International Military and Commercial Jet Aircrafts

Eurofighter Typhoon

2010-09-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine canard-delta wing multirole aircraft designed and built by a consortium of three companies: Alenia Aeronautica, BAE Systems, and EADS working through a holding company Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986. The project is managed by the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, which acts as the prime customer.

The series production of the Eurofighter Typhoon is underway, and the aircraft is being procured under three separate contracts (named "tranches"), each for aircraft with generally improved capabilities. The aircraft has entered service with the British Royal Air Force, the German Luftwaffe, the Italian Air Force, the Spanish Air Force and the Austrian Air Force. Saudi Arabia has signed a contract worth £4.43 billion (approx. €6.4 billion, $9.5 billion) for 72 aircraft.

Although not designated a stealth fighter, measures were taken to reduce the Typhoon's radar cross section (RCS), especially from the frontal aspect.

The Typhoon is a multi-role fighter with maturing air-to-ground capabilities. Earlier than scheduled, the RAF integrated the air to ground capability, based on the Rafael/Ultra Electronics Litening III laser designator and the Enhanced Paveway II/III laser guided bomb under the "Austere" programme. A more comprehensive air-to-ground attack capability including Paveway IV, EGBU-16 bombs and a higher degree of automation will be achieved for all partner nations with the Phase 1 Enhancements currently in development.

Eurofighter Typhoon Armament
Guns: 1 × 27 mm Mauser BK-27 Revolver cannon with 150 rounds
Hardpoints: Total of 13: 8 × under-wing plus 5 × under-fuselage pylon stations holding up to 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) of payload[191][201]
Missiles:
Air-to-air missiles:
AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-120 AMRAAM, IRIS-T, and, in the future, MBDA Meteor
Air-to-surface missiles:
AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, Storm Shadow (AKA Scalp EG), Brimstone, Taurus KEPD 350, Penguin and in the future AGM Armiger
Bombs: Paveway II/III/Enhanced Paveway series of Laser-guided bombs (LGBs), Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), HOPE/HOSBO
Others:
Flares/infrared decoys dispenser pod and chaff pod and
Electronic countermeasures (ECM) pods
LITENING III laser targeting pod
Up to 3 drop tanks for ferry flight or extended range/loitering time.

Eurofighter Typhoon Photo Gallery

Eurofighter Typhoon Video

Related links:
* Eurofighter

Sukhoi T-50 Maiden Flight

2010-01-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

The stealthy Sukhoi T-50 make its maiden flight, nearly two decades after the first prototype of the U.S. F-22 Raptor took to the air, and Russian officials said it will take another five years for the new jet to enter service. Still, the flight marked a major step in Russia's efforts to burnish the faded glory of its aviation industries and strengthen a beleaguered military.

The sleek twin-engined Sukhoi T-50 closely resembling the Raptor flew for 47-minutes from an airfield at Sukhoi's production plant in the Far Eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

Russian officials have said the new fighter, like the Raptor, will have supersonic cruising speed and stealth capabilities.

A380 superjumbo navigation system glitch

2009-12-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

An Air France A380 was forced to turn around and land in New York on Friday after problems with its navigation system, only days after the airline began flying the superjumbo across the Atlantic.

The double-decker Airbus made a U-turn 90 minutes after takeoff from New York and landed safely at Kennedy Airport in the early hours on Saturday, an Air France spokesman told AFP on Monday.

"The plane is new and is still getting into its stride. It was a minor computer problem that made navigation a little imprecise," he said.

The plane was carrying about 530 people on the New York to Paris flight when it was forced to change its flight plan. Following repairs in New York, it took off again three hours later.

It was the second time that an A380, the world's largest passenger plane, was forced to turn around in mid-flight.

A Singapore Airlines superjumbo returned to Paris on September 27 after one of its four engines failed during a routine flight to Singapore.

The Air France spokesman described last week's problem as a "minor" glitch, and said the airline had taken immediate steps to respond to the defect.

"It was a minor glitch, but we do apply a principle of absolute caution and as soon as there is the slightest concern, we come back, we fix it and the plane takes off again," he said.

"It was a problem with the in-flight computer but it did not at all affect air speed," he added.

European planemaker Airbus has come under scrutiny since an A330 passenger plane crashed in the Atlantic in June, killing all 228 people on board.

Investigators found the plane's air speed sensors were defective, but that the Air France crash was caused solely by the faulty monitors.

The giant plane made its maiden flight for Air France 10 days ago, taking off from Paris en route to New York with 538 passengers on board.

Air France is the first European airline to use the superjumbo, but it made its first test flight in April 2005 and has been in service for paying customers of Singapore Airlines since October 2007.

The superjumbo can carry 525 people in the standard three-class layout and up to 853 with all-economy seating.

Gulf-based Emirates airlines and Australia's Qantas are also flying the A380, which has enjoyed some commercial success despite initial production delays.

Singapore Airlines has ordered 19 A380s in all, and plans to have 11 carriers in service by March 2010. Air France is planning to fly 12 superjumbos, with three others to be delivered by June.

Air France plans to begin superjumbo flights to Johannesburg and Tokyo in the coming months.

Related posts:
* Airbus A310
* A330-200F Freighter

A330-200F Freighter

2009-11-06T04:05:00.000-08:00

Due to flagging A300-600F and A310F sales, Airbus began marketing a freighter derivative of the A330-200 around 2000-2001, although it was not launched at that time. The A330-200F re-emerged at the 2006 Farnborough Airshow and received its industrial go-ahead in January 2007. The first A330-200F has been rolled out in Toulouse on October 20, 2009. The first flight was in November 5, 2009.

The A330-200F is a mid-size, long-haul all-cargo aircraft capable of carrying 64 tonnes over 4,000 NM / 7,400 km, or 69 tonnes up to 3,200 NM / 5,930 km. It introduces a new versatile main-deck cargo loading system that will be able to accommodate both pallets and containers. Several different arrangements will be possible on the main deck, taking up to 23 Side-by-Side (SBS) pallets, aimed at the high volume, high value commodities or Single Row (SR) loading of 16 pallets (96 in X 96 in X 125 in SR pallets) and/or nine AMA containers aimed at the general cargo higher density markets.

Etihad Crystal Cargo A330-200F Air Freighter

US$180mil Airbus A330-200F freighter makes maiden flight

PARIS: Airbus will deliver the first of its new freight cargo aircraft in the summer of 2010, the company said Thursday after the plane took off on its maiden test flight.

Airbus says the aircraft, the A330-200F, meets a growing demand for freight haulers with smaller holds than the jumbo models currently based on rival Boeing Co.'s 747, and will be more economical to operate than the aging DC-10 freighters now serving the mid-size market.

"We see the first signs of recovery in the cargo market," Airbus' freighter marketing manager Jonathan Lesieur told reporters in a conference call.

Airbus forecasts total demand for about 1,600 freighters in the 30- to 80-ton capacity segment over the next two decades, Lesieur said.

The first A330-200F will be delivered to Etihad Crystal Cargo, an airline based in the United Arab Emirates, which has ordered three of the aircraft.

The A330-200F is a modified version of Airbus' A330-200 passenger jet, and it has a list price of around US$180 million, Lesieur said.

Since the program was announced in January, 2007, Airbus has received 67 firm orders from nine airlines for its freighter.

Last week Turkish Airlines announced its commitment to buy two A330-200Fs, though it has not yet placed a firm offer.

A version of the aircraft is also Airbus' contender for the U.S. Air Force's $35 billion contract to build new air refuelers and replace the Air Force's aging fleet of 179 tankers.

Lesieur said that Airbus could locate manufacturing of the A330-200 in Alabama if it wins the contract. Airbus is competing with Chicago-based Boeing for the order.

Airbus and its partner Northrop Grumman Corp. are offering a tanker based on the Airbus A330.

Boeing may offer tankers based on its 767 or 777 jets or both.

Airbus is a a unit of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co.

F-2 Banshee

2009-11-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

The McDonnell F2H Banshee or F-2 Banshee was a military single-seat carrier-based jet fighter aircraft deployed by the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps from 1948 to 1961. It was one of the primary American fighters used during the Korean War and was the only jet-powered fighter ever deployed by the Royal Canadian Navy, serving the RCN from 1955 until 1962. The aircraft's name is derived from the banshee of Celtic mythology.

In brief, the Model F2H-2 airplane is a single place, two engine, jet propelled, long range fighter incorporating droppable tip tanks. Designed to be either land or carrier based, the airplane is equipped with an electronically actuated, fully retractable, tricycle landing gear, folding outer panels, an arresting hook with cable expelling mechanism, and conventional catapult equipment. Stressed metal skin construction is employed throughout with all surfaces being of the full cantilever type. The control systems are conventional, with the exeption of the aileron system, which incorporates hydraulic boost. The split flaps, speed brakes, and trim tabs are all electrically actuated. In addition to conventional items, pilot equipment includes an ejection seat and cabin pressurization.

Banshee beginnings trace to fall 1944. McDonnell was one of three companies studying future carrier fighter designs for the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics using advanced piston-engine and prop, turbojet or turboprop propulsion. One of its proposals using two of Westinghouse's new 24C jet engines was selected for prototype development. The 3,000-pound thrust of the 24C (later designated J34) was nearly twice that of the 19B engines in its -- and the Navy's -- first jet fighter, the XFD-1, which would soon make its first flight. With a similar overall configuration but having four 20mm cannon, the all new design made maximum use of experience gained with the XFD.

Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound

2009-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russian: МиГ-31) (NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed to replace the MiG-25 'Foxbat'. The MiG-31 was designed by the Mikoyan design bureau based on the MiG-25. The MiG-31 was the most recent interceptor fielded by the Soviet Union before its dissolution.

Like the MiG-25, the Foxhound is a large twin-engine aircraft with side-mounted air intakes, a shoulder-mounted wing with an aspect ratio of 2.94, and twin vertical tailfins. Unlike the Foxbat, it has two seats, with the rear occupied by a dedicated weapon systems officer.

About 500 MiG-31s were produced, approximately 370 of which remain in Russian service, with another 30 or so in Kazakhstan. Some upgrade programs have found their way in the MiG-31 fleet, like the MiG-31BM multirole version with upgraded avionics, new multimode radar, hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, liquid-crystal (LCD) color multi-function displays (MFDs), ability to carry the AA-12 'Adder' missile and various Russian air-to-ground missiles (AGMs) such as the AS-17 'Krypton' anti-radiation missile (ARM), a new and more powerful computer, and digital datalinks. However, only very small numbers of Russian aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31BM standard, although others have been equipped with the new computer and the ability to carry the R-77 long-range missile as well.

Armament of Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound

The MiG-31's main armament is four R-33 air-to-air missiles (NATO codename AA-9 'Amos') carried under the belly. The R-33 is the Russian equivalent of the U.S. Navy's AIM-54 Phoenix. It can be guided in semi-active radar homing (SARH) mode, or launched in inertial guidance mode with the option of mid-course updates from the launch aircraft and switching to SARH for terminal guidance. A more advanced version of the weapon, the AA-X-13 'Arrow', which is the replacement for the older R-33, features folding stabilizers to reduce its stored size.

Other weapons include the old AA-6 'Acrid', originally deployed on the MiG-25, and the AA-8 'Aphid' or AA-11 'Archer' short-range IR missiles, carried on wing pylons. Currently the entire MiG-31 fleet is being refitted to carry the newer AA-12 'Adder' on the wing pylons.

Unlike the MiG-25, the MiG-31 has an internal cannon, a six-barrel, 23 mm GSh-6-23 with 800 rounds of ammunition, mounted above the starboard main landing gear bay. The GSh-6-23 has a claimed rate of fire of over 10,000 rounds per minute.

Related posts:
* Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

Vympel R-73 AA-11 Archer

2009-11-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

The Vympel R-73 (NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) developed by Vympel machine-building design bureau, is the most modern Russian short-range air-to-air missile. Currently the R-73 is the best Russian short range air-to-air missile. Apart from an exceptional maneverability, this missile is also directly connected to the pilot's helmet, which allows engagement of targets lateral to the aircraft, which cannot be engaged by missiles with a traditional system of targeting and guidance. The R-73A, an earlier variant of this missile, has a 30 km range, while the most recent R-73M can hit targets at a distance of 40 km.

The Vympel R-73 AA-11 Archer missile is carried by Ka-50, Ka-52, MiG-29 (Fulcrum), MiG-31, Su-25, Su-27, Su-30 (Flanker), Su-33, Su-34 (FullBack), Su-35, Su-37, Su-39, Yak-141

Later variants of the R-73 missile:
- The R-73E missile features extended range;
- The R-73M1 (sometimes designated as R-73 RDM-1) features improved overall performance;
- The R-73M2 (R-73 RDM-2) has even better performance characteristics than it's predecessor - the R-73M1;
- The K-74ME.

All these missiles have the same AA-11 "Archer" NATO designation.

Specifications of Vympel R-73 AA-11 Archer

Missile length: 2.90m
Missile diameter: 0.17m
Wingspan: 0.51m
Launch weight: 105kg (R-73M1), or 115kg (R-73M2)
Warhead: 7.4kg HE expanding rod warhead
Propulsion: One solid-propellant rocket motor
Off-Boresight Capability: +/-60 degree
Speed: Mach 2.5
G Limit: 40G
Range: 20km (R-73M1), or 30km (R-73M2)
Guidance: All-aspect infrared homing + helmet-mounted sight

Related posts:
* Vympel R-27 AA-10 Alamo
* S-300 surface-to-air missiles system

Vympel R-27 AA-10 Alamo

2009-10-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Vympel R-27 (NATO reporting name AA-10 Alamo, Cyrillic P-27) is a medium-range air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union. It remains in service with the CIS and Russian Air Force.

The R-27 is manufactured in IR-homing (R-27T), semi-active radar homing (R-27R) and active radar homing (R-27AE) variants. It arms the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27, and some late-model MiG-23MLD aircraft were also adapted to carry it. The missile is also license produced in China, though the production license was obtained from Ukraine instead of Russia. The Chinese licensing production does not include the active radar homing version, and China developed their own version by integrating the active radar seeker of Vympel R-77 provided by Russia to the R-27 missile.

"Alamo" missiles are capable to intercept an air target traveling at speed up to 3 500 km/h. Interception altitude varies from 20 meters to 27 kilometers. Maximum altitude difference between target and missile carrying aircraft is 10 kilometers. All R-27 missiles have a minimum range of fire in 0.5 - 1 km and carry 39 kg weight expanding rod warheads.

Initially, as almost all soviet air-to-air missiles, the R-27 came in two variants, having either semi-active radarhoming or an infrared homing seeker. The semi-active radarhoming variant was designated as the R-27R (AA-10A "Alamo-A"), while the infrared variant was designated as R-27T (AA-10B "Alamo-B"). The standard soviet tactic for interceptions is based on firing two missiles with a various seeker types at the same target to maximize kill probability. There are also designed downgraded export versions of these missiles, designated as R-27R1 (AA-10A "Alamo-A") and R-27T1 (AA-10B "Alamo-B") respectively.

Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

2009-10-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is a 4th generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other nations. The NATO name "Fulcrum" was unofficially used by Soviet pilots in service. The MiG-29 along with the Su-27 were developed to counter new American fighters such as the F-15 Eagle, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon

The official "uncompromised design technical assignment", which was translated into a new operational requirement, was issued in 1972 to replace MiG-21 and MiG-23 assets in the tactical and air defense air forces. The new lightweight fighter was to undertake autonomous operations from austere sites to achieve air superiority over the tactical theater and provide limited escort and surface attack capabilities. Detail design work began in 1974 which resulted in the first 14 of 19 prototypes. The first example was flown on 06 Oct77, by chief test pilot Alexander V. Fedotov, at the Ramenskoye flight test center. It was photographed in November 1977 by US intelligence satellites and given the interim designation of the "RAM-L". The second prototype flew in June 1978. Eventually the 2nd and 4th prototypes, propulsion test beds, would be lost in accidents (15 Jun 1978 & 31 Oct 1980 respectively) due to engine failures. The third prototype (03) was the first dual-seater MiG-29UB trainer and first flew on 28 Apr 1981, again piloted by Alexander V. Fedotov.

In total, over 800 were delivered to the Soviet / Russian Tactical Air Forces and around 500 airframes prepared for initial export customers. By 1989, it was serving in 12 different air forces around the world. Presently, it is the only Russian aircraft on operational duty in NATO and serves in 21 air forces. Brassey's reports that a total of 1216 MiG-29 single-seaters and 197 MiG-29UB dual-seaters were built by January 1985 (total of 1413). Since 1990, production was exclusively for export.

MiG-29 Cockpit

MiG-29 Armament

Armament for the MiG-29 includes a single GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 150-round magazine, which was reduced to 100 rounds in later variants. Original production MiG-29B aircraft cannot fire the cannon when carrying a centerline fuel tank as it blocks the shell ejection port. This issue was corrected in the MiG-29S and later versions. Three pylons are provided under each wing (four in some variants), for a total of six (or eight). The inboard pylons can carry either a 1,150 liter (300 US gallon) fuel tank, one Vympel R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo") medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carry R-73 (AA-11 "Archer") dogfight missiles, although some users still retain the older R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid"). A single 1,500 liter (400 US gallon) tank can be fitted to the centerline, between the engines, for ferry flights, but this position is not used for combat stores. The original MiG-29B can carry general-purpose bombs and unguided rocket pods, but not precision-guided munitions. Upgraded models have provision for laser-guided and electro-optical bombs, as well as air-to-surface missiles.

Japan Airlines to cut 6,800 jobs

2009-09-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Japan Airlines is to cut 6,800 jobs, slash its network of overseas routes and withdraw from some airports as it seeks to attract the funding it needs to repair its balance sheet.

Haruka Nishimatsu, JAL's president, also said that the company aims to agree on a capital injection from a foreign rival by mid-October. JAL is in talks with US rivals Delta Air Lines and American Airlines about an equity injection of about Y30bn ($328m) -- and, according to reports in the local media, is also in discussions with Air France-KLM.

The restructuring plan -- which JAL presented to a government-appointed panel on Tuesday -- is the company's last-ditch attempt to persuade the government, its consortium of banks, and potential investors that it can return to profit and, therefore, deserves further support.

"It's like the end of 1944 or 1945, after the Normandy landings," said one person connected to the talks.

The plan includes heavy cuts to JAL's international network -- 20 or 30 routes according to local media -- for which demand is at its most volatile. JAL's international and domestic routes are currently split 50:50, but the airline would now focus more on its domestic services, said a transport ministry official who attended the presentation.

JAL also intends to increase the use of smaller aircraft on some routes, and withdraw entirely from some airports.

In addition to the job cuts -- 14 per cent of JAL's workforce -- the company wants to cut pay and significantly reduce its pension costs.

JAL lost Y63bn last year and a further Y99bn in the quarter from April to June. The company has about Y100bn in debt maturing in December, and will need to refinance another Y100bn by March, while shareholders' equity had fallen to 10 per cent of total assets by the end of June.

Any capital injection from Delta or American would be conditional on the US and Japan reaching an "open skies" agreement and US antitrust immunity.

The transport ministry said that JAL would be free to chose whichever ally brought it the greatest efficiency. A deal between JAL and Delta -- and JAL's defection to the Skyteam airline alliance -- would be a severe blow to American and JAL's existing allies in the Oneworld group.

However, the costs of changing computer systems over to the Skyteam alliance could soak up much of Delta's proposed investment, and one person close to the negotiations said it might be hard to agree such a complicated deal by the mid-October deadline.

JAL must submit a detailed restructuring plan to the ministry by the end of the month. Its future will depend heavily on who the new Democratic Party government appoints as transport minister and whether they offer further public support.

Recent posts:
* 1,000 Jobs Cut At Boeing

Russia to sell Iran fighters, bombers

2009-08-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

With concerns in the West about military ties between Russia and Iran, an official at Russia's state arms exporter says if asked, Moscow will be willing to consider orders for military equipment from Tehran.

"If Iran were interested in military transport planes, or tactical battle aviation, we would look at this request," Alexander Mikheyev, the deputy director of Rosoboronexport, was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency on Wednesday.

Despite domestic production of fighter jets, Iran seems to be interested in refurbishing its army's aging air fleet.

The Russian official, meanwhile, did not mention the company's willingness for the delivery of a controversial Russian-made air defense system.

While Moscow signed a contract with Tehran in 2007 to supply the powerful S-300 missiles to Iran, there has been interminable confusion reigning over the delivery of the sophisticated defense system.

The S-300 surface-to-air system, known as the SA-20 in the West, can track targets and fire at aircraft 120 km (75 miles) away. It also features high jamming immunity and is capable of simultaneously engaging up to 100 targets.

Tehran has opted to acquire the sophisticated S-300 system to counter potential air strikes on its nuclear facilities as Israel continues to mention such measures as prudent in dealing with the Iranian program.

Israeli and US officials have strongly urged Moscow not to supply the missiles, and the issue has been the subject of intense diplomatic wrangling for years.

The US, Israel and their European allies -- Britain, France and Germany -- claim the Islamic Republic has military objectives in its nuclear enrichment program.

The Tehran government, however, says the only aim of its nuclear program is the civilian applications of the technology. The country also claims that it would have no use for such weapons as it considers them 'obsolete.'

Israel has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, -- including the uranium enrichment plant at Natanz or the country's first atomic power plant, which has been under construction by Russian workers in Bushehr for years -- arguing that the country's nuclear activities are an existential threat to Tel Aviv's security.

According to Western experts, the S-300 system would rule out the possibility of an Israeli airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites.

"If Tehran obtained the S-300, it would be a game-changer in military thinking for tackling Iran," says long-time Pentagon advisor Dan Goure.

Speaking on the issue, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday that the Kremlin has promised to reconsider the planned delivery of the S-300 missiles to Iran.

"President Medvedev gave a promise he will reconsider the sales of S-300s because it affects the delicate balance which exists in the Middle East,'' Peres told reporters.

S-300 surface-to-air missiles system

2009-08-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

The S-300 is a series of Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems produced by the Almaz Scientific Industrial Corporation all based on the initial S-300P version. The S-300 system was developed to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles for the Soviet Air Defence Forces. Subsequent variations were developed to intercept ballistic missiles.

The S-300 system was first deployed by the USSR in 1979, designed for the air defense of large industrial and administrative facilities, military bases, and control of airspace against enemy strike aircraft.

The project-managing developer of the S-300 is Russian Almaz corporation (government owned, aka "KB-1") which is currently a part of "Almaz-Antei" Air Defense Concern. S-300 uses missiles developed by MKB "Fakel" design bureau (a separate government corporation, aka "OKB-2").

The S-300 is also capable of destroying ballistic missile targets, and is regarded as one of the most potent anti-aircraft missile systems currently fielded. Its radars have the ability to simultaneously track up to 100 targets while engaging up to 12. S-300 deployment time is five minutes. The S-300 missiles are sealed rounds and require no maintenance over their lifetime. An evolved version of the S-300 system is the S-400 (NATO reporting name SA-21), entering service in 2004.

S-300 SAM Battery

S-300 SAM Launcher Vehicle

S-300 Missile Thrust Vector

S-300 Russian made missiles

S-300 SAM Missiles

S-300 Missiles Specification

Continental Airlines Flight 128 Hits Turbulence

2009-08-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Severe turbulence shook a Continental Airlines flight Monday, injuring dozens of passengers and forcing the aircraft to divert to Miami, Florida, according to the airline and a fire official.

There were 168 passengers and 11 crew members on Flight 128, which was heading from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Houston, Texas, according to a statement from Continental Airlines.

Ambulances and other vehicles were lined up on the runway to treat and transport the injured passengers when the plane landed at Miami International Airport at 5:35 a.m.

Continental said nine passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, and 28 other passengers were treated at the scene. Lt. Elkin Sierra of the Miami-Dade Fire Department said 26 passengers were injured, including four seriously.

The Boeing 767 hit turbulence about 50 miles north of the Dominican Republic at about 38,000 feet, according to an official with the Federal Aviation Administration. It landed in Miami an hour later with its seat belt signs illuminated, the airline said.

Those injured suffered from a variety of injuries, including bumps, bruises, neck pain and back pain, Sierra said.

The flight is scheduled to depart Miami for Houston later in the morning, according to Continental's Web site

Source CNN - At least 26 hurt as airliner hits turbulence

X-48B

2009-07-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

NASA, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force are teaming up to develop a Blended-Wing Body aircraft for the military, called X-48B.

Unique Lines
The X-48B lacks the traditional tube and wing shape which has been the hallmark of aircraft design for the last 100 years.

Into the Future
Researchers believe that the unique design of the X-48B will save 30 percent more fuel over contemporary aircraft of similar size and weight. It could see service some time in the next ten to fifteen years.

Test Flight
The X-48B soars over Edwards Air Force Base in August. During the test, the plane was piloted remotely by engineers on the ground.

Wind Tunnel
At NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, an 8.5 percent scale model of the X-48B is tested for its stability and control. The wingspan of this prototype of the aircraft measures 21 feet.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter In Thunderbirds Colors

2009-07-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

While its Thunderbirds debut is a few years off, these images of the F-35 Lightning II in Thunderbirds dress were released by Lockheed Martin's multimedia team to promote the jet. Still in development, the plane is designed as a multi-purpose replacement for several Cold War-era fighter models, including the F/A-18, the A-10, and the F-16.

Photo gallery of F-35 Lighting (JSF) in Thunderbirds Colors

No additional funding for F-22 Raptor

2009-07-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

The US Senate voted Tuesday to block expansion of one of the country's most controversial and expensive defense programs, the F-22 fighter jet program. The Senate voted Tuesday to cut $1.75 billion for an additional seven F-22s from the fiscal year 2010 budget.

The vote gave the White House and Pentagon a key victory over congressional supporters of the F-22, many of whom represent states and districts where jobs are tied to the production of the jet.

The vote, which stripped $1.75 billion for an additional seven F-22s from the fiscal year 2010 budget, was a reversal of an earlier Senate committee decision to include money for the program. The change came in a response to strong pressure from President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and several key senators who argued that the additional planes are not needed or wanted by the military.

The 58-40 vote, which did not break down along typical partisan lines, was the culmination of a classic confrontation between the president and Congress over who is the best judge of the country's military needs.

F-22 in the military

Primary function: Air dominance, multi-role fighter

Unit cost: $143 million

Inventory: Total force, 134

Initial operating capability: December 2005

Contractor: Lockheed-Martin, Boeing

Speed: Mach 2 class with supercruise capability

Crew: One

Weaponry: One 20-mm cannon with 480 rounds, internal weapon bays capable of carrying up to eight air-to-air missiles

Continental Airlines cut 1,700 jobs

2009-07-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Continental Airlines Inc. (CAL) reported Tuesday that its second-quarter loss widened on charges and a continuing drop-off in business travel as the company said it would cut 1,700 jobs in a move to reduce costs.

The job cuts, which represent about 4.2% of the company's work force, will include management and clerical positions and are in addition to its previously announced reduction of 500 reservation-agent positions. The company has also in recent months offered leaves of absence to 700 flight attendants.

The results make the company the latest U.S. carrier to report red ink this month on sharply weaker demand. Despite lower fuel prices from a year earlier, airlines have been struggling with a big drop in both leisure and business travel.

U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle crashed in Afghanistan

2009-07-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

Two airmen on a U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle died when the plane crashed in eastern Afghanistan early Saturday, the U.S. military said.

The two-man fighter went down while it was conducting military operations, another source, Lt. Col. Reid Christopherson, said earlier.

"At this time, we are very comfortable in stating there was no hostile fire in the incident," Christopherson said. He added that a board of officers will investigate the crash of the highly maneuverable, all-weather tactical fighter.

In a news release, the military said the incident occurred at 3:15 a.m. Kabul time and also noted that there was no "hostile fire." "We mourn the loss of these two airmen and our thoughts are with their families, loved ones and their unit," the news release said. "Only after a deliberative and thorough investigation will we know what caused this event. "

A spokesman for the governor of Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, who goes by the single name Jihangir, confirmed that a U.S. plane crashed in Ghazni's Nawur district before dawn.

"The crash site was sealed off by coalition forces," Jihangir told CNN by telephone, "Afghan police were not allowed to have access to this area."

The Afghan official said the plane crashed in Ghazni, some 160 kilometers west of the town of Ghazni, between the communities of Qaracha and Bahari.

The jet crash comes in a bloody month in Afghanistan.

July's toll of international military fatalities stands at 50, the highest tally so far, a CNN count of official statistics shows

British Airways lost $163 million in 1Q 2009

2009-07-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Troubled British Airways plans to raise nearly a billion dollars of emergency cash funding as it tries to survive the current economic downturn, the airline said Friday.

The news is an indication of bad times at BA, which is facing the threat of summer strikes by ground staff. Earlier this month, its pilots accepted a pay cut in exchange for the promise of shares to help the airline save money.

The airline said it will try to raise £600 million ($978.6 million) in two ways, the company said.

Half the money will come from a £300 million ($489 million) convertible debt issue. They are essentially IOUs that will be repaid with interest or converted into BA shares in the future.

The airline's pension fund has also allowed the company to draw on bank guarantees set aside for the pension in case of bankruptcy. That means it will have access to as much as £330 million ($540 million) if it needs to draw on cash.

"We're taking action to improve our liquidity and strengthen our position within the industry," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "This goes hand in hand with our cost reduction and efficiency initiatives, which are designed to create the right conditions for our sustainable, long-term profitability.

"It also supports our continued investment program to maintain our position as a leading global premium airline."

