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704_NorthAmericanXB-21 | north american known manufacturer model designation referred dragon prototype bomber aircraft developed late 1930s evaluation evaluated found considerably expensive rival aircraft despite ordering small number evaluation aircraft prototype built design development twin engined military aircraft prototype constructed north american factory california work aircraft began early mid wing metal construction powered twin radial engines fitted increased high altitude performance flown crew men featured remarkably strong defensive armament time including calibre machine guns planned fitted powered nose dorsal turrets addition manually operated weapons installed waist ventral positions pounds bombs carried internal bomb bay pounds bombs able carried range miles testing evaluation undertaking maiden flight december mines field company test flying indicated number minor problems modifications resolving resulted aircraft designated accepted aircraft assigned serial number evaluated early following year competition similar design improved version company successful course fly gun turrets proved troublesome drive motors proving issues wind blast gun slots encountered result problems nose turret dorsal turret removed proved superior performance competitor price primary factor distinguishing account modified declared winner competition douglas quoting price aircraft usd north american estimate usd aircraft order placed douglas aircraft designated despite found performance favorable order pre production aircraft designated soon contract awarded cancelled built leaving sole example type constructed operated served research aircraft retirement failed win production contract long line north american aviation medium bomber aircraft provided experience knowledge assisted development developed mitchell army standard medium bombers world war specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight max takeoff weight powerplant twin radial engines propellers bladed performance maximum speed mph feet cruise speed mph range nmi pounds bombs combat range nmi pounds bombs service ceiling time altitude minutes feet armament guns calibre machine guns mounted single turrets nose dorsal positions single manually operated mounts waist ventral positions bombs pounds internal bay | North American XB-21 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
1399_LockheedHaveBlue | lockheed blue lockheed blue code lockheed proof concept preceded production stealth aircraft blue designed lockheed works division tested nevada blue fixed wing aircraft designed electrical engineering engineering perspective aircraft plate like shape designed electromagnetic waves directions originating radar greatly reducing radar cross section vehicles constructed crashed flight test program 1970s increasingly apparent planners military confrontation forces nato aircraft quickly suffer heavy losses came result sophisticated soviet defense networks surveillance radars radar guided surface air missiles sam anti aircraft artillery seek eliminate enemy aircraft consequently started study low aircraft seeking design produce operational stealth aircraft companies initially invited early remaining later joined lockheed design aircraft design team devised computer program radar cross sections designs eventual design featured surfaces radar waves highly swept wings inward vertical led nicknamed hopeless diamond operational aircraft maiden flight december flight test program feasibility stealth aircraft prototypes lost mechanical problems blue deemed success paving way operational stealth aircraft design development origins lockheed blue born requirement evade radar detection vietnam war radar guided surface air missiles sam anti aircraft artillery aaa posed significant threat aircraft strike aircraft war required support aircraft perform combat air patrols suppression enemy air defenses war highlighted vulnerability aircraft lost aircraft days cold war soviet_union developed integrated defense network central long range surveillance radars set key locations defend incoming enemy aircraft loss ratio israel war experienced nato forces military confrontation nato aircraft numbers depleted weeks secretly requested answers aircraft manufacturers considerations signature aircraft virtually second point companies capacity design manufacture aircraft declined participate insisted use electronic result left discussion remaining companies awarded research design effort early testing lockheed having absent fighter aircraft industry years approached lockheed director science engineering aware research stealth work pentagon martin time recently president kelly johnson program cia gave permission discuss stealth characteristics rich martin formally requested company participate program agency initially refused insufficient funds debate lockheed allowed entry albeit government contract preliminary designer requested possible shapes base low radar cross section design introduced recommended aircraft flat surfaces later recounted discussion asked said simple flat surfaces tilt flat surfaces sweeping edges away radar view angle way basically cause energy reflect away radar subsequently drew preliminary low aircraft surfaces time hired mathematician prior working relationship fact trained mathematics relating stealth aircraft hired senior lead aircraft designer weeks team created computer program evaluate possible designs prediction software called echo tests program proceeded apparent edge calculations program incorrect chief scientist published seminal paper titled work translated subsequently incorporated elements work software echo allowed team quickly decide possible designs optimal finally settling delta wing design division skeptical shape giving rise hopeless diamond said rich old lower radar cross section diamond produced internal report titled progress report high stealth conceptual studies concept study called little harvey including drawing aircraft smoothly blended shapes johnson advocated use blended shapes best way achieve stealth advocated angles rich won argument johnson rare occurrence design effort produced number wooden models inch long model wood demonstrated placement internal structure access doors article noted model shop found nearly impossible flat surfaces come single point corner engineers later encountered difficulty prototype factory floor early tests design wooden mock ups constructed model coated metal foil verify echo calculations wind tunnel tests model moved radar testing facility near allowed accurate tests aircraft event aircraft level confirmed echo predictions meant won quarter johnson previously insisted blue experimental summer informally invited lockheed develop aircraft experimental having identified aircraft deemed unable design produce aircraft phase lockheed build scale models test construct vehicles wind tunnel test designs following phase sole contractor selected continue construction flight testing lockheed designs generally similar submission featured angular flat surfaces company software similar echo designs november lockheed awarded million contracts proceed phase month period companies required construct scale wooden mock ups evaluated radar target test facility white sands new_mexico test design radar returns lockheed erected specially built pole model march lockheed model transferred range tested following month lockheed pronounced winner higher hemisphere having realized progress accumulated study urged team remain agency later initiate evolved blue ultimately bomber construction tests works design construct flight test manned phase blue build raise million lockheed management secured june phase encompassed main objectives reduced visibility radio wave infrared visual reduced acceptable flying qualities modeling capabilities accurately predict low characteristics aircraft flight construction blue tools program final assembly originally scheduled end august ground tested mid october secret roll envisaged occur october aircraft dismantled flown test area september partially complete lockheed went month strike group managers instead took job assembly completed weeks ground tests beginning october similar later blue prototypes smaller aircraft quarter weight wing sweep inward vertical tails tail radar material ram developed lockheed laboratory applied aircraft flat surfaces special applied metallic characteristics aircraft gross weight enabled aircraft use landing gear fighter aircraft pound force stealth took precedence aircraft inherently unstable result quadruple redundant fly wire flight control system integrated aircraft normal flying characteristics flight control system borrowed engine inlet covered low grid air needed blow doors constructed upper fuselage admit additional half months start ground tests underwent tests preparations flight flight instrumentation checked followed thorough aircraft early november semi trailers parked parallel outside building camouflage net thrown cover outdoor engine runs engine tests local resident complained noise blue retained secrecy received layer iron coat paint weekend november aircraft received camouflage scheme devised blue chief technical engineer scheme consisting colors tones casual recognizing design characteristic aircraft loaded november aircraft flown burbank airport renamed area nevada touchdown aircraft undergoing round testing prior flight taxi tests ready test flights operational history flight december hands lockheed test pilot fly sorties chased piloted major later lieutenant colonel eagle pilot previously approached united_states_air_force personnel project flight january chased park fact test pilots blue alternating chase plane flight test results allowed engineers system time verified predictions earlier aerodynamic engineers aircraft behavior flight tests proceeded fairly smoothly making 36th flight aircraft pitched contact ground forced pilot landing second attempt impact hard landing gear jammed semi retracted position efforts lower gear unsuccessful forced feet fuel ran aircraft destroyed impact vicinity groom lake facility park survived suffered concussion forcing retire test flights chase plane recounted touchdown airplane pitched slammed ground real hard park raised gear tried extend approach nose wheel came time gas consumed suggested climb feet started climbing engine started lack fuel ejected time crash complete lessons learned incorporated aircraft including rebuilding aft fuselage distinguished prototype having gray paint coat flight test instrumentation boom present nose aircraft test returns spin recovery removed aircraft covered radar material flew july controls pilot fly aircraft lost july aircraft 52nd flight hydraulic leak caused engine fire resulting loss hydraulic pressure turn caused severe pitch pilot ejected safely aircraft destroyed later discovered engine exhaust clamp allowing hot exhaust migrate right engine compartment heat built causing hydraulic lines fail debris aircraft secretly buried complex despite crashes blue considered success senior trend october prior phase competition lockheed tasked exploring possible operational aircraft month later day transported air_force awarded company contract code air_force wanted exploit revolutionary technologies developed blue program ordered scale development production aircraft based blue senior trend aircraft different predecessors aspects wings exhibited sweep resolve center gravity problem discovered tests fuselage shortened pilot better view vertical centerline additionally provisions include weapons bays accommodate single pound laser guided bomb tactical nuclear bomb early construction problems aircraft transferred inside problems time fuel leaks delayed flight control aircraft took june maiden flight months july flight originally envisaged production delivered operational capability achieved october delivered specifications data characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant performance maximum speed mph wing loading thrust weight | Lockheed Have Blue | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
1520_BritishAerospaceSeaHarrier | naval short vertical landing vertical landing jet fighter reconnaissance attack aircraft second member jump jet family developed entered service royal_navy april informally known unusual era naval land based air superiority fighters large principal role provide air defence royal_navy aircraft carriers served war balkans conflicts occasions mainly operated aircraft carriers positioned conflict zone usage war high profile important success fixed wing fighter available protect shot enemy aircraft conflict lost enemy ground fire launch ground attacks manner operated royal_air_force marketed sales abroad india operator britain sales argentina australia unsuccessful second updated version royal_navy improving air air abilities weapons powerful engine version continued manufacture aircraft withdrawn service early royal_navy remained service decade retirement ending career historic british jet development post war era royal_navy began contracting parallel break british empire overseas emergence reducing need larger navy battleship retired navy having service years biggest sign new trend naval came planned class large aircraft carriers destined royal_navy cancelled time requirements royal_navy began form vertical short landing carrier based replace afterward tests ship began landing second concept future naval aviation emerged early 1970s new class deck cruisers planned carefully politically designated cruisers deliberately avoid term aircraft carrier order increase chances funding hostile political climate expensive capital ships considerably smaller previously sought ships ordered invincible class popularly recognised aircraft carriers immediately construction ski jump added end metre deck enabling carriers effectively operate small number jets royal_air_force entered service april variant developed serve upcoming ships royal_navy ordered sea standing fighter reconnaissance strike aircraft entered service time time prototype flown august order increased declared operational board invincible class ship hms invincible aircraft joined aircraft carrier later year following key role war lessons learned aircraft performance led approval upgrade fleet later known standard given flight prototype took place september contract signed upgraded aircraft december year navy ordered new build unit cost million upgraded aircraft ordered aircraft delivered april design aircraft designed fill strike reconnaissance fighter roles features single rolls engine landing gear fuselage landing gear wings equipped wing fuselage carrying weapons external fuel tanks use ski jump allowed aircraft short flight deck heavier possible like conventional loaded fighter thrust normal airport runway largely based modified raised cockpit bubble canopy greater visibility extended forward fuselage accommodate blue fox radar parts changed use resistant added protect marine environment war fitted new anti ship sea eagle missile featured radar described advanced pulse radar systems world blue fox radar seen critics having comparatively low performance available time formed basis development radar carried missile aircraft provided capability upgraded model engine response threat radar based anti aircraft weapons electronic added improvements included increase air air weapons load look radar increased range improved cockpit displays cockpit includes conventional centre stick arrangement left hand throttle addition normal flight controls controlling direction point forward position horizontal flight point downward vertical takeoff landing vertical landing capability demonstrated incident june sub lieutenant lost contact aircraft carrier land sea spanish cargo ship retired sea modified system allow fighter perform safe vertical landing pilot interaction despite pitching ship posing natural problem system designed aware data successfully performed landing sea operational history royal_navy entry service development batch clearance trials production aircraft delivered form known naval air squadron march naval air squadron act headquarters unit type operational squadron formed march initially operate hms invincible transferred january second operation squadron formed operate hms invincible war took war flying aircraft carriers hms sea performed primary air defence role secondary role ground attack raf provided main ground attack force total deployed theatre squadrons shot argentine aircraft air air combat air air losses lost ground fire accidents total argentine air losses shot number factors contributed failure fighters shoot iii dagger jets faster considerably employed latest missiles blue fox radar contrary contemporary reports proved decisive maneuver pilots enemies unfamiliar aircraft british pilots superior air combat training manifestation thought noticed pilots occasionally releasing weapons outside operating parameters thought releasing external fuel tanks weapons turning away conflict later reduced capability fight effective campaign reduced range lack external fuel tanks british aircraft received fighter control warships effectiveness limited stationed close islands severely limited effectiveness radar differences tactics training squadron squadron point criticism suggesting losses ships effectively sides aircraft operating adverse conditions argentine aircraft forced operate mainland airfields suited driven transports addition fears partly aroused bombing port stanley airport british vulcan bomber added decision operate argentine aircraft lacked flight capability forced operate limit range limited fuel reserves tactical decision station british carriers missile range dispersal fleet result argentine aircraft allow minutes islands search attack objective sea stay near minutes waiting argentine approach corridors provide coverage hour outnumbered available aircraft occasion away activities civilian jet aircraft operate fleet early warning system available nato fleet royal_navy expected operate significant weakness operational environment known chile provide early radar warning task force result establish complete air superiority prevent argentine attacks day night completely stop daily hercules transports night flights islands total lost war enemy fire accidents mechanical failure total aggregate loss rate strike operations operations 1990s saw action war deployed conflict bosnia yugoslav wars launched raids forces provided air support international units conducting operations deny flight april operating aircraft carrier brought surface air missile fired attempting bomb tanks pilot lieutenant ejected landed territory controlled friendly muslims nato campaign operated hms invincible frequently patrolled ground deployed board royal_navy convoy supply reinforce british intervention forces region retirement withdrawn service remaining aircraft decommissioned march plans retirement announced aircraft replacement lightning originally arguing significant expenditure required upgrade fleet years service march introduction pushed earliest price doubled decision retire early criticised officers military versions experienced reduced engine performance higher ambient temperatures middle_east restricted weight return carrier vertical safety factors associated aircraft land weights option install higher rated engines straightforward upgrade likely expensive slow process furthermore subject generally hostile environment land based salt spray particular problem number aircraft retained royal_navy fleet air arm continue share component upgraded transferred royal_navy squadrons retired prematurely years later budget cuts plans purchase operated royal_navy future queen elizabeth class aircraft carrier withdrawn active royal_navy service train naval aircraft indian government approved plans acquire prior rumours reportedly circulating potential indian purchase soviet capable phased preparation purchase november india placed order sea fighters trainers arrived airport december inducted year purchased november eventually total operational use remainder dual seat trainer aircraft 1990s significant portions pilot training carried britain limited aircraft availability introduction allowed retirement india previous carrier fighter aircraft navy aircraft carrier hms hercules extensively india operated aircraft carriers hms allowed modern missiles introduced naval operations british anti ship sea eagle missile french magic missile air air combat ordnance included rockets runway denial bombs cluster bombs cannons significant number accidents involving accident rate caused approximately half fleet lost fighters remaining service following crash august temporarily grounded inspection beginning operational service seven pilots died crashes involving usually routine sorties expressed interest acquiring royal_navy recently retired order maintain operational fleet sea radar radar warning receiver capability proposed included certain software prior shipment october reports emerged deal cost airframe refurbishment process upgrading sea collaboration israel installing radar medium range air air missile enable remain indian service limited service new carriers acquire time frame crashes reduced india fleet original india plans introduce larger aircraft carriers operate carrier fighters flight decks replace sea operated time march ceremony held ins commemorate sea white tigers performed air display ceremony marking final flight subsequently inducted fighters replace retired sea fleet variants delivered survivors converted specifications single seat fighter reconnaissance attack aircraft similar british unlike fitted magic air air missiles aircraft later upgraded radar missiles upgrade fleet featuring radar missile operators survivors number surviving held museums private owners following incomplete list surviving aircraft india sea preserved india india united_kingdom sea november stored exhibited public display sea moved april sea preserved restored public display displayed preserved private owner near airport sea written accident november later restored non condition suffolk believed privately owned manchester area united_states sea serial number build number aviation mary county maryland purchased spent years restoring flying condition december damaged hard landing undergoing testing naval air station river repaired aircraft public appearance air virginia october aircraft privately owned civilian flown world recently purchased sea data wilson bull general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant lbf performance maximum speed knots mph combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min armament guns cannon pods fuselage rounds wing stations fuselage centerline plus attach points gun pods total capability rockets rocket pods rockets missiles air air missiles magic sea air surface missile alarm anti radiation missile arm missile arm anti ship missiles variety iron bombs including practice bombs reconnaissance pods auxiliary drop tanks ferry flight extended range time weather airborne radar notable appearances media unique characteristics led featured number films video games | British Aerospace Sea Harrier | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
