David
Thu December 19, 2002 5:01pm
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Secretary of the Army Tho
Secretary of the Army Thomas E. White watches as a cadet makes his way across a rope bridge during Cadet Basic Training at the United States Military Academy at West Point August 7, 2002.
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David
Thu December 19, 2002 5:21pm
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Trainees engage targets w
Trainees engage targets with their M-16 rifles while attempting to qualify with the weapon. Basic rifle marksmanship remains a hallmark of basic training.
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David
Thu December 19, 2002 5:21pm
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At the 120th Adjutant Gen
At the 120th Adjutant General Battalion Reception Center, SSG Sonya Gomez checks recruits' records before the new soldiers join their basic-training companies.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 8:01am
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Sailors attending Naval A
Sailors attending Naval Air Technical Training Center learn the basic and advanced skills necessary to maintain various aircraft and equipment systems used throughout the fleet. The facility has state of the art training facilities similar to a typical college campus environment. The center graduates approximately 15,000 Navy and Marine students yearly. The largest part of this student body is comprised of enlisted personnel attending "A" schools designed to provide them with the knowledge and skill levels required to perform as technicians at the third class petty officer level. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer?s Mate Chris Desmond.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 8:44am
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Recruits at the Recruit T
Recruits at the Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill., inventory and read a passage out of their freshly-issued Bluejackets Manual. Recruits are required to read the ?From Civilian to Sailor? passage during their first few hours of arriving at the Center for basic training. The Bluejacket's Manual is celebrating a century of teaching Sailors the basics of Navy seamanship and life in the Navy-- including terminology, rank structure, jobs, military drill, and proper wearing and stowing of uniforms. The book gets a major overhaul every four years and is printed every six months. Each edition includes minor updates that ensure the manual is as accurate as possible. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 1st Class Michael Worner.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 8:44am
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Landing Craft Utility One
Landing Craft Utility One Six Five Four returns to the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2) after a simulated assault off the coast of North Carolina. The exercise included Marines from Marine Air Ground Task Force Two Five (MAGTF-25) and was part of Type Commander Amphibious Training (TCAT). TCAT is a week-long training permiting the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) the opportunity to work together as a cohesive unit to fine tune their basic ship-handling skills, well-deck and flight-deck operations, and other integral shipboard activities and drills. In addition, TCAT allows the sailors aboard these ships the opportunity to work closely with their Marine counterparts. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Robert M Schalk.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 7:28am
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M-60 GPMG
The prime producer of the M60 has been the Maremount Manufacturing Co of Saco in Maine, and large numbers have been produced to equip all arms of the US forces. Despite the protracted development of the M60 it still has some debatable features - the barrel heats quickly and is not easy to change rapidly, and the carrying handle is fragile and awkward. Also the M60 is rather on the heavy side for use as a squad weapon. Mounted on the M122 tripod, the M60 has limitations on sustained fire. Vehicle mounting is the M4 pedestal mount. Basically, the M60 is gas operated and can fire automatic only from a disintegrating metallic-link belt.. As the first round travels down the barrel, it pushes gas into the gas cylinder through a hole in the bore. The pressure generated in the cylinder then forces a piston down the chamber, moving the bolt back and bringing the next round into place. Once the firing pin hits the bullet and sends it speeding out of the barrel, the cycle is repeated for as long as the trigger is depressed.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 7:28am
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USMC M-60 Gunner firing f
The prime producer of the M60 has been the Maremount Manufacturing Co of Saco in Maine, and large numbers have been produced to equip all arms of the US forces. Despite the protracted development of the M60 it still has some debatable features - the barrel heats quickly and is not easy to change rapidly, and the carrying handle is fragile and awkward. Also the M60 is rather on the heavy side for use as a squad weapon. Mounted on the M122 tripod, the M60 has limitations on sustained fire. Vehicle mounting is the M4 pedestal mount. Basically, the M60 is gas operated and can fire automatic only from a disintegrating metallic-link belt.. As the first round travels down the barrel, it pushes gas into the gas cylinder through a hole in the bore. The pressure generated in the cylinder then forces a piston down the chamber, moving the bolt back and bringing the next round into place. Once the firing pin hits the bullet and sends it speeding out of the barrel, the cycle is repeated for as long as the trigger is depressed.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 7:28am