The airline lost £100 million ($163 million) in the first quarter of the year, ending June 30, the company said Friday in a pre announcement of its earnings.

That figure was slightly better than the market expected, the airline said, but it also means the company is losing about £1 million ($1.6 million) a day.

As of June 30, the airline had approximately £1.25 billion ($2.04 billion) of cash and general facilities of around £130 million ($212 million).

"BA needs to strengthen its balance sheet," CNN Aviation and Business Correspondent Richard Quest said. "It's raising a sizable amount of money, which suggests there's no end in sight in the current downturn and falloff in premium traffic.
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"We're in the summer months, which is traditionally the best time of the year," Quest said.

"BA has to get through what will be a very nasty winter. Whilst the worst may be over with the recession, in the airline industry, there is still plenty more grim news as we head into the winter."

More at British Airways seeks emergency funding

1,000 Jobs Cut At Boeing

2009-07-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

Boeing will slash about 1,000 jobs from its Integrated Defense Systems department because of funding cuts by the Pentagon, according to a memo to employees. These cuts are in addition to previously announced job cuts at the aerospace giant.

The Boeing news, coupled with job cut announcements Tuesday at NASA and US Airways, is a stark reminder of the continued precarious position of the U.S. worker in a severe recession that won't loosen its grip.

The 1,000 job cuts at Boeing will happen at several Integrated Defense Systems sites across the nation, and affected employees will be notified beginning this week, according to Jim Albaugh, head of IDS.

"In recent weeks, customers have directed us to stop work or reduce the level of effort on some specific programs, requiring us to take immediate steps to reduce employment," Albaugh said.

The cuts are tied to the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program and the Army's Future Combat Systems program, the memo said.

The Midcourse Defense is a missile system meant to defend the United States against ballistic missile attacks by terrorists or rogue states, according to Boeing's Web site.

The memo also aimed to assure workers that progress was being made in acquiring new government and international contracts.

The Defense Department was not available for comment.

In January, the aerospace company and defense contractor announced that it would cut a total of 10,000 jobs this year as it struggles with slumping demand.

Caspian Air Flight 7908 Crashes

2009-07-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

Caspian Air Flight 7908 crashed Wednesday in northwestern Iran, state television reported. All 168 aboard were believed to be dead.

The passenger plane is thought to have crashed near the Iranian city of Qazvin, Iranian Press TV reported. The Russian-made Tupolev plane went down near Jannat-abad village near Qazvin at 11:33 am on Wednesday, the station reported.

All on board are "most probably" dead, the news station said, quoting Qazvin Police Chief Hossein Behzadpour.

Qazvin is the largest city in the province of Qazvin and is its capital, with an estimated population of 330,000. It is about 140 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of the capital, Tehran. The Iranian newspaper Hamshahri reported that the plane originated from Tehran and was headed to Yerevan, Armenia.

The plane was from Caspian Air and crashed 16 minutes after takeoff, said the newspaper, quoting a spokesman from Iran's civil aviation organization. The flight number was 7908, the paper said, citing the spokesman.

Footage of the scene of the crash site showed a huge crater in the earth scattered with pieces of the plane and tattered passports.

Source: CNN - Plane crashes in Iran, 168 believed killed

Southwest Flight 2294 Emergency Landing

2009-07-14T02:37:00.000-07:00

Southwest Airlines jet made an emergency landing in Charleston, West Virginia, on Monday after a football-sized hole in its fuselage caused the cabin to depressurize, an airline spokeswoman said.

There were no injuries aboard the Boeing 737, which was traveling at about 30,000 feet when the problem occurred, Southwest spokeswoman Marilee McInnis told CNN.

The sudden drop in cabin pressure caused the jet's oxygen masks to deploy.

Southwest Flight 2294 was en route from Nashville, Tennessee, to Baltimore, Maryland, with 126 passengers and a crew of five aboard, McInnis said.

More news at CNN - Jet makes landing with football-sized hole

Carla One for French President First Lady

2009-07-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Nicolas Sarkozy's ‘bling bling’ reputation reached new heights today when it emerged his new £50million jet has been named ‘Carla’ after his glamorous third wife.

The French President defied the recession last year to order £240million worth of planes, including an Airbus designed to be bigger than any flown by other European leaders, and two corporate run-arounds for shorter trips.

The first, a hugely luxurious Dassault Falcon 7X with a range of 6000 nautical miles, has now been delivered complete with the hand-painted legend ‘Carla One’ glistening on its side, in honour of First Lady Carla Bruni.

‘She’s a beautiful plane and of course officially named after the President’s wife,’ said a source at the Villacoublay airbase near Paris, where the plane is currently under lock and key in a top secret hangar.

The Presidential couple, who are currently in Italy at the G8 summit, have a shared love of private planes which goes back to the days when they were dating.

In December 2007 Mr Sarkozy was accused of demeaning the French presidency with ostentatious behaviour by whisking his then girlfriend away on an Egyptian beach holiday on a private jet belonging to French billionaire Vincent Bolloré.

When they finally married last year, Mr Sarkozy made it clear that the former supermodel would have the very best in aviation luxury to transport her around the world.

But critics worried about on-board gold taps or Jacuzzis on their new jet are likely to be disappointed.

While the Falcon comes with designer furniture including full leather seats and teak desks, it is said to be red, white and blue, with no tacky accessories.

Aviation expert Jean Guisnel, of France’s Le Point magazine, said ‘the model is decorated in the livery of all official French planes - sober and elegant.’

The Sarkozys will also be getting a top-of-the-range Airbus A330-200 which is bigger than any other European leaders, but smaller than U.S. President Barack Obama’s
Boeing 747-200, otherwise known as Air Force One.

The Airbus will be outfitted with desks for Mr Sarkozy and a secretary, a meeting room for 12 people and seating for 60 passengers as well as a bedroom and a private bathroom.

Mr Sarkozy was dubbed ‘President Bling-Bling’ by the French press because of his love of designer goods, including Ray Ban sunglasses and Rolex watches.

While Miss Bruni is also known for her extravagance, she has been trying to tone the vulgarity, knowing that it has alienated people hit by the global recession.

Dassault Falcon 7X

2009-07-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

The Dassault Falcon 7X is a French-built large-cabin, long range business jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the flagship offering of their business jet line. In 2001, the Falcon 7X, at approximately $35 million, was nearly $10 million cheaper than its nearest competitors in the long range, large cabin market segment, the Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Global Express. Its 2007 cost is $41 million. As of 2008, the approximate unit cost of the 7X is $50 million.

It is the first fully fly-by-wire business jet. It is also equipped with the same avionics suite, the Honeywell Primus EPIC "Enhanced Avionics System" (EASy), that was used on the Falcon 900EX and later on the Falcon 2000EX.

The Falcon 7X is notable for its extensive use of computer-aided design, the manufacturer claiming it to be the "first aircraft to be designed entirely on a virtual platform", using Dassault Systemes' CATIA and PLM products.

Photo gallery of Dassault Falcon 7X

Airbus A310

2009-06-30T02:01:00.000-07:00

The Airbus A310 is a medium to long-range widebody airliner. Launched in 1978, it was the second aircraft created by the Airbus consortium of European aerospace companies, which is now fully owned by EADS. The A310 is a shortened derivative of the A300, the first twin-engined widebody airliner. The A310 (along with the A300) officially ceased production in July 2007 although the last delivery was in June 1998.

The A310's range exceeds that of all the A300 models, except for the A300-600, which surpasses the A310-200. This feature has led to the aircraft being used extensively on transatlantic routes. The A300 and A310 introduced the concept of commonality: A300-600 and A310 pilots can qualify for the other aircraft with one day of training.

Demand for the aircraft started to slow down and there were no new A310 passenger orders during the late 1990s. The A310 (along with the A300) ceased production in July 2007, though five orders from Iraqi Airways remained on the books until July 2008. The remaining freighter sales are to be fulfilled by the new A330-200F derivative.

The aircraft was formally launched in July 1978 for Lufthansa and Swissair. A further development of the A300, the aircraft was initially designated the A300 B10. Essentially a "baby" A300, the main differences in the two aircraft are
* Shortened fuselage - same cross section, providing capacity of about 200.
* Redesigned rear fuselage - altered tapering and moving aft of the rear bulkhead created additional capacity. The redesign was also used for the A300-600 and A330/A340 fuselages.
* Redesigned wing - designed by British Aerospace who rejoined Airbus consortium
* Smaller vertical fin

The A310 was marketed as an introduction to widebody operations for developing airlines. The A310 was replaced in Airbus' lineup by the highly successful A330-200, which shares its fuselage cross-section. Between 1983 and the very last aircraft produced 1998, 255 A310s were delivered by Airbus.

The A300 and A310 established Airbus as a competitor to Boeing and allowed it to go ahead with the more ambitious A320 and A330/A340 families.

AirBus A310 Variants

* A310-200
* A310-200C
* A310-300
* A310-300C
* A310 MRT/MRTT

Photo gallery of AirBus A310

AirBus A310

AirBus A310 Air Transat

AirBus A310 Emirates Skycargo

AirBus A310 Kenya Airways

AirBus A310 Lufthansa Airline

AirBus A310 Turkish Airlines

* Airbus A330

Yemeni AirBus A310 jetliner crashes

2009-06-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

A Yemeni jetliner with more than 150 people aboard has crashed in the Indian Ocean off the island nation of Comoros, aviation officials in Yemen said Tuesday.

The jet was en route to Moroni, the capital of Comoros, from Yemen's capital Sanaa when it crashed about an hour before reaching its destination, officials from the national airline Yemenia said. There was no immediate news of the fate of those on board.

Yemenia Flight 626 left Sanaa at 9:30 p.m. for what was expected to be a 4½-hour flight. The airline has three regular flights per week to Moroni, off the east coast of Africa about 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) south of Yemen.

Most of the 143 passengers aboard the Airbus A310 were Comoran, an official at Sanaa's international airport said. The aircraft also carried a crew of 11, for a total of 154 people on board.

There has been no indication of foul play behind the crash, the officials said.

The crash is the second involving an Airbus jet in a month. On June 1, an Air France Airbus A330 crashed off Brazil while en route from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Paris, France. All 228 aboard are presumed dead. The cause remains under investigation.

Airbus A330s airspeed and altitude indications failures

2009-06-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

United States accident investigators are probing two recent failures of airspeed and altitude indications aboard Airbus A330s -- the same type of plane that crashed into the Atlantic nearly a month ago.

The planes landed safely and there were no injuries or damage, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday. One flight was between the United States and Brazil in May and the other between Hong Kong and Japan in June.

The probes were launched in the aftermath of the June 1 crash in the Atlantic Ocean -- when Air France Flight 447 was flying to Paris, France, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All 228 people on board the plane, an A330, were killed.

Investigators are looking at the possible role of airspeed sensors known as pitot tubes, among other factors, as a possible cause of the Flight 447 crash.

That flight sent 24 automated error messages in the four minutes before it crashed, the head of the French accident investigation board, Paul-Louis Arslanian, has said. The error messages all indicate there were problems with on-board information about the plane's speed, which can cause some of the plane's instruments to stop functioning, Arslanian said.

Search teams are looking for the bulk of the plane's wreckage and for its flight data recorders.

The first of the two incidents being investigated by the NTSB happened May 21, when a TAM Airlines flight from Miami, Florida, to Sao Paulo, Brazil, experienced a loss of primary speed and altitude information while in flight, the NTSB said.

"Initial reports indicate that the flight crew noted an abrupt drop in indicated outside air temperature, followed by the loss of the Air Data Reference System and disconnections of the autopilot and autothrust, along with the loss of speed and altitude information," the NTSB said.

The flight crew used backup instruments and the primary data was restored in about five minutes, the NTSB said.

Another "possibly similar" incident happened June 23 on a Northwest Airlines flight between Hong Kong and Tokyo, Japan, the NTSB said.

Investigators from the NTSB are gathering data recorder information, monitoring system messages, crew statements and weather information, the NTSB said.

Source: CNN - NTSB to probe problems on other Airbus flights

Sukhoi Superjet 100

2009-06-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sukhoi Superjet 100 aeroplane family is being developed based on the principle of maximum standardization of frame assemblies and systems, viz.: wings, fins, chassis, engine unit, crew cabin, basic aeroplane systems and component parts.

The standardization of the design will make it possible to improve the economic performance of the aeroplane family operation with expenditures kept at a rational level.

The aerodynamics and design of the aeroplanes of the family are based on proven advanced technology to minimise technical risks at the stage of design, testing and operation.

To broaden the customer base among airlines, each of the 2 standard sizes of the aeroplanes of the family (for 75 and 95 seats)has a basic and a LR modification designed for use on a network of various-length routes to make it possible for airlines to improve the economic performance of their operations through a more balanced composition of their fleets based on the route structure and passenger flows.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 aeroplane family conforms to current and long-range requirements of Russian and global market in commercial aeroplanes.

The design meets the specific requirements of airlines in Russia, the CIS, and western countries, and conforms to the Aviation Rules AP-25, FAR-25, JAR-25 requirements.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 family aeroplanes conform to the ground noise level requirements under ICAO Chapter 4 and FAR 36 Section 4 standards to come into force 2006.

The M&R system provides for annual up time up to 3,600 FH

Aeroplane frame design service life:

* basic: 70,000 FH, 70,000 takeoff and landing cycles
* LR: 70,000FH, 70,000 takeoff and landing cycles.

The aftersales support of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aeroplane family is based on the state-of-the-art principles followed in world practices.

Compatibility with 99% of the class A, B and C aerodrome profiles in Russia and the CIS.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 Wallpaper Photos

Qantas Airbus A330 jet went into total free-fall

2009-06-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Passengers were thrown around the cabin of a Qantas flight after severe turbulence forced the plane to plummet mid-air, injuring seven. QF68 was flying over Borneo in Malaysia, about four hours after leaving Hong Kong, when it "encountered severe turbulence", Qantas said in a statement.

The Airbus A330 touched down at Perth International Airport this morning, and shaken passengers disembarked from it.

Six passengers and one crew member were injured and were treated by paramedics once the plane arrived.

One man suffered a cut to his head during the incident, which is understood to have lasted between 10 to 20 seconds. The crew member was said to have fallen on their shoulder.

"It was probably one of the worst turbulences I've ever (been in)," passenger Chris Rose, who was returning home with his wife Kerry, said.

"There were people flying around and bits of pieces flying around, and some people hit their heads.

"It was total free-fall. No question, it's the worst I've ever been in.

"There was lightning everywhere ... obviously we were right in the middle of a storm or thunder but it was pretty severe.

"I was really frightened. It wasn't a laughing matter as there was a number of people who got injured."

Mr Rose said he was "pretty happy to be back in one piece".

Another passenger, a bleary-eyed Damien Whitehead, admitted he was a "little nervous" when the plane flew into a "severe air pocket".