1644_DassaultRafale | french pronunciation literally meaning gust wind burst fire military sense french twin engine delta wing fighter aircraft designed built equipped wide range weapons intended perform air supremacy aerial reconnaissance ground support depth strike anti ship strike nuclear missions referred aircraft late 1970s navy seeking replace consolidate current fleets aircraft order reduce development costs boost prospective sales france entered arrangement european nations produce multi purpose fighter subsequent disagreements differing requirements led france pursuit development program built technology flew july year flight test programme paving way ahead project distinct european fighters era entirely built country involving france major defence contractors aircraft features direct voice input active array radar frontal red search track domestically developed produced programme originally scheduled enter service suffered significant delays post cold war budget cuts changes priorities aircraft available main variants single seat land based version twin seat land based version single seat carrier based version introduced produced carrier based operations french_navy marketed export countries selected purchase combat afghanistan libya iraq syria upgrades weapons planned introduced development origins mid-1970s air navy marine requirements new generation fighters replace enter service requirements similar reduce cost departments issued common request proposal initiated studies new aircraft complement upcoming smaller aircraft differing roles french company joined european collaborative fighter project renamed european combat aircraft french company contributed aerodynamic layout prospective twin engine single seat fighter project collapsed differing operational requirements partner country future european fighter aircraft programme initiated bringing italy spain west_germany france united_kingdom jointly develop new fighter aircraft developments number factors led eventual split france countries france reiterated requirement carrier capable version demanded leading role insisted swing role fighter lighter design favoured nations west_germany italy opted established new programme august west_germany italy agreed ahead confirmed france spain chosen proceed member project despite pressure france spain rejoined project early september nation project eventually resulted development design phase prototype france government proceeded programme required aircraft capable air air air ground day adverse weather operations unlike contemporary european fighter projects required level international collaboration cost sharing france sole developer airframe propulsion system armament aircraft replace multitude aircraft perform roles previously filled assortment specialised platforms including jaguar air october december prior france joining received contracts development project act combat meaning tactical combat airplane following year research began studying possible configurations new fighter meaning bird prey march number configurations narrowed combination delta wings single vertical tail fin october announced build technology named experimental combat airplane short france wanted collaborate west_germany project prepared build government decided proceed combat variant conflicting technical criteria respective participant nations resultant technology large delta winged fighter moving fly wire flight control system construction commenced march contract signed france defence agency technology rolled december took maiden flight july southern france hour flight project chief test pilot took aircraft altitude metres speed stopped metres landing flight test programme performed numerous day night offs landings aboard carriers investigate pilot field view carrier operations reached speed mph height metres initially powered instead reduce risk comes flight considered sufficiently mature initial trials programme replaced port enable aircraft reach demonstrate sustained flight use flights pilots retired january time maiden flight france entered unsuccessful talks belgium denmark netherlands norway possible collaboration multinational project time belgium reportedly interested june prime minister declared country proceed billion project subsequently april french government awarded contract prototypes expected scheduled enter service fall berlin wall signalled end cold war need reduce national deficit compelled french government drastically reduce defence budget budget programme cut million reduced size orders companies involved claimed production management led higher costs delayed entry aircraft service reorganised completely phased total upgraded tactical fighter configuration redesignated budget cuts prolonged development considerably flight test programme french government looked potential replacement rapidly aging serving 1950s french_navy entered talks purchase second hand australia canada decision upgrade navy agreed supply french_navy testing aboard french aircraft carrier french government proceed purchase twin engine fighter testing meet roles expected new aircraft air_force required variants single seat meaning fighter literally hunter prototype model designated completed flight signalling start test programme primarily aimed test engines man machine interface weapons expand flight envelope budget constraints second single seat prototype built differed significantly identical technology smaller gold coated canopy design fuselage fin joint addition radar materials ram aircraft saw extensive application composite materials reduced radar cross section weight opted reject variable engine dedicated air brake maintenance loads saves weight prototype seat variant maiden flight april kilograms heavier single carried litres gal fuel aircraft weapon systems testing later tasked weapon separation specifically carriage heavy loads aircraft typical consisted gal external tanks cruise missiles addition air air missiles navy sought carrier based aircraft fleet super navy initially long term requirement met naval prototype flew december followed second november france land based catapult test facility catapult trials initially carried july august early following year new_jersey aircraft carried trials aboard carrier april flown chief test pilot maiden flight november year prototype completed round testing november december features greatly reinforced cope additional stresses naval landings hook jump extends short including catapult launches features built ladder carrier based microwave landing system new fin tip system navigation system external equipment altogether naval modifications increase weight kilograms compared variants retains percent air_force variants including unusual land based aircraft unable fold multi wings reduce storage space size constraints offset introduction france nuclear powered carrier considerably larger previous carriers production upgrades initially trainer gulf war showed second crew member strike reconnaissance missions air_force switched preferences announcing variant constitute percent fleet service originally envisaged taking delivery initially revised downwards aircraft models later aircraft navy order budget cuts single seat later cancelled production aircraft series formally started december suspended november political economic uncertainty production resumed january agreed aircraft firm options production run delivery order announced december november french government ordered additional aircraft total order navy design phase took advantage dimensional interactive application dimensional computer aided design manufacture engineering software suite standard industry enabled efficiency improvements programme implemented recently developed processes digital product data management consisted components assisting aspects design manufacture life support according french magazine apart non sensitive components sourced united_states manufactured entirely france different elements produced numerous factories country final assembly takes place near airport example flight control surfaces fabricated wings centre fuselage engines roughly percent produced half divided major partners rely network altogether programme employs workers process fighter took months annual production rate aircraft deliveries naval version high priority replace navy considerably aged production model french_navy undertook flight july naval deployment board march aircraft carrier stationed complement undertook training operations december air_force received standard centre tasked undertake operational evaluation pilot conversion training total programme cost billion translated unit programme cost approximately million figure takes account improved hardware standard includes development costs period years including inflation unit price million version french officials reportedly considering launch satellites upgrades consideration included software radio satellite link new laser targeting pod smaller bombs enhancements aircraft data fusion capacity july upgrades battlefield communications capabilities commenced january defence minister announced billion allocated development standard standard integration missile weapons software updates standard planned primary combat aircraft later design overview developed modern jet fighter high level agility chose combine delta wing active close coupled maximize aircraft capable solo display maximum reached case emergency unstable aircraft uses digital fly wire flight controls artificially enforce maintain stability aircraft act reduce minimum landing speed knots mph flight low knots mph observed training missions according sufficient low speed performance operate aircraft carriers ski jump modifications aspect stealth aircraft cost viewed excessive designed reduced radar cross section infrared signature order reduce changes initial technology include reduction size tail fin fuselage engine air underneath aircraft wing extensive use composite materials patterns construction trailing edges wings surface area composite features designed reduce visibility threats remain classified cockpit glass cockpit designed principle data fusion central computer information display pilots simpler command control primary flight controls arranged hands throttle stick configuration right handed stick controller left handed throttle seat inclined angle improve force tolerance provide restricted external pilot view intelligent flight suit worn pilot automatically controlled aircraft counteract response calculated forces great emphasis placed pilot workload operations features highly cockpit integrated direct voice input system allowing range aircraft functions controlled spoken voice commands pilot access controls developed capable managing radio communications systems selection armaments radar modes controlling navigational functions safety reasons deliberately employed safety critical elements aircraft operation final release armaments displaying information gathered range sensors aircraft cockpit features wide angle head display system head flat panel colour multi function displays central display displays strategically placed pilot distraction external environment displays feature touch interface ease human computer interaction head mounted display target controlling optional according customer preferences integrated cockpit fully compatible night vision area life support fitted mark zero zero seat capable operation zero speed zero altitude board oxygen generating system developed need carry oxygen flight computer programmed counteract pilot employ automatic recovery aircraft negative flight conditions auto pilot controls integrated activated switches located primary flight controls equipment core systems employ integrated called data processing unit architecture hosts main aircraft functions flight management system data fusion fire control man machine interface total value radar electronic communications self protection equipment percent cost entire aircraft installed upgraded fighters incorporated civilian according greatly assists combat operations data fusion continuous integration analysis systems aircraft designed incorporation new systems service life features integrated defensive aids system named protects aircraft airborne ground threats developed joint venture methods detection incorporated system designed highly addressing new threats incorporating additional sub systems future operations libya greatly assisted allowing perform missions independently support dedicated suppression enemy air defences platforms ground attack capability heavily reliant sensory targeting pods reconnaissance pod electro optical laser designation pod systems provide targeting information enable tactical reconnaissance missions integrated architecture provide analysed data feeds friendly units ground stations pilot provides targeting information armaments carried directly integrated secure radio communicate target information aircraft performs key functions aerial optical surveillance integrated navigation system designation pod described lacking compared rivals sniper pods work began upgraded pod designated additional sensors added ability transmit live video feeds new targeting pod officially unveiled air expected integrated reconnaissance pod weather night day capable reconnaissance system employed provides significantly improved reconnaissance capability preceding platforms designed perform reconnaissance mission profiles condition multiple day night sensors independent communications radar sensors outfitted passive multi mode radar claims achieved increased levels awareness compared earlier aircraft earlier detection tracking multiple air targets close combat long range interception real time generation dimensional maps terrain following real time generation high resolution ground maps navigation targeting early reported technical difficulties radar delayed development months september reported unit cost significantly increased additional development work improve detection range active array radar replaces previous reported deliver greater detection range improved reliability reduced maintenance demands preceding radar began test flights totaled flight hours december december production pre series radars underway early october equipped radar arrived operational service development described time budget early air_force line squadron supposed receive equipped radar following french_navy slated receive equipped starting enable perform air supremacy role includes passive systems sector electro optical system developed completely integrated aircraft operate visible infrared enables deployment infrared missiles visual range distances detecting identifying airborne targets ground sea describes immune capable providing covert long range surveillance improved version deployed operationally armaments standards initial deliveries france standard equipped air air combat duties lacked armaments air ground operations later deliveries standard added capability conducting air ground reconnaissance operations standard delivered french_navy starting onwards deliveries nuclear capable standard reported aircraft built earlier standards upgraded standard capable undertaking different mission roles range equipment air defence superiority missions air air missiles precision ground attacks typically cruise missiles air surface armaments addition anti shipping missions carried sea missile reconnaissance flights use combination onboard external pod based equipment furthermore aircraft conduct nuclear strikes armed missiles france ordered visual range missiles greatly increase distance engage aerial targets missile enters service compatibility armaments varying types origins onboard store management system electrical interface aircraft carriage stores incorporation existing weapons equipment typically outfitted version suitable heavy armaments equipment auxiliary fuel tanks maximum external load capacity tons addition equipment carries cannon outfitted range laser guided bombs ground attack munitions according onboard mission systems enable ground attack air air combat operations carried single sortie functions capable simultaneous execution conjunction increasing versatility engines fitted engines capable providing lbf dry thrust lbf engines feature advances including non chamber single crystal turbine blades powder technology reduce radar infrared signatures enables carrying missiles drop tank qualification engine ended production engine delivered end year delays engine production early temporarily powered engine flew time engine upgraded variant greater thrust lower maintenance requirements preceding engine design ease construction maintenance enable older engines improved availability existing upgraded standard interest powerful engines potential export customers thrust variant engine designated development operational history france december air arm french_navy received fighters following year squadron previously operated squadron operate officially activated prior delivery sixth immediately participated aboard aircraft carrier warships nations maritime exercise navy tested simulated foreign aircraft addition carrier offs landings years training declared operational french_navy june fully compatible navy aircraft carriers french_navy pilots qualified fly aircraft navy flight decks june exercise uss harry french jet fighter foreign navy engine replaced board american aircraft carrier deployed combat zone seven embarked aboard french_navy mission french participation operation enduring freedom flew aircraft carrier afghanistan standard air ground missions action june conducted patrols near india pakistan border delivered years naval variant initially centre trials training role time expected fighter squadron saint receive nucleus summer preparation operational service robust air air stand air ground precision attack capabilities starting aircraft single crash program given ability drop laser guided bombs view engaging afghanistan aircraft belonging air_force deployed marine navy board mission occurred march launched march support dutch troops marking operational début january december minimum stationed international airport conduct combat operations support nato ground forces march french began conducting reconnaissance strike missions libya support initial targets artillery pieces laying siege rebel city operate libya support aircraft onboard self defence system instead march reported destroyed light attack trainer aircraft runway conflict typically conducted hour sorties carrying armament air air missiles hammer bombs targeting pod drop tanks patrols required multiple aerial operations sortie coalition tanker aircraft precision guidance weapon system bombs weighing kilograms kilograms allowed conduct high altitude bombing missions reportedly crews preferred use gps guided munitions greater reliability range weapons deployed sorties including aviation journalist speculated performance libya likely pivotal export future reporting maintained high operational rate deployment noted combat experience caused urgent operational requirements present need lighter ground attack modify weapon effective close air support role january took french military intervention support government west_africa mission carried january took france strike rebel training camps depots facilities city eastern subsequent following days fighters reportedly instrumental withdrawal militant forces aircraft conflict based outside north_africa making use aerial tanker aircraft fly long range sorties august proposed france number delivered years total aircraft delivered period foreign export viewed critical maintain production proposal production slowed france receive number overall september began flying reconnaissance missions iraq france contribution international effort combat islamic state later initially tasked identifying positions support flying september joined american operations conducting attacks launching strikes near northern iraqi town destroyed logistics depot killed dozens fighters december american french military officials reportedly discussed possibility french naval flying combat missions navy class aircraft carrier soon january enable continued french_navy operations undergoes year half long major refit scheduled begin early launched landed carriers demonstrate time fly combat missions deployed carrier room french_navy support crews familiar maintaining spare parts munitions egypt november reported sources including french newspaper egypt negotiations france purchase subject financing agreement february countries negotiating loan france export credit agency reach export agreement fighters egypt hoped complete deal quickly aircraft display inauguration canal expansion august february egypt international customer officially ordered larger deal including frigate supply missiles worth billion billion july official ceremony marking acceptance egypt held aviation flight test center january egypt received total fighters aircraft seat models diverted delivery egypt order single seat models june reported egypt negotiations acquire additional total january evaluated alongside boeing super lockheed martin lightning replace inventory june claimed close signing contract april announced french president order option buy additional aircraft billion billion deal signed india aircraft competing indian competition fighters originally considered competition withdrew favour february french flew demonstrations india including air air combat april billion contract january announced preferred proposed supplied fly away condition remaining manufactured india transfer technology agreements contract services parts worth billion deal stalled disagreements production india refused responsibility manufactured reservations ability accommodate complex manufacturing technology transfers aircraft instead said negotiate separate production contracts companies instead wanted solely responsible sale delivery aircraft times_of_india reported negotiations track plans delivered point contention provision percent deal earnings india defence sectors purchases technological expertise march sides reported agreed aircraft delivered india flying condition remaining percent built december reported india france expect sign contract march april prime minister visit paris india requested rapid delivery fly away condition indian defence minister stated inducted years india officially withdrew aircraft tender july shortly india france missed july target aircraft agreement previously agreed terms april totaled billion aircraft costing million offset requirement percent deal value france india defense sector create infrastructure india operate india insisting percent offset bases france says increase price require separate infrastructure sets maintenance training armament storage facilities january indian government directed undertake detailed potential start naval version aircraft carriers government wants logistics fighters navy air_force lead buy naval fighters june negotiations ongoing potential operators analysts view relatively quick series orders egypt india influenced arab spring uncertainty involvement middle_east canada aircraft proposed meet canada need modern jet fighter replace aging according report compiled canada reviewing competing aircraft noted concerns forces unable confirm engine performance cold weather conditions july canadian government announced replacement lightning country partner joint strike fighter program tier partner december canadian government announced purchase abandoned greatly escalating costs fresh process begin january responded request information canadian government announced readiness enter future competition future fighter aircraft considered meet requirement including january reported offered contract transfer technology allow canada perform support upgrades lowering long term service costs finland june working group set proposed starting called program replace current fleet group recognises potential types boeing super lockheed martin lightning december finnish sent letter great_britain france sweden united_states informed fighter project launched goal project replace fleet decommissioned multi role fighters project named mentioned letter potential fighter program request information concerning sent latest march tender sent spring buying decision scheduled place malaysia contenders replacement looking equip squadrons new fighter aircraft estimated budget billion billion billion billion competitors program boeing super interested upgraded version powerful engines radar advanced air air missiles october confident billion deal aircraft signed deputy supreme commander november called french offer france asked pay billion total cost upgrade consequently started explore purchase super newspaper reported february considering billion deal gulf air forces led renewed interest kuwait january president stated discussing potential sale official visit december announced decided proceed deal supply defence security services including supply typhoon aircraft september announced acquire addition upgrades existing 2000s november reported major general commander confirmed final negotiations purchase failed bids marketed export countries commentators industry sources highlighted high cost aircraft detrimental sales prospects acquisition cost roughly million operational cost flight hour comparison costs flight hour operate according article analysis unlike american government relationship boeing lack communication french government hampered worldwide cooperative sales effort demonstrated case morocco brazil june issued request information following aircraft fighting falcon october selected finalists boeing january media reports stated final evaluation report placed ahead contenders based unit operating costs february press announced new president brazil decided favour american delay budget constraints december brazilian government selected billion deal equip country air force singapore embarked generation fighter programme replace fleet number options considered conducted detailed technical assessment tests determine final selection following original list competitors reduced final december singapore ordered aircraft according major reason selection superior lacked range capable radar insufficient weapons integration switzerland february reported switzerland considering fighters replace tiger month evaluation started october base consisting approximately evaluation flights typhoon evaluated leaked evaluation report revealed won competition technical grounds november announced planning buy aircraft lower acquisition maintenance costs referendum purchase happened libya january french newspaper reported libya sought deal worth billion december declared libya interest order placed french later came libya international military intervention civil war kuwait february french president announced kuwait considering buying october visit paris defence minister expressed interest said awaiting terms national assembly threatened block purchase accusing defence minister lack transparency manipulated business interests january french defence minister said kuwait waiting purchased kuwait look buy september announced agreement reached kuwait supply chose aircraft fighter competition potentially trouble anglo american negotiations lightning talk purchasing british_royal_navy having abandoned version favour variant october reverted purchasing late reported prospective billion sale morocco fallen government selecting instead french defense minister labelled aircraft overly sophisticated costly defense said offer price financing detrimental negotiations february france offered replace fleet december placed order reports surfaced country preference fighter variants technology flying designation early 1990s emphasise new semi design features version single seat version carrier borne version entered service carrier operations model strengthened airframe longer nose gear leg provide nose attitude larger engines built boarding ladder consequently weighs fighter type cleared operate decks carriers arresting gear demonstrated integrated uss roosevelt carrier air wing exercise called planned missile version budgetary technical constraints cited grounds cancellation proposed reconnaissance oriented variant version single seat version operators egypt egyptian air force service january order france total ordered planned option approximately confirmed delivered delivered robinson air base present fighter present nuclear strike october present jointly operated french naval aviation air base present fighter present tactics development evaluation present fighter french_navy air base present carrier fighter present carrier fighter convert carrier fighter ordered final contract signed order accidents december french air_force twin seat crashed training flight pilot suffered spatial killed accident september unarmed test flights french navy returning aircraft carrier collided mid air kilometres town southwest france test pilot identified killed accident rescued november carrier crashed aircraft supporting allied operations afghanistan pilot ejected safely recovered rescue helicopter carrier later reports said engine stopped fuel confusion pilot switching fuel tanks july joint exercise carrier mediterranean_sea pilot ejected safely recovered american search rescue helicopter carrier uss dwight specifications data french_navy characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight kilograms kilograms loaded weight kilograms max takeoff weight kilograms powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf fuel capacity internal performance maximum speed high altitude knots low altitude knots range nmi drop tanks combat radius nmi penetration mission service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight fuel missile missile version maximum load armament guns rounds air_force versions navy version capacity external fuel ordnance provisions carry combinations missiles air air magic future air ground hammer iii iii enhanced air surface anti ship missile future nuclear nuclear missile targeting pod airborne observation system reconnaissance pod multi function targeting pod future standard drop tanks buddy buddy pod radar warfare system red search track system | Dassault Rafale | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
