David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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HH-60H Seahawk
Function: Twin-engine, medium lift, Combat Search and Rescue and Special Operations Support helicopter.
Description: The HH-60H Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter used by the Navy in a CSAR/SOS role. Based on the SH-60 airframe (The Naval variant of the basic S-60 Blackhawk utility helicopter) the HH-60H has been optimized for low level insertions and extractions, self defense, enemy small arms fire suppression, and bulk cargo and troop transport. The H variant is also equipped with an externally mounted hoist and is configured for low level night operations with Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible instruments and anti-collision aircraft running lights. The HH-60H is capable of transporting a 6,000 pound load externally, and it's gross carrying capacity is rated at 7,400 pounds.
General Characteristics, HH-60H Seahawk
Contractors:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (airframe); General Electric Company (engines); IBM Corporation (avionics components)
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines producing 1,700 shaft horse power each
Length:
64 feet 10 inches (19.6 meters)
Height:
17 feet 2 inches (5.1 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
17 feet 2 inches (5.1 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
21,884 pounds (9,927 kilograms)
Speed:
180 knots maximum
Ceiling:
14,700 feet (4,410 meters)
Range:
380 nautical miles (600 km) maximum
Crew:
Four plus up to eight passengers
Navigation Sensors:
VHF/UHF DF
TACAN
TACNAV
Doppler Radar
Radar Altimeter
GPS (Provisions)
Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system
Armament:
Variable, but may include any combination of the following:
GCAL-50 machine gun
GAU-17A 7.62mm minigun
2.75" Hydra 70 Folding Fin Aerial Rocket pods
FIM-92A Stinger Surface to Air Missiles
AGM-65 Maverick Air to Ground Missiles
AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Ground Missiles
Countermeasures:
Infrared (IR) Jamming System
Chaff and Flare Dispensers (2)
Radar Warning Receiver
Hover IR Suppressor System
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk
Function: Twin-engine, medium lift, Combat Search and Rescue and Special Operations Support helicopter.
Description: The HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk is a twin-engine helicopter used by the Airforce in a CSAR/SOS role. Based on the basic S-60 Blackhawk utility helicopter airframe, the Pave Hawk has been optimized for low level insertions and extractions, self defense, enemy small arms fire suppression, and bulk cargo and troop transport. To extend their range, Pave Hawks are equipped with a retractable in-flight refueling probe and internal auxiliary fuel tanks. The HH/MH-60G variant is also equipped with an externally mounted 600 pound capacity hoist and sliding doors on each side of the troop and cargo compartment to allow rapid loading and unloading. The HH/MH-60G is capable of transporting a 8,000 pound load externally and can be equipped with the external stores support system.
General Characteristics, HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk
Contractors:
United Technologies/Sikorsky Aircraft Company
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-700 or T700-GE-701C engines producing 1,560-1,630 shaft horsepower
Length:
64 feet, 8 inches (17.1 meters)
Height:
16 feet, 8 inches (4.4 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
53 feet 8 inches (16.4 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
22,000 pounds (9,900 kilograms)
Speed:
180 knots maximum
Range:
504 nautical miles (unlimited with air refueling)
Crew:
Two pilots, one flight engineer, one gunner and up to 10 troops
Navigation Sensors:
VHF/UHF DF
TACAN
TACNAV
Doppler Radar
Radar Altimeter
GPS (Provisions)
Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system
Armament:
Variable, but may include any combination of the following:
Two GCAL-50 machine guns
Two GAU-17A 7.62mm miniguns
2.75" Hydra 70 Folding Fin Aerial Rocket pods
FIM-92A Stinger Surface to Air Missiles
AGM-65 Maverick Air to Ground Missiles
AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Ground Missiles
Countermeasures:
Infrared (IR) Jamming System
Chaff and Flare Dispensers (2)
Radar Warning Receiver
Hover IR Suppressor System
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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H-3 Sea King
Function: A multi-purpose helicopter.
VH-3D (HC-2) ? Executive Transport
UH-3H (HC-85/PMRF/VC-8) ? Utility and Torpedo recovery
SH-3H (HS-75) ? Carrier-based anti-submarine warfare
UH-3H (HC-2/Naval Air Stations) ? Logistics/Search & Rescue
History: The first version of this workhorse helicopter was flown more than 35 years ago. The Sea King has been replaced by the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters as the anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The transition was completed in the mid 1990s. The remaining Sea King helicopters have been configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions.