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M-60 Gun Team Letting Loo
The prime producer of the M60 has been the Maremount Manufacturing Co of Saco in Maine, and large numbers have been produced to equip all arms of the US forces. Despite the protracted development of the M60 it still has some debatable features - the barrel heats quickly and is not easy to change rapidly, and the carrying handle is fragile and awkward. Also the M60 is rather on the heavy side for use as a squad weapon. Mounted on the M122 tripod, the M60 has limitations on sustained fire. Vehicle mounting is the M4 pedestal mount. Basically, the M60 is gas operated and can fire automatic only from a disintegrating metallic-link belt.. As the first round travels down the barrel, it pushes gas into the gas cylinder through a hole in the bore. The pressure generated in the cylinder then forces a piston down the chamber, moving the bolt back and bringing the next round into place. Once the firing pin hits the bullet and sends it speeding out of the barrel, the cycle is repeated for as long as the trigger is depressed.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 7:28am
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173rd Airborne Brigade M-
173rd Airborne Brigade M-60 Gunner on Hill 875 in November 1967. The prime producer of the M60 has been the Maremount Manufacturing Co of Saco in Maine, and large numbers have been produced to equip all arms of the US forces. Despite the protracted development of the M60 it still has some debatable features - the barrel heats quickly and is not easy to change rapidly, and the carrying handle is fragile and awkward. Also the M60 is rather on the heavy side for use as a squad weapon. Mounted on the M122 tripod, the M60 has limitations on sustained fire. Vehicle mounting is the M4 pedestal mount. Basically, the M60 is gas operated and can fire automatic only from a disintegrating metallic-link belt.. As the first round travels down the barrel, it pushes gas into the gas cylinder through a hole in the bore. The pressure generated in the cylinder then forces a piston down the chamber, moving the bolt back and bringing the next round into place. Once the firing pin hits the bullet and sends it speeding out of the barrel, the cycle is repeated for as long as the trigger is depressed.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:30am
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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
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:31am
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KC-135 Stratotanker
Function: The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This asset greatly enhances the U. S. Air Force's capability to accomplish its mission of Global Engagement. It also provides aerial refueling support to U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and allied aircraft.
History: AMC manages more than 442 Stratotankers (primary aircraft assigned), of which the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard fly 268 of those in support of AMC's mission. McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., is the host for the first KC-135 Air Force Reserve associate unit, the 931st Air Refueling Group, which shares KC-135s with the base's 22nd Air Refueling Wing. The Boeing Company's model 367-80 was the basic design for the commercial 707 passenger plane as well as the KC-135A Stratotanker. In 1954 the Air Force purchased the first 29 of its future fleet. The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, CA, in June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the Air Force in 1965.
Of the original KC-135A's, almost 400 have been modified with new CFM-56 engines produced by CFM-International. The re-engined tanker, designated either the KC-135R or KC-135T, can offload 50 percent more fuel, is 25 percent more fuel efficient, costs 25 percent less to operate and is 96 percent quieter than the KC-135A.
Under another modification program, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard tankers were re-engined with the TF-33-PW-102 engines. The re-engined tanker, designated the KC-135E, is 14 percent more fuel efficient than the KC-135A and can offload 20 percent more fuel.
Through the years, the KC-135 has been altered to do other jobs ranging from flying command post missions to reconnaissance. The EC-135C is U.S. Strategic Command's flying command post. One EC-135C is on alert at all times, ready to take to the air and control bombers and missiles if ground control is lost. Special reconnaissance uses RC-135s and NKC-135A's are flown in test programs for Air Force Systems Command. Air Combat Command operates the OC-135 as an observation platform in compliance with the Open Skies Treaty.
With projected modifications, the KC-135 will fly and refuel into the next century. A new aluminum-alloy skin grafted to the underside of the wings will add 27,000 flying hours to the aircraft.
Over the next few years, the aircraft will undergo a number of upgrades to expand its capabilities and improve its reliability. Among these are wingtip, air refueling pods; improved cockpit instrument displays; additional communication equipment and enhanced navigation aids.
Description: Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds (146,285 kilograms). Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker's flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailed behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. An operator stationed in the rear of the plane controls the boom. A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds (37,648 kilograms) of cargo.