1807_NorthAmericanXB-70Valkyrie | north american prototype nuclear armed deep penetration strategic bomber late 1950s north american aviation designed bomber large engined aircraft capable reaching flying feet speeds expected immune aircraft effective weapon bomber aircraft time bomber spend minutes particular radar station flying range controllers position fighters suitable location interception high speed aircraft difficult radar displays high altitude flight matched contemporary soviet fighter introduction soviet surface air missiles late 1950s near doubt response air_force began flying missions low level missile radar line sight limited local terrain low level penetration role offered little additional performance meant replace far expensive shorter range alternate missions proposed limited scope strategic role passed bombers intercontinental missiles late 1950s manned bombers increasingly seen obsolete eventually gave fighting production program canceled development turned research program study effects long duration high speed flight prototype aircraft built designated aircraft test flights prototype crashed mid air smaller jet aircraft remaining bomber near ohio development background boeing manned boost bomber project boeing partnered january explore sort bomber aircraft needed deliver nuclear weapons development time nuclear weapons weighed tons need carry fuel fly continental united_states soviet_union demanded large bombers concluded release bombs aircraft need speed escape critical blast radius aviation industry studying problem time interest nuclear powered aircraft bomber role conventional jet engine thrust provided heating air jet fuel accelerating nuclear engine heat supplied months instead hours designs carried small jet fuel use high power portions flight high speed possibility explored time use enriched improves energy density jet fuel percent modified versions existing jet engine designs appeared offer sufficient performance improvement produce strategic bomber speed followed developments closely issued general operational requirement new bomber combining intercontinental range speed new bomber expected enter service nuclear conventional designs considered nuclear powered bomber organized weapon system pursued simultaneously jet powered version weapon system requirement asked chemical fuel bomber cruising speed maximum possible speed nautical miles entrance exit target requirement called pound combat radius nautical miles air_force formed similar requirements intercontinental reconnaissance system later canceled better options july contractors selected bid studies boeing submitted proposals november awarded contracts phase development initial designs presented companies fuel improve range percent conventional fuel designs featured huge wing tip fuel tanks fuel depleted dash target tanks included outer portions wing produce smaller wing suitable speeds wings time highest performance known featured flush maintain highest ratio possible spite effects visibility designs takeoff weights approximately pounds large fuel loads air_force evaluated designs september deemed large complicated operations general curtis dismissive airplane ship formation ended phase development october instructed contractors continue design studies new designs period original proposals studied advances flight proceeding rapidly narrow delta establishing preferred flight replacing earlier designs like swept wing seen designs like lockheed earlier concepts engines able cope higher temperatures widely varying intake ramp air speeds design allowing sustained speeds work led interesting discovery engine specifically high speed burned twice fuel speed running speeds aircraft flying times fast economical cruise speed terms fuel mile maximum speed entirely unexpected implied point dash concept aircraft able reach fly entire mission speed question remained concept technically feasible march engine development wind tunnel testing progressed suggest redesigned aircraft flying entire mission fuel retained engine increase range north american boeing returned new designs long large delta wings differed primarily engine layout design arranged engines semi circular rear fuselage boeing design separate engines located individually wing like north american literature find additional advantage led obscure report wind tunnel experts wrote report titled aircraft configurations developing high lift drag high speeds known today compression lift idea use shock wave generated nose sharp points aircraft source high pressure air carefully positioning wing relation shock shock high pressure captured wing generate additional lift maximum advantage effect redesigned underside aircraft feature large triangular intake area far forward engines better positioning shock relation wing north american improved basic concept adding set wing tip panels lowered high speed helped trap shock wave wing wing tips added vertical surface aircraft maintain directional stability high speeds solution additional advantage decreased surface area rear wing panels moved high speed position helped offset shift center pressure average lift point increasing speeds normal conditions caused increasing nose trim offset moving control surfaces increasing drag wing tips surface area rear wings lowered moving lift forward effect reducing need control buildup heat skin friction sustained flight addressed cruise aircraft reach average leading edges reaching engine compartments proposed building design sandwich panels panel consisting thin sheets steel opposite faces shaped foil core expensive high temperature areas like leading edge horizontal nose cooling interior pumped fuel route engines heat august air_force decided data available boeing designs competition begin september air_force issued operational requirements called cruising speed target altitude range gross weight exceed aircraft use handling procedures december north american proposal declared winner competition january contract issued phase development february proposed bomber designated prototypes receiving experimental prototype designation winning submission early selected entries contest air_force approved month program acceleration march rescheduled flight december late service announced acceleration possible lack funding december contract issued reviewed air_force march provisions air surface missiles external fuel tanks requested afterward time north american developing reduce program costs share engines escape capsule smaller systems early north american released drawing public missile problem planned use high speed high altitude bombing approach followed trend bombers flying progressively faster higher start manned bomber use period weapons proved effective bombers fighter aircraft anti aircraft artillery aaa flying higher faster difficult higher speeds allowed bomber fly range weapons quickly higher altitudes increased time needed fighters climb bombers greatly increased size aaa weapons needed reach altitudes early german commanders concluded aaa essentially useless jet aircraft began development guided missiles fill role forces reached conclusion soon starting missile development programs war ended attempts develop useful high altitude aaa weapon development ended aircraft improving performance remained effective anti bomber weapons early 1950s having problems keeping latest designs soviet late 1950s intercept high altitude reconnaissance aircraft spite relatively low speeds later discovered flying faster radar detection difficult effect known scan ratio reduction tracking efficiency interfere operation guidance fighters introduction effective anti aircraft missiles late 1950s changed picture dramatically missiles stand ready immediate launch eliminating operational delays like time needed pilot cockpit fighter guidance require wide area tracking calculation intercept course simple comparison time needed fly altitude target returned required missiles greater altitude capability aircraft improving adapt new aircraft low cost development path aware soviet work field reduced expected operational lifetime knowing vulnerable missiles improved later happened downing flown faced problem military doctrine started shifting away high altitude bombing low altitude penetration radar line sight aircraft dramatically detection distances flying close earth hiding terrain missile sites spaced overlap range attacking bombers high altitudes leave large gaps coverage bombers flying lower levels appropriate map missile sites bombers fly defences additionally early missiles generally flew period time radar systems able track missile start sending guidance signals missile minimum altitude roughly feet flying bomber effectively missiles happened fly range flying low level provided protection fighters radars era ability look radar aimed detect targets lower altitude reflection ground signal returned target flying normal altitudes effectively blind bombers far descend lower altitudes increase visible sky limit radar range way missile sites greatly increasing fuel use reducing mission time soviet_union introduce look capability radar model limited capability found uncomfortable position bombers tuned efficiency high speeds altitudes performance purchased great cost engineering financial terms replace long range role sac introduced replace boeing medium range role expensive develop purchase required enormous amounts fuel maintenance comparison estimated cost times operate larger longer ranged designed higher speeds altitudes range suffered relative terms high altitudes times fast low altitudes limited faster altitudes smaller shorter range major advantage ability use high speed areas missile cover especially long journey usa ussr value limited doctrine stressed primary reason maintaining bomber force era bombers remain air long ranges bases immune sneak attack case higher speed short period time staging areas soviet coastline adding problems fuel program canceled burning fuel turned increased wear moving turbine engine components intended use avoid problem enormous cost program limited gains led cancellation fatal problem newly developed high energy like available difference range lost change fuel restored filling bomb bays fuel tank problem arose program canceled september ended shared development benefited program cancellation secret meetings november chairman recommended air_force plan strike rail mobile soviet chief staff air_force general white admitted soviets able hit rockets requested downgraded bare minimum research development program million fiscal year president responded reconnaissance strike mission crazy nuclear mission attack known production military complexes emphasized saw need cheaper effective way thing identified manufacturing years said thought talking bows arrows time gunpowder spoke bombers missile age december air_force announced project cut single prototype planned longer developed interest increased politics presidential campaign central campaign republicans weak defense pointed example told san_diego audience near facilities endorse manned aircraft kennedy similar campaign claims aircraft near seattle boeing plant affirmed need praised air_force changed program weapon development awarded contract prototype august november program received million appropriation nixon trailing home state california publicly endorsed october helped republican campaign pledge additional million development program taking office january kennedy informed missile gap illusion march million spent program kennedy canceled project unnecessary economically stood little chance penetrating enemy defenses successfully instead kennedy recommended program carried forward essentially explore problem flying times speed sound airframe potentially useful bomber congress approved million add funds president modified budget administration decided planned million funds subsequently presented data congress add little performance high cost new air_force chief staff july curtis increased advocacy including interviews august reader digest november aviation week articles allowing february general_electric tour press provided artist congress continued effort bomber development secretary defense explained january subsequently argued house senate committees march march members having work districts written bill direct law use nearly million appropriated unsuccessful address march march 11th hour white_house agreement kennedy chairman retracted bill language bomber remained canceled experimental aircraft intended advanced study propulsion subjects related large transports crew reduced pilots navigator needed research role production order reduced prototypes march aircraft incorporate improvements previous prototype order later reduced experimental named air vehicle completed rolled california report stated like existed completed october manufacture prototype canceled july completion carried maiden flight september test flights followed data test flights materials development later bomber program american transport program espionage soviet_union program development lockheed reconnaissance aircraft prompted soviet engineers design develop high altitude high speed design designed high altitude bomber engines harrison storms shaped aircraft surface delta wing built largely steel panels designed use technologies developed modified form guidance system compression lift arose shock wave generated sharp leading edge central engine intake plate wing cruising speed shock wave attached wing leading edge preventing high pressure shock leaking wing compression lift provided percent total lift wing included effectively use higher pressure field strong shock wave unique aircraft size outer portions wings downward degrees acting type variable geometry device increased aircraft directional stability speeds shifted center lift favorable position high speeds strengthened compression lift effect downwards compression lift shock wave trapped wings equipped general_electric engines designed use jet fuel engine stated pound class actually produced lbf lbf fuel cooling pumped heat reaching engines reduce likelihood nitrogen injected fuel system supply liquid nitrogen fill fuel tank vent space maintain tank pressure operational history maiden flight september flight test engine shut shortly malfunction warning meant flight flown precaution limiting speed mph half planned landing rear wheels port main gear locked tires fire started test flight october flew minutes following flight october wing tips lowered partially flight surpassed october reaching aircraft found suffer weaknesses panels primarily inexperience quality control new material occasions panels failed torn flight necessitating limit placed aircraft deficiencies discovered completely solved second flew july january attained speed flying reached speed maintained minutes april reached flew minutes covering minutes total flight joint nasa research program conducted november january measuring intensity signature sonic testing planned cover range sonic boom ground similar higher proposed selected program outfitted test sensors flew sonic boom test june attaining speed days later crashed following mid air collision flying multi aircraft formation sonic boom later testing continued second flight research program nasa investigated control structural dynamics april flight high altitude high speed experienced unwanted changes altitude nasa testing june included small nose measuring response aircraft stability system flew total flights flight took place december february took final flight museum display flight data collected trip north american completed volume report published nasa april variants prototype built model number completed flights spanning hours minutes model number flew times hours minutes crashed june model number originally march advanced prototype canceled early manufacture planned version improvements based planned bomber production version fleet operational bombers planned reconnaissance strike version crew flight capability incidents accidents incidents separating left right halves engine intake ramp broke flight engines damaging repair october surpassed heat stress damaged panels leaving leading edge left wing missing aircraft limited mid air collision june close formation aircraft behest general_electric manufacturer engines aircraft completion drifted contact right wing flipped rolled inverted striking vertical left wing bomber exploded destroying damaging left wing loss damage wings entered spin crashed ground north california nasa chief test pilot pilot pilot killed pilot ejected sustaining injuries including arm crushed closing like escape crew capsule moments prior summary report accident investigation stated given position relative pilot able wing looking left shoulder report said likely walker maintained position looking fuselage forward position estimated fuselage report concluded position appropriate sight cues walker unable properly perceive motion relative leading aircraft drifting contact wing accident investigation pointed wake vortex right reason sudden roll bomber aircraft display display near ohio aircraft flown museum february following conclusion testing program museum signature aircraft appearing museum appearing chief design feature museum restaurant cafe display museum alongside experimental aircraft completion fourth hangar museum main campus moved late october specifications data pace sheet aircraft study general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area modified root modified tip weight operating weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf internal fuel capacity gallons performance maximum speed mph cruise speed mph range nmi combat mission service ceiling wing loading lift drag thrust weight | North American XB-70 Valkyrie | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
2053_CAC/PACJF-17Thunder | thunder thunder fierce dragon chinese pinyin lightweight single engine multi role combat aircraft developed jointly china aerial reconnaissance ground attack aircraft interception designation pakistan short joint designation china means fighter fierce dragon deploy diverse ordnance including air air air surface missiles twin barrel powered speed backbone performance roughly matches half cost inducted squadron february december service additional ordered delivered plans twin version training enhanced operational capability known development background primarily developed meet requirement affordable modern multi role combat aircraft replacement large fleet fighters bombers cost million divided equally china pakistan aircraft intended export potential cost effective competitive alternative expensive western fighters development aircraft headed aircraft designer considered china ace designer designed economic sanctions pakistan abandoned design study involving aircraft manufacturer china decided redesign upgrade year china started new design study develop super redesigned left project sanctions placed china following political fallout square protests left super project project launched pakistan china signed memorandum understanding joint design development new fighter years worked project details june joined project provide design support involved engineers launch project october pakistan reportedly select western company end year provide integrate expected production said include radar navigation system head display multi function displays competing bids came variant similar package rose upgrade project radar radar expected selected company ties february pakistan china signed letter intent covering airframe development russia offered variant engine power fighter april south_africa offered arm super visual range air air missile previously reported previously offered project engine options local manufacturing china pakistan rolls offered engine plan scrapped june contract jointly develop produce super signed project partnership air forces countries committed ordering fighter abandoned bidding supply integrated suite proposed number based radars respectively despite previously hoping use super launch new radar sanctions placed pakistan country nuclear weapons tests design work progressed slowly months preventing delivery western early decided airframe enabling design work aircraft continue airframe developed new requirements easily integrated airframe prototype production began september size mock super displayed china november batch engines power prototypes delivered according china national technology import export corporation official low cost board systems having adapted official said transfer technology aircraft systems makes cost effective use computer aided design software shortened design phase flight testing prototype rolled transferred prepared maiden flight initially planned place june delayed concerns outbreak designation replaced joint point low speed trials began airport june maiden flight late august official maiden flight prototype took place early september prototype marked new designation march test flights prototype april test pilots flew time maiden flight prototype took place april march pakistan planning aircraft following prototype design improvements developed incorporated aircraft excessive smoke emissions engine air widened reported control problems found testing resulted alterations wing leading edge root extensions vertical tail fin enlarged house expanded electronic warfare equipment bay tip redesigned aircraft slightly increased maximum weight incorporated increased quantity chinese sourced selected western aircraft deliveries late pakistan evaluated british french italian winner expected finalised fourth prototype incorporate design changes rolled april flight april modified air replaced conventional intake ramps function divert turbulent boundary layer away inlet prevent entering engine inlet design uses combination forward swept inlet dimensional compression surface divert boundary layer high sub sonic speeds according design prevents boundary layer air entering engine speeds times speed sound reduces weight removing need complex mechanical intake mechanisms conventional intake developmental work aim improving aircraft performance commenced design finalised multiple models underwent wind tunnel tests found reduced weight cost complexity improving performance weapons qualification phase flight testing fitted fourth generation suite incorporates fusion electronic warfare suite enhanced man machine interface engine flight controls day night precision surface attack capability multi mode pulse radar air air attack capability sixth prototype maiden flight september following competition selected chinese firm supply seats production march small batch production aircraft arrived dismantled state pakistan flew time march took public aerial demonstration pakistan day parade march intended replace aircraft preparation flight upgraded training purposes dual seat combat capable trainer originally scheduled begin flight testing pakistan reportedly decided develop training model specialised attack variant november conducted flight aircraft fitted variant radar developed china active radar began manufacturing components production sub assemblies commenced january receive pre production aircraft total initial production run aircraft initial operating capability achieved end final assembly pakistan began june expected complete production aircraft year planned produce aircraft sixteen aircraft year increase aircraft year december announced 16th fighter manufactured calendar year taking total number manufactured aircraft later spokesperson said light interest shown countries decided production capacity expanded russia signed agreement august export engines china pakistan reportedly fully satisfied engine power aircraft alleged arrangements new engine reportedly head design recommended russian defence export agency block engine sales china prevent export competition displayed internationally time aerial displays intended cancelled late attendance decision license insurance costs according official held november china russia china signed contract worth million engines options engines developed according media reports pakistan plans increase production development pakistan negotiated british italian defence firms radars development radar options include italian french variant british company active array radar reportedly selected integrate french built weapons systems rival bids joint venture upgraded optional onwards cost billion radar air surface weapons believed contract held talks south_africa supply april eighteen months negotiations deal reportedly suspended reports cited french concerns pakistan financial situation protection sensitive french technology lobbying indian government operates french built aircraft france wanted purchase fighters overlap upgraded july chief air chief marshal said reports false said discussions officials assured position government speculated trying cause pressure france supply want december production began facility aircraft air air capability improved enhanced load carrying capacity data link electronic warfare capabilities block construction activity planned run manufacturing developed block aircraft planned december announced 16th block aircraft handed resulting standing 4th squadron said block aircraft include radar improvements reworking airframe local media indicated seat version package unconfirmed reports says better flight management system software june jane confirmed radar include helmet mounted display possibly internal infrared search tracking system generation cockpit includes new mission computer enhanced head display contemporary multi function displays plus capability pilot instead use single large area display positioning cockpit possible upgrade block iii design airframe cockpit airframe semi structure constructed primarily aluminium high strength steel partially adopted critical areas airframe designed service life flight hours years overhaul flight hours block incorporate greater use composite materials airframe reduce weight retractable arrangement single nose wheel main hydraulic brakes automatic anti system position shape designed required jet engine manoeuvres involving high angles attack mid mounted wings delta configuration near wing root generate vortex provides extra lift wing high angles attack encountered combat manoeuvres conventional tri plane arrangement incorporated moving single vertical rudder twin ventral fins flight control surfaces operated flight control system flaps improved ordnance equipment fuel mounted wing tips wings fuselage glass cockpit covered transparent canopy provides pilot good round field view centre stick pitch roll control rudder control throttle located left pilot cockpit incorporates hands throttle stick controls pilot sits zero zero seat cockpit incorporates electronic flight instrument system wide angle head display minimum total field view degrees comprises colour multi function displays providing basic flight information tactical information information engine fuel electrical flight control environment control systems available information tall arranged portrait orientation central placed lowest accommodate control panel software incorporates concept open architecture instead military programming language software written popular programming language enabling use numerous civilian programmers available aircraft includes health usage monitoring system automatic test equipment flight control system comprises conventional controls stability roll axis digital fly wire system pitch axis leading edge flaps trailing edge flaps automatically adjusted increase turning performance serial production aircraft reportedly digital redundant system pitch axis dual redundant system roll axis defensive aids system das composed integrated sub systems radar warning receiver provides data direction proximity enemy radars electronic warfare suite housed tip tail fin enemy radars suite linked missile approach warning system defend radar guided missiles system uses optical sensors airframe detect rocket motors missiles degree coverage data system direction missiles time impact shown cockpit displays system releases help evade hostile radar missiles das systems enhanced integration self protection radar pod carried externally production aircraft equipped radar variant radar developed china multiple modes manage surveillance engagement air ground sea targets track scan mode track targets engage