Description: The H-3 is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter. The SH-3H model is used by the Navy Reserves to detect, classify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It also provides logistical support and a search and rescue capability. The UH-3H model is utility configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions. The VH-3D model supports the Executive Transport Mission.
General Characteristics, H-3 Sea King
Contractor:
Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies, Stratford, CT
Unit Cost:
$6.4 million
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T58-GE-402 turboshaft engines
Length:
73 feet (21.9 meters)
Fuselage Length:
54 feet, 9 inches (16.5 meters)
Height:
17 feet (5.1 meters)
Weight:
11, 865 pounds (5,339 kilograms) empty
21,000 pounds (9,450 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight
Speed:
120 knots (138 mph or 217.6 kmh)
Ceiling:
14,700 feet (4,410 meters)
Range:
542 nautical miles (623.3 statute miles or 997 km)
Crew:
Four
Armament:
Two Mk-46 torpedoes
Date Deployed:
First flight, March 1959
Operational, June 1961
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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HH-65A Dolphin
Description: The United States Coast Guard has added 96 short range HH-65A helicopters to its fleet to replace the HH-52A Sikorsky Sea Guard.The twin-engine Dolphins operate up to 150 miles off shore and will fly comfortably at 120 knots for three hours.
Though normally stationed ashore, the Dolphins can be carried on board medium and high endurance Coast Guard Cutters. They assist in the missions of search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties, including drug interdiction, polar ice breaking, marine environmental protection including pollution control, and military readiness. Helicopters stationed aboard icebreakers are the ship's eyes to find thinner and more navigable ice channels. They also airlift supplies to ships and to villages isolated by winter.
The HH-65A minimum equipment requirements exceed anything previously packaged into one helicopter weighing in at less than 10,000 pounds. HH-65As are made of corrosion-resistant, composite-structure materials. The shrouded tail rotor is unique to the Dolphin. Also a unique feature of the Dolphin is its computerized flight management system which integrates state-of-the-art communications and navigation equipment. This system provides automatic flight control. At the pilot's direction, the system will bring the aircraft to a stable hover 50 feet above a selected object. This is an important safety feature in darkness or inclement weather. Selected search patterns can be flown automatically, freeing the pilot and copilot to concentrate on sighting the search object.
The Dolphin is manufactured by Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation in Grand Praire, Texas. Textron Lycoming builds the LTS-101 750B-2 turboshaft engines in Williamport, Pennsylvania and Rockwell International, Collins Avionics Group manufactures the electronics system in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
General Characteristics, HH-65A Dolphin
Builder:
Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation, Texas
Power Plant:
Two Lycoming LTS-101-750B-2 engines
Thrust:
742 shaft horspower each engine
Length:
38 feet (11.58 meters)
Height:
13 feet (3.96 meters)
Main Rotor Diameter:
39 feet (11.89 meters)
Weight:
Empty: 6,092 pounds
Maximum Weight: 9,200 pounds
Speed:
Maximum speed: 165 knots
Cruising speed: 120 knots
Rescue Hoist Capacity:
600 pounds
Range:
400 nautical miles
Ceiling:
7,510 feet (2,288 meters)
Introduction Date:
1984
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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SH-60 Seahawk
Function: A twin-engine, medium lift, utility or assault helicopter.
History: The UH-60 Black Hawk was fielded by the Army in 1979. The Navy received the SH- 60B Seahawk in 1983 and the SH-60F in 1988. The Air Force received the MH-60G Pave Hawk in 1982 while the Coast Guard received the HH-60J Jayhawk in 1992. The unit cost varies with the version. For example, the unit cost of the Army's UH-60L Black Hawk is $5.9 million while the unit cost of the Air Force MH-60G Pave Hawk is $10.2 million.
Description: The Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations. The Navy's SH-60B Seahawk is an airborne platform based aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates and deploys sonobouys (sonic detectors) and torpedoes in an anti-submarine role. They also extend the range of the ship's radar capabilities. The Navy's SH-60F is carrier-based. Some versions, such as the Air Force's MH-60 G Pave Hawk and the Coast Guard's HH-60J Jayhawk, are equipped with a rescue hoist with a 250 foot (75 meter) cable that has a 600 pound (270 kg) lift capability, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe. The Army's UH-60L Black Hawk can carry 11 soldiers or 2,600 pounds (1,170 kg) of cargo or sling load 9,000 pounds (4,050 kg) of cargo. Other versions are the UH-60 Black Hawk (Army); HH-60H (Navy); MH-60G Pave Hawk (Air Force); HH-60J Jayhawk (Coast Guard).