He said the Airbus fell a "reasonable distance".

"We dropped enough for a lot of people who didn't have seatbelts on to hit the roof of the plane," he said.

"It was quite sudden ... there was slight bumping and the plane just dropped."

Mr Whitehead said passengers were told the radar was not functioning "so the plane didn't see (the air pocket) and went straight into it".

He thought it lasted about 10 to 20 seconds and said he saw people with minor head injuries being treated on board.

Passenger Lorraine McKay said the mid-air drop was "quite violent" and caused her heart to jump, but that the flight was otherwise quite smooth.

"I can't remember whether it went down or up first," she said. "It was alright if you had a seatbelt. There was one chap who got a cut to his head but he was walking.

"Everybody was really quite calm (but) if you weren't strapped in you would have (flown about)."

Maureen Thomson said she fell asleep during the flight without a seatbelt on and she hit the ceiling. She had no injuries.

She said she also saw a little girl sitting nearby who did an "absolute somersault".

"It was so quick, people were more startled than anything else," Mrs Thomson said.

Another traveller who was flying with her two children said the turbulence occurred two hours into the flight.

"The kids were asleep, I was sort of dozing and all of a sudden, the plane started to go up and down," she said.

"We were all strapped in. The kids were good, they slept through it but there was one guy who had a cut on his head and blood on his shirt."

Boeing 787 Dreamliner ready for test flight

2009-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

THE US aerospace giant Boeing is getting its 787 Dreamliner ready for its first test flight within days, banking on the new fuel-efficient plane to sail above stiff market headwinds.

Boeing expects the much-delayed Dreamliner to have its maiden flight within the next eight days on a schedule that puts delivery of the plane to first customer, All Nippon Airways, in the first quarter of next year.

"We're very much looking forward to seeing our airplane take to the skies," said a Boeing spokesman, Marc Birtel.

No date has been announced for the flight.

The company has delayed the Dreamliner's first flight, nearly two years behind schedule, four times since launching the program in 2004 because of production problems.

The Chicago-based company announced last Wednesday that final assembly had begun on the first aircraft destined for ANA, which has ordered 50 Dreamliners. Qantas and its Jetstar subsidiary have ordered 65 of the fuel-efficient jets.

Jetstar is expected to launch services into Europe and North America after it takes delivery of its first 787 next year.

"This is a great day for the 787 team," said Scott Fancher, the vice-president and general manager of the Dreamliner program.

"In 2004 ANA demonstrated great faith in Boeing and the 787 by placing the largest launch order for any new airplane in Boeing history."

Boeing has built six Dreamliners that will be used in the flight-test program to assure the plane's safety for the company and for regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration and foreign authorities, Mr Birtel said.

"The main mantra is safety."

Boeing said it had 865 orders from 56 airlines for the aircraft, saying it is the "fastest-selling all-new jetliner in aviation history". The 787 Dreamliner is the company's first new model in more than a decade and features 50 per cent plastic composites, compared with 12 per cent on its 777s, helping lower fuel consumption.

According to Boeing, the 787 will use 20 per cent less fuel than similarly sized aircraft, reducing emissions by a similar amount.

Plagued by problems from a complex international production system and a two-month machinists strike last year, the Dreamliner's delays have angered customers and resulted in order cancellations.

The latest delay, announced last December, postponed first flight into the second quarter of this year, from the fourth quarter of last year.

The launch customer ANA complained about the new delay for first delivery of the aircraft, which initially was set for the third quarter of this year.

In January the Russian carrier S7 Airlines announced the cancellation of an order for 15 Dreamliners. The next month Boeing said that the Dubai-based aircraft leasing company LCAL had cancelled 16 of the 21 planes ordered.

The launch of the new aircraft comes amid turmoil in the aviation industry as the global economy slumps in the worst economic crisis in decades.

A plunge in passenger air travel has led to massive cancellations and deferrals of aircraft orders.

The International Air Transport Association projects that passenger traffic will fall 8 per cent this year and airlines could lose $US9 billion ($11.2 billion), almost double the estimate three months ago.

That would be on top of $US10.4 billion lost last year, according to IATA.

Boeing earlier this month lowered its outlook for the world commercial aircraft market over the next two decades because of the global economic downturn, slumping air traffic and volatile fuel prices. But it forecast the growing Asia-Pacific region would lead the commercial airplane market in both units and value.

Japanese carriers buy almost exclusively from the US aerospace giant, which is keeping a close eye on arch-rival Airbus.

The France-based manufacturer, a unit of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, has begun working on a new long-range A350 aircraft aimed at competing with the Dreamliner, expected to fly in mid-2013.

Boeing's financial losses have shaken investor confidence and the company has announced 10,000 job cuts for 2009, including 4500 in the commercial aircraft division.

Sukhoi SU-30 Flanker

2009-06-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO reporting name "Flanker-C") is a twin-engine military aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation and introduced into operational service in 1996. It is a two-seat, dual-role strike fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions; closely comparable to F-15E Strike Eagle.

The aircraft is a modernized version of the Su-27UB and has several variants. The Su-30K and Su-30MK series have had commercial success. The variants are manufactured by competing organizations: KnAAPO and the IRKUT Corporation, both of which come under the Sukhoi group's umbrella. KnAAPO manufactures the Su-30MKK and the Su-30MK2, which were designed for and sold to China and later Indonesia. Irkut makes the long-range, multirole Su-30MK series. The series includes the Su-30MKI developed for the Indian Air Force and its derivatives, the MKM, MKA and MKV for Malaysia, Algeria and Venezuela respectively.

SU-30, Highly flexible multi-role fighter

The Su-30MK is capable of accomplishing a wide variety of combat missions at significant distances from the home base, in any weather conditions and in severe jamming environment, both by day and by night.

This multirole aircraft is adequately fitted for the entire spectrum of tactical and operational combat employment scenarios, varying from counter-air tasks (ie. gaining air superiority, air defense, air patrol and escort) to ground attack, suppression of enemy air defenses, air interdiction, close air support and maritime attack. Additionally, the Su-30MK can perform ECCM and early warning tasks, as well as exercise command-and-control over a group of aerial combat assets performing joint missions. With 9 G load maneuverability.

SU-30 Angle of attack

The Su-30MK's aerodynamic configuration is an unstable-in-longitude triplane (see relaxed stability). To increase lifting effectiveness and enhance maneuverability of the aircraft, canards are installed. They are deflected automatically to ensure controlled flight at high angles-of-attack. Canards, however, are installed only in some Su-30 variants like the Su-30MKI.

Armament of SU-30

The Su-27PU had 8 hardpoints for its weapon load, whereas the Su-30MK's combat load is mounted on 12 hardpoints: 2 wingtip AAM launch rails, 3 pylons under each wing, 1 pylon under each engine nacelle, and 2 pylons in tandem in the "arch" between the engines. All versions can carry up to 8 tonnes of external stores.
Guns: 1 × GSh-30-1 gun (30 mm caliber, 150 rounds)
AAMs: 6 × R-27ER1 (AA-10C), 2 × R-27ET1 (AA-10D), 6 × R-73E (AA-11), 6 × R-77 RVV-AE(AA-12)
ASMs: 6 × Kh-31P/Kh-31A anti-radar missiles, 6 × Kh-29T/L laser guided missiles, 2 × Kh-59ME
Aerial bombs: 6 × KAB 500KR, 3 × KAB-1500KR, 8 × FAB-500T, 28 × OFAB-250-270

Photos of Sukhoi SU-30 Flanker

SU-30 Flanker

SU-30MK

SU-30MK Multi-Role Fighter

SU-30MKI, Eurofighter and F3 Tornado

Related posts:
* Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback

PAK FA - Indo-Russian 5th Generation aircraft

2009-06-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

With the agreement by the Indian defense minister Ak Antony and Sergei Avinov, both countries have agreed upon an ambitious project to build a 5th generation combat aircraft. Once the project takes off it will be a 50-50 partnership effort by both countries, like the previous very successful Brahmos hypersonic cruise missile system.

Information on this jet is very vague and internet forums are filled with rumors about this new jet. PAK FA stands for Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsyi – Future Air Complex for Tactical Air Forces. Although there is no source that is reliable on the design and specifications of the aircraft the information basically sums up to by saying all the basics of a 5th generation aircraft; stealthy, ability to supercruise, armed with next generation air-to-air, air-to-ground, air-to-ship missiles and equipped with AESA radar. It is also rumored to be powered by a Saturn AL-41F engine. Some sources say that PAK FA was developed in response to the 5th generation American fighter JSF (see F-22 Raptor). Therefore we can infer that the capabilities of PAK FA might be similar to the JSF.

Analysts are predicting the maximum speed will be around Mach 2.1. The main component of a 5th generation aircraft is it’s stealth, but it is uncertain on how low the Radar Cross Section is because this is the first time Russia and India are making a complete stealth plane. They can use radar absorbent materials which lowers the RCS like they did for the Indian variant SU-30, SU-30MKI and they might as well use the plasma stealth like the Americans.

“The deadlines have been set – it must take to the skies in 2012 and enter service in 2015,” Russian vice Air Chief Lt Gen Igor Sadofyev was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

Boeing 747 Family

2009-06-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 747 is a widebody commercial airliner, often referred to by the nickname "Jumbo Jet". It is among the world's most recognizable aircraft, and was the first widebody ever produced. Manufactured by Boeing's Commercial Airplane unit in the US, the original version of the 747 was two and a half times the size of the Boeing 707, one of the common large commercial aircraft of the 1960s. First flown commercially in 1970, the 747 held the passenger capacity record for 37 years.

The four-engine 747 uses a double deck configuration for part of its length. It is available in passenger, freighter and other versions. Boeing designed the 747's hump-like upper deck to serve as a first class lounge or (as is the general rule today) extra seating, and to allow the aircraft to be easily converted to a cargo carrier by removing seats and installing a front cargo door. Boeing did so because the company expected supersonic airliners, whose development was announced in the early 1960s, to render the 747 and other subsonic airliners obsolete, but that the demand for subsonic cargo aircraft would be robust into the future. The 747 in particular was expected to become obsolete after 400 were sold but it exceeded its critics' expectations with production passing the 1,000 mark in 1993. As of May 2009, 1,416 aircraft have been built, with 107 more in various configurations remaining on order.

The 747-400, the latest version in service, is among the fastest airliners in service with a high-subsonic cruise speed of Mach 0.85 (567 mph or 913 km/h). It has an intercontinental range of 7,260 nautical miles (8,350 mi or 13,450 km).

The 747-400 passenger version can accommodate 416 passengers in a typical three-class layout or 524 passengers in a typical two-class layout. The next version of the aircraft, the 747-8, is in production and scheduled to enter service in 2010.[14] The 747 is to be replaced by the Boeing Y3 (part of the Boeing Yellowstone Project) in the future.

All in all, the following are the variants of the 747s family:
* Boeing 747-100
* Boeing 747-100SR
* Boeing 747SP
* Boeing 747-200
* Boeing 747-300
* Boeing 747-400
* Boeing 747 LCF Dreamlifter
* Boeing 747-8

Related posts:
* Boeing 737 Family

Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-204

2009-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Tupolev Tu-204 is a twin-engined medium range Russian airliner capable of carrying 212 passengers. First introduced in 1989, it is considered to be broadly equivalent to the Boeing 757. It was developed for Aeroflot as a replacement for the medium range Tupolev Tu-154 trijet.

Tu-204 was designed as a modern family of aircraft incorporating passenger, cargo, combi and quick-change variations. It is characterized by low operational cost, low noise level, and low fuel consumption. The Tupolev Tu-204 can be powered by either Aviadvigatel PS-90 or Rolls Royce RB.211 engines. It is produced at two of the largest Russian aircraft manufacturing plants in Ulianovsk (Tu-204 series) and Kazan (Tu-214).

Photo Gallery of Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-204

Boeing 737-900ER

2009-06-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

The 737-900ER is a short-to-medium range twinjet that increases the capability of the Next-Generation 737 family. It was launched on July 18, 2005, with an order for 30 airplanes from Lion Air. The exterior dimensions of the new 737-900ER are identical to the 737-900. Aerodynamic and structural changes allow the 737-900ER to carry more passengers and fly farther than the 737-900. Entry into service is scheduled for the first half of 2007.

Major Changes

* An extra pair of exit doors, aft of the wings.
* A two-position tail skid.
* A flat rear pressure bulkhead.
* Wing strengthening changes.
* Enhancements to the leading and trailing edge flap systems.
* Up to two optional auxiliary fuel tanks.
* Optional Blended Winglets.

Benefits

* Carries 26 more passengers than the 737-900, up to 215 passengers in a single-class configuration.
* Flies about 500 nautical miles farther, up to 3,200 nm (5,925 km).
* Weighs 9,550 pounds (4,340 kgs) less than the A321.
* Has lower operating costs than the A321; about 6 percent lower per trip, and 4 percent lower per seat.

Photo gallery of Boeing 737-900ER

Evergreen Supertanker, Largest Firefighting Aircraft

2009-06-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Evergreen Supertanker is the largest firefighting vehicle in the world. And its a Boeing 747 jet aircraft. With a payload of 20,500 gallons, this monster has more than eight times the drop capacity of other federal air tankers currently fighting fires. Essentially, it's an obscenely large fire extinguisher.

However, Evergreen faced a number of challenges like to drop water precisely, from an altitude appropriate for such a huge jet, the Supertanker was built with an array of high-pressure tanks. The water or retardant isn't just dropped, it is sprayed out of four 16-inch-wide nozzles under 40,000 pounds of pressure.

The plane dropped its entire load, 20,500 gallons, in less than 10 seconds. In use, the Supertanker can spread water or fire retardant into a patch 100 yards wide and 3 miles long. Or it can divide the load into separate drops, depending on what is needed for the fires at hand. It can also dump other liquids.

California and other state fire agencies will probably be slow to embrace this new titan. At a cost of $3 million per month, the Supertanker may find itself fighting only the worst fires in the most precious places with the most property at risk.

Maybe the Supertanker won't replace traditional firefighting equipment and techniques, but it will definitely be nice to have a superhero waiting in the wings.

Evergreen International Aviation, based in Oregon, has been supporting wildland firefighting since the late 1930s.

F-22 Raptor

2009-06-05T00:40:00.000-07:00

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It is primarily an air superiority fighter, but has multiple capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner Boeing Integrated Defense Systems provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and all of the pilot and maintenance training systems.

The F-22 won the Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter contest over the Northrop YF-23 in April 1991. While the aircraft's primary mission remains air superiority, for which it can carry up to 8 air-to-air missiles internally, a secondary ground-attack role has also been developed. This capability was highlighted when the Raptor was briefly renamed the F/A-22 in late 2002, though it has been redesignated as the F-22 since December 2005. The F-22 was designed primarily to supplement and replace the F-15 by incorporating the latest in stealth features and propulsion technology. These advances include its angular design, use of radar-absorbant composite materials, and the ability to "supercruise" at supersonic speeds without using an afterburner. The F-22 also emphasizes agility through the use of thrust vectoring nozzles and a sophisticated fly-by-wire control system.