simultaneously radar operation range targets radar cross section stated look mode look mode forward looking infrared pod low level navigation red search track system passive targeting integrated block believed incorporate helmet mounted sight hms developed developed parallel tested prototype dubbed revealed public 7th partial mock display hms tracks pilot head eye movements guide missiles pilot visual target externally carried day night laser targeting pod integrated guide laser guided bombs extra added starboard air intake opposite cannon pods reduce numbers targeting pods required aircraft tactical data link transmit target data aircraft equipped targeting pods communication systems comprise radios radio capacity data linking communication ground control centres airborne early warning control aircraft combat aircraft compatible data links network centric warfare improved situation awareness april said needs targeting pod jets current operations limited lack precision targeting fulfill gap air_force interested buying generation targeting pod priority propulsion fuel system blocks powered single engine variant engine fighter engine gives thrust significantly lower specific fuel consumption engines fitted older combat aircraft replaced advantages single engine reduction maintenance time cost compared twin engined fighters thrust weight ratio achieved internal fuel tanks external engine air supply provided air airframe section known produce smoke trails developing new engine replace based incorporates new technologies boost performance reliability thrust output lbf lifespan hours thrust weight ratio expected improved version developing thrust lbf reportedly development paris air announced flight testing equipped engine begun representative said pakistan continue use engine fighters local media reports jan russia planning sell engines directly pakistan according representative pakistan looking collaborate russia developing repairing engines fuel system comprises internal fuel tanks located wings fuselage capacity single point pressure system turbine fuel systems internal fuel storage supplemented external fuel tanks imp gal drop tank mounted aircraft centerline fuselage imp gal drop tanks mounted wing fuel system compatible flight allowing tanker aircraft refuel increasing range time significantly production aircraft fitted june air chief marshal butt said ground tests successfully completed mid air operations commence summer weaponry armed air air air ground weaponry equipment mounted externally aircraft seven located fuselage main landing gear underneath wing wing tip seven communicate data bus architecture stated capable integration weaponry origin internal armament comprises twin barrel cannon mounted port air intake replaced twin barrel cannon wing tip typically occupied short range red combinations ordnance equipment targeting pods carried wing fuselage fitted multiple racks allowing carry bombs unknown multiple racks ordnance visual range active radar integrated radar data link mid course updates chinese expected aircraft primary air air weapon change radars origin fitted short range red missiles include chinese seeking arm fifth generation close combat missile iris integrated hms radar targeting air ground weaponry includes rocket pods gravity bombs anti runway munitions precision guided munitions satellite guided bombs compatible guided weapons anti ship missiles anti radiation missiles pakistan planned bring brazilian anti radiation missile service fleet operational history initial delivery evaluation induction small batch production single seat single engine began china june small batch produced aircraft delivered march flew pakistan march took aerial display march pakistan day joint services parade small batch produced aircraft delivered march extensively flight tested evaluated serial production aircraft delivered china pakistani manufactured aircraft delivered ceremony november february squadron officially inducted initial strength fighter planes aircraft saw service anti terrorist operation types weapons evaluated took high mark exercise april attack surface targets precision air surface weapons equipment ceremony black spiders squadron took place april stated operational concepts chief air staff air chief marshal said today equip squadron raised squadron thunder aircraft like mention appreciate contribution support chinese helping acquire technological breakthrough shape aircraft according pakistani forums squadron replaced squadron currently tasked sea strikes replacing squadron black stood squadron supposed squadron potential operators countries including algeria argentina bangladesh egypt iran lebanon malaysia morocco nigeria sri_lanka shown interest negotiated china dozen worth approximately million reportedly negotiating buy aircraft reportedly plans purchase million deal china aircraft sales china reportedly talks countries sent pilots china undergo test flights argentine officials paris air said discussed production chinese officials calling formal effort potentially leading production modern chinese fighter latin_america officials said produced called iii recalling latin_america swept wing jet fighter february day visit beijing argentine president argentina completed negotiations purchase january reportedly examining potential technology transfer production opportunities defence minister toured project visit pakistan reported june considering local production china pakistan assistance december international defence exhibition nigeria reportedly buying pakistan chief air marshal visited pakistan earlier october nigeria second customer placing order planes news reports value deal million clear item june article jane affirmed budget super aircraft june pakistani media reports suggested export orders confirmed signed according pakistan based news sources claim buyer pakistani jets article goes deliveries likely begin according report order aircraft potentially confirming claims 51st paris air contract sale signed reports sri_lanka signed agreement buy pakistan state visit january government denies deal happened deal cancelled indian pressure deal planes plane million total million media revealed country interested buying invited sales team showcase aircraft air according local analyst deal difficult come fruition match board electronics air air air surface munitions morocco current western equipped tiger reportedly expressed interest despite buying french russian planes earlier year come surprise analysts considered possibility egypt acquiring lost notable accidents incidents thunder crashed pakistan november killing pilot variants prototypes airframe configurations tested prototype stage configuration tested prototype aircraft prototypes second configuration incorporating modifications wider extended ventral fins taller swept vertical rectangular tip containing electronic warfare equipment small base containing sensors prototype primarily weapon qualification tests flew august followed april prototype maiden flight dual seat version training strike roles proposed customer interests development started according local media newly launched dual seat fighter jet inducted air_force april maiden flight end year production versions block production china began june chinese weapons integrated anti shipping missile block aircraft performed better expected according production block completed december aircraft produced pakistan delivered block cost approximately million unit block production began december initial testing began february aircraft air air capability improved enhanced load carrying capacity data link electronic warfare capabilities construction continue manufacture planned block costs approximately million unit chairman said hand year manufacturing plant capacity produce units year according local media rolled 16th block aircraft december enabling 4th squadron stood seat version start testing september block projected feature radar use new engine helmet mounted display cockpit option speed officials described fourth generation plus fighter jet according unconfirmed media reports induction expected start january design block iii finalized twin variant inducted multi roles include use training enhanced surveillance support capability operators pakistan pakistan air force units base test evaluation flight squadron black base squadron base combat commanders school data complex general characteristics crew length wingspan including missiles height wing area weight loaded weight useful load block max takeoff weight powerplant thrust lbf lbf thrust lbf limit performance maximum speed mph combat radius ferry range service ceiling thrust weight armament guns twin barrel cannon total wing wing tip fuselage stations number wet capable capacity external fuel ordnance missiles air air missiles short range short range short range short range visual range air surface missiles anti radiation missile cruise missile anti shipping missile export version anti ship missile anti radiation missile precision guided weapon bombs bombs general purpose bomb general purpose bomb anti runway bomb anti armour cluster bomb precision guided munitions electro guided electro guided satellite guided bombs satellite guided bombs rocket pods external drop tanks wing litres imp gal gal fuselage litres imp gal gal extended range time electronic warfare suite multi mode fire control radar night vision compatible glass cockpit externally mounted pods self protection radar pod day night targeting pod | CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
3101_TupolevTu-85 | reporting type nato reporting barge soviet prototype strategic bomber based reverse engineered copy boeing ultimate development family heavier ancestor nearly double range prototypes built program canceled favor bomber faster range development true intercontinental strategic bomber lacked range attack united_states bases soviet_union return designed achieve necessary range use powerful fuel efficient engines redesigned wing increase lift drag ratio addition fuel large number engines considered settling horsepower essentially air cooled radial engines paired liquid cooled horsepower bank engine similar configuration failed german engines given power recovery turbines converted turbo compound engines design preferred mature use selected lot effort design wing collaboration aspect ratio lift high altitudes carried litres gal fuel flexible tanks armament equipment derived late model including remotely controlled dorsal ventral turrets tail turret cannon tail turret ranging radar bomb bays enlarged hold bomb actual design work began august ratified directive dated september required prototype ready manufacturer tests december construction aircraft began july completed september flew january manufacturer tests lasted october september prototype flew bomb load landed fuel remaining covered second prototype referred russian incorporated lessons learned aircraft including revision reinforcement airframe variety changes equipment systems flown june trials lasted november series production approved march factories succeed production line reversed later year program cancelled korean war soviet brought bombers showing future aircraft combat use priority given higher performance prototype series power day generating shp early specifications data gordon history characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant turbo compound radial engines performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament guns cannons turrets plus tail barbette bombs bombs | Tupolev Tu-85 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
3311_TupolevTu-142 | russian nato reporting maritime reconnaissance anti submarine warfare aircraft derived strategic bomber specialised communications variant designated tasked long range communications duties soviet missile submarines designed design bureau manufactured operated currently serves russian developed response american programme grew need viable soviet platform succeeded project attempt modifying maritime use differed having stretched fuselage accommodate specialised equipment surveillance roles reinforced support rough field capability improved weapons enhancements general performance capability improved type service eventually resulting final long range highly sophisticated combat large converted number engine design development early designs late 1950s navy developed submarine launched missile range kilometres navy test fired rocket perfect design culminating underwater launch missile uss george washington july operational november year george_washington left charleston south_carolina complement nuclear armed missiles soviet government consequently ordered aircraft design study possible dedicated anti submarine warfare designs initially designed development equipped anti submarine mines torpedoes carry maximum time hours design dropped lacked powerful radar thermal imaging infrared system magnetic mad february highest executive administrative body soviet_union issued directive requiring bureau develop long range aircraft resultant design named features common ventral dorsal gun turrets removed large housing radar system replaced thermal imaging system located smaller left tail turret twin cannons electronic defensive armament aircraft search targeting system featured radar complex navigation system integrated weapons targeting system structural differences included change wing expanding area area elevators increased improved hydraulic fitted metal fuel tanks replaced rubber allow operate semi prepared wheel main replaced wheel units main modified construction number built aviation plant performed flight june test pilot controls taking southeast moscow early testing indicated fuselage needed lengthened accommodate new combat equipment second prototype joined flight test programme september metre fuselage stretch modification found subsequent final development entered flight test october complete equipment suite air arm began receiving production operational trials improved variants early operations revealed shortcomings aircraft rough field capability found limited use wheel aircraft replaced wheel reinforced consequently wheel wells engine changes thermal imaging system parts electronic equipment reduced weight modified aircraft introduced crew rest area long duration missions assigned bear produced total early 1970s production switched near black_sea speculated change idle plant employment workers required improvements plant surrounding area including establishment new assembly shops installation new machinery training workforce building new airfield preparation took place production began built incorporated changes found aircraft differences included stretch fuselage redesigned cockpit additional changes included new axle main version given factory designation adopted nato bear 1970s progressed technology submarines rendered acoustic band trigger devices ineffective soviet_union conducted research development explosive sound system locate deep diving submarines blow work started systems integrated radar programme postponed aircraft intended carry found incompatible developments instead resulted featured new search targeting system built new target acquisition system dubbed cornerstone radar installed subsequent system detecting surfaced submerged submarines communicating aircraft ground bases performing navigational tactical tasks aircraft equipped system redesignated bear feature mad system mounted aft facing atop vertical underwent stage trials programme flight november despite dismal performance figures production ahead given stage conducted april october found aircraft extremely unreliable like stage problems apparently ignored directive issued november cleared operational service technological upgrades entered service obsolete work began improved resulting bear consisted included system compatible working provided greater coverage replaced powerful engines time independent engine starting capability addition auxiliary power unit variant distinguished earlier bear chin housing flight test programme started maiden flight converted fitted advanced state acceptance trials began years test results proved excellent aircraft successfully tracked nuclear powered submarines aircraft operational rolled production line following year bringing end year production run produced communications variant designated bear production version tasked long range communications duties soviet missile submarines role similar boeing mercury differed having sophisticated long trailing wire radio aerial relay messages submerged soviet submarines times nuclear war distinctive features allows communicate satellites airborne ground based command posts submarines aircraft replaced airborne command control role currently operated developments include maritime reconnaissance variant missile carrying variant operational history prepare operations june began selecting personnel conversion training group began month training period march seaside town renamed delivered initially tasked tracking monitoring nuclear powered submarines type operational trials test programme effort focused notably radar airframe major concern reached initial operational capability december successful flight test programme prior december second group selected operations started conversion training deliveries aircraft proceeded slowly produced type allocated operational history demonstrated significant capabilities august foreign submarine aircraft reported maintained continuous contact hours minutes managed trail soviet submarine hours minutes october group tracked submarine reportedly trailed submarine hours minutes soviet operating domestically sent friendly overseas bases cuba vietnam early 1990s dissolution soviet_union soviet fleet handed gained left territory later dismantled result start treaty signed united_states soviet_union came effect late military applications test new suite converted replace testing engines equipment armament removed allow engine test bed carried belly engines installed converted airborne laboratory role setting altitude horizontal time altitude records class began considering long range maritime reconnaissance anti submarine warfare aircraft naval air arm soviet_union initially offered india construct new aircraft hesitant large heavy require reinforced lengthened potential operating bases consequently service requested phased service refurbished indian operations request fell december agreement purchase signed month period stating indian navy sent pilots observers technical officers sailors training march arrived indian naval air station flight peninsula april aircraft arrived prior commissioning operator end october fleet delivered squadron relocated current operating base indian east coast expected replaced smaller variants lengthened defensive armament removed instead incorporating systems aircraft initially wheel main later aircraft wheel built stretch fuselage redesigned cockpit axle main built greatly improved variant new radar equipment constructed downgraded purchased stands export production variant bear new engines new suite distinguished chin built proposed commercial cargo variant standing removed designated single modified built submarine communications relay aircraft distinctive external components nato bear converted earlier testing engines equipment removed operators india indian naval air arm service december based tamil russia service december soviet_union soviet naval aviation distributed following collapse soviet_union ukraine inherited unknown number following collapse soviet_union dismantled accordance start agreement notable accidents november crew killed crashed near japan training flight flights aircraft belonging suspended pending investigation crash indication crew use emergency equipment board plane fitted device signal event accident chief general staff believed engine failure caused crash memorial service held crew december search bodies crew members suspended times ice bad weather specifications data characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant shp performance maximum speed mph cruise speed mph combat radius nmi service ceiling | Tupolev Tu-142 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
3525_HawkerSiddeleyHarrier | developed 1960s jump jet series aircraft operational close support reconnaissance fighter aircraft vertical short takeoff landing capabilities truly successful design arose era developed directly prototype aircraft following cancellation advanced aircraft raf ordered variants late 1960s exported united_states use marine_corps 1970s service raf positioned bulk aircraft west_germany defend potential invasion western_europe warsaw pact forces unique abilities allowed raf disperse forces away vulnerable primarily close air support operating amphibious assault ships needed forward operating bases squadrons saw deployments overseas ability operate minimal ground facilities short allowed locations unavailable fixed wing aircraft received criticism having high accident rate time consuming maintenance process 1970s british sea developed use royal_navy invincible class aircraft carriers fought war aircraft proved crucial versatile sea provided fixed wing air defence raf focused ground attack missions support advancing british land force extensively redesigned british team innovative family rolls engines thrust generated long term interest aircraft similar operational aircraft include contemporary soviet variant lockheed martin lightning development development origins design derived prior developing aircraft working replacement cancelled release defence white paper advocated policy shift away manned aircraft missiles policy resulted termination majority aircraft development projects underway british military sought quickly new project interested vertical landing aircraft need according air chief marshal sir interest stimulated presence sought ground attack fighter royal_air_force design work formally started sir later sir close cooperation airframe company bristol engine company viewed project engineer key factors allowed development continue spite technical obstacles political setbacks direct jet thrust innovative thrust engine rated pounds thrust ran september contract development prototypes signed june flight followed october prototypes built crashed including air display paris air evaluation united_kingdom united_states west_germany jointly agreed purchase aircraft developed evaluation performance potential aircraft aircraft built designated strictly evaluation aircraft save money engine fully developed intended having pounds thrust instead projected pounds numbered pilots west_germany flight took place march total sorties trials including landings end november aircraft destroyed accident transferred united_states assigned designation underwent testing remaining british based assigned trials experimentation modified use engine time development bristol undertaken considerable development work version meet north atlantic treaty organisation nato requirement issued aircraft design single engine fashion similar required use chamber burning achieve speeds won competition meet requirement strong competition aircraft manufacturers french government accept decision withdrew nato requirement cancelled shortly royal_air_force royal_navy planned develop introduce independently cancelled nato requirement ambition complicated conflicting requirements services raf wanted low level strike aircraft navy sought twin engine air defence fighter following election labour government cancelled royal_navy begun raf placed greater importance ongoing development work continued elements project equipped engine intention developing future variant decades following cancellation production following collapse development raf began considering simple upgrade existing issued ground attack jet received order pre production aircraft designated raf maiden flight august order production aircraft designated received early aircraft named small bird prey flight december officially entered service raf april received aircraft aircraft built factories kingston thames southwest london surrey underwent initial testing ski jump technique launching royal_navy aircraft carriers extensively following tests ski jumps added flight decks carriers onwards preparation new variant navy late 1960s british american governments held talks producing united_states formed partnership preparation american production congressman held cheaper produce pre existing production lines united_kingdom purchased improved versions better sensors powerful engines developed later years received design overview typically ground attack aircraft allows effectively engage aircraft short ranges powered single engine mounted fuselage engine fitted air directing thrust generated bypass flow jet exhaust small reaction fitted nose tail purpose balancing vertical flight landing gear units fuselage landing gear units near wing tip equipped wing fuselage carrying variety weapons external fuel tanks similar appearance approximately cent airframe redesigned powered powerful engine new air auxiliary blow doors added produce required low speed wing modified increase area landing gear strengthened installed wing underneath fuselage cannon gun pods fitted underside fuselage outfitted updated replace basic systems navigational attack system incorporating navigation system originally installed information presented pilot head display moving map display abilities allowed deployed small prepared normal airfields believed high intensity conflict air bases vulnerable likely quickly knocked capability squadrons dozens small alert pads lines highly prized military aircraft ability noted operation provided additional benefits operation saving fuel allowing aircraft carry ordnance don believe think millions spent america russia bit europe vertical aircraft success saw flying backwards control seen difficult fly serving decades forms criticised multiple issues particular high accident rate notes conventional single engine strike aircraft like worse accident rates los_angeles_times reported amassed highest major accident rate military plane service marines died accidents colonel declared maintenance challenge need remove wings performing work engine including engine replacements meant required considerable man hours maintenance aircraft noted maintenance difficulties order create aircraft engine jet engine developed tandem designed specifically developed earlier conventional engine core blades fan engine thrust directed engine equipped water injection increase thrust takeoff performance hot high altitude conditions normal operations system landing vertically heavy weapons load water injection function originally added following input air_force colonel worked water injection necessary order generate maximum thrust limited time typically landing especially high ambient temperatures aircraft initially powered engine replaced powerful upgrade process primary focus engine development achieving high performance little weight possible tempered funding available following entry service focus switched improving reliability extending engine life formal joint support program operated years spent million annual budget develop engine improvements variants released latest provides lbf thrust previous engine controls handling described pilots aircraft