General Characteristics, SH-60 Seahawk
Contractors:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (airframe); General Electric Company (engines); IBM Corporation (avionics components)
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-700 or T700-GE-701C engines
Thrust:
Up to 1,940 shaft horsepower
Length:
64 feet 10 inches (19.6 meters)
Height:
Varies with the version; from 13 to 17 feet (3.9 to 5.1 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
53 feet 8 inches (16.4 meters)
Weight:
Varies; 21,000 to 23,000 pounds (9,450 to 10,350 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
180 knots
Ceiling:
35,000 feet (10,668 meters)
Range:
Generally about 380 nautical miles (600 kilometers); range becomes unlimited with air refueling capability
Crew:
Usually three or four
Armament:
Usually two 7.62mm machine guns mounted in the windows
Can also be equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire or AGM-119 Penguin missiles, three Mk46 or Mk 50 torpedoes or additional .50-caliber machine guns mounted in the doors
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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UH-1N Iroquois
Function: The UH-1N is a light-lift Air Force utility helicopter used for support of Department of Defense contingency plans. The helicopter has a number of uses. Its primary mission includes airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces, medical evacuation, security surveillance of off-base movements of nuclear weapons convoys and test range areas during launch conditions. It is also used for space shuttle landing support, priority maintenance dispatch support, and search and rescue operations. Other uses include airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and distinguished visitor transport.
History: The UH-1N entered the Air Force inventory in 1970 to provide search and rescue capabilities. The missions expanded to include missile, distinguished visitor and survival school support. Some of the UH-1Fs supporting the missile wings were eventually replaced by the UH-1N due to the greater safety and capability offered by the twin engine. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N is the military version of the Bell 212.
Description: The UH-1N is capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. The crew complement is normally two (pilot and copilot), but may be flown single-pilot depending on weather and mission requirements. The crew complement for hoist, over water and navigational operations is three, adding a flight engineer. When configured for passengers, the UH-1N can seat up to 13 people, but actual passenger loads are dependent on fuel loads and atmospheric conditions. The medical evacuation configuration can accommodate up to six litters. Without seats or litters, the cabin can carry bulky, oversized cargo. Access to the cabin is through two full-sized sliding doors, one on each side of the aircraft.
General Characteristics, UH-1N Huey
Contractor:
Bell Helicopter Company
Power Plant:
Two Pratt and Whitney T400-CP-400 turboshaft engines
Thrust:
1,770 horsepower
Length:
57 feet, 3 inches (17.44 meters)
Width:
9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Height:
12 feet, 10 inches (3.9 meters)
Main Rotor Diameter:
48 feet (14.63 meters)
Tail Rotor Diameter:
8 feet, 6 inches (2.6 meters)
Maximum Gross Weight:
10,500 pounds (4,763 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
149 mph (130 knots)
Cruise Speed:
103-115 mph (90-100 knots)
Ceiling:
15,000 feet (4,572 meters)
10,000 feet (3,048 meters) for gross weights above 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms)
Range:
300-plus miles
Crew:
Pilot with co-pilot and flight engineer, depending upon mission
Inventory:
Active force, 63
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
1970
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II
Function: The A-10 and OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
History: The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ, in October 1975. It was designed specially for the close air support mission and had the ability to combine large military loads, long loiter and wide combat radius, which proved to be vital assets to America and its allies during Operation Desert Storm. In the Gulf War, A-10s, with a mission capable rate of 95.7 percent, flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles.
Description: The A-10/OA-10 have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Their wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10/ OA-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.
Thunderbolt IIs have Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS), compatible single-seat cockpits forward of their wings and a large bubble canopy which provides pilots all-around vision. The pilots are encircled by titanium armor that also protects parts of the flight-control system. The redundant primary structural sections allow the aircraft to enjoy better survivability during close air support than did previous aircraft. The aircraft can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles up to 23mm. Their self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam. Their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems are backed up by manual systems. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power is lost.
The Thunderbolt II can be serviced and operated from bases with limited facilities near battle areas. Many of the aircraft's parts are interchangeable left and right, including the engines, main landing gear and vertical stabilizers.
Avionics equipment includes communications, inertial navigation systems, fire control and weapons delivery systems, target penetration aids and night vision goggles. Their weapons delivery systems include head-up displays that indicate airspeed, altitude and dive angle on the windscreen, a low altitude safety and targeting enhancement system (LASTE) which provides constantly computing impact point freefall ordnance delivery; and Pave Penny laser-tracking pods under the fuselage. The aircraft also have armament control panels, and infrared and electronic countermeasures to handle surface-to-air-missile threats.
The Thunderbolt II's 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground targets to include tanks. Some of their other equipment includes an inertial navigation system, electronic countermeasures, target penetration aids, self-protection systems, and AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
?General Characteristics, A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II
Contractor:
Fairchild Republic Co.
Unit Cost:
$8.8 million
Power Plant:
Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans
Thrust:
9,065 pounds each engine
Length:
53 feet, 4 inches (16.16 meters)
Height:
14 feet, 8 inches (4.42 meters)
Wingspan:
57 feet, 6 inches (17.42 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
51,000 pounds (22,950 kilograms)
Speed:
420 mph (Mach 0.56)
Ceiling:
45,000 feet (13,636 meters)
Speed:
565 mph (Mach 0.86) at 25,000 feet (7583.3 meters), with maximum takeoff weight
Load:
Up to 16,000 pounds (7,200 kilograms) of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations
Range:
800 miles (695 nautical miles)
Armament:
One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun
Up to 16,000 pounds (7,200 kilograms) of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations, including 500 pounds (225 kilograms) of retarded bombs, 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of general-purpose bombs, incendiary and Rockeye II cluster bombs, combined effects munitions, Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bombs
Infrared countermeasure flares
Electronic countermeasure chaff
Jammer pods
2.75-inch (6.99 centimeters) rockets
Illumination flares
AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles
Crew:
One
Planned Inventory:
Active force, A-10, 72 and OA-10, 72
Reserve, A-10, 24 and OA-10, 12
ANG, A-10, 64 and OA-10, 30
Date Deployed:
March 1976
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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F-14 Tomcat
Function: The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place strike fighter. The Tomcat's primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense and precision strike against ground targets.
History: The F-14 entered the fleet in 1973, replacing the F-4 Phantom II. The F-14B, introduced in November 1987, incorporated new General Electric F-110 engines. In 1995, an upgrade program was initiated to incorporate new digital avionics and weapon system improvements to strengthen its multi-mission competitive edge. The F-14D, delivered in 1990, was a major upgrade with F-110 engines, new APG-71 radar system, Airborne Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ), Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) and Infrared Search and Track (IRST). Additionally, all F-14 variants were given precision strike capability using the LANTIRN targeting system, night vision compatibility, new defensive countermeasures systems and a new digital flight control system.
Description: The F-14 has visual and all-weather attack capability to deliver Phoenix and Sparrow missiles as well as the M-61 gun and Sidewinder missiles for close in air-to-air combat. The F-14 also has the LANTIRN targeting system that allows delivery of various laser-guided bombs for precision strikes in air-to-ground combat missions. The F-14, equipped with Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) is the Navy's only manned tactical reconnaissance platform.
Marine Prowlers may be land-based from prepared airfields, or they can operate from expeditionary airfields (EAF). They may also be sea-based, operating from aircraft carriers. Marine Prowlers are unique in their integration with the Tactical Electronic Processing and Evaluation System (TERPES). TERPES provides post-mission analysis of EA-6B ES data for reporting and updating orders of battle. It also provides post-mission analysis of jamming and HARM employment for reporting, assessing and storing mission data.
?General Characteristics, F-14 Tomcat
Contractor:
Grumman Aerospace Corporation
Unit Cost:
$38 million
Power Plant:
F-14A: Two Pratt & Whitney TF-30P-414A turbofan engine with afterburners
F-14B and F-14D: Two General Electric F110-GE-400 turbofan engines with afterburners
Thrust:
TF-30P-414A: 20,900 pounds (9,405 kg) static thrust per engine
F110-GE-400: 27,000 pounds (12,150 kg) static thrust per engine
Length:
61 feet, 9 inches (18.6 meters)
Height:
16 feet (4.8 meters)
Wingspan:
64 feet (19 meters) unswept
38 feet (11.4 meters) swept)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
72,900 pounds (32,805 kilograms)
Speed:
Mach 2+
Ceiling:
Above 50,000 feet
Crew:
Two: pilot and radar intercept officer
Armament:
Up to 13,000 pounds to include AIM-54 Phoenix missile, AIM-7 Sparrow missile, AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, air-to-ground precision strike ordnance and one M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon
Date Deployed:
First flight: December 1970
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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F-117 Nighthawk
Function: The F-117A Nighthawk is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology.
History: The first F-117A was delivered in 1982, and the last delivery was in the summer of 1990. The F-117A production decision was made in 1978 with a contract awarded to Lockheed Advanced Development Projects, the "Skunk Works," in Burbank, CA. The first flight was in 1981, only 31 months after the full-scale development decision. Air Combat Command's only F-117A unit, the 4450th Tactical Group, (now the 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, NM), achieved operational capability in October 1983.
Streamlined management by Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, combined breakthrough stealth technology with concurrent development and production to rapidly field the aircraft. The F-117A program has demonstrated that a stealth aircraft can be designed for reliability and maintainability. The aircraft maintenance statistics are comparable to other tactical fighters of similar complexity. Logistically supported by Sacramento Air Logistics Center, McClellan AFB, CA, the F-117A is kept at the forefront of technology through a planned weapon system improvement program located at USAF Plant 42 at Palmdale, CA.
Description: The unique design of the single-seat F-117A provides exceptional combat capabilities. About the size of an F-15 Eagle, the twin-engine aircraft is powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines and has quadruple redundant fly-by-wire flight controls. Air refuelable, it supports worldwide commitments and adds to the deterrent strength of the U.S. military forces.
The F-117A can employ a variety of weapons and is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a state-of-the-art digital avionics suite that increases mission effectiveness and reduces pilot workload. Detailed planning for missions into highly defended target areas is accomplished by an automated mission planning system developed, specifically, to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the F-117A.
General Characteristics, F-117A Nighthawk
Contractor:
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company
Unit Cost:
$45 million
Power Plant:
Two General Electric F404 engines
Length:
65 feet, 11 inches (20.3 meters)
Height:
12 feet, 5 inches (3.8 meters)
Wingspan:
43 feet, 4 inches (13.3 meters)
Weight:
52,500 pounds (23,625 kilograms)
Speed:
High subsonic
Range:
Unlimited with air refueling
Crew:
One
Armament:
Internal weapons carriage
Inventory:
Active force, 54
ANG, 0
Reserve, 0
Date Deployed:
1982
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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 6:24pm
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T-1A Jayhawk
Function: The T-1A Jayhawk is a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer. It is used by the U. S. Air Force's Air Education and Training Command to train student pilots to fly airlift or tanker aircraft.
History: The Jayhawk represents the first new training aircraft procured by the Air Force in 30 years and marks the beginning of a new era in undergraduate pilot training. The first aircraft was delivered to Reese Air Force Base, Texas in January 1992. Student training in the T-1A began at Reese in 1993. Since the late 1950s, Air Force undergraduate pilot training students have trained in two aircraft: the T-37 Tweet, the primary trainer and the T-38 Talon, the advanced trainer. With the introduction of specialized undergraduate pilot training in 1993, students continue to receive their primary flying training in the T-37. Advanced training for students identified to go into bombers and fighters will be in the T-38. Those selected for airlift or tanker aircraft will receive their advanced training in the T-1A.
The T-1A is used at all undergraduate pilot training bases: Columbus AFB, MI; Laughlin AFB, TX; and Vance AFB, OK. It is also used at Randolph AFB, TX, to train instructor pilots.
Description: The swept wing T-1A is a version of the Beech 400A. It has cockpit seating for an instructor and two students and is powered by twin turbofan engines capable of an operating speed of Mach .73. The T-1A differs from its commercial counterpart with a single-point refueling system with greater capacity and increased bird strike protection in the windshield and leading edges for sustained low-level operation.
General Characteristics, T-1A Jayhawk
Contractor:
Raytheon Corporation
Unit Cost:
$4.1 million
Power Plant:
Two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5 turbofan engines
Thrust:
2,900 pounds each engine
Length:
48 feet, 5 inches (14.75 meters)
Height:
13 feet, 11 inches (4.24 meters)
Wingspan:
43 feet, 6 inches (13.25 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
16,100 pounds (7,303 kilograms)
Speed:
538 miles per hour (Mach .73)
Ceiling:
45,000 feet (13,636 meters)
Range:
More than 2,100 nautical miles
Armament:
None
Crew:
Three (pilot, co-pilot, instructor pilot) and observer
Inventory:
Active force, 154, (180 anticipated by end of 1997)
ANG, 0
Reserve, 0 0
Date Deployed:
February 1992
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:24pm
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T-38 Talon
Function: The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. It is used primarily by Air Education and Training Command for undergraduate pilot and pilot instructor training. Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also use the T-38 in various roles.
Background: The Talon first flew in 1959. More than 1,100 were delivered to the Air Force between 1961 and 1972 when production ended. Approximately 562 remain in service throughout the Air Force.
Description: The T-38 has swept-back wings, a streamlined fuselage and tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel. Two independent hydraulic systems power the ailerons, flaps, rudder and other flight control surfaces. The instructor and student sit in tandem on rocket-powered ejection seats in a pressurized, air-conditioned cockpit. Critical components are waist high and can be easily reached by maintenance crews. Refueling and preflight inspections are easily performed.
The T-38 needs as little as 2,300 feet (695.2 meters) of runway to take off and can climb from sea level to nearly 30,000 feet (9,068 meters) in one minute.
Student pilots fly the T-38A to learn supersonic techniques, aerobatics, formation, night and instrument flying and cross-country navigation. More than 60,000 pilots have earned their wings in the T-38A.
Test pilots and flight test engineers are trained in T-38A's at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Air Force Materiel Command uses T-38A's to test experimental equipment such as electrical and weapon systems.
Pilots from most North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries are trained in the T-38A at Sheppard AFB, Texas, through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration uses T-38A aircraft as trainers for astronauts and as observers and chase planes on programs such as the space shuttle.
Air Education and Training Command uses a modified version, the AT-38B, to prepare pilots for fighter aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and A-10. and F-111. This model carries external armament and weapons delivery equipment for training.
An ongoing program called Pacer Classic, the structural life extension program for the T-38, is integrating 10 modifications, including major structural renewal, into one process. As a result, the service life of T-38s should extend to the 2010. Additionally, the introduction of the T-1A Jayhawk significantly relieved the T-38's work load.
General Characteristics, T-38 Talon
Builder:
Northrop Corporation
Unit Cost:
$756,000
Power Plant:
Two General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojet engines with afterburners
Thrust:
2,900 pounds (1,315 kilograms) with afterburners
Length:
46 feet, 4 1/2 inches (14 meters)
Height:
12 feet, 10 1/2 inches (3.8 meters)
Wingspan:
25 feet, 3 inches (7.6 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms)
Speed:
812 mph (Mach 1.08 at sea level)
Ceiling:
Above 55,000 feet (16,667 meters)
Range:
1,000 miles (870 nautical miles)
Armament:
T-38A: none
AT-38B has provisions for external armament
Crew:
Two (instructor and student)
Inventory:
Active force, 562
ANG, 0
Reserve 0
Date Deployed:
March 1961
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:13am
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As Space Shuttle Atlantis
As Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-101, twin columns of smoke from the solid rocket boosters trail behind. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. Three Atlantis crew members are U.S. Air Force officers, Col James Halsell Jr., Commander; Lt. Col. Scott Horowitz, Pilot; and Lt. Col. Susan Helms, Mission Specialist.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:41am
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Airman Alicia Guenther, A
Airman Alicia Guenther, Airmen First Class Raphael Jacobs and Nicholas Caines, 30th Airlift Squadron maintenance people, Yokota Air Base, Japan, give a C-9 Nightingale a good scrub Nov. 22, 1999. A paint safe detergent is used to wash the aircraft once every quarter, the wash also prevents corrosion. The C-9 is a twin-engine, T-tailed, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for Air Mobility Command's aeromedical evacuation mission. The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation's DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the inventory specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. The C-9A's airlift capability to carry 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory and four litter patients, or various combinations thereof, provides the flexibility for Air Mobility Command's worldwide aeromedical evacuation role.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:42am
Rating: 8
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The C-9 is a twin-engine,
The C-9 is a twin-engine, T-tailed, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for Air Mobility Command's aeromedical evacuation mission. The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation's DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the inventory specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. The C-9A's airlift capability to carry 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory and four litter patients, or various combinations thereof, provides the flexibility for Air Mobility Command's worldwide aeromedical evacuation role. A hydraulically operated folding ramp allows efficient loading and unloading of litter patients and special medical equipment.
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