F-22 RAPTOR ARMAMENT:

Gun: one 20-mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon (480 rds)
Stations: four internal weapons bays and four external hardpoints
Air-to-Air Missile: AIM-9M Sidewinder, AIM-120A/C AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder planned
Air-to-Surface Missile: none
Bomb: GBU-32 JDAM, GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb planned

F-22 Photo Gallery

F-22 Raptor Contractors

Boeing 737-900

2009-06-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 737-900 is a derivative of -800 model with two sections being added to the baseline model fuselage. It is the largest member of the 737 family of aircraft and can transport up to 177 passengers in a two-class configuration or 189 passengers in a one-class configuration.

The first Boeing 737-900 airliner was delivered by Boeing to Alaska in 2001 receiving the airplane certification from US FAA and European JAA in April that year. More than 2,240 Next Generation 737s have been ordered to date.

Photo gallery of Boeing 737-900

Related posts:
* Boeing 737 Family

Boeing 737-800

2009-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Boeing 737-800 is a stretched version of the 737-700, and replaces the 737-400. It also filled the gap left by Boeing's discontinuation of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and MD-90 after Boeing's merger with McDonnell Douglas. The -800 was launched by Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUIfly) in 1994 and entered service in 1998. The 737-800 seats 162 passengers in a two class layout, or 189 in one class, and competes with the A320. For many airlines in the U.S., the 737-800 replaced aging Boeing 727-200 trijets and MD-80 series and MD-90 aircraft.

The P-8 Poseidon is a 737-800ERX ("Extended Range") that, on June 14, 2004, Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems division beat Lockheed Martin in the contest to replace the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Eventual orders may exceed 100 from the US Navy. The P-8 is unique in that it has 767-400ER-style raked wingtips, instead of the blended winglets available on other 737NG variants.

Photo of Boeing 737-800

Related posts:
* Boeing 737 Family

Airbus A330

2009-06-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

The Airbus A330 is a large-capacity, wide-body, twin-engine, medium-to-long-range commercial passenger airliner. It was developed at the same time as the four-engined Airbus A340.

Airbus intended the A330 to compete directly in the ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operation Performance Standards) market, specifically with the Boeing 767. The A330 program was launched in 1987; airlines purchased it to replace the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. The A330 is 38% more fuel efficient than the DC-10.

The A330's fuselage and wings are virtually identical to those of the smaller A340 variants, although it has different engines. The A330 basic fuselage design is inherited from the Airbus A300, and the nose/cockpit section and the fly-by-wire system and flightdeck are inherited from the A320. Both the A330 and A340 are assembled on the same final assembly line at Toulouse-Blagnac, France.

By the end of July 2008, a total of 1,006 A330s had been ordered and 555 delivered. The 1,000 milestone was passed with orders from the 2008 Farnborough Air Show.

A330 Variants
* A330-200 - The A330-200 was developed to compete with the Boeing 767-300ER. The A330-200 is similar to the A340-200 or a shortened version of the A330-300.
* A330-200HGW - In an announcement on 9 September 2008, Airbus released plans for a higher gross weight version of the A330-200 to more effectively compete against the Boeing 787.
* A330-200F - Due to flagging A300-600F and A310F sales, Airbus first began marketing a freighter derivative of the A330-200 around 2000-2001, although it was not launched at this time. The A330-200F re-emerged at the 2006 Farnborough Airshow and received its industrial go-ahead in January 2007. The first flight is planned for late 2009.
* A330-300 - The A330-300, which entered service in 1993, was developed as replacement for the A300. It is based on a stretched A300-600 fuselage but with new wings, stabilisers and fly-by-wire systems.

Photo gallery of Airbus A330

AirBus A330-200 Long Hauler

AirBus A340-300

AirBus A330-200F

AirBus A330 Finnair

AirBus A330 KingFisher

F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II

2009-05-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

The Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1960s. Hundreds remain in service in air forces around the world in the early 21st Century, and the type has also been the basis for a number of other aircraft.

The F-5 started life as a privately-funded light fighter program by Northrop in the 1950s. The first generation F-5A Freedom Fighter entered service in the 1960s. Over 800 were produced through 1972 for U.S. allies during the Cold War. The USAF had no need for a light fighter, but it did specify a requirement for a supersonic trainer and procured about 1,200 of a derivative airframe for this purpose, the T-38 Talon.

The improved second-generation F-5E Tiger II was also primarily used by American Cold War allies and, in limited quantities, served in US military aviation as a training and aggressor aircraft; Tiger II production amounted to 1,400 of all versions, with production ending in 1987. Many F-5s continuing in service into the 1990s and 2000s have undergone a wide variety of upgrade programs to keep pace with the changing combat environment. The F-5 was also developed into a dedicated reconnaissance version, the RF-5 Tigereye.

Photo gallery of Northrop F-5

T-38 Talon

2009-05-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

The Northrop T-38 Talon is an advanced American supersonic jet trainer. It was the world's first supersonic trainer and to date, is also the most produced. It remains in service as of 2009 in air forces throughout the world including the United States Air Force (USAF), which remains its largest user.

The basic airframe was used for the light combat aircraft F-5 Freedom Fighter family. In addition to USAF pilots, T-38s are also used by NASA astronauts, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (other T-38s were previously used as USN aggressor aircraft), other NATO pilots under a joint training program, and some under civilian ownership.

Most T-38s built were of the T-38A variant, but the USAF also had a small number of aircraft that had been converted for weapons training. These aircraft (designated AT-38B) had been fitted with a gunsight and could carry a gunpod, rockets, or bombs on a centerline pylon. In 2003, 562 T-38s were still operational with the USAF and are currently undergoing structural and avionics programs (T-38C) to extend their service life to 2020. Improvements include the addition of a HUD, GPS, INS (Inertial Navigation System), and TCAS as well as PMP (a propulsion modification designed to improve low-altitude engine performance by significantly increasing thrust). Many USAF variants (T-38A and AT-38B) are being converted to the T-38C standard.

Two T-38 Talon chase planes follow Space Shuttle Columbia as it lands at Northrup Strip in White Sands, New Mexico, ending its mission STS-3.

The fighter version of the N-156 was eventually selected for the US Military Assistance Program (MAP) and produced as the F-5 Freedom Fighter. Many of these have since reverted to a weapons training role as various air forces have introduced newer types into service. The F-5G was later developed into the single-engine F-20 Tigershark.

Variants of Northrop T-38 Talon

* N-156T : Northrop company designation.
* YT-38 : Prototype, two built, later re-designated YT-38A
* T-38A : Two-seat advanced training aircraft, production model, 1139 built.
* T-38A(N) : Two-seat astronaut training version for NASA.
* AT-38A : A small number of T-38As were converted into weapons training aircraft.
* DT-38A : A number of US Navy T-38As were converted into drone directors.
* NT-38A : A small number of T-38As were converted into research and test aircraft.
* QT-38A : Unmanned target drone aircraft.
* AT-38B : Two-seat weapons training aircraft.
* T-38C : A T-38A with structural and avionics upgrades.
* T-38T ARI : Turkish T-38 with structural and avionics upgrades.

Photo gallery of Northrop T-38 Talon

Russia's Sukhoi SU-43 first post-Soviet warplane to fly in 2009

2009-05-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Russia's first all-new Sukhoi SU-34 warplane since the fall of the Soviet Union will make its maiden flight before the end of the year, a senior official said on Monday.

"The prime minister (Vladimir Putin) visited today a section of the aircraft factory where he saw fifth-generation warplanes at the final stage of assembly," Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told journalists in Komsomolsk in Russia's Far East, where the Sukhoi military and civilian aircraft maker is based.

"Before the end of the year, Sukhoi SU-34 Fullback will take to the sky."

He gave no further details, and journalists were not admitted to the top-secret part of the factory assembling the jet as Putin visited it.

Russia's military programmes are notorious for delays but if the new Sukhoi warplane does fly this year, it will be the first foreign aircraft to challenge the much-publicised U.S. fifth-generation F-22 "Raptor" jet fighter.

A military commentator for Russia's RIA state news agency said last month that both India and Brazil could be closely involved in Russia's plans to build a fifth-generation jet that would be multi-functional, all-weather and day-and-night.

Other features of the fifth-generation jet, which the Soviet Union first conceived in the 1980s but was developed from scratch in the early years of this century, are its increased manoeuvrability, its invisibility to all kinds of radar, and its ability to take off and land on short runways.

Russia, engaged in a major reform of its armed forces, badly needs to update its weaponry to fight modern, hi-tech wars.

As well as the all-new jet, Ivanov promised that production of existing Soviet-designed fighters would be stepped up.

"It was agreed that the Defence Ministry would increase its orders for Su-27s and Su-30s by several dozens (of units) in three years," Ivanov told journalists.

In the 1980s, the introduction of the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter, codenamed "Flanker-B" by NATO, put the Soviet Union and its communist allies at the level of the U.S. F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon jets.

The Su-30, known as "Flanker-C" to NATO, is a more formidable version of the Su-27. It made its first flight in the days of the Soviet Union but was introduced to service in post-communist Russia in 1996.

Boeing 737-700

2009-05-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

The 737-700 was the first of Next Generation series when launch customer Southwest Airlines ordered the variant in November 1993. The variant was based on the 737-300 and entered service in 1998. It replaced the 737-300 in Boeing's lineup, and its direct competitor is the A319. It typically seats 132 passengers in a two class cabin or 149 in all economy configuration.

The 737-700C is a convertible version where the seats can be removed from the plane to carry cargo. There is a large door on the left side of the aircraft. The US Navy was the launch customer for the 737-700C.

Boeing launched the 737-700ER on 31 January 2006. All Nippon Airways is the launch customer, with the first one delivered on February 16, 2007. The 737-700ER is a mainline passenger version of the BBJ1 and 737-700IGW. It combines the 737-700 fuselage with the wings and landing gear of a 737-800. It will offer a range of 5,510 nautical miles (10,205 kilometers), with seating for 126 passengers in a traditional 2-class configuration. A competitor to this model would be the A319LR. The 700ER has the second longest range for a 737 after the BBJ2.

At the end of July 2008, Delta Air Lines took delivery of the first of 10 -700 model aircraft fitted with Messier-Bugatti's carbon brakes.

All Nippon Airways, Japan’s second-biggest carrier, is to pioneer the model in Asia with a daily service between Tokyo and Mumbai. ANA’s service, believed to be the first all-business class route connecting to a developing country, was to start in September 2007 and use a Boeing 737-700ER outfitted with 36 seats and an extra fuel tank.

The C-40A Clipper is a 737-700C used by the U.S. Navy as a replacement for the C-9B Skytrain II. The C-40B and C-40C are used by the US Air Force for transport of Generals and other senior leaders. The Boeing 737 AEW&C is a 737-700IGW roughly similar to the 737-700ER. This is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) version of the 737NG. Australia is the first customer (as Project Wedgetail), followed by Turkey and South Korea.

Photo Gallery of Boeing 737-700 series

Related posts:
* Boeing 737 Family

Boeing 737-600

2009-04-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 737-600 is the direct replacement of the 737-500, was also intended for sale to succeed DC-9s. The 737-600 was launched by Scandinavian Airlines System in 1995 with the first aircraft delivered on September 18, 1998. The 737-600 is the only Boeing 737 still in production that does not include winglets as an option. WestJet was to be the Boeing launch customer for the 737-600 winglets, but announced in their Q2 2006 results that they were not going to move ahead with those plans.

The 737-600 competes with the A318, Embraer 195, and Bombardier's upcoming Cseries jet. A total of 69 -600s have been delivered with no unfilled orders as of 2009.

Photo gallery of Boeing 737-600

Related posts:
* Boeing 737 Family

F-35 Lightning II - Joint Strike Fighter

2009-04-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military strike fighter, a multirole aircraft that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air defense missions. The F-35 has three different models; one is the conventional takeoff and landing variant, the second is short takeoff and vertical-landing variant, and the third is a carrier-based variant.

F-35 will replace the F-16 Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II. It will partner with the F-22 Raptor.

The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is being principally funded by the United States, with the United Kingdom, and other partner governments providing additional funding. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as major partners. Demonstrator aircraft flew in 2000, with the first flight on 15 December 2006.

Three variants of F-35 Lightning II

F-35A (CTOL) - Conventional take-off and landing for US Air Force
F-35B (STOVL) - Short take-off and landing for US Marine Corps, and the UK Navy and Air Force
F-35C (CV) - Carrier variant for US Navy

More on F-35 Lightning II - Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)

F-35 Weapons and Armaments

Weapons are carried in two parallel bays located in front of the landing gear. Each weapons bay is fitted with two hardpoints for carrying a range of bombs and missiles.

Weapons to be cleared for internal carriage include: JDAM (joint direct attack munition), CBU-105 WCMD (wind-corrected munitions dispenser) for the sensor-fused weapon, JSOW (joint stand-off weapon), Paveway IV guided bombs, small diameter bomb (SDB), AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missile and Brimstone anti-armour missile; for external carriage: JASSM (joint air-to-surface stand-off missile), AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-132 ASRAAM and Storm Shadow cruise missile.

In September 2002, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products was selected as the gun system integrator. General Dynamics was awarded a contract for the internally mounted 25mm GAU-22/A gun system for the air force CTOL variant in November 2008. General Dynamics is developing an external gun system for the carrier and marine variants.

Photo gallery of F-35 Lightning II

Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback

2009-03-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

The Sukhoi Su-34 (export designation Su-32, NATO reporting name Fullback) is an advanced Russian 2-seat fighter-bomber and strike aircraft. It is intended to eventually replace the Sukhoi Su-24.

A dedicated fighter bomber version of the Su-27 'Flanker', first developed from the 1980s for the Soviet Union (with the Sukhoi bureau designation T-10V), it made its first flight on 13 April 1990 and was originally designated Su-27IB (IB: Istrebitel Bombardirovshchik / Fighter Bomber). It was developed in parallel with the two-seat naval trainer, the Su-27KUB (KUB: Korabelnyy Uchebno-Boyevoy, shipboard combat trainer), although, contrary to earlier reports, the two aircraft are not directly related

Armament

* 1× 30 mm GSh-30-1 (9A-4071K) cannon, 150 rounds
* 2× wingtip rails for R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') air-to-air missiles
* 10× wing and fuselage stations for up to 8,000 kg (17,630 lb) of ordinance, including Kh-29L/T, Kh-25MT/ML, Kh-25MP, Kh-36, Kh-38, Kh-41, Kh-59M, Kh-58, Kh-31P, Kh-35 Ural, Kh-41, Kh-65S, Kh-SD, 2 Moskit, 3 Jachont air-to-ground missiles, KAB-500L/KR or KAB-1500L guided bombs, unguided bombs, B-8 rocket pods with 20 80 mm S-8 rockets, B-13 rocket pods with 5 122 mm S-13 rockets, O-25 rocket pods with 1 340 mm S-25 rocket, fuel tanks, EW- and reconnaissance pods.