capable forward flight manner typical fixed wing aircraft stall speed manoeuvres traditional lift control surfaces useless requiring skills technical knowledge usually associated helicopters services demand great extensive training pilots experience types aircraft pilots drawn highly experienced skilled helicopter pilots addition normal flight controls controlling direction viewed senior raf officers significant design success enable control aircraft vertical flight required single added cockpit horizontal flight directed shifting forward position short vertical landings pulled point downwards control elements found conventional fixed wing aircraft thrust reaction control system thrust refers slant engine set horizontal pointing directly backwards pointing slightly forwards normally deployed reaction control achieved manipulating control stick similar action control helicopter irrelevant forward flight mode controls essential manoeuvres wind direction critical factor manoeuvres procedure vertical takeoff involves facing aircraft wind thrust set throttle brought maximum point aircraft leaves ground throttle trimmed state achieved desired altitude short takeoff procedure involves proceeding normal takeoff applying thrust runway speed normal takeoff speed usually point application knots lower takeoff speeds thrust greater reaction control system involves key points aircraft fuselage nose thrust engine temporarily control correct aircraft pitch roll vertical flight rotating thrust forward facing position normal flight called forward flight dog fighting tactic allowing sudden braking higher turn rates braking cause chasing aircraft present target chasing combat technique formally developed early 1970s differences versions largest users royal_air_force exported model aircraft operated designated broadly similar raf changes included removal components quickly sea integration american radios foe systems furthermore outer unlike raf aircraft designed delivery equipped self defence heat seeking air air missiles delivered powerful engine instead earlier seat operated training purposes body stretched taller tail fin added raf trained versions training versions navy appropriate fittings spain flew respectively raf initial fitted navigation attack suite replaced simpler aid quick turnaround missions seats replaced american aircraft raf aircraft upgraded standard featured improved sensors nose mounted laser integration electronic systems upgraded upgraded configuration programme involved installation equipment adding new navigation system aircraft substantial changes increase performance time airframe components restored replaced extend life aircraft spain designated single identical differing radios fitted royal_navy fleet air arm operated substantially modified variant intended ground attack duties unlike standard equipped radar missiles air combat duties fleet air defence fitted navigational aids carrier landings modifications reduce raised bubble canopy greater visibility aircraft later equipped use visual range anti aircraft missiles advanced radar longer range air air combat sea eagle missiles conducting anti ship missions latest variant second generation series replace generation jets service variants mainly retired taking place raf 1970s united_kingdom considered options replacing existing joining developing independent development big wing proposal increased wing area square feet allowing significant increases weapons load internal fuel reserves option cooperation chosen risky isolated approach operational history royal_air_force raf squadron equipped squadron started convert aircraft april early demonstration capabilities participation aircraft flying railway station london downtown manhattan use aerial completed journey hours minutes squadrons established raf air base air force germany squadron formed years later squadrons moved forward air base closer prospective line event outbreak european war squadrons disbanded aircraft distributed raf service close air support reconnaissance ground attack roles flexibility led long term heavy deployment west_germany conventional potential strike weapon soviet aggression rough bases expected launch attacks advancing armour columns deployed bases norway belize british colony squadron specifically norwegian operations event war operating capabilities necessary belize deployment raf combat aircraft capable safely operating airport short runway british forces stationed belize years tensions claim territory forces withdrawn years guatemala recognized independence belize war squadron operated aircraft carrier raf designed naval service aircraft rapidly modified prior departure task force special applied new deck based guidance aid devised allow land carrier easily guide aircraft carriers night time operations installed little space carriers merchant container ships modified temporary flight decks carry helicopters focused providing close air support ground forces attacking argentine positions suppressing enemy artillery high priority sea war primarily conducting fleet air defence combat air patrols threat attacking argentine fighters ground attack missions main airfield runway stanley lost replaced air patrol duties designed air defence operations quickly weapons modified air air missiles prior british forces landing detachment provided air defence phantom arrived responsibility war greatest threats deemed surface air missiles small arms fire ground total lost ground fire accidents mechanical failure sorties conducted conflict equivalent sorties day aircraft following war explored new technique operate smaller ships allowed launching landing smaller ships holding aircraft crane secondary cranes hold weapons rapid potentially saved fuel allowed operations seas system marketed foreign customers speculated applied large submarines russian typhoon class system attracted interest generation combat raf war continued serve years argentine invasion attempts flight raf deployed august june second generation saw action bosnia iraq afghanistan generation replaced improved developed jointly united_states marine_corps began showing significant interest aircraft time squadron established motivated develop aircraft encourage purchase concerns congress multiple coinciding projects close air support role marine_corps enthusiastic managed overcome efforts entered service marine_corps replacing aircraft marines attack squadrons service interested performing ship borne operations admiral promoted concept sea control ship ton light carrier equipped helicopters supplement larger aircraft carriers navy amphibious assault ship uss guam converted operated purpose studying limits possible obstacles operating vessel sea control ship concept subject periodic examinations studies light budget cuts questions use exercises performed demonstrate operating amphibious assault ships aircraft carriers including deployment aboard uss franklin roosevelt months tests showed things capable performing weather conventional carrier aircraft support naval operations devised studied methods integrate result stand system rapidly convert civilian cargo ships platforms operating maintaining handful augment number available ships deploy iowa class battleships consideration radical design battleship carrier hybrid emerged replaced ship rear turret flight deck complete hangar ski jumps operating considered need naval gunfire support greater priority additional platforms carrier operations cost delay associated elaborate conversions significant concept dropped concept deploying land based expeditionary role focused aggressive speed forward bases light maintenance facilities set hours prospective battle area forward bases containing aircraft located miles forward edge battle established permanent located miles close proximity forward bases allowed far greater sortie rate reduced fuel consumption abilities air air combat tested marine_corps conducting mock exercises trained pilots use forward flight capability opponents showed act effective air air fighters close range success operations countered aircraft judged expensive failures past marine_corps officers convinced military advantages pursued extensive development aircraft starting began upgrading configuration work focused mainly extending useful service lives improving performance remaining retired replaced designated introduced service performance service led calls united_states_air_force addition plans resulted air_force orders late 1990s slated replaced variant lockheed martin lightning modern jet aircraft like generation suffered accidents aircraft lost pilots killed 80s operators unique characteristics attracted large interest nations attempts jets unsuccessful cases american german operations aboard uss nassau war proved aircraft highly effective combat operations demonstrated carriers provided powerful presence sea expense big deck carriers following display operations small carriers navies spain later thailand bought use main carrier based fixed wing aircraft spain purchase complicated long standing political friction british spanish governments era manufactured sold spain acting tests november british pilot showed wooden deck able withstand temperature gases generated operated aircraft carrier uss aircraft provided air defence strike capabilities spanish fleet spain later purchased directly british government replace losses aggressively marketed export point company holding talks australia brazil switzerland india japan india customer purchasing point china came close operator generation following early 1970s relations west warming china interested aircraft sought armed forces british prime minister noted significant hostility ussr sales bid deal later cancelled diplomatic backlash china invaded vietnam royal_air_force retired generation spain sold seven single seat twin seat thailand delivered air wing deployed new light aircraft carrier start significant logistical problems keeping operational shortage funds spare parts equipment leaving time years delivered airframe condition thailand considered acquiring suitable maritime operations better equipped air defence replace investigation progress purchase generation retired thailand variants single seat versions raf raf ordered series production aircraft delivery december built single seat versions marine_corps ordered company designation upgrade built version designated built seat training versions raf stretched body taller tail fin built seat training versions royal_navy based seat training version powered seat training version later sold operators india indian navy spain spanish navy united kingdom royal air force royal navy united_states united_states marine_corps aircraft display canada ottawa ontario germany der leo junior poland polish aviation museum poland new_zealand new_zealand united_kingdom east fortune surrey south yorkshire cornwall raf gate guardian norfolk suffolk surrey wales hampshire imperial war museum north united_states air park arizona san diego air san_diego california county regional airport north_carolina city north_carolina oakland california air space museum arizona flying aviation museum san_diego california rhode_island pacific coast air museum california national naval aviation museum pensacola florida seattle washington sea new_york_city new_york hangar museum texas air space museum arizona philadelphia philadelphia pennsylvania united states naval museum armament technology china lake north california data jane world aircraft general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant lbf vertical flight jets use engine bleed air mounted nose tail performance maximum speed mph knots sea level combat radius nmi ferry range nmi endurance min combat air patrol base service ceiling time climb min armament guns cannon pods fuselage wing fuselage stations capacity provisions carry combinations rockets rocket pods rockets missiles air air missiles bombs variety iron bombs cluster bombs laser guided bombs reconnaissance pod drop tanks extended range time popular culture | Hawker Siddeley Harrier | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
3589_VoughtXSO2U | american observation developed united_states_navy late 1930s intended replace service scout aboard cruisers proved superior evaluation failed win production contract lack manufacturing capacity design development late 1930s united_states_navy developed set specifications new scout observation aircraft operate cruisers reconnaissance gunnery spotting roles intended replace requirements included aircraft folding wings superior range speed new type powered ranger engine designs submitted response navy specifications design designated model company similar company development replace aboard battleships wing moved higher fuselage differed attachment method single float landing gear addition radial engine replaced squared capable operated float seaplane conventional utilised metal construction exception control surfaces fabric covered wings folded rear storage manner similar torpedo bomber aircraft capable performing dive bombing fitted single bomb depth charge wing mission anti submarine warfare gun armament consisted machine guns mounted fixed position firing forwards propeller gear flexible position observer cockpit rear defense operational history assigned serial number flew time july flight seaplane took place december flight testing showed aircraft lacked directional stability addition large ventral fin connecting rear float tail helped cure problem aircraft suffered engine problems easily cured ranger engine known particularly prone problems solved aircraft original engine replaced oil cooler flight testing despite problems continued despite engine issues considered overall superior competing production capacity taken manufacture scout fighter result declared winner contract ordered production named royal_navy developed disastrous reputation service retired intended replace following end competition general utility aircraft hack navy supplied july use tests engine tests intended assist engine bell lightweight fighter remained troublesome years testing returned navy having use aircraft removed navy rolls july subsequently scrapped operators united_states united_states navy specifications data action general characteristics crew pilot observer length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight fuel capacity gallons imp gal powerplant ranger engine propellers bladed constant speed performance maximum speed mph feet service ceiling armament guns machine guns fixed forwards firing flexible rear firing bombs light bombs depth charges racks | Vought XSO2U | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
3749_ChaseXCG-20 | chase chase known company designation large assault developed immediately world war united_states_air_force largest built united_states production change requirements modified successful twin engined transport aircraft saw extensive service vietnam war design development following end world war united_states_air_force developed requirement new large assault type replace smaller types service existing having declared obsolete new constructed entirely metal required easily powered configuration year development program contract awarded new_jersey august construction types included smaller model designated larger definitive model designated redesignated establishment largest constructed united_states combat built military featured high mounted wing retractable landing gear auxiliary power unit supplied hydraulic power landing gear flaps nose section reinforced provide optimal protection pilots event crash landing allow strongest possible connection cargo hold feet long feet wide featured innovative configuration rear fuselage integrated loading ramp allowed vehicles driven directly aircraft speeding loading unloading times operational history prototype flew second prototype conducted aircraft flight april following displayed public pope air force base month underwent thorough flight testing late summer evaluated variety transport aircraft florida possessed obvious faults test program confirmed powered assault transport equal landing performance having rendered obsolete assault fell favor air_force project cancelled chase designed aircraft allow easy installation engines modified radial engines prototype long serving provider family transports second prototype returned fitted twin pods jet powered transport aircraft built united_states specifications data provider action general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area max takeoff weight limited tow aircraft pounds | Chase XCG-20 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4047_IlyushinIl-32 | soviet heavy military developed world war deliver cargo facilitate loading unloading nose tail sections swing sideways required engined aircraft tow safely canceled clear going available programs canceled shortages intended engines development end world war soviets devoted considerable effort developing heavy transport deliver troops airborne assault effort ordered design bureau september begin work capable carrying cargo including troops cannon prime ammunition crew intended engined transport derived aluminum bodied high wing fixed fuselage square cross section fit cargo possible wings moderate aspect ratio regarded built simply facilitate large scale manufacture nose tail sections swung starboard facilitate loading flight august towed twin engined wasn powerful tow fully loaded engined prototype adapted tow september flight tests reached cruising speed mph altitude metres weight flight tests satisfactory preparations begin series production lack suitable problem soviet engined aircraft production available canceled transport dedicated strategic bombing mission experiments pair difficult risky involved canceled lack proper specifications data history characteristics capacity troops cargo length wingspan wing area weight gross weight performance cruising speed mph service ceiling | Ilyushin Il-32 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4350_BAESystemsNimrodMRA4 | systems systems maritime patrol attack aircraft intended replace rebuilt aircraft extended operating life fleet decades significantly improved aircraft installing efficient jet engines double flight range conversion flight deck digital glass cockpit simplified control operations reduced crew requirements new detection systems installed additional weapons anti submarine warfare project subject significant delays cost runs contract negotiations partly difficulties combining refurbished built common standard newly built wings numbers aircraft fell course years costs continued climb ultimately cancelled result point million budget years late direct replacement development roles intended filled existing assets type frigate helicopter ultimately november announced intention order aircraft effectively replacing development background origins royal_air_force started replacement maritime programme replace aircraft meet requirement proposed rebuilding new engines electronics called raf considered bids lockheed rebuilt navy december billion contract awarded designation continued development essentially new aircraft significant changes included installation current generation rolls engines larger efficient wing fully refurbished fuselage larger air required requirements engine significantly higher original original borrowed heavily technology glass cockpit derived according systems enable crews gather process display times technical strategic data radar stated capable land water ability swept area size seconds aircraft synthetic training aids provided electronic training suite allow training crew members transfer active aircraft ground based training systems change increase availability aircraft operational missions allow intensive training exercises delays development problems original scheduled date entry service april development proved far protracted anticipated independent company flight ltd contracted undertake conversions standard discovered supplied raf built common standard considerably complicated refurbishment process task converting existing transferred house team found new wing flawed resulted project hold wing design developed issued shock profit warning december cost class submarine projects february took charge million contract company previously taken million loss charge expected cover costs completion current contract contract second time aircraft requirement reduced announcing plans future british military july defence secretary detailed plans reduce upgrade programme cover aircraft suggested eventual fleet second development achieved flight december test elements mission system air vehicle received contract worth billion july development aircraft converted production standard successfully released torpedo time july disputes cost meant number delivered reduced spring production aircraft took maiden flight september time flight cost million announced december introduction delayed defence spending cuts delivered march raf acceptance testing initial operational capability expected reached october operate main base scotland aircraft delivered cancellation strategic defence security review government announced cancellation october consequently intended base fleet closed november sub contract workers previously working laid stripped electronic equipment remaining scrapped beginning january process conducted screens intended hide process media bbc flew helicopter broadcast footage scrapping process late budget decision cancel controversial remaining near completion reported following retirement march russian submarines able travel past international waters tracked lack suitable aircraft november early december maritime patrol aircraft operated france canada united_states based attempt locate russian submarine spotted british territorial waters west scotland aircraft civilian search rescue role role respect stated depend maritime assets contribute tasks previously planned following cancellation defence secretary example worst performance idea allow position originally ordered reduced spent weren close getting capability happen january reported decision taken scrap aircraft flaws safety tests conducted found design non aircraft unclear example bomb bay doors functioned properly landing gear worked fuel pipe safe according magazine significant aerodynamic issues associated flying control concerns certain regimes flight meant grounded time cancellation signed safe magazine stated reason cancellation raf navy placed higher priority fast jets frigates maritime patrol defence chiefs publicly criticised decision scrap january concluded february decision proper understanding cost implications wasted replacement press reports february claimed royal_navy fleet air arm established committee consider acquisition maritime patrol aircraft replace anti submarine role estimated budget billion contrasting program cost billion reports suggested purchase consideration january reported attempts sell possible replacement november announced undertake range tasks undertaken intended specifications data flight insight general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant lbf performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling armament guns wing stations internal bomb bay capacity provisions carry combinations rockets missiles air air missile air surface missile bombs depth charges air dropped torpedoes torpedoes naval mines multi mode search radar acoustic electro optical search detection system system | BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4548_InterstateTDR | early combat aerial vehicle referred time assault developed second world war use united_states_navy capable armed bombs torpedoes aircraft ordered built type saw service japanese continuing developmental issues affecting aircraft success operations conventional weapons led decision cancel assault program october design development lieutenant commander proposed remotely controlled aircraft potential use united_states_navy combat operations limitations technology time development assault project given low priority early 1940s development radar television project feasible following trials converted manned aircraft operational test naval target conducted april month following trials assault received contract navy prototype production aircraft simplified improved design designated control conducted control aircraft usually operator viewing screen showing view camera mounted aboard radar pilot board test flights powered engines horsepower remarkably simple design steel tube frame constructed bicycle company covered wood skin making little use strategic materials production higher priority aircraft capable piloted test flights aerodynamic cover cockpit area operational missions equipped fixed landing gear operations following takeoff improved performance operational history code operation option navy projected squadrons assault formed control aircraft assault ordered technical difficulties development combined continued low priority given project saw contract modified order reduced aircraft single tested production contract resulted testing control deployed operationally operations japanese aircraft equipped single mixed squadron control aircraft operational mission took place september conducting bombing operations japanese ships despite success assault program canceled production aircraft combination continued technical problems aircraft failing live expectations fact conventional weaponry proving adequate defeat japan final mission flown october having expended operations aircraft successfully striking targets loss pilots following war converted operation private aircraft display single example survives display pensacola florida variants operators united_states navy prototypes production version aircraft produced variant franklin engines prototypes ordered canceled favor variant wright radial engines prototypes variant prototype production version aircraft ordered cancelled designation aircraft converted designation designation reserved aircraft ordered designation aircraft produced army designation aircraft produced data characteristics crew optional pilot wingspan gross weight powerplant opposed engines speed mph range nmi armament pound bomb aerial torpedo | Interstate TDR | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4787_PolikarpovTIS | heavily armed soviet heavy fighter designed early 1940s prototypes built intended engines proved unreliable placed production engines manufacturer lacked resources fix problems second prototype crashed september program canceled death chief designer eponymous earlier year design development original request proposals heavy escort fighter received november press work prototypes prevented significant design work quarter appointed head designer job complicated multiple changes role aircraft escort fighter dive bomber eventually reconnaissance prototype internally designated aircraft low wing metal engines twin tail fuselage machine guns nose rounds pilot gunner radio operator seated separated armor plate sliding gunner dorsal mount rounds canopy slid forward ventral mounted armored floor access raising hatch floor kneeling fire machine guns ventral gun provided rounds ammunition machine gun rounds cannon rounds mounted wing root underneath wings racks capable carrying single bomb wing automatic leading edge