/GPS, Personnel Locator System, NVG interior lighting, and FLIR.
General Characteristics, UH-60 Black Hawk
Contractor:
Sikorsky
Power Plant:
Two T700-GE-701Cs
Thrust:
3,120 shaft horsepower
Length:
64 feet, 7 inches (19.7 meters)
Height:
16 feet, 10 inches
Main Rotor Diameter:
53 feet, 6 inches (16.3 meters)
Weight:
11,500 pounds
External Cargo Hook:
Handles up to 8000 pounds (3629 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
150 knots
Ceiling:
19,000 feet (5,790 meters)
Range:
315 nautical miles
Crew:
Two pilots and two crew; 11 to 14 armed troops
Armament:
Up to two 7.62mm M60 machine guns in cabin
Two 7.62-mm (0.3-in) miniguns or two GECAL 0.50-in Gatling guns on pintle mount
Date Deployed:
1978
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
|
CH-46D/E Sea Knight
Function: Medium lift assault helicopter, primarily used to move cargo and troops.
History: The CH-46 Sea Knight was first procured in 1964 to meet the medium-lift requirements of the Marine Corps in all combat and peacetime environments since that time. The Sea Knight fleet is currently being maintained until a suitable replacement is approved.
Description: The CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter is used by the Navy for shipboard delivery of cargo and personne. The CH-46E is used by the Marine Corps to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Troop assault is the primary function and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary. Additional tasks may be assigned, such as combat support, search and rescue, support for forward refueling and rearming points, aeromedic evacuation of casualties from the field and recovery of aircraft and personnel.
General Characteristics, CH-46D/E Sea Knight
Contractor:
Boeing Vertol Company
Power Plant:
Two GE-T58-16 engines
Thrust:
1,770 horsepower
Length:
45 feet, 8 inches (13.89 meters) with rotors folded
84 feet, 4 inches (25.7 meters) with rotors spread
Height:
16 feet, 8 inches (5.08 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
51 feet (15.54 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
24,300 pounds (11,032 kilograms)
Speed:
145 knots (166.75 mph)
Ceiling:
10,000 feet plus
Range:
132 nautical miles (151.8 miles) for land assault mission
Crew:
Four: pilot, copilot, crew chief, mechanic
Payload:
Combat: maximum of 22 troops and two aerial gunners
Medical evacuation: 15 litters, two attendants
Cargo: 5,000 pounds (2270 kilograms) maximum
Introduction Date:
January 1978
|
|
|
The Patriot Files Forums
