David
Sun November 3, 2002 7:27am
Rating: 10
|
observation balloon
Federal observation balloon Intrepid being inflated. Battle of Fair Oaks, Va., May 1862.
|
|
David
Wed December 11, 2002 11:25pm
|
German observation balloo
German observation balloon leaving its hangar at Metz.
|
|
David
Wed December 11, 2002 11:25pm
|
Hydrogen gas cylinders fo
Hydrogen gas cylinders for inflating balloons.
|
|
David
Wed December 11, 2002 11:25pm
|
British balloonist bailin
British balloonist bailing out.
|
|
David
Wed December 11, 2002 11:25pm
|
Three 5,000 cubic feet Nu
Three 5,000 cubic feet Nurse Balloons in Hangar. Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 1, 1918
|
|
David
Fri January 10, 2003 11:56am
|
Federal observation ballo
Federal observation balloon Intrepid being inflated. Battle of Fair Oaks, Va., May 1862.
|
|
David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
|
Mk. 80 Series General Pur
Function: General Purpose, low drag free-fall bomb.
Background: The Mk 80 series bombs are is a non-guided, low drag, free-fall, general purpose explosives. The cases are relatively light; approximately 45 percent of their total weight is explosive filler and are designed to be streamlined, so as to reduce aerodynamic resistance. Mk. 80 GP bombs are typically used in situations where pin-point accuracy is not critical and where maximum blast and explosive effects are desired. There are currently four variants of the Mk. 80 GP bomb: the Mk. 81 250 pound bomb, the Mk. 82 500 pound bomb, the Mk. 83 1,000 pound bomb, and the Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb.
These bombs are usually equipped with both nose and tail mechanical fuses for ground bursts, or a radar-proximity fuse for air-bursts. For low altitude delivery, the Mk. 80 series bombs may be equipped with either a high-drag "popout" tail fin assembly or "ballute" (combination balloon/parachute) drogue assembly. These retardation devices slow the descent rate of the bomb significantly, allowing the releasing aircraft to maneuver clear of the target area prior to detonation.
Thermally protected versions of the Mk. 80 series were developed for use on aircraft carriers. These weapons are filled with a less sensitive explosive and treated to resist "cook off" in the event of exposure to an aviation fuel fire.
Two hard target penetration variants of the Mk. 80 series are currently in production. The BLU-111 is the 500lb variant and the BLU-110 is the 1,000 pound variant. The bomb case is made from forged steel, and the H-6 or Tritonal explosive filler has been replaced with PBNX-109.
Description: The basic Mk. 80 GP bomb consists of a an explosive filled metal case. Specific fuses may be added to the nose and tail sections of the case, depending on the desired blast effect, and the case can be equipped with either low drage guidance fins or a high drag "popout" fin or "ballute" assembly.
General Characteristics, Mk. 80 Series General Purpose Free Fall Bombs
Length:
Mk.81: 46 in. (1.18 meters)
Mk.82: 66.15 in. (2.21 meters)
Mk.83: 119.49 in. (3 meters)
Mk.84: 129 in.(3.31 meters)
Diameter:
Mk.81: 8.9 in.
Mk.82: 10.75 in.
Mk.83: 14.06 in.
Mk.84: 18 in.
Filler types:
H-6, Minol II, PBNX-109, Tritonal
Date Deployed:
1950s
Weight:
Mk.81: 250 lb (113 kg)
Mk.82: 500 lb (227 kg)
Mk.83: 1,000 lb (455 kg)
Mk.84: 2,000 lb (909 kg)
Filler Weight:
Mk.81:
Mk.82: 192 lb (89 kg)
Mk.83: 385 lb (202 kg)
Mk.84: 945 lb (430 kg)
Unit Cost:
Mk.81:
Mk.82: $268.50
Mk.83:
Mk.84: $3,100
|
|
David
Sat January 18, 2003 9:40am
|
The mission of the MC-130
The mission of the MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130H Combat Talon II is to provide global, day, night and adverse weather capability to airdrop and airland personnel and equipment in support of U.S. and allied special operations forces. The MC-130E also has a deep penetrating helicopter refueling role during special operations missions. These aircraft are equipped with in-flight refueling equipment, terrain-following, terrain-avoidance radar, an inertial and global positioning satellite navigation system, and a high-speed aerial delivery system. The special navigation and aerial delivery systems are used to locate small drop zones and deliver people or equipment with greater accuracy and at higher speeds than possible with a standard C-130. The aircraft is able to penetrate hostile airspace at low altitudes and crews are specially trained in night and adverse weather operations. Nine of the MC-130E's are equipped with surface-to-air Fulton air recovery system, a safe, rapid method of recovering personnel or equipment from either land or water. It involves use of a large, helium-filled balloon used to raise a 450-foot (136.5 meters) nylon lift line. The MC-130E flies towards the lift line at 150 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour), snags it with scissors-like arms located on the aircraft nose and the person or equipment is lifted off, experiencing less shock than that caused by a parachute opening. Aircrew members then use a hydraulic winch to pull the person or equipment aboard through the open rear cargo door.
|
|
|
The Patriot Files Forums