split flaps separated engine single wheel landing gear retracted rear fuselage prototype flew september reached speed mph altitude suffered lack directional stability engines unreliable factory attempted fix stability problem late september increasing area rear fins unsuccessful flight testing continued october russian evacuated eliminating stability problem took march engines remained unreliable summer clear lacked resources fix problems need new engine resources fully utilized programs program hold work resume second half canceled engine selected new prototype built internally called completely revised armament cannon replaced nose machine guns machine gun mount replaced dorsal ventral machine gun removed entirely cannon replaced wing root guns intended unavailable temporary engine moved wings fed leading edge outlets wing operational history flight tested june september generally met expected performance figures engines low altitudes aircraft reach maximum speed mph ceiling metres initial climb rate basis flight tests concluded capable reaching mph minutes reach metres fitted brake failure june damaged required month repair crash landing september caused failure extend proved death program shut death end june willing champion specifications data encyclopedia russian aircraft general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity imp gal gal powerplant liquid cooled engines propellers bladed performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling time altitude minutes armament guns cannon wing roots machine guns wing roots machine guns nose machine guns mounted bombs | Polikarpov TIS | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4816_ImperialGift | imperial gift donation aircraft british surplus stocks world war canada australia new_zealand south_africa british cabinet agreed aircraft countries plus replacements aircraft donated countries britain war aircraft formed core newly established air forces countries canada aircraft supplemented related supplies equipment establish later australia aircraft supplemented additional related supplies equipment establish royal_australian_air_force new_zealand initially refused later accepted reduced aircraft loaned private aviation companies returned government constitute new zealand permanent air force south_africa aircraft related items supplemented led establishment colonial government india accepted aircraft use establish air force allocated royal_air_force raf india civil government departments sold commercial private operators background following world war royal_air_force estimated surplus aircraft production end war sir chief air staff argued establishment air forces argued coordinated uniform approach organising air forces essential facilitate air component defence empire proposal taken secretary state air described opportunity giving assistance valued great use general interest defence empire air british cabinet approved proposal chose widen offering aircraft colonial governments governments notified offer june canada canadian military personnel served raf canadian air services created operate independent military force nearly end war squadron squadron established britain august established home defence september canadian units reached operational status end hostilities saw combat director lieutenant colonel studied types offered specified aircraft suitable civil operations peacetime force undertake number roles involved surveillance fire fighting mapping combat aircraft offered large stock surplus aircraft canada share mainly consisted following multi purpose aircraft small number fighters included trainers bombers fighters patrol flying boat patrol flying boat bristol fighter seat fighter fighters patrol seaplane final deliveries included non rigid balloons additional aircraft including single examples vickers replacement bringing total aircraft addition aircraft numerous sent including engines equipment cameras seaplane gear support vehicles consisting motor transports trailers value million money canadian government spent aviation aircraft formed basis postwar later sponsored project conduct flight determine feasibility flights air mail passenger services flown major remainder relay completed aircraft considered suitable harsh canadian weather aircraft 1930s aircraft service retired australia australia originally consisted aircraft spare engines tools motor transport shipped packing cases additional aircraft provided time replace aircraft donated people australia great_britain world war australia aircraft consisted trainers fighters bombers bombers june recommended creation temporary formed wings wing meet needs navy army enabled formation royal_australian_air_force march answering minister defence administer new service aircraft shipped australia assembled delivery served years longest serving aircraft written february original surviving aircraft australia stored canberra collection australian war memorial exhibited main australian war memorial displays new_zealand new_zealand refused offer later accepted aircraft engines trainers bombers bristol fighter seat fighters bombers retained government use balance issued loan transports training aircraft civil aviation companies private firms involved collapsed surviving aircraft taken government constitute new zealand permanent air force aircraft military service wrecked scrapped burnt survived south_africa south_africa second country britain establish air force independent army naval control february share bombers trainers fighters bombers war loss replacements sponsored additional donated city birmingham initial fleet completed left wartime recruitment campaign handed october according author record equipment materials donation included steel portable wood canvas radio photographic equipment complete engine airframe workshops tools trucks trailers gallons engine gallons total value donation estimated offer type zero turned doubts feet expense replacing estimated useful life months harsh south african sunshine batch aircraft arrived south_africa september established january combined facility known aircraft sold piece land miles east acquired named nearby hill flight formed april equipped formation second flight squadron established early branch housed original steel india india share bombers trainers unlike recipients india use gift establish national air force raf india received military use rest went colonial government departments entities sold commercial private operators remains discovered disused elephant stables palace taken parts restore aircraft addition engine storage display facility | Imperial Gift | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4867_SeniorProm | senior senior classified black program conducted united_states_air_force conjunction development testing cruise missile stealth technology based company blue senior vehicles proved successful testing conducted area late 1970s despite aircraft selected enter production program terminated early 1980s design development following success test programme lockheed blue stealth technology aircraft united_states_air_force awarded contract division works development aerial vehicle intended act prototype cruise missile apply blue design order reduce radar cross section missile electromagnetic waves radar away source instead directly radar set antenna program begin reported budget usd design aircraft closely based blue scaled intended launch lockheed hercules aircraft original configuration senior vehicle included ventral fin aircraft later modified include tail slender wings closer configuration stealth fighter radar material applied airframe stealth configuration addition design similar blue wing profile bore similarities stealth bomber senior vehicle intended modified testing commenced parachute landing bag located fuselage aircraft believed fitted folding wings carriage launching aircraft powered single engine air intake exhaust manner airframe shield ground reducing aircraft radar infrared signatures testing cancellation flight testing senior vehicles began october total aircraft built completed total fourteen flights duration testing programme craft reportedly capable flying feet radar generating return testing took place area nevada hercules acting launch aircraft reports testing conducted edwards air force base california launch platform hangar groom lake test complex reportedly constructed house senior combination despite success test programme senior cancelled reportedly reason cancellation project size configuration senior aircraft rendered incapable carried internal weapons bays bomber competing design senior cruise missile requirement slender airframe retractable wings rendered capable internal carriage began flight testing shortly end senior programme despite cancellation programme senior remained highly classified 21st century rumours small number senior aircraft aerial reconnaissance acquired united_states_air_force utilised secret missions eastern_europe late cold war iraq operation north_korea official confirmation case | Senior Prom | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
4980_HeinkelHe111 | german aircraft designed development described wolf sheep clothing project machine civilian transport conception intended provide nascent luftwaffe fast medium bomber best recognised german bomber distinctive extensively greenhouse nose later versions numerous luftwaffe bomber early stages world war bomber fared weak defensive armament exposed proved capable sustaining heavy damage remaining airborne war progressed variety roles european theatre strategic bomber torpedo bomber atlantic arctic medium bomber transport aircraft western eastern mediterranean middle eastern theatres constantly upgraded modified obsolete war realised forced luftwaffe continue operating combat roles end war manufacture ceased september point engine bomber production largely halted favour fighter aircraft german bomber force virtually defunct logistics production continued war spanish built spain received batch agreement licence build spanish versions airframe produced spain licence design differed significantly powerplant eventually equipped rolls engines descendant continued service design development design conception defeat world war germany banned operating air force treaty versailles german armament began 1930s initially kept secret violated treaty consequently early development military bombers disguised development program civilian transport aircraft designers seeking benefit german armament decided create world fastest passenger aircraft goal met germany aircraft industry political leadership entrusted development fairly new company june visited offices head point germany aviation hoping build new air force constructed required modern force aircraft convinced factory turn mass production force employees began work new design garnered urgency american lockheed boeing began appear features apparent single engined blitz lightning rolled line type immediately started breaking records normal passenger version speed reached mph powered engine designed elliptical wing brothers incorporated joined wing design feature subsequent designs developed drew interest luftwaffe looking aircraft dual bomber transport capabilities twin engine version blitz preserving elliptical inverted wing small rounded control surfaces engines new design called double lightning displaced needed twin engine design match competitors spent man hours designing fuselage length extended wingspan flight flew february piloted chief test pilot ordered land company factory airfield today neighbourhood considered short central test facility ignored orders landed said performed slow manoeuvres danger runway praised high speed period good flight landing characteristics stable cruising gradual descent single engined flight having nose drop operated second test flight revealed insufficient longitudinal stability climb flight power controls required unsatisfactory force end prototypes produced civilian prototype january received recognition fastest passenger aircraft world speed exceeded mph design achieved greater total speed engine powered tenth thirteenth prototypes available forced initially use liquid cooled engine war british test pilot evaluated luftwaffe aircraft forced land forth february brown described impression unique greenhouse nose overall impression space cockpit area great degree visual sighting afforded regarded positive factors important provision relation weather conditions bright sunshine encountered pilot visibility dangerously compromised throwback lack good sighting easy complicated rain pilot needed slide window panel look establish direction brown reported little swing aircraft balanced landing brown noted approach speed mph held touch avoid tendency drop wing especially port competition mid-1930s competed german abbreviated contracts main competitor comparison trials undertaken point equipped engines equipped slightly heavier takeoff weight compared maximum speed aircraft mph higher cruising speed mph mph faster stalemate altered drastically appearance increased power awarded contracts sped development production breathtaking pace financial expenditure huge annual turnover spent appeared flight displays world helped sales abroad competing successful production terms prominent examples produced luftwaffe numerous type beginning second world war basic design design initially conventional stepped cockpit separate pair like panels pilot pilot introduction variant triggered complete design cockpit subsequent production variants fitted fully nose port having greater pilot starboard resulting cockpit feature number german bomber designs war years varying shapes formats longer separate panels pilot pilot view exterior flight environment bullet like navigator pilot seated left navigator bomb right navigator went forward prone bomb aiming position tilt chair rear aircraft cockpit floor pilot feet rudder arms giving good visibility sliding panels manufactured nose allow pilot navigator bomb exit aircraft quickly time consuming retreat fuselage fuselage contained major bulkheads cockpit bulkhead nose fitted rotating machine gun mount offset allow pilot better field forward vision cockpit fully exception lower right section acted platform gunner positioned commonly penetrated cockpit floor protective housing external cockpit area forward rear bulkhead bomb bay constructed double frame strengthen carrying bomb load space bomb bay rear bulkhead radio equipment contained dorsal flexible ventral gunner positions rear bulkhead contained hatch allowed access rest fuselage held series wing design fuselage formed fuselage skin internally frames fixed simpler construction loss wings leading edges swept point engine trailing edges angled forward slightly wing contained gal fuel tanks inner wing main head main oil fitted outer second pair reserve fuel tanks located carrying individual capacity gal fuel outer trailing edges formed flaps met smooth wing tips curved forward leading edge outer leading edge sections installed shape curved strip rib positioned ahead main interior ribs solid exception ribs located rear main flaps solid construction holes control systems innovations control column centrally placed pilot sat port cockpit column extension arm fitted ability swung starboard case pilot control instruments located pilot head ceiling allowed viewing block pilot vision fuel instruments electrified inner fuel tanks closest wing root outer tanks acted reserve tanks pilot alerted fuel level tank gal left manual pump available case electrical power failure delivery rate gal minute demanded pilot fly lowest possible speed fortunately handled low speeds defensive machine gun positions located glass nose flexible ventral dorsal lateral positions fuselage offered significant field fire design nose allowed machine gun position moved upwards horizontal downwards gun traverse dorsal ventral machine guns downwards dorsal position machine gun ventral mount machine guns moved single machine gun mounted fuselage waist positions upwards horizontal downwards early civilian variants prototype flew february followed civilian equipped bomb bay seat smoking compartment seats rear fuselage entered service newly built versions known unveiled foreign press january nazi propaganda inflated performance announcing maximum speed mph reality performance standing mph commercial version took form prototype design machine designated dresden powered engine manage range depending fuel capacity maximum speed mph wing span series fuselage dimensions stood changed diesel type powerplant engine replaced maximum speed remained mph increased slightly engines introduced general problem existed equipped cooled engines german aviation industry lacked produce engines suitable quality kept military use frustrating german airline forcing rely upgraded variant number differences predecessors production leading edge wing straightened like bomber version different engine types variants upgraded new wing modifications new engine called powerplant radial engines wing units engines packed complete operating systems allowing quick change engine powerful fastest commercial version given later variants vary example equipped powered inverted engines given speed mph early variants service maximum number service operated europe flew flights far away south_africa commercial development ended military variants initial reports test pilot favourable flight performance handling impressive dropped wing stall result passenger variants wings reduced military aircraft spanned prototypes equipped line engines succeeded engines prototypes equipped line engines eventually increased fitting engines prototype series models based built proved eventually sold china type lengthened added machine gun nose gun position installed fuselage ventral position exposed turret bomb bay divided compartments carry bombs problem additions weight aircraft reached performance seriously reduced particular engines powerful increased length altered aerodynamic strengths reduced excellent handling landings crews found aircraft difficult fly speed reduced significantly production shut pilots reports reached chinese delegation visiting germany considered fit needs purchased seven machines maiden flight autumn production batch rolled production lines summer seven pre production aircraft built bearing works numbers powered engines fitted variable pitch screws increased output machine gun installed nose carry vertical cells minor improvements installation revolving gun mount nose flexible turret fuselage improvements ordered delivered january variant engines upgraded cases began roll production lines modified trainer ordered production orders impossible fulfill built owing production new handful produced insufficient capacity built series plants respectively series compared favourably capacity series bomb load increased increase maximum speed altitude mph late series entered production engine planned variant instead allocated production lines opted use engines tested engines judged improved powerplant prompted cancellation series altogether concentration design series pre production series built small numbers fitted engines loaded retractable exhaust systems variant carry bombs giving weight development team engines managed increase engine power subsequently bomb load capacity increased speed mph variant engines developed production variant original powerplant replaced engines powerful engines desired ready installation trial aircraft fitted oil necessary installation came production line february time number aircraft serve legion spanish civil war march thought variant enemy fighters spain need upgrade defensive weaponry prove mistaken later years fuselage bomb bay bomb racks later versions standard bomb racks designed carry bomb bombs nose orientation standard bomb racks common feature generation luftwaffe bombers turned limited ordnance selection bombs sizes racks abandoned later designs series produced dropped favour producing modifications external bomb racks design features distinguished improved radio systems series equipped duration series packed variant fitted external bomb racks bomb bay space filled gal tank aviation fuel gal oil tank increased loaded weight increased range modifications allowed perform short range missions internal vertically aligned bomb racks carry variant powered retained gal fuel tank port bomb bay built acquired interest rocket fitted sake simplicity wings heavily loaded bomber cut length runway needed takeoff air parachute reuse firm kiel handled development standing trials tests flights walter liquid fueled held test pilot controls bearing civil registration design quickly ran series minor design revisions obvious changes started models moved elliptical wing straight leading trailing edges manufactured efficiently dimensions new design wing span area industrial capacity limited production delayed machines series exported turkey variant built turkish interest prompted fact tests prototype way prompted order engines machines built entered service early fleet transport group pocket battle time development began powered intended torpedo bomber result lacked internal bomb bay carried external torpedo racks gave order bomb bay variant known powerplant identical final variant series identical rejected production variant owing superior performance low level performance attracted interest kriegsmarine result capable carrying torpedoes mines navy eventually dropped program deemed man crew expensive terms manpower continued production sources claim built sent powered engines carry pre production fitted powerplant instead performance deteriorated torpedo bomber pursued variants training schools utilised test beds radio guided air ground torpedo missiles incorporated updated liquid cooled engine featured newly designed nose section including mounting machine gun replaced stepped cockpit aerodynamic cockpit entire aircraft smooth nose tested january improvements allowed aircraft reach mph cruise speed mph bomb load reduced figure mph design implemented pilot reports indicated problems visibility pilot seat actually elevated pilot eyes level upper complete small panel pilot head level glass tunnel better forward view landings rear facing dorsal gun position enclosed sliding near clear view canopy time ventral rear facing gun position immediately aft bomb bay replaced retractable standard having flown bearing civil registration rivals built october commented apparent externally poor carefully designed components locations especially junction rear fuselage parts impression weak visible wing high left right motor exhaust gas connected fuselage probable warm air fuselage free carbon fuselage subdivided individual segments attached entire length completion wing centre section wings attached universal joints way satisfactory cause failures new design powered engine production aircraft reached luftwaffe units fall went service improved radio equipment variant produced self sealing fuel tanks featured semi retractable tail wheel decrease drag armament consisted nose sliding hood fuselage dorsal stand position installation upgraded iii radio communication devices new iii vertical bomb magazine added overall takeoff weight like later given stronger armour machine guns waist mounts fuselage external bomb racks radio communications consisted radios replaced standard german bombers fitted given field equipment sets upgrade weak defensive armament machine guns bomb capacity raised vertical magazines weight loaded weight increased maximum range powered engines aircraft designed land catapult hook added fuselage cockpit cable examples produced bomb equipment contained changes loads capable considerable variation external bombs air dropped anti shipping mines plus external bomb carried rack depending load variation fuel oil tank added place internal bomb bay armament consisted defensive machine guns later supplemented machine gun radio communications standard direction finding radio devices increase defensive firepower crew numbers increased weight increased takeoff weight increased owing mentioned alterations powered variant trainer production variants produced production ceased fitted meteorological equipment luftwaffe weather units served experiencing technical difficulties formed backbone september luftwaffe records indicate strength variant production model series abandoned production series favour versions series engines needed fighter production remaining redesignated heavy notable difference previous variants upgraded variant history unclear said similar fitted dual controls produced export variant lack engines series terminated summer variants variant series widely produced saw action world war variant owing uncertainty surrounding delivery availability engines switched somewhat greater size weight regarded considerations twin engine design fitted model fitted standard set machine guns bombs armament started production august series gradually replaced eve war new powered improved engines count september revealed luftwaffe total service combat ready including produced mere months production powered began october experiences led increase defensive armament fitted possible number machine guns increased seven waist positions received additional variants belt fed installed tail smaller scale production began virtually identical swapped variant differed carry bombs internally mount external racks carry bombs external racks blocked internal bomb bay doors combination internal external storage possible bomb rack fitted externally gal tank added interior spaces left vacant removal internal bomb bay capable carrying bomb racks modified drop torpedoes later modifications enabled carry max bomb widely series followed february heavier defensive armament like retained bomb rack enable carry heavy bombs fuselage selected special missions aircraft carried bombs acted carry heavy fire bombs heavy containers smaller devices attached carried aerial mines anti shipping operations production aircraft bomb rack removed replaced heavy duty etc rack enabling carry max bomb external etc rack enabled support bomb equipped barrage balloon cable cutting equipment shape cutter installations forward engines cockpit designated later named aircraft difficult fly production stopped initiated overall improvements design engine increased speed defensive armament upgraded cannon nose position ventral turret fuselage windows optional variants carried tail mounted defensive armament performance improved climb rate higher machine reach slightly higher ceiling heavy bomb loads added ceiling reduced weight increased received improved low level speed mph altitude maximum speed mph heavy external loads added speed reduced mph designs mid series included variant designed night bombers installed intention fitted cable cutting equipment barrage leading edge wings built intended trainer dual control columns airframe variant rebuild consisted designated trainer duties rebuilt airframe installed defensive armament including machine guns powered later variants summer based introduced luftwaffe disposal powerful medium bomber heavier armour revised defensive armament drum fed replaced belt fed fully enclosed dorsal position stand gunner protected armoured glass single ventral stand replaced belt fed higher rate fire beam positions originally