General Characteristics, KC-135 Stratotanker
Contractor:
The Boeing Company
Unit Cost:
$52.2 million (FY 1996 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
KC-135R/T: Four CFM-International CFM-56 turbofan engines
KC-135E: Four Pratt and Whitney TF-33-PW-102 turbofan engines
Thrust:
KC-135R, 21,634 pounds each engine
KC-135E, 18,000 pounds each engine
Length:
136 feet, 3 inches (41.53 meters)
Height:
41 feet, 8 inches (12.7 meters)
Wingspan:
130 feet, 10 inches (39.88 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
322,500 pounds (146,285 kilograms)
Speed:
530 mph at 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
Ceiling:
50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
Maximum Cargo Payload:
83,000 pounds (37,648 kilograms)
Range:
1,500 miles (2,419 kilometers) with 150,000 pounds (68,039 kilograms) of transfer fuel; ferry mission, up to 11,015 miles (17,766 kilometers)
Pallet Positions:
27
Maximum Transfer Fuel Load:
200,000 pounds (90,719 kilograms)
Crew:
Four
Inventory:
Active duty, 373
ANG and Reserve, 268
Date Deployed:
August 1965
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:42am
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E-2C Hawkeye
Function: The E-2C Hawkeye is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical warning and control system aircraft. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, strike and interceptor control, search and rescue guidance and communications relay.
History: The continuous improvements in early airborne radars by 1956 led to the concept of an airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. The first aircraft to perform this mission was the Grumman E-1 Tracer (a variant of the S-2 Tracker anti-submarine aircraft), which saw service from 1954 to 1964. The E-1's successor, the E-2 Hawkeye, was the first carrier-based aircraft designed from the outset for the all-weather airborne early warning and command and control function. Since replacing the E-1 in 1964, the Hawkeye has been the "eyes of the fleet." Since its combat debut during the Vietnam conflict, the E-2 has served the Navy around the world. Hawkeyes directed F-14 Tomcat fighters flying combat air patrol during the two-carrier battle group joint strike against terrorist-related Libyan targets in 1986. E-2Cs and AEGIS cruisers, working together, provided total air mass superiority over the American fleet. More recently, E-2Cs provided the command and control for successful operations during the Persian Gulf War, directing both land attack and combat air patrol missions over Iraq and providing control for the shoot-down of two Iraqi MIG-21 aircraft by carrier-based F/A-18s in the early days of the war. E-2 aircraft also have worked extremely effectively with U.S. law enforcement agencies in drug interdictions. The newest version of the Hawkeye, the E-2C, became operational in 1973.
Description: The Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning and command and control functions for the carrier battle group. An integral component of the carrier air wing, the E-2C uses computerized sensors to provide early warning, threat analyses and control of counteraction against air and surface targets. It is a high-wing aircraft with stacked antennae elements contained in a 24-foot rotating dome above the fuselage. The peculiar airflow over and around the radar dome led to a multiple-surface tail unit.
General Characteristics, E-2C Hawkeye
Contractor:
Grumann Aerospace Corp.
Unit Cost:
$51 million
Propulsion:
Two Allison T-56-A427 turboprop engines, 5,000 shaft horsepower each
Length:
57 feet, 6 inches (17.5 meters)
Height:
18 feet, 3 inches (5.6 meters)
Wingspan:
80 feet, 7 inches (28 meters)
Weight:
Maximum gross, take-off: 53,000 pounds (23,850 kilograms)
40,200 pounds basic (18,090 kilograms)
Speed:
300+ knots (345 mph, 552 kmh)
Ceiling:
30,000 feet (9,100 meters)
Crew:
Five
Armament:
None
Date Deployed:
January 1964
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:43am
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EC-130E Commando Solo
Function: Airborne Psycological Warfare/ Electronic Warfare platform.
Background: Fielded in 1992, the Rivet Rider variant of the Commando Solo electronic warfare support aircraft is a highly modified C-130 Hercules transport designed to serve as an airborne television and radio broadcasting platform. Flown exclusively by the 193rd Special Operations Wing (Pennsylvania Air National Guard), the EC-130E is capable of broadcasting in all AM, FM, HF, TV (Color/ B&W) and military communications bands in support of psychological warfare operations and civil affairs broadcast missions. Rivet Rider aircraft are capable of overriding local transmitters with their own message, thus ensuring message reception.
As an EW support aircraft, Commando Solo aircraft are tasked by the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) to broadcast specific messages to a designated target audience. These messages are prepared by the 4th and are specifically designed to meet requirements dictated by the U.S. State department or the Theater Area Commander. In addition to performing PSYOP operations, Commando Solo is capable of serving in a humanitarian aid and support capacity, broadcasting public service and emergency relief information. Because of the aircraft's transmitting capabilities, the EC-130E is also capable of serving in a limited capacity as an airborne command and control aircraft as well as an electronic warfare jamming platform.
Description: Though based on the basic C-130H tactical cargo aircraft, the Commando Solo/Rivet Joint airframe has been heavily modified, both internally and externally. The Rivet Rider aircraft is equipped with three large blade antennae, one each mounted vertically underneath outside edge of the wing and one incorporated into the leading edge of the aircraft vertical stabilizer. A fourth, X-shaped, antenna is incorporated into the vertical stabilizer. Outboard of the wing antennae are two large (6 foot diameter x 23 feet long) equipment pods. When conducting broadcasting operations the aircraft streams two flexible wire antennae; one trails out behind the aircraft and another is suspended from underneath the aircraft, held in a vertical position by a suspended 500 lb. weight. For self defense the EC-130E is equipped with on-board electronic warfare radar jamming equipment, a radar warning receiver, as well as electronic and infrared counter-measures dispensers.
?General Characteristics, EC-130E Commando Solo/ Rivet Rider
Prime Contractor:
Airframe: Lockheed Aeronautic
Electronics: Lockheed-Martin
Power plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 Turboprop Engines, 4,910 shaft horsepower per engine
Wingspan:
132 ft 7 in (40.4 meters)
Length:
100 ft 6 in (30.9 meters)
Height:
38 ft 6 in (11.7 meters)
Speed:
299 mph (478 kph)
Service Ceiling:
20,000 ft (6,154 meters)
Range:
2,100 miles (3,380 km); capable of in-flight refueling
Crew:
Four officers (pilot, copilot, navigator, mission control chief/EWO); seven enlisted (flight engineer, loadmaster, five mission crew)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 lbs (70,455 kg)
Unit Cost:
$70 million each
Date Deployed:
1992
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 12:43am
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EP-3 Aries II
Function: Four-engine turboprop signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance aircraft.
History: Introduced in 1969, the EP-3 ARIES I replaced the Lockheed Super Constellation in naval Maritime Patrol Aviation (MPA) and Electronic Warfare (VQ) squadrons, completely displacing the Super Connie by 1974. Based on the basic P-3 Orion design, which is itself based on the Lockheed Electra airliner, the EP-3 specializes in tactical signal intelligence. Ten EP-3Es were converted from P-3A patrol aircraft and were the oldest airframes in the fleet; two more were converted from P-3Bs and designated the EP-3B BATRACK. Modifications include canoe-shaped housings above and below the fuselage, deletion of the Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) stinger, and addition of various antennae about the fuselage, the largest of which is the elliptical, retractable AN/APX-134 Big Look radar, which is 12 feet in diameter and three feet deep.
Avionics include the GTE/Sylvania AN/ALR-60 communications and intercept analysis system on some aircraft, the Argo AN/ALR-52 Instantaneous Frequency Measuring (IFM) receiver, the Loral AN/ALQ-78 automatic ESM system, the Magnavox AN/ALQ-108 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) deception set, Raytheon AN/ALQ-76 noise deception jammer, the Hughes Aircraft AN/AAR-37 IR detector, and the Sanders AN/ALQ-132 IR jammer.
In 1991 the EP-3E Aries II was introduced, eventually replacing the ARIES I, BATRACK and DEEPWELL variants. There are a significant number of shared systems and equipment between the EP-3E ARIES II and the ES-3A Shadow aircraft. The EP-3E ARIES II interfaces with other Battle Group defense platforms including United States Air Force Airborne Warning and Control Aircraft (AWACS), Airborne Command and Control Forces (TACAMO), and sub-surface forces.
Description: The EP-3E ARIES II (Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronic System II) is the Navy's only land-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance aircraft. The 11 aircraft in the Navy's inventory are based on the Orion P-3 airframe and provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real-time tactical SIGINT. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the EP-3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory.
General Characteristics, EP-3 Aries II
Builder:
Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company
Unit Cost:
$36 million
Propulsion:
Four Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop engines (4,900 shaft horsepower each)
Length:
116 feet 7 inches (35.57 meters)
Wingspan:
99 feet 6 inches (30.36 meters)
Maximum Speed:
411 knots (466 mph, 745 kmph)
Maximum Range:
Maximum mission range - 2,380 nautical miles (2,738.9 miles); for three hours on station @1,500 feet - 1,346 nautical miles (1,548.97 miles)
Height:
33 feet 7 inches (10.27 meters)
Cruise Speed:
328 knots (403 mph, 644 kmh)
Ceiling:
28,300 feet (8,625.84 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
139,760 pounds (63,394.1 kilograms)
Typical Crew:
22+
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