Photo gallery of Sukhoi SU-34 (Sukhoi SU-34 Wallpaper)

F-19 Stealth Fighter

2008-12-31T01:07:00.000-08:00

F-19 Stealth Fighter is a combat flight simulator released in 1988 (DOS) and 1990 (Amiga and Atari ST) by MicroProse, featuring a fictional United States military aircraft. It was the 16-bit version of the 1987 game Project Stealth Fighter, which was released for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.

F-19 Stealth Fighter Photo Gallery

F-19 Stealth Fighter Model

F-19 Stealth Fighter Artist Impression

F-19 Stealth Fighter Mini Kit

VF-19 Excalibur

2008-12-31T00:57:00.000-08:00

The VF-19 Excalibur is a fictional spacecraft in the anime Macross. It is an Advanced Variable Fighter, the UN Spacy's latest frontline variable fighter to replace the already aging VF-11 Thunderbolt.

In the year 2040, a contest was held for the design of the Advanced Variable Fighter. Two companies, Shinsei Industries and General Galaxy, joined the competitions. Shinsei's entry was the YF-19 (the different code indicating a prototype) and General Galaxy's entry was the YF-21.

VF-19 Excalibur Photo Gallery

VF-19 Excalibur Fighter

VF-19 Excalibur Bot

VF-19 Excalibur Combo

F-19

2008-12-31T00:44:00.000-08:00

F-19 is a designation for a United States fighter aircraft that has never been officially used, and has engendered much speculation that it might refer to a type of aircraft whose existence is still classified.

However, you may be interested in VF-19 Excalibur or model aircraft kit, called it the F-19 Stealth Fighter. There is also a model kit called F-19A Specter.

F-19 Stealth Fighter is also a computer game title released by Microprose.

F-4 Phantom

2008-12-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the U.S. Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. Proving highly adaptable, it became a major part of the air wings of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force.

It was used extensively by all three of these services during the Vietnam War, serving as the principal air superiority fighter for both the Navy and Air Force, as well as being important in the ground-attack and reconnaissance roles by the close of U.S. involvement in the war.

History of F-4 Phantom

The F-4 is one of the most famous fighter aircraft of the post-World War II era, having been used in large numbers by the air forces of many western nations, where it gradually evolved in capability and mission diversity. First flown on 27 May 1958, the Phantom was developed as a private venture by McDonnell and was first ordered by the US Navy as a carrier-based attack aircraft armed with a 20-mm cannon (the F-4B).

Soon after its introduction to active service in December 1960, a fly-off competition was conducted between the Phantom and various frontline Air Force fighters. The Phantom excelled in the competition in such a decisive way that the US Air Force ordered a slightly different version of the aircraft (the F-4C) and the Phantom went on to equip over three-quarters of the USAF's fighter wings.

US involvement in the war in Vietnam saw the F-4 utilized in an increasingly multi-role capacity, delivering bombs in huge multi-aircraft formations, shooting down North Vietnamese MiGs, and earning its rightful place in history. Improvements in the aircraft's electronic systems, engines and airframe resulted in many variants, including the F-4E (with more powerful engines, leading-edge wing slats to improve maneuverability, and 20-mm cannon); the RF-4E (export version designed for tactical reconnaissance); the F-4F (air superiority version for the German Luftwaffe, with air-to-ground weapons system removed); the F-4G ("Wild Weasel" anti-missile version); and the F-4K/M (Royal Navy/Royal Air Force versions, respectively).

The latest variant, and certainly the last, are the QF-4N pilot-less target drones operated by the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu, California. In addition to several F-4s still in active service with the Lufwaffe at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and several others performing civilian-contract test work at Mojave, California, a sole privately operated F-4 was made airworthy in the 1990s in the USA, thanks to the hard work of both the USAF and the Collings Foundation. Flown by USAF Vietnam ace General Steve Ritchie, this F-4 is flown at airshows around the USA as an extremely effective recruiting tool for the Air Force. (See photo above.)

The F-4 remains in service in several nations around the world, including Germany, Japan, Greece, Turkey and South Korea.

F-4 Phantom Nicknames

Double Ugly; Rhino; Old Smokey; Elephant (Luftwaffe nickname); Tomb (early RAF nickname); Kurnass (Israeli nickname meaning "Hammer")

F-4 Phantom Armament

One 20-mm M61A1 rotary cannon;
Four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles or 3,020 pounds of weapons under

F-4 Phantom Resources

The F-4 Phantom II Society Inc., is an international organization open to all persons or groups interested in the study and preservation of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.

F-4 Phantom Photo Gallery (and Wallpaper download)

F-4 Phantom Solo

F-4 Phantom RAF

F-4 Phantom Flight Formation

F-4 Phantom Bombs Away

F-4 Phantom BAT

F-4 PhantomMcDonnel

F-14 Tomcat

2008-12-20T06:56:00.000-08:00

The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place fighter designed to attack and destroy enemy aircraft at night and in all weather conditions. The F-14 can track up to 24 targets simultaneously with its advanced weapons control system and attack six with Phoenix AIM-54A missiles while continuing to scan the airspace. Armament also includes a mix of other air intercept missiles, rockets and bombs.

The Tomcat is a 2-seat, twin-engine fighter with twin tails and variable-geometry wings. Its general arrangement consists of a long nacelle containing the large nose radar and 2 crew positions extending well forward and above the widely spaced engines. The engines are parallel to a central structure that flattens towards the tail; butterfly-shaped airbrakes are located between the fins on the upper and lower surfaces. Altogether, the fuselage forms more than half of the total aerodynamic lifting surface.

The wings are shoulder-mounted and are programmed for automatic sweep during flight, with a manual override provided. The twin, swept fin-and-rudder vertical surfaces are mounted on the engine housings and canted outward. The wing pivot carry- through structure crosses the central structure; the carry through is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and constructed from 33 electron welded parts machined from titanium; the pivots are located outboard of the engines. Normal sweep range is 20 to 68 deg with a 75-deg "oversweep" position provided for shipboard hangar stowage; sweep speed is 7.5 deg per second.

For roll control below 57 deg, the F-14 uses spoilers located along the upper wing near the trailing edge in conjunction with its all-moving, swept tailplanes, which are operated differentially; above 57-deg sweep, the tailplanes operate alone. For unswept, low-speed combat maneuvering, the outer 2 sections of trailing edge flaps can be deployed at 10 deg and the nearly full-span leading-edge slats are drooped to 8.5 deg. At speeds above Mach 1.0, glove vanes in the leading edge of the fixed portion of the wing extend to move the aerodynamic center forward and reduce loads on the tailplane.

The sharply raked, 2-dimensional 4-shock engine intakes have 2 variable-angle ramps, a bypass door in the intake roof, and a fixed ramp forward; exhaust nozzles are mechanically variable. Viewed from ahead, the top of the intakes are tilted toward the aircraft centerline; from above, the engines are canted outward slightly to reduce interference between intake airflow and the fuselage boundary layer. The engines exhaust through mechanically variable, convergent-divergent nozzles.

Following the loss of three aircraft over a four week period in 1996, the CNO ordered a safety stand down to review what was known in order to find out if there were any operational restrictions that needed to be placed on the aircraft. The Navy placed interim restrictions on the F-14 in the low altitude, high speed environment. Afterburner use was prohibited for F-14Bs and F-14Ds at all altitudes except for operational emergencies.

The Grumman F-14, the world's premier air defense fighter, was designed to replace the F-4 Phantom II fighter (phased out in 1986). F-14s provided air cover for the joint strike on Libyan terrorist targets in 1986. The F-14A was introduced in the mid-1970s. The upgraded F-14A+ version, with new General Electric F-110 engines, now widespread throughout the fleet, is more than a match for enemy fighters in close-in, air combat.

The AWG-9 is a pulse-Doppler, multi-mode radar with a designed capability to track 24 targets at the same time while simultaneously devising and executing fire control solutions for 6 targets. Designed in the 1960's and one of the oldest air-to-air radar systems, the AWG-9 is still the most powerful and new software will increase its capabilities for the 21st century.

The cockpit is fitted with a Kaiser AN/AVG-12 Head-Up Display (HUD) co-located with an AN/AVA-12 vertical situation display and a horizontal situation display. A Northrop AN/AXX-1 Television Camera Set (TCS) is used for visual target identification at long ranges. Mounted on a chin pod, the TCS is a high resolution closed circuit television system with two cockpit selectable Fields Of View (FOV), wide and narrow. The selected FOV is displayed in the cockpit and can be recorded by the Cockpit Television System. A new TCS, in development, will be installed in all three series aircraft. Electronic Support Measures (ESM) equipment include the Litton AN/ALR-45 radar warning and control system, the Magnavox AN/ALR-50 radar warning receiver, Tracor AN/ALE-29/-39 chaff/flare dispensers (fitted in the rear fuselage between the fins), and Sanders AN/ALQ-100 deception jamming pod.

The Tomcat has an internal 20-mm Vulcan Gatling-type gun fitted on the left side, and can carry Phoenix, Sparrow, and Sidewinder AAMs. Up to 6 Phoenix missiles can be carried on 4 fuselage stations between the engines and on 2 pylons fitted on the fixed portion of the wing; 2 Sidewinder AAM can be carried on the wing pylons above the Phoenix mount. Although the F-14 was tested with conventional "iron" bombs on its external hardpoints in the 1960s, the BRU-10 ejection racks were not strong enough to provide a clean separation. Tests in 1988-1990 showed that BRU-32 racks could drop Mk 80-series bombs safely. Later tests would qualify the AGM-88 HARM and the AGM-84 Harpoon.

F14-Tomcat Photo Gallery

A-7 Corsair II

2008-11-17T03:06:00.000-08:00

The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War. The Corsair was adopted by the United States Air Force, as well as the Air National Guard, to replace A-1 Skyraiders.

It was exported to Greece in the 1970s, and Portugal and Thailand in the late 1980s. The A-7 airframe design was based on the successful supersonic F-8 Crusader produced by Chance Vought. It was one of the first combat aircraft to feature a head-up display (HUD), an inertial navigation system (INS), and a turbofan engine.

Armament for A-7 Corsair II

* One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six barrel cannon
* Six wing pylons
* Two fuselage launch stations
* Pylons can carry a large single weapon, multiple racks capable of six weapons per rack, or triple racks with three weapons per rack.
* Can carry 15,000 pounds of payload
* Compatible with practically all first line ordnance used by the U.S./USAF/NATO.

Photo gallery of A-7 Corsair II (nice for wallpaper)

JF-17 Thunder | FC-1 Fierce Dragon

2008-11-16T02:41:00.000-08:00

The PAC JF-17 Thunder, also known as the Chengdu FC-1 Fierce Dragon (simplified chinese 枭龙, traditional chinese 梟龍, pinyin:Xiāo Lóng or Xiaolong) in China, is a single-seat, multi-role fighter aircraft jointly developed by China and Pakistan.

While its general layout reflects a third-generation fighter design approach, it incorporates some more advanced features such as leading edge extensions and a diverterless supersonic inlet, and most systems are fourth-generation.

The "JF" and "FC" designations stand for "Joint Fighter" and "Fighter China" respectively. The first two aircraft were delivered to the Pakistan Air Force on 2007-03-12. The JF-17/FC-1 is designed to be a cost-effective plane which can meet the tactical and strategic needs of air forces of developing countries.

On January 22, 2008, Pakistan started serial production of the aircraft at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.

The FC-1 is a lightweight multi-role fighter powered by a single Klimov RD-93 (derivative of the RD-33) turbofan. It is capable of beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air combat, as well as laser-guided weapons delivery. Because the FC-1 has been developed primarily for the PAF and export market, it provides a low-cost replacement for many developing countries that are currently operating the ageing MiG-21/F-7 Fishbed and Northrop F-5 series. The unit price is estimated to be US$15 million.

JF-17 Thunder | FC-1 Fierce Dragon Detailed Specification

Fighter China-1 (FC-1 Fierce Dragon)

Chengdu continued the development under the new designation FC-1 (Fighter China-1) aimed at creating an affordable fighter for the export market. In 1995 Pakistan regained interest in a joint development with China. The 1993 US sanctions prevented the PAF from acquiring Western technology or weapons. In June 1999, China and Pakistan signed the joint development and production agreement to co-develop the FC-1. Chengdu was selected as primary contractor and the Russian Mikoyan Aero-Science Production Group (MASPG) was contracted to provide the Klimov RD-93 turbofan engine and design assistance too.

The FC-1 design of today has little in common with the J-7 and is believed to be based on Mikoyan's concept for a single-engine fighter based on the MiG-29. The FC-1 also shows features from the F-16 design, although the layout is somewhat more conventional.
Pakistan JF-17 Thunder

In Pakistan the new fighter received the designation JF-17 (Joint Fighter-17) and is planned to replace the F-7, Mirage III/5 and Q-5. The Pakistan Air Force will probably be the biggest customer and thus is strongly involved in the development of the aircraft. However Chinese avionics were not meeting the PAF requirements and introducing Western avionics still proved to be a problem with the sanctions in place. It was not until the platform development and avionics system were de-coupled in early 2001, that the program started making progress. Also progressing was Chinese technology. PAF agreed to the use of Chinese avionics, although it still have to made its mind up regarding the fire-control radar. The most likely contender being the Italian-built Grifo S7 radar, PAF F-7P, F-7PG and Mirages are also equipped with Grifo radars.

Armament: one internal GSh-23-2 twin-barrel 23mm cannon; up to 3,629 kg (8,000 lb) of ordnance including PL-7, PL-10, R550 Magic-2, A-Darter, PL-5C, AIM-9L/P, Mica, Aspide, air-to-air missiles, AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missile, Mk.82 Mk.84 GBU-10, GBU-12, Durandel, Rockeye, and Chinese equivalent air-to-ground weapons, unguided rockets, auxiliary fuel tanks, carried on up to 7 external stations. Two wingtip station, four underwing and one centerfuselage.

Photo gallery of JF-17 Thunder | FC-1 Fierce Dragon

FC-1, great for wallpaper

Pakistan JF-17 (3D artist impression)

Pakistan JF-17 (3D artist impression)

Pakistan JF-17 , great colour with Pakistan flag crescent and star

FC-1, great for wallpaper

JF-17 Thunder

YF-17 Cobra

2008-11-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Northrop YF-17 (unofficially nicknamed "Cobra") was a prototype lightweight fighter aircraft designed for the United States Air Force's Lightweight Fighter (LWF) technology evaluation program.

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet traces its direct ancestry to the Northrop Cobra, a twin engine multimission fighter design developed for the export market in the late 1960s.

The LWF was created because many in the fighter community believed that aircraft like the F-15 Eagle were too large and expensive for many combat roles. The YF-17 was the culmination of a long line of Northrop designs, beginning with the N-102 Fang in 1956, continuing through the F-5 family.

Although it lost the LWF competition to the F-16, the YF-17 was selected for the new VFAX specification. In enlarged form, the F/A-18 Hornet was adopted by the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps to replace the A-7 Corsair II and F-4 Phantom II, complementing the more expensive F-14 Tomcat. This design, conceived as a small and lightweight fighter, would ironically be scaled up to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is similar in size to the original F-15. The Super Hornet has replaced the F-14 in USN inventory, and performs all jet combat aircraft roles in the Navy from attack to fighter, tanker and electronic warfare.

Specifications (YF-17A)

General characteristics

* Crew: 1
* Length: 56 ft 0 in (17.0 m)
* Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.5 m)
* Height: 16 ft 6 in (5.0 m)
* Wing area: 350 ft² (32 m²)
* Empty weight: 17,180 lb (7,800 kg)
* Loaded weight: 23,000 lb (10,430 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 34,280 lb (15,580 kg)
* Powerplant: 2× General Electric YJ101[2] afterburning turbofans, 14,400 lbf (67 kN) each

Performance

* Maximum speed: Mach 1.95
* Range: 2,990 mi (4,810 km)
* Service ceiling 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
* Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (250 m/s)
* Wing loading: 66 lb/ft² (320 kg/m²)
* Thrust/weight: 1.25

Armament

* Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan Gatling gun
* Missiles: 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder

Photo gallery of YF-17 Cobra

F17 or F-17

2008-11-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

F17 or F-17 may refer to:

* YF-17 Cobra, a prototype fighter aircraft
* JF-17 Thunder | FC-1 Fierce Dragon, a fighter aircraft

Boeing 737-500

2008-10-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 737-500 is the is a shortened development of the second-generation Boeing 737. It still carries much of the structural weight needed for the higher weight models. This makes it less efficient than if it was designed specifically for its size category. All three second generation 737 models share extensive systems and structure commonality, and a common aircrew type rating.

The 737-500 was launched in 1987 by Southwest Airlines and entered service in 1990. The fuselage length of the 737-500 is similar to the 737-200 while incorporating the improvements of the 737 Classic series. It offered a modern and direct replacement of the 737-200, while also allowing longer routes with fewer passengers to be more economical than with the 737-300. The last -500 was delivered to All Nippon Airlines on 26 July 1999.

The 737-500 has become a favorite of some Russian airlines, with Aeroflot-Nord, S7 Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines all buying second-hand models of the aircraft to replace aging Soviet-built aircraft.

First flight of 737-500: June 30, 1989
First delivery of 737-500: February 28, 1990 to Southwest
Last delivery of 737-500: July 26, 1999 to Air Nippon

Photo gallery of Boeing 737-500

AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile

2008-10-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM (pronounced am-ram), is a modern Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM) capable of all weather day and night performance. It is also commonly known as the Slammer in USAF service. When an AMRAAM missile is being launched, NATO pilots use the brevity code Fox Three in radio communication, as with all active-guidance missiles.

Mission

The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000. The AMRAAM is being procured for the Air Force, U.S. Navy and America's allies.

Features

The AMRAAM program improves the aerial combat capabilities of U.S. and allied aircraft to meet current and future threat of enemy air-to-air weapons. AMRAAM is compatible with the Air Force F-15, F-16, F-22 and developmental F-35 and Navy F/A-18 C-F.

AMRAAM is a follow-on to the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. The missile is faster, smaller and lighter, and has improved capabilities against low-altitude targets. It incorporates active radar with an inertial reference unit and micro-computer system, which makes the missile less dependent upon the fire-control system of the aircraft. Once the missile closes on a target, its active radar guides it to intercept. This enables the pilot to aim and fire several missiles simultaneously at multiple targets. The pilot may then perform evasive maneuvers while the missiles guide themselves to their targets.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Air-to-air tactical missile
Contractor: Hughes Aircraft Co. and Raytheon Co.
Power Plant: High performance
Length: 143.9 inches (366 centimeters)
Launch Weight: 335 pounds (150.75 kilograms)
Diameter: 7 inches (17.78 centimeters)
Wingspan: 20.7 inches (52.58 centimeters)
Range: 20+ miles (17.38+ nautical miles)
Speed: Supersonic
Guidance System: Active radar terminal/inertial midcourse
Warhead: Blast fragmentation
Unit Cost: $386,000
Date Deployed: September 1991

Variants

Presently, there are three series of AMRAAM: AIM-120A, AIM-120B, and AIM-120C.

AIM-120A. First production AIM-120A, delivered by Hughes in 1988 to the 33d TFW at Eglin AFB, Florida.
AIM-120B and AIM-120C versions are currently in production, the latter with smaller control surfaces to permit increased internal carriage capability in the F-22. AIM-120B deliveries began in FY 94, and AIM-120C deliveries began in FY 96.
P3I. An improvement program seeks to develop AMRAAM capabilities, including software reprogrammability, advanced counter-countermeasures, and options for improved propulsion.

The AIM-120A is a non-reprogrammable missile (requires a hardware change to upgrade the missile software). The AIM-120B/C is reprogrammable through the missile umbilical using Common Field-level Memory Reprogramming Equipment (CFMRE). The AIM-120C has smaller aerosurfaces to enable internal carriage on the Air Force F-22 aircraft. The USAF All-Up-Round (AUR) container houses an internal cable which enables up to four missiles to be reprogrammed while in the container. USN containers are not equipped with the cable and must be opened to reprogram the missile. All three AMRAAM variants are currently approved for use on the F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, and F/A-18C/D aircraft.

Four wings, four fins (control surfaces), and the wiring harness cover are mounted externally, providing additional distinguishing features from other similar missiles, such as AIM-7 Sparrow. The AIM-120C utilizes “clipped” wings and fins in order to meet the internal carriage requirements of the F-22. AMRAAM consists of the following major sections: Guidance, Armament, Propulsion, and Control. Other components include a wiring harness, harness cover, Thermally Initiated Venting System (TIVS), and wing and fin assemblies.

Photo Gallery of AIM-120 AMRAAM

Boeing 737-400

2008-10-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 737-400 design was launched in 1985 to fill the gap between the 737-300 and the 757-200, and compete with the Airbus A320. It stretched the 737-300 another 10 ft (3.45 m) to carry up to 168 passengers, but was otherwise identical in size to the -300. It included a tail bumper to prevent tailscrapes during take-off (an early issue with the 757), and a strengthened wing spar. The airplane was also upgraded to a full glass cockpit as standard equipment. The prototype rolled out on 26 January 1988, and flew for the first time on 19 February 1988.

The aircraft entered service on 15 September 1988 with launch customer Piedmont Airlines (25 aircraft ordered).

The 737-400F was not a model delivered by Boeing but a converted 737-400 to an all cargo aircraft. Alaska Airlines was the first to convert one of their 400s from regular service to an aircraft with the ability to handle 10 pallets. The airline has also converted two more into fixed combi aircraft for half passenger and freight. These 737-400 Combi aircraft are now in service.

Production line for Boeing 737-400 was closed in February 2000.

Boeing 737-400 Photo Gallery

Hawker Siddeley Trident

2008-10-04T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Hawker Siddeley Trident, model DH121 or HS121, was a British short/medium-range three-engined airliner originally conceived by de Havilland in the late 1950s, and built by Hawker Siddeley Aviation in the 1960s, after the former became part of that group in 1960.

de Havilland became part of the Hawker Siddeley (HSA) group in the government forced mergers in the industry in 1960.

Designed to a British European Airways (BEA) requirement, it had limited appeal to other airlines and sold in small numbers, with only 117 produced. It was an important airliner in Europe but high operational costs doomed it to a short lifespan. BEA's successor, British Airways chose to replace its fleet with the Boeing 737 and Boeing 757 in the early 1980s.

In China the Trident remained active In Air China's service until the mid-1990s. The Trident is notable for being the first commercial airliner to make a fully automatic approach and landing in revenue paying service.

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Fri October 3, 2008: For sale: Chairman Mao's plane

BEIJING, China (AP) -- Mao Zedong's jet is up for sale. A shopping mall where the late Chinese leader's official plane is on display in the southern boomtown of Zhuhai needs to make room for parking, an executive of the mall's owner said Friday.

"We decided to sell the plane to make more parking space because we are short of parking places," Wang Zhilei, general manager of Zhuhai Ridong Group, told The Associated Press.

Wang declined to disclose the asking price or other details.

The British-made Trident jetliner was retired in 1986 and was sold to the mall's owners in 1999, according to the Chinese newspaper Southern Metropolis Daily. Wang said that report was accurate.

Mao's plane was one of three Tridents bought by Beijing in 1969, Southern Metropolis Daily said. Mao died in 1976.

Another Trident served as the personal plane of Lin Biao, Mao's heir apparent, who died when it crashed in 1971 in Mongolia after what some accounts say was a failed coup attempt against Mao.

Boeing 737 Family

2008-09-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

The newest members of the Boeing 737 family - - the 737-600/-700/-800/-900 models -- continue the 737's pre-eminence as the world's most popular and reliable commercial jet transport. The 737 family has won orders for more than 6,000 airplanes, which is more airplanes than The Boeing Company's biggest competitor has won for its entire product line since it began business.

The 737 - a short-to-medium-range airplane - is based on a key Boeing philosophy of delivering added value to airlines with reliability, simplicity and reduced operating and maintenance costs.

The Next-Generation 737 models build on the strengths that made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airliner, while incorporating improvements and value-added technology designed for the 21st century.

Advanced technology winglets allow airlines to save on fuel, extend its range, carry more payload and reduce engine maintenance costs. Blended winglets are wing tip extensions which provide several benefits to airplane operators. The winglet option increases the Next-Generation 737's lead as the newest and most technologically advanced airplane in its class.

The passenger cabin on the Boeing Next-Generation 737s has a new look, providing passengers with comfortable, aesthetically pleasing surroundings.

The Boeing 737-900ER is the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family. The higher capacity, longer-range derivative of the 737-900 was launched on July 18, 2005 with an order for 30 airplanes from Indonesia's Lion Air.

Did you know about 50 gallons of paint are used to paint an average 737? Once the paint is dry, it will weigh approximately 250 pounds.

All in all, the following are the variants of the 737s family:
Boeing 737-100
Boeing 737-200
Boeing 737-200C

737-200ADV
Boeing 737-300
Boeing 737-400
Boeing 737-500
Boeing 737-600
Boeing 737-700
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-900
Boeing 737-900ER

Boeing 737-300

2008-09-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 737-300 is a second-generation and is the first of the three members (standard -300, stretched -400 and shortened -500) with CFM International CFM56 engines (jointly developed by General Electric and SNECMA). Despite the all new engines and the 2,64 meter fuselage stretch, the 737-300 retains 80% airframe spares commonality and shares the same ground handling equipment with the 737-200. The 737-300, 737-400 and 737-500 have an early generation EFIS flight deck (with four color CRT screens). All three second generation 737 models share extensive systems and structure commonality, and a common aircrew type rating.

The prototype of the Boeing 737-300 rolled out of the Renton plant on 17 January 1984, and first flew on 24 February 1984. After it received its flight certification on 14 November 1984, USAir received the first aircraft on 28 November. A very popular aircraft, Boeing received 252 orders for it in 1985, and over 1000 throughout its production. The 300 series remained in production until 1999 when the last aircraft was delivered to Air New Zealand on December 17, 1999.

The 737-300 can be retrofitted with Aviation Partners Boeing winglets. The 737-300 retrofitted with winglets is designated the 737-300SP (special performance). Used passenger 737-300 aircraft have also been converted to freighter versions.

Photo of Boeing 737-300

Boeing 737-300 Air New Zealand

Boeing 737-300 Japan Air Lines

Boeing 737-300 Air Madagascar

Boeing 737-300 Easy Jet Air

Boeing 737-300 Buzz Air

Boeing 737-300

Boeing 737-300 Air Madagascar

Boeing 737-200C

2008-09-07T03:59:00.000-07:00

Boeing 737-200 Convertible (C), Quick Change (QC) & Combi

The Convertible passenger/freight version had a 3.4m x 2.18m (138in x 86in) side cargo door (SCD) on the forward port side for pallet loading. They also had strengthened floors and additional seat tracks. As a freighter it could accommodate seven LD7 (88in x 125in) palettes on the main deck plus any loose cargo in the two holds. Conversion time was approximately 3hrs but this was later reduced to about 1hr with the QC which had 12 passenger seats ready mounted on each pallet. This realistically allowed the aircraft to used for both roles allowing it to earn money around the clock by carrying pax by day and freight overnight. Some airlines even operated them as Combi's with pallets at the front and pax at the rear.

The cargo 737's had a pressurization feature which allowed the crew to pressurize or unpressurise the passenger compartment for smoke clearance.

They also had smoke detectors.

Photo of Boeing 737-200C

Boeing 737-200

2008-09-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 737-100 and 200 are the first generation production models of the world's most successful jet airliner family, Boeing's 737 twinjet.

The 737 was conceived as a short range small capacity airliner to round out the Boeing jet airliner family beneath the 727, 720 and 707. A
nnounced in February 1965, the 737 was originally envisioned as a 60 to 85 seater, although following consultation with launch customer Lufthansa, a 100 seat design was settled upon. Design features included two underwing mounted turbofans and 60% structural and systems commonality with the 727, including the same fuselage cross section (making it wider than the competing five abreast DC-9 and BAC-111).

The 737-100 made its first flight on April 9 1967 and entered service in February 1968 with Lufthansa, while the last of 30 built was delivered to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in October 1969.

By this time however the larger capacity 1.93m (6ft 4in) stretched 737-200 was in service after it had made its first flight on August 8 1967. First delivery, to United, was that December.

Developments of the -200 include the -200C convertible and quick change -200QC, while an unprepared airfield kit was also offered. The definitive Advanced 737-200 appeared in 1971, featuring minor aerodynamic refinements and other improvements.

Sales of the 737-200 far exceeded that of the shorter -100 and the 737-200 remained in production until 1988, by which time it had been superseded by the improved 737-300, after 1114 had been built. Many have been fitted with Stage 3 engine hushkits, and a number of passenger aircraft have been converted with cargo doors.

The USAF ordered 19 as navigation trainers, and some were later converted to standard transport aircraft as CT-43A. A few other air forces received 737-200s to serve in general transport, surveillance or VIP transport tasks.

Photo of Boeing 737-200

More photo of Boeing 737-200 at http://www.airplane-pictures.net/type.php?p=10

Boeing 737-100

2008-09-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

The initial model of the Boeing 737s family was the 737-100. It was launched by Lufthansa in 1965 and entered service in 1968. The aircraft is the smallest variant of the 737. Thirty 737-100s were ordered and delivered. No 737-100s remain in service. The original Boeing prototype, last operated by NASA, retired more than 30 years after its maiden flight, and is on exhibit in the Museum of Flight in Seattle

Lufthansa was the only customer to purchase the 737-100 from new and only 30 aircraft were ever produced. The short and stubby appearance of the first 737-100 earned it the nickname among Boeing engineers as "FLUF", being an acronym for "Fat Little Ugly Fella" (or whatever), although the industry affectionately called it the "Baby Boeing".

History

The -100 was 94ft (28.65m) long, carried 115 passengers and had an MTOW of just 42,411Kgs, less than half that of the current -900 series. The original choice of powerplant was the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-1 at 14,000Lbs thrust, but by the time negotiations with Lufthansa had been completed the JT8D-7 was used. The -7 was flat rated to develop the same thrust at higher ambient temperatures than the -1 and became the standard powerplant for the -100.

Just 30 series 100's were built, with 22 going to Lufthansa, 5 for Malaysia Airlines and 2 for Avianca. The last airworthy 737-100, L/N 3 which first flew 12 June 1967 was finally retired from Aero Continente in Peru as OB-1745 in 2005.

Status

30 Built, None still in service.

Photos of Boeing 737-100

Boeing 717-200 TWA

2008-09-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

Boeing 717-200 TWA History:

The Boeing 717-200 is a twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner previously known as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95 which is a third-generation derivative of the venerable DC-9. The basic range of the B-717 is 1,370 nm, with an extended range option of up to 1,810 nm. The B-717-200 is the base aircraft with the potential for family members having 20 fewer seats (B-717-100X) and 20 more seats (B-717-300X).

The standard 717 has a two-class configuration with 106 seats. Its passenger-pleasing interior features a five-across-seating arrangement in economy class, with illuminated handrails and large overhead stow bins.

AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-ground Missile

2007-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-surface (or air-to-ground) guided tactical missile designed for close air support, interdiction, and defense suppression. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation, and fuel storage facilities.

Features: The AGM-65F (infrared targeting) used by the Navy has a larger (300 pound; 136 kg) penetrating warhead vice the 125 pound (57 kg) shaped charge used by Marine and Air Force) and infrared guidance system optimized for ship tracking. The AGM-65 has two types of warheads, one with a contact fuse in the nose, the other a heavyweight warhead with a delayed fuse, which penetrates the target with its kinetic energy before firing. The latter is very effective against large, hard targets. The propulsion system for both types is a solid-rocket motor behind the warhead.

Background: The AGM-65 missiles were employed by F-16S Fighting Falcon and A-10s during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 to attack armored targets. Mavericks played a large part in the destruction of Iraq's significant military force.

Maverick Missile Specification

Primary Function: Air-to-surface guided missile
Contractors: Hughes Aircraft Co., Raytheon Co.
Power Plant: Thiokol TX-481 solid-propellant rocket motor
Autopilot : Proportional Navigation
Stabilizer :Wings/Flippers
Propulsion :Boost Sustain
Variant : AGM-65A/B, AGM-65D, AGM-65G, AGM-65E, AGM-65F
Diameter: 1 foot (30.48 centimeters)
Wingspan: 2 feet, 4 inches (71.12 centimeters)
Range: 17+ miles (12 nautical miles/27 km)
Speed: 1150 km/h
Guidance System: electro-optical television, imaging infrared, Laser, infrared homing

Maverick Missile Pictures Gallery

Source:

* usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navyfacts/blmaverick.htm,
* www.f-16.net/f-16_armament.html,

F-18 Hornet - Armament Array Image

2007-09-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

One 20mm MK-61A1 Vulcan cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Harpoon, HARM, Strike, SLAM, SLAM-ER, Walleye, Maverick missiles, Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW), Joint Direct Attack/Munition (JDAM), and various general purpose bombs, mines, and rockets

M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon

2007-09-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

The M61A1 Vulcan cannon is a six-barrel 20mm gun capable of firing 6,000 rounds per minute. Its operation is based upon the principle used in the rapid-firing gun invented by Richard J. Gatling in the 1860s.

The six rotating barrels, firing one at a time, permit a high rate of fire while at the same time reducing the problem of barrel wear and heat generation. The gun can be driven electrically, hydraulically, or by a ram-air turbine.

In the F16 it is hydraulically driven. The Vulcan has equipped such USAF aircraft as the F-104, F-105B/D/F, F-15, F-16, A-7D, F-111A, F-4E, B-58, and B-52H.

Vulcan Cannon Specifications

Length: 1,875mm (73.8in)
Weight: 120kg (265lbs)
Muzzle Velocity: 1,036m/s (3,400ft/s)
Rate of Fire: Max 6,600 rps (can be set to 4,000 or 6,000)

Vulcan Cannon Pictures Gallery

Source:

www.avitop.com/interact/gun.htm,
www.f-16.net/f-16_armament_article5.html

F-16 Fighting Falcon - Other official International names

2007-09-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Although "Fighting Falcon" has been adopted as the official name for the F-16 by many international customers, some airforces have indigenous names for (specific variants of) the F-16:

Netz: or 'Hawk' - used by the Israeli Air Force for its F-16A/B aircraft.
Barak: or 'Lightning' - used by the Israeli Air Force for its F-16C/D (block 30 & 40) aircraft.
Sufa: or 'Storm' - used by the Israeli Air Force for its F-16I aircraft.
KF-16: Designation used by the RoKAF to denote the South Korean produced F-16s. Note that this designation does not follow the US Tri-Service designation system. The 'K' simply stands for Korea in this particular case.
Jastrzab: or 'Hawk' - used by the Polish Air Force for its F-16C/D block 52 aircraft.

Source: www.f-16.net/articles_article10.html?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=2&pid=27

military jet fighter

F-16 Viper - Nickname

2007-09-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

The F-16 is often referred to as the "Viper", a nickname especially popular with people involved with the F-16. Before "Fighting Falcon" was selected as official name, pilots at Hill AFB, the first F-16 base, came up with a number of proposals, including "Viper".

Even when F-16 Fighting Falcon became the official name, Viper stuck around and became the unofficial nickname for the F-16.

In addition, Northrop had already taken that name (Viper) for the YF-17.

Source: www.f-16.net/articles_article10.html?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=2&pid=27

military jet fighter

F-16 Fighting Falcon

2007-09-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

F16 Falcon or F16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi role fighter and extremely capable combat jet aircraft. Able to withstand a 9G turn, it's likely the pilot will fail before the airframe does.
The first F16 took to the skies late in 1976, delivery to combat squadrons followed in Jan 1979. The Falcon was one of the first to use the now standard fly-by-wire control system whereby no direct mechanical link is provided, instead the pilot's controls communicate with F16 's electronics which in turn move the aircraft's flying surfaces. This system allows for a side-mounted control stick instead of the conventional between the knees joystick that came as standard with combat planes since the beginning.

In an air combat role, the F16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.

History

The F16 was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium between the United States and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. These countries jointly produced with the United States an initial 348 F16s for their air forces. Final airframe assembly lines were located in Belgium and the Netherlands. The consortium's F16s are assembled from components manufactured in all five countries. Belgium also provides final assembly of the F100 engine used in the European F16s. The long-term benefits of this program was technology transfer among the nations producing the F16, and a common-use aircraft for NATO nations. This program increases the supply and availability of repair parts in Europe and improves the F16's combat readiness.

USAF F16 multi-mission fighters were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more sorties were flown than with any other aircraft. These fighters were used to attack airfields, military production facilities, Scud missiles sites and a variety of other targets.

Originally conceived as a simple air-superiority day fighter, the aircraft was armed for that mission with a single six-barrel Vulcan 20-mm cannon and two Sidewinder missiles, one mounted at each wingtip. Over the years, however, the mission capability of the aircraft has been extended to include ground-attack and all-weather operations With full internal fuel, the aircraft can carry up to 12 000 pounds of external stores including various types of ordnance as well as fuel tanks.

The original F16 was designed as a lightweight air-to-air day fighter. Air-to-ground responsibilities transformed the first production F16s into multi-role fighters.

Variants

The A in F16A refers to a Block 1 through 20 single-seat aircraft. The B in F16B refers to the two-seat version. The letters C and D were substituted for A and B, respectively, beginning with Block 25. Block is an important term in tracing the F16's evolution. Basically, a block is a numerical milestone.The block number increases whenever a new production configuration for the F16 is established. Not all F16s within a given block are the same. They fall into a number of block subsets called mini-blocks. These sub-block sets are denoted by capital letters following the block number (Block 15S, for example). From Block 30/32 on, a major block designation ending in 0 signifies a General Electric engine; one ending in 2 signifies a Pratt & Whitney engine.

The US Air Force took delivery of its last F16 Falcon on March 18, 2005, the last of 2,231 F16s produced for the Air Force.

F16 Engine Specification

Constructor: Lockheed-Martin
Engine : 1x P&W F100-PW-220 turbofan or General Electric F110-GE-100/129 27,000 lbs thrust
Top Speed : Mach 2
Weight : max 37,500 lb
Wingspan : 32ft 8"
Length : 49ft 5"
Weapons : 1x M61 A1 20mm multi-barrel cannon plus 6 hard-points for AA or AG weapons
Crew : F-16C: one. F-16D: one or two

F16 Pictures Gallery
* www.f-16.net/gallery_item52.html

Source: www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-16.htm, www.jetplanes.co.uk/f16.html, www.f-16.net, www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/f-16.htm, www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f16/

military jet fighter

F-15E Strike Eagle

2007-09-25T11:26:00.001-07:00

A more recent variant is the F-15E Strike Eagle, this machine has the added capability of engaging ground targets and can carry a huge payload of air to ground ordnance in addition to it's usual AA equipment.

AIM-7 Sparrow Air-to-air Missile

2007-09-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

History

The medium range AIM-7F Sparrow joined the Air Force inventory in 1976 as the primary medium-range, air-to-air missile for the F-15 Eagle.

The AIM-7M, the only current operational version, entered service in 1982. It has improved reliability and performance over earlier models at low altitudes and in electronic countermeasures environments. It also has a significantly more lethal warhead. The latest software version of the AIM-7M is the H-Build that has been produced since 1987 and incorporates additional improvements in guidance. The F15 Eagle and F16 Fighting Falcon fighters carry the AIM-7M Sparrow. U.S. and NATO navies operate a surface-to-air/surface version of this missile called the RIM-7F/M Sea Sparrow.

In the Persian Gulf War, the radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow proved to be a potent air-to-air weapon used by Air Force fighter pilots. Twenty-two Iraqi fixed-wing aircraft and three Iraqi helicopters were downed by radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow missiles.

The AIM-7 Sparrow is a medium range radar-guided, air-to-air missile with a high-explosive warhead. The versatile Sparrow has all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and can attack high-performance aircraft and missiles from any direction. It is a widely deployed missile used by U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces.

Description

The missile has four major sections: guidance section, warhead, control and rocket motor. It has a cylindrical body with four wings at mid-body and four tail fins. Although external dimensions of the Sparrow remained relatively unchanged from model to model, the internal components of newer missiles represent major improvements with vastly increased capabilities.

AIM Sparrow Specification

Primary function: Radar-guided air-to-air missile.
Dimensions: Length 12 ft., diameter 8 in., wingspan 3 ft. 4 in.
Speed: 1,750 mph.
Range: 14-25 miles.

Source:

www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/aim-7.htm, www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html, tech.military.com/equipment/view/88680/aim-7-sparrow.html,
www.af.mil/news/airman/0104/dmissi.html

AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-air Missile

2007-09-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short range supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an active infrared guidance system. The Sidewinder was developed by the US Navy for fleet air defense and was adapted by the U.S. Air Force for fighter aircraft use. Early versions of the missile were extensively used in the Southeast Asian conflict. In September 1958 Chinese Nationalist F-86s fired the first Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to down 11 communist Chinese MiG-17s over the Formosa Straits. Until that time, aircraft defensive means where primarily limited to pilots and tail gunners firing small caliber ammunition in dog-fight situations.

The AIM-9 has a cylindrical body with a roll-stabilizing rear wing/rolleron assembly. Also, it has detachable, double-delta control surfaces behind the nose that improve the missile's maneuverability. Both rollerons and control surfaces are in a cross-like arrangement.

The missile's main components are an infrared homing guidance section, an active optical target detector, a high-explosive warhead, and a rocket motor.

The infrared guidance head enables the missile to home on target aircraft engine exhaust. An infrared unit costs less than other types of guidance systems, and can be used in day/night and electronic countermeasures conditions. The infrared seeker also permits the pilot to launch the missile, then leave the area or take evasive action while the missile guides itself to the target.

Specifications

Primary Function: Air-to-air missile
Constructor: Naval Weapons Center
Power Plant: Hercules and Bermite Mk 36 Mod 71, 8 Solid-Propellant rocket motor
Thrust: Classified
Speed: Supersonic Mach 2.5
Range: 10 to 18 miles depending on altitude
Length: 9 feet 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Diameter: 5 inches (0.13 meters)
Finspan: 2 feet, 3/4 inches (0.63 meters)
Warhead: Annular blast fragmentation warhead, 25 lbs high explosive for AIM-9H, 20.8 lbs high explosive for AIM-9L/M
Launch Weight: 190 pounds (85.5 KGs)
Guidance System : Solid-state, infrared homing system
Introduction: 1956
Unit Cost: Approximately $84,000
Inventory: Classified

Source:
* www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/aim-9.htm,
* www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-9.html,
* www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1000&ct=2,

F-15 Eagle

2007-09-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

The F15 Eagle aircraft of the USAF is still one of the greatest combat jet planes in existence with its first test flight in1972. The Eagle entered service in 1976.

F15 aircraft were designed as air superiority aircraft, gaining and maintaining control of the skies above a conflict zone or potential trouble area, thus allowing other aircraft to safely carry out their own missions. To enable it to succeed in this function F15 Eagles can be equipped with a variety of AA ordnance including the short range AIM9 Sidewinder heat-seeker, the mid range AIM7 Sparrow or the modern AIM120 AMRAAMS. In addition it carries the shredding power of an M61 Gatling for short range engagements.

F15 Engine Specification

Constructor: Mcdonnel-Douglas
Engine: 2x P&W F100-PW-220 Turbofans 23,000 lbs Thrust each
Weight: Max 68,000 lbs
Top Speed: Mach 2.5
Wingspan: 42.8 ft
Length: 63.8 ft
Weapons: 1x M61 A1 20mm MultiBarrel Cannon, 4x Sidewinder Missiles, 4x Sparrow AA Missiles

F15 Pictures Gallery

F15 Major Action
* The Gulf War

F15 Major Users
* US
* Israel
* Japan
* Saudi Arabia

military jet fighter

Jet Aircrafts Links

2007-09-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Links on Commercial Jet Aircrafts and Military Jet Aircrafts.

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