retained single replaced twin arrangement standardized november port internal bomb racks removed gal fuel tanks installed place equipped new rack fuselage carried bombs additional armour plating fitted crew spaces lower fuselage emergency engines allowing variant carry range built new aircraft type converted summer mass production model entering production late armament differences cannon deleted seldom employed low level missions replaced single flexible installation nose stand aircraft designated dorsal position replaced electrically powered turret armed single beam aft ventral positions provided provided maximum speed mph cruising speed mph service ceiling radio equipment fitted communication navigation night aircraft received radio retained internal bomb cells bomb cells previous versions replaced fuel tank increase range etc racks installed bomb cell openings external weapons carriage weight aircraft weighed fully loaded german factories built end end addition updated standard number variants fitted radar adapted anti shipping day night operations major production variant entered production early planned use engines turning blade wooden bladed variable pitch propellers appear plan developed fully later given remained main power plant built summer upgraded standard contrast equipped powerful armament radio communications defensive armament consisted stand gun pod forward mounted machine gun position gun mount stand standard later machine guns added navigational direction finding gear installed added locate targets blind landing equipment built help night operations radio standard navigating target equipped barrage balloon cable bomb load mounted external etc racks racks sub variant carry bombs external loads design entailed merging design originally conceived tow initially modified resulted twin fuselage engine aircraft tested pilots rated highly batch produced built existing machines joined centre wing formed sections length engines total fuel capacity gal increased addition gal drop tanks tow hours cruising speed remain airborne central failed planned heavy bombers carrying bombs having range etc extensions allowed gal drop tanks installed carry anti shipping guided missiles guided iii missile control equipment load range speed mph maximum increase power fitted armament addition rotating gun mount centre section variant display convincing stable flight performance layout pilot controls port fuselage controls essential equipment remaining starboard section aircraft crew seven pilot mechanic radio operator gunner port fuselage observer second mechanic gunner starboard fuselage reconnaissance version additional fuel tanks increasing range production place bomber production abandoned long range variant designs failed come fruition invasion malta airborne assault soviet cities year battle use cancelled insufficient airfield capacity later helped evacuate german equipment personnel region allied invasion sicily attempted deliver reinforcements island operations power lift fully loaded rocket assisted takeoff units supplemented rocket pods mounted beneath fuselage underneath wing added weight gave additional thrust engines pods released parachute takeoff operational history minimal machine caught raf fighter aircraft france march shot shot destroyed ground production meet demand numbers constructed factory construction began exactly year later rolled production line administration office suggested lend factory established share capital given share factory built belonged german state production plant built year war german production luftwaffe amounted september according memoirs built giving total 1940s production suffered extreme losses bombers lost rival increased production aircraft times number previous year losses considerable previous year balkans compensate production increased increased production figures higher exceeding bomber variants increased aircraft outnumbered production terms figures reached allied bomber particular big week failed stop damage production quarter built produced bomber versions total built compared luftwaffe strategic defensive bomber production suspended production september production month included bombers built variants zero produced built exports bought turks ordered china ordered cost aircraft transported sea end spanish civil war acquired survivors bulgaria given romania received given slovakia hungary given ordered arrived end delivered japanese receive agreement cancelled operational history served german military fronts beginning war medium bomber supported german campaigns field owing western allied soviet air superiority reverted transport aircraft role german built remained service spain end second world war supplemented spanish licence built german built aircraft remained service variants operators military operators bulgaria bulgarian air force china chinese nationalist air force czechoslovakia air force operated aircraft post war germany luftwaffe hungary romania slovakia soviet operated captured world war spanish state spanish air_force operated deliveries remaining use operated captured variants war evaluation purposes discover strengths weaknesses united_states operated captured aircraft war pictured aircraft currently display minus turret civil operators operated single air force fitted radial engines germany operated aircraft civilian user operated converted bomber registration unknown german romanian designation works factory number unknown survivors original german built survivors display stored museums world including major sections code conventional cockpit display del madrid spain complete bomber wing display code aircraft usually documented equivalent code war troop carrying version display london appropriated pilots france end war left britain following unit return taken raf salvaged norwegian lake moved germany restoration specifications data documentary history general characteristics crew pilot navigator nose gunner ventral gunner dorsal gunner radio operator gunner length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant liquid cooled inverted performance maximum speed mph range maximum fuel service ceiling rate climb minutes wing loading power mass armament guns machine guns nose dorsal ventral replaced augmented cannon central nose mount forward ventral position machine gun mounted dorsal ventral rear positions bombs kilograms main internal bomb bay kilograms carried externally external bomb racks blocked internal bomb bay carrying bombs externally increased weight drag impaired aircraft performance significantly carrying maximum load usually required rocket assisted data volume general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant liquid cooled inverted performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling wing loading notable appearances media portrayed german bomber second world war related shows spanish built cousin stand example movie | Heinkel He 111 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
5127_HandleyPageVictor | british jet powered strategic bomber developed produced served cold war final bombers operated royal_air_force raf bombers vulcan victor developed perform airborne nuclear type retired nuclear mission following discovery fatigue cracks exacerbated raf adoption low altitude flight profile avoid interception number received modifications undertake strategic reconnaissance role employing combination radar cameras sensors nuclear mission given royal_navy submarine launched missiles large bomber fleet deemed surplus requirements consequently surviving converted aerial war victor notably airborne logistics operation repeatedly refuel vulcan bombers way black raids victor bombers retired final aircraft removed service october role type replaced vickers lockheed development origins origin victor bombers heavily linked early british atomic weapons programme nuclear policies developed aftermath second world war bomb programme formally began issued august anticipated government decision january research development work atomic weapons mcmahon act having prohibited atomic knowledge countries collaborated manhattan_project envisaged weapon exceed length diameter weight suitable release time drew requirements bombers replace existing engined heavy bombers new equipped january distributed specification aviation companies satisfy medium range bomber capable carrying bomb target nautical miles base world cruising speed knots mph heights specified maximum weight fully loaded ought exceed weapons load include special gravity bomb free fall nuclear weapon shorter ranges conventional bombs defensive weapons carried aircraft relying speed height avoid opposing fighters similar required long range bomber nautical miles radius action height cruise speed mph maximum weight fully loaded responses received bristol recognised developing aircraft meet stringent requirements technically demanding expensive resulting bomber purchased small numbers result realising majority likely targets require long range demanding specification medium range bomber issued demanded ability carry bomb load target nmi away height speed mph design proposed response given internal designation achieve required performance deputy developed crescent shaped swept wing sweep chord wing decreased distinct steps root tip ensure constant limiting number entire wing consequently high cruise speed early work project included aircraft designs wing tip vertical surfaces instead proposal matured high mounted adopted instead profile shaping crescent wing subject considerable fine tuning alterations early development stages particularly counter unfavourable pitching behavior flight type chosen best proposed designs orders prototypes placed recognised associated designs order placed vickers design fully meeting requirements specification design posed little risk failure reach service earlier crescent wing tested heavily modified given page designation crashed august completing thirty flights little useful data gained brief months existence time ready wing changed longer representative design sufficiently advanced loss little effect programme prototypes built broken factory transported road flight clear route create paths obstacles sections aircraft hidden wooden framing printed southampton appear boat hull transit marred error december piloted chief test pilot maiden flight lasted total minutes days later announced aircraft official victor prototypes performed design led loss july detached whilst making low level pass runway causing aircraft crash loss crew attached fin bolts subject considerably stress anticipated bolts failed metal fatigue additionally prototypes considerably tail heavy lack equipment nose large ballast weights fitted prototypes lengthened nose served crew escape door engine fin shortened eliminate potential attachment changed stronger bolt fixing powered rated lbf initially equipped blue danube nuclear weapon powerful weapon available carried mark nuclear bombs available programme british red beard tactical nuclear weapon total upgraded standard addition red steer tail warning radar enlarged suite radar warning receivers electronic june production victor flown test pilot inadvertently exceeded speed sound let nose drop slightly higher power setting noticed cockpit indication ground observers reported hearing sonic boom victor maintained stability event aviation author claimed broke sound barrier demonstrate victor superiority earlier bombers victor largest aircraft broken sound barrier time victor raf required higher ceiling bombers number proposals considered improved meet demand proposed use lbf engines produce phase bomber followed phase greater wingspan powered rolls conway cancelled heavily modified phase aircraft delayed production interim phase victor proposed accepted powered conway having minimal modifications phase proposal accepted air staff conway engines providing lbf new conway engines required redesigned enlarged provide greater required extended increasing wingspan featured distinctive retractable elephant ear found located rear fuselage forward tail fin fed ram air rat provide electrical power emergency situations engine failure flight prototype serial number maiden flight february flown hours august high altitude engine tests carried armament experimental establishment disappeared radar screens crashing sea coast extensive search operation initiated locate salvage wreckage determine cause crash took november recover aircraft accident investigation concluded starboard head failed causing flight control system force aircraft dive minor changes needed resolve problem allowing victor enter service february development total aircraft upgraded standard conway engines lbf thrust facilities carry stand nuclear missile wings modified incorporate speed pods anti shock bodies reduced wave drag speeds area rule convenient place house proposed build refined phase victor fuel capable carrying missiles standing airborne patrols proposal rejected agreed victor order fitted carry plan abandoned cancelled programme low level penetration missions fitted air air cockpit received large fuel tanks aircraft converted strategic reconnaissance purposes replace withdrawn wing fatigue delivery beginning july aircraft received variety cameras bomb bay mounted radar mapping system wing detect particles released nuclear testing single aircraft photograph united_kingdom single hour sortie different camera configurations installed bomb bay including survey cameras cameras fitted vertical oblique daylight photography nighttime photography required fitting cameras aerial conversion withdrawal fleet metal fatigue december meant raf line tanker aircraft aircraft judged surplus strategic bomber role refitted duty service quickly possible aircraft converted standard later redesignated receiving point system carried wing bomb bay remained available weapons worked day night convert aircraft delivered april squadron operational tanker role august aircraft provided limited tanker capability suitable fighters wing deliver fuel limited rate suitable bombers work continued produce definitive point tanker conversion victor fourteen fitted permanently fitted fuel tanks bomb bay high capacity unit times fuel flow rate wing designated respectively remaining aircraft suited low level mission profile raf adopted carrying strategic bombing missions vulcan strong delta wing combined switch nuclear raf royal_navy missile meant considered surplus requirements modified standard similar conversions wing trimmed reduce stress bomb nose reintroduced aircraft nose bomb position having mount cameras order perform reconnaissance missions war carry fuel served tanker role withdrawn october design overview victor futuristic looking streamlined aircraft engines buried thick wing roots distinguishing features victor highly swept tail considerable tail planes prominent chin contained targeting radar cockpit nose landing gear unit auxiliary bomb position originally required specification nose section detached high altitudes act escape pod abandoned demand victor man crew comprising pilots seated facing crew navigator navigator radar operator air electronics officer unlike vulcan victor pilots sat level rest crew thanks larger compartment extended way nose bombers pilots provided seats systems operators relying explosive inflated bottle help seats traditional bail event high loading despite escape extremely difficult assigned nuclear delivery role victor finished anti flash white colour scheme designed protect aircraft damaging effects nuclear white colour scheme intended reflect heat away aircraft paler variations raf applied reason bombers assigned low level approach profile 1960s soon green grey tactical camouflage reduce visibility ground observation scheme applied subsequently converted tanker aircraft armaments equipment victor bomb bay larger vulcan allowed heavier weapon loads carried cost range alternative single nuclear bomb required specification bomb bay designed carry conventional armaments including single grand slam earthquake bombs bombs thirty sea mines proposed addition victor capable carrying bombs supplement main bomb bay option pursued addition range free fall nuclear bombs later victor operated missile carriers nuclear missiles intended american missile introduced development cancelled target information input flight advance mission reported intensive work missile carrier revert carrying free fall nuclear weapons conventional munitions hours like sibling victor use navigational bombing system little optical sight installed early aircraft navigation bomb aiming purposes victor employed numerous radar systems included radar airborne ground scanning radar radar radar information onboard bomb aiming apparatus navigation targeting equipment directly descended shared concepts preceding halifax bomber operationally accuracy bomb aiming system proved limited roughly yards deemed sufficient high level nuclear strike operations systems victor fully powered controls flight controls flight surfaces designed pilot control movements transmitted low friction mechanical system setup developed provide capabilities level artificial feel pilot separated hydraulic circuits present aircraft comprised gear flaps nose flaps air brakes bomb doors wheel brakes nose wheel steering ram air turbine electrical system auxiliary power unit significant additions later victor electrical reliability noticeably improved evade enemy detection interception efforts victor outfitted extensive electronic suite operated air electronics officer primary responsibility aircraft electronics communication systems equipment employed disrupt effective use active passive radar vicinity aircraft provide awareness crew enemy communications jammed radar guided missiles era reportedly rendered ineffective victor featured extended area located base tail fin contained cooling systems equipment equipment initially saw use victor original tail warning radar developed earlier english bomber considered near obsolete time victor entered service significant improvements alterations effective deemed critical victor role example introduction capable tail warning radar introduction victor accompanied new systems including passive radar warning receiver metric radar communications equipment streamlined trailing edges wings house large quantities defensive new additions trials conducted terrain following radar scan mode bombing navigation radar functions integrated operational fleet engines victor powered arrangement armstrong engines engines embedded pairs aircraft wing root high mounted position wing tail adopt high mounting maintain clearance jet situated advantage phenomenon difficulties encountered stationed tropical environments engines destroyed turbine blades striking outer engine victor adopted newer rolls conway conway point held distinction powerful non engine outside soviet_union significantly powerful preceding engines employed victor featured distinct change aircraft engine arrangements incorporated right wing root airborne auxiliary power unit effectively small fifth engine capable providing high pressure air starting main engines providing electrical power ground alternatively air emergency event main engine failures acted reduce need external specialist support equipment turbine driven known ram air turbines rats introduced provide emergency power event electrical hydraulic power lost retractable rear fuselage open feed ram air rats provide sufficient electrical power operate flight controls event engine rats assist crew maintaining control aircraft main engines flight profile victor commonly described having good handling excellent performance favourable low speed flight characteristics flight tests prototype victor proved aerodynamic performance flying handling problems aerodynamic changes prototype production aircraft production aircraft featured automated nose operation counteract tendency aircraft pitch upwards low moderate numbers low altitude victor typically flew smooth comfortable manner flexibility crescent wing unusual flight characteristic early victor self landing capability lined runway aircraft naturally wing entered ground effect tail continued sink giving landing command intervention pilot victor described aircraft large bomber aircraft victor performed loops barrel roll practices display flight greatly enabled light controls quick response aircraft design certain flight surfaces infinitely variable tail mounted victor designed flight high speeds multiple instances occurred sound barrier broken development victor raf stressed concept tactical led effort development given increasing aircraft height range performance operational history victor bombers enter service deliveries operational conversion unit raf based end operational bomber squadron squadron formed april second squadron squadron forming end year fitted reconnaissance radar number passive sensors equip secretive unit radar reconnaissance flight victor bomber force continued build squadron forming march squadron october height victor simultaneously operating squadrons according operational doctrine developed raf deploying large scale nuclear strike victor operated entirely independently crews conduct mission external guidance reliant effectiveness individual tactics reach successfully attack assigned target great emphasis placed continuous crew training peacetime developing sense crew unity considered highly important victor crews typically serve years similar approach adopted ground personnel order maximize operational lifespan aircraft victor crews typically flew single hour training mission week crew member required qualify certificates independently undertake inspection turnaround operations times high international tension bombers dispersed maintained high state readiness order given deploy nuclear strike high readiness airborne minutes point order issued british intelligence estimated soviet radar network capable detecting victor miles away avoid interception victor follow carefully planned routes exploit weaknesses soviet detection network tactic employed conjunction victor extensive onboard electronic increase chances whilst originally victor maintained high altitude flight nuclear strike mission rapid advances soviet anti aircraft warfare capabilities exemplified downing led tactic abandoned low level high speed approach supported increasingly sophisticated adopted place improved victor started delivered squadron squadron forming february second squadron bomber squadrons form order cancelled prospect missiles bomber strike separate targets meant fewer bombers needed government unhappy sir resistance pressure merge company competitors development terminated victor carrier aircraft nuclear missile introduction weapons switch low level flight order evade radar detection said decisive factors successful penetration enemy territory series detachments deployed singapore indonesia borneo conflict detachments fulfilling strategic role giving valuable training low level flight visual bombing september confrontation indonesia reaching peak detachment prepared rapid dispersal aircraft loaded live conventional bombs held hour readiness ready fly operational sorties required fly combat missions high readiness alert finished end month following discovery fatigue cracks developing low altitude usage strategic bombers retired placed storage end raf experienced intense demand existing aerial tanker fleet existing fleet converted earlier retired 1970s decided stored converted prepared modification scheme fitted tip tanks structure modified limit fatigue cracking wings seats provided delayed signing order conversion went contract conversion instead awarded produced simpler conversion planned wingspan shortened reduce wing bending stress extend airframe life victor permanently based units stationed overseas temporary deployments frequently conducted ceremonial capacity participate training exercises competitions victor squadrons dispatched extended deployments far_east short term deployments canada conducted training purposes point early 1960s south_africa showed considerable interest acquisition bomber end victor serve operator raf victor converted strategic reconnaissance mission following retirement capacity service type primarily surveillance atlantic capable surveying square miles hour mission sample fallout french nuclear tests conducted originally reconnaissance equipped visual reconnaissance found cheaper assign canberra light bombers duty cameras removed subsequently radar based reconnaissance emphasised type role reconnaissance remained use followed standard bombers tanker conversion line handful modified assumed maritime radar reconnaissance role place bombers victor vulcan played high profile role war order cross vast distance atlantic_ocean single vulcan required times victor total bombing missions flown argentine forces deployed approximately million gal million fuel consumed mission time missions held record world longest distance bombing raids deployment assets theatre lockheed hercules required support victor tanker fleet temporarily relocated campaign victor undertook reconnaissance missions missions provided valuable intelligence british forces following invasion kuwait neighbouring iraq total victor deployed provide flight support raf coalition aircraft subsequent gulf war raf strike aircraft tornado frequently use tanker refuel prior launching cross border strikes inside iraq shortly gulf war remaining victor fleet quickly retired point bombers operational service retiring years vulcan vulcan survived longer original role bomber variants prototype aircraft built victor strategic bomber aircraft built bomber aircraft updated red steer tail warning radar suite converted point flight tanker retaining bomber capability converted victor point flight tanker renamed bombing capability removed converted victor point flight tanker renamed converted bomber aircraft built victor capable aircraft conway engines converted victor strategic reconnaissance aircraft converted victor flight tanker converted proposed military transport new fuselage carrying troops civil project built proposed version remotely operated tail guns powered conway engines rejected favour military transport version built proposed phase bomber powered engines built project military civil transport powered conway engines capacity troops military version passengers double fuselage proposed phase bomber designed standing patrols carrying missiles proposed military tactical transport based fitted blown flaps rejected favour operators royal_air_force squadron raf operated april march squadron raf operated september october squadron raf operated october moving receiving replaced july squadron continuing operate tanker role disbanding october squadron raf operated march squadron raf operated september jamaica squadron raf operated february december squadron raf operated july january squadron raf operated december operational conversion unit raf radar reconnaissance flight accidents incidents july prototype crashed test flight england crewmen died witnesses reported entire tail assembly ripped away height feet april trials experienced collapse rear bomb bay bulkhead cycling bomb bay doors damaging hydraulic electrical systems aircraft successfully returned base following incident service restrictions place opening bomb doors modification applied aircraft august lost head sea june squadron caught fire air abandoned near norfolk march stalled house lincolnshire june squadron lost power engines abandoned approach june squadron runway broke following aborted takeoff october squadron engine fail takeoff engines failed approach aircraft crashed miles crew board pilot survived march squadron stalled takeoff june squadron giving demonstration flight press television aircraft high speed circuit flying low wide arc return airfield starboard wing seen break away rest aircraft burst flames crew killed aircraft enter service squadron released evidence suggests august squadron collided near norfolk bad weather crew members victor died bounced landing exploded march victor squadron involved collision simulated hit victor causing victor crash sea east wear crew killed squadron aborted runway bird strike crew escaped injuries aircraft caught fire damaged repair october squadron suffered turbine failure early run aircraft stopped crew evacuated aircraft injuries debris turbine penetrated fuselage fuel tank starting fire destroying aircraft damaging runway june squadron approach bad weather hamilton ontario fast taxi run brief flight reaching height maximum aircraft permit fly stated conducting investigation pilot failed reply command pilot control confusion temporarily disrupting firm control aircraft survivors total survived display museums sole survive victor national cold war exhibition gate guardian norfolk victor home york prototype conversion currently condition tina currently condition data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant armstrong lbf performance maximum speed mph knots range nmi service ceiling armament bombs yellow sun free fall nuclear bomb notable appearances media painting titled depicts victor lost accident | Handley Page Victor | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
5770_Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-9 | russian designation type nato reporting fighter developed years immediately world war reverse engineered german engines categorized generation jet fighter moderately successful suffered persistent problems engine firing guns high altitudes gun gas number different armament configurations tested solved problem different engines evaluated flown prototype promised superior performance total aircraft built including prototypes entered service soviet transferred defend chinese cities air raids nationalist chinese train chinese pilots jet operations quickly replaced known survive development origins february ordered develop single seat jet fighter equipped german engines intended destroy bombers aircraft equipped single millimeter millimeter gun plus millimeter guns detailed directive issued april setting requirements aircraft maximum speed kilometers hour mph sea level speed mph altitude meters able climb altitude minutes maximum range kilometers prototypes ordered ready flight tests march chose pod boom layout new fighter called model product offered advantages improved landing performance better visibility cockpit landing like unfamiliar arrangement landing gear protecting rear fuselage jet exhaust place aircraft armament metal aircraft mid mounted wings prominent air nose wings fitted flaps powerplant comprised soviet manufactured versions engines located cockpit lower fuselage exhaust exiting tail unit steel installed rear fuselage protect exhaust bag type fuel tanks fuselage wing providing total internal fuel capacity gallons cockpit planned armament consisted cannon mounted centerline engine intake bulkhead mounted lower lip air gun provided rounds cannon rounds construction prototypes began late prototype began manufacturer testing december ground testing revealed engine exhaust caused low pressure area rear fuselage caused fighter tilt tail engine tests mounted caused underside rear fuselage steel skin fuselage different expansion heated rear fuselage redesigned eliminate problems march prototype airfield begin preparations flight testing according aviation historian april representatives tossed coin determine aircraft soviet jet fly brought won flight lasted minutes early flights revealed problems stability aircraft vibration problems new articulated twelfth flight partially cured problem aircraft crashed killing pilot demonstration high ranking officials july attachment wing leading edge failed hit horizontal remaining prototypes began flight testing following month preparations november parade commemorating october revolution delayed start state acceptance trials december horizontal second prototype flight pilot able land aircraft safely incident happened prototype february forced tail reinforced aircraft given service designation internal designations small batch aircraft equipped original german engines ordered factory flight testing completed intended parade bad weather forced cancellation assigned participate state acceptance trials programs trials concluded june generally met performance goals set test pilots found fighter easy simple fly defects noted testing engines firing cannon high altitudes gun gas seat fitted air brakes fire suppression system fuel tanks self sealing armor provided pilot despite ordered production factory acceptance tests completed soviet leadership believed shortcomings production batch aircraft single seat fighters seat trainers ordered late participate day parade recognition accomplishment awarded prize seat trainer internal designations prototype converted parade aircraft fuel capacity reduced room second tandem cockpit dual controls fitted allow instructor student communicate air man seat designed germans fighter aircraft delivered january flight testing completed april seats tested air required extensive testing ground ensure proper operation seat state acceptance trials completed june aircraft rejected poor visibility rear cockpit second aircraft completed july visibility rear cockpit improved replacing original larger glass plate canopy panels removing partition aircraft fitted air brakes wings imp gal gal drop tanks hung passed state acceptance trials later recommended production service designation seats extensively tested approved use time aircraft deemed obsolete point building training version order aircraft placed modified single aircraft lacking armament manufactured march april standard armament rounds guns production line shut afterward incorporate desired changes included reinforcement vertical tail improve lateral stability air brakes added wings fuel system improved underside rear fuselage smooth air flow engine exhaust air inside fuselage eliminated production restarted total single completed remainder year fighters trainers scheduled built production disrupted preparations begin manufacture vastly superior later year fighters delivered year production ceased fourth fifth aircraft parade batch flight tests eliminate engine problem late early fitted prominent rectangular hollow barrel cannon nicknamed butterfly allowed cannon fired simultaneously altitudes meters fin shots dangerous debris fin engines additional problem fin hampered directional stability aircraft caused shots attempt fix problem modification production aircraft moved port aircraft apparently successful attempts problem included fitting muzzle brake extending barrel worked alternative engines airframe single lbf replaced pair armament rearranged cannon moved fuselage gun centerline bulkhead ammunition supply increased rounds aircraft intended cockpit overall weight reduced kilograms engine ready testing aircraft development cancelled prototype began flight testing early ordered development versions based engine engines maximum power lbf intended increase aircraft speed mph sea level mph meters directed build prototypes millimeter gun replacing begin flight tests april added millimeter armor plates fore aft protect pilot provided changes aircraft ready flight testing month late use german engines soviet built versions tested manufacturer flight tests completed june fighter began state acceptance trials august engines replaced crashed august second prototype converted fifth aircraft parade batch retained butterfly earlier gun trials given cockpit armor prototype soviet built later engines began flight trials december demonstrated speed mph altitude meters mph meters development work late production aircraft received engine prototype equipped engines cockpit completed june known internally given service designation armament rearranged attempt gun gas problem mounted starboard fuselage port aft gun barrels air intake caused cockpit moved forward slightly gave pilot better view landing number fuel tanks reduced aircraft total capacity remained flight july factory flight tests completed early despite speed mph meters failed state acceptance tests reasons given engines continued flame run low rpm altitudes meters mounts cannon fully developed cockpit low real reason aircraft inferior flight testing engined version imported rolls flow rated lbf armament rearranged attempt eliminate gas problem cannon moved underside fuselage guns moved fuselage gun barrels past lips air construction began late completed prototype engine higher performance modified serve air launched anti shipping cruise missile second cockpit built line trailing edge wing guidance system operator aircraft fitted radars target illumination radar prominent bullet shaped air aft looking radar mounted cigar shaped vertical system intended test mid course guidance system launching aircraft guidance systems missile signals radar received small bullet shaped leading edges wings aircraft served role years missile passed state acceptance trials service flown soviet service fighter regiments 1st 7th 14th 15th based near respectively addition near flew aircraft divisions regiments aircraft transferred china november december air defense training duties 17th defended guarded protected defended shanghai guarded protected units later handed aircraft 6th 7th 12th 14th 16th 17th fighter divisions training complete chinese considered sending korea soviet pressure commanders reported believed better pilots versions prototype built production variant engines prototype cannon moved fuselage prototype engine completed prototypes engines prototype engine completed aircraft modified test air launched anti shipping cruise missile prototype engines seat training aircraft built operators soviet_union soviet air force people republic china people liberation army air force survivors red russia white beijing beijing air space museum beijing china fourth fuselage photographed stored outdoors downtown beijing china near data gordon general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity gallons powerplant flow lbf thrust speed mph maximum speed exceed speed mph range nmi service ceiling limits rate climb min armament cannon cannon | Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
6051_AFVG | standing multi role combat aircraft variable geometry wing jointly developed united_kingdom project cancelled june withdrew participation modified specification solely satisfy royal_air_force needs design sought new partners aircraft ultimately emerged tri national consortium funded tornado variable geometry wing fighter aircraft development background project followed earlier design study variable geometry strike trainer fighter aircraft royal_air_force number proposed designs meet anglo french collaboration discussions took place france great_britain collaborative military aviation programs chairman anglo french committee french counterpart negotiating launch new military combat aircraft french lead role light ground attack trainer british assumed leadership swing wing fighter project cancellation british french governments signed agreements joint projects based tactical combat support trainer proposal later evolve cancellation larger variable geometry carrier capable fighter aircraft french_navy fulfilling tactical strike reconnaissance roles royal_air_force design specifications raf service originally intended fighter replacing following raf decision phantom instead expected role changed strike aircraft replacing bomber force powered fed style half shock cone engine development programme contract issued french government joint venture company registered france cancellation founder firm bore leadership major project essentially taking subordinate position threatened company long term objective premier prime contractor combat aircraft year began actively undermine project working competing house projects variable geometry june french government announced withdrawal project ostensibly grounds cost french decision led debate house_of_commons french withdrew programme faced dilemma stemming imminent prospect decision taken november march redesign prospect operational aircraft available fulfill raf strike role revamped design eliminating carrier capabilities longer necessary larger strike oriented aircraft renamed funding united_kingdom seriously restricted government sought partners nato create common nato strike aircraft eventually led project later tornado specifications data disaster britain characteristics crew length wingspan height loaded weight powerplant speed mph range ferry service ceiling armament millimetre tactical nuclear weapon | AFVG | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
7653_GeneralAircraftHamilcar | general aircraft large british military produced second world war designed carry heavy cargo light tank british airborne establishment formed order prime minister winston_churchill decided develop large able transport heavy equipment support airborne troops general aircraft limited chosen january develop designated gal designed transport single light tank number problems included number wanted poor management gal led delays production production assembled problems partially solved production continued slow hampered difficulties finding suitable locations store construct parts produced total built production ended occasions support british airborne forces saw action june approximately thirty carry pounder anti tank guns transport vehicles light tanks normandy support british airborne forces september similar number transport anti tank guns transport vehicles supplies airborne troops operation market garden final time march transported light tanks supplies proved successful operations slow speed large size easy targets anti aircraft fire resulted number damaged destroyed powered variant produced mark attempt extend range serve pacific war conflict pacific ended design combat development background british airborne establishment formed june orders prime minister winston_churchill response german use airborne forces equipment airborne forces developed decided officials integral component force transport troops heavy equipment expanded include artillery form tank beginning issued specifications military airborne forces specification called similar german eventually second specification seat specification carry light tank heavy loads number firms able design produce limited especially committed producing prop driven aircraft government contracts allocated firms government saw fit competitive process chosen develop believed small build larger eventually build developed flew november considered sufficiently developed production capacity capable producing larger chosen develop selected company process developing designs carry single vii light tank design low wing aircraft designed tank driver functioned pilot flew seat tank series internal modifications tank idea design save specially trained pilots allow tank brought action soon landed surviving illustrations design tank fuselage turret outside airframe possibly engage targets landed design considered impractical company conventional design finally arrived joint meeting january called constructed primarily wood capable carrying light tank universal carriers combined maximum weight approximately surviving form gal confirms cost early february basic design completed company chief designer designated gal came general large constructed british military order test design half scale prototype model designed designated gal required armstrong medium bomber act airborne flown september flew test pilot approached landing area low attempted raise flaps extra instead crashed prototype wrecked trial considered success scale prototype model finished gal works middlesex march transported yorkshire gal airfield short moving secure military airfield ensure remained secret flight conducted march towed bomber second prototype completed june testing development took place number different airfields including flight trials appear successful differences prototypes production models production problems number required frequently fluctuated asked gal major airborne operations found unrealistic production rate far slow accommodate large number number needed tow found november issued report increased number required unrealistic number time production ended total built gal produced initial run included prototype models pre production aircraft required evaluation trials subsequent production parts assigned series sub contractors called included birmingham railway carriage operative cars production targeted begin late approximately completed end year reality planned completed june slow rate production appears result combination factors great demand specific types wood required build difficulty finding suitably large airfields skilled personnel constructed stored appears lack official priority poor management gal production march august gal promised eighteen built delivered september actually appeared slow rate production concerned appointed industrial panel senior industrial experts visit gal detail causes problems panel visited gal early september issued report september stated root problems gal appeared taken bigger workload handle exacerbated poor organization management skills conflicts gal hurt production group formed ministry july attempt speed production senior gal managers resented failed cooperate fully group panel identified method ordering cause delays ultimately senior managers staff gal replaced recommendation panel attempt decrease internal conflicts speed production pre production eventually delivered end production march april production parts building complete continued production schedules continued fall particularly interested requiring significant number completed operation overlord airborne landings normandy number far_east placed pressure gal demands require production new flight trials operate effectively tropical climate late required transport construction equipment airfield building november agreed supplied june continued slow production concerned cancelled requirement february meant american personnel helping production withdrawn production times delayed meant british airborne forces utilize january erected ready use total produced rest storage awaiting parts complete erected finding personnel erect airfields store continued problem june eighty manufactured erected ready use airborne operations time small number british airborne landings normandy production continued conflict finally ended total produced design constructed primarily wood mainly birch spruce fabric covered forming skin high grade steel reinforcement beams critical areas wingspan feet length feet height feet fin tail weighed pounds transport military load pounds total weight pounds aircraft broken smaller sections transport large heavy required largest powerful aircraft pull airfield subsequently tow engined bombers frequently wing cockpit set fuselage provide greatest room cargo compartment ensure interfere loading vehicles compartment measured approximately feet inches feet inches inches wide feet feet inches inches height nose opened ease loading vehicles cargo crew pilots seated tandem cockpit fuselage accessed internal ladder feet ground eventually protected bullet proof plate armour second pilot added provide communication pilots personnel initial design feature eventually removed prior scale production installation fuselage hatch allow prone firing light machine gun approached landing zone ratio length wingspan practically lancaster bomber wingspan feet length feet inches contrast modern sport possess particularly large wingspan enhance performance result decision taken early military idea released low altitude close landing zone conduct steep descent reduce time air exposure enemy fire possessed large flaps assisted steep rapid descent adjustments angle landing precise control descent rate point landing achieved allowed slower touchdown speed attained operated small bottle compressed air large single landing small bottle saved weight gave smaller chance hit enemy fire exploding damaging standard approach speed miles hour shorter landings slowed miles hour speeds miles hour flaps miles hour flaps deployed fitted landing gear shock bring fuselage nose loading unloading purposes initially designed discovered travelled shorter distance landed eventually replaced fixed designed operations pilots found preferred land wheels extra control gave ability avoid potential collisions landing area wheeled fitted loaded ton lift aircraft fitting carrying tanks vehicles common practice engines started air usually prior casting special exhaust fitted expel exhaust light tanks large barely fit inside crews stayed inside tank duration flight landed keeping vehicle stationary released driver pulling reach driver drive tank forward automatically pulled line operated swing door release vehicles relied pilots operating door line manually achieved pilot sliding fuselage dropping ground leg release expel hydraulic fluid allow shock enter operate door release line swing door jammed landed possible tanks break forward fuselage drive straight occurred airborne operations transported tanks operational history parts completed erected flown specific cargo placed board flown selected training operational base november possible tow usually carried concrete blocks ballast training appears taken place primarily began end months training began dual instruction instructor accompanied pilots hours moved flying solo flights training consisted circuits pilots practiced controlling took airfield tow landing tow rope detached cross country navigation practiced common practice members units inside cargo training took place evidence tank crews acted cargo flights probably risk accidents cost lives specialized troops equipment flights tank crews experience usually consisted landing carefully marked airfields instead open countryside order minimize risks involved recovery easier accidents common occurrence training squadron specialized flying lifts average lifts crew incidents resulted fatalities injuries seven pilots killed training operation originated planning operation overlord plan eventual invasion france opening second planning invasion europe allies begun president united_states british prime minister winston_churchill met allied leaders decided available allied forces theatre concentrated great_britain planning invasion begin provisional target date set code overlord decided joint anglo american planning staff created lieutenant general given title chief staff commander plan eventually agreed called american land landing areas secure flanks protect landing troops counterattack british airborne forces land east american airborne forces land west support infantry armoured units advancing operation began night june deployment eastern normandy tasked protecting eastern flank allied landings securing strategically important areas east capturing important bridges canal river destroying coastal artillery battery division use approximately operation majority transport 6th number included thirty land landing zone support operations carry pounder anti tank guns transport vehicles crews thirty land approximately landing zone reinforcement lift carry light tanks crews belonged 6th airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment carried trailers crews carried universal carriers crews carried converted accommodate inch mortar carried slave battery sixteen land support 3rd 5th parachute brigades took june land approximately landed successfully suffered broken tow rope shortly took able land safely airfield england reached normandy coast tow rope disconnected early landed considerable distance away landing zone dawn broke discovered german forces attacked crew passengers killed captured rest managed escape remaining took rest transport 6th began journey landing zone transporting light tank lost english channel tank broke loose crashed nose carrying causing fall sea mid flight rest arrived safely landing zone approximately flying astern closely possible accounts mention sight landed great morale allied troops saw landings incident collided landing zone destroying carried hit flipped tank upside rendering crew escaped injury rammed wooden poles driven ground germans damage resulted wings completely torn landed casualties actual german opposition landed minimal survived journey successful landing later suffered heavy damage german artillery mortar fire movement allied armour landing zones approximately later repaired flown britain size attempt recover operation market garden major defeats normandy july august remnants german forces withdrew low countries eastern france german border north week september field marshal advancing line running antwerp northern border belgium lieutenant general sir lieutenant general commenced task ports sur south lieutenant general nearing german border ordered orient gap lieutenant general support montgomery advance lieutenant general moved eastward general advancing germany landings southern france field marshal devised ambitious plan called operation market garden place mid september intended bypass line northern end allow allies cross rhine large scale forces trap shores market airborne element plan employ divisions major general drop locations north bridges northwest son brigadier general drop northeast bridges grave major general polish 1st drop extreme north end route road bridge rail bridge lack sufficient transport aircraft meant dropped separate lifts successive days land september rest land september september polish 1st land supplies entire division division utilize approximately operation appears utilized subsequently abandoned june replaced records state available september thirteen flown september land landing zone carry pounder anti tank guns vehicles crews carry apiece carriers act transports airborne troops september land landing zone carry pounder anti tank gun vehicles crews carry act transport airborne troops flown final packed ammunition stores number experimental loads believed efficient way transporting supplies larger size september transport american engineers belonged equipment included cranes construct forward airfield landing zone cleared away participated lift september arrived landing zones safely problems experienced came land landed soft ground caused rapidly combined majority equipment resulted backs pilots killed fourth badly wounded later taken prisoner passengers wounded pounder anti tank guns board damaged repair rest landed successfully overran landing zone hit railway embankment damaged carried later salvaged lift september delayed hours poor weather conditions force approximately route landing zones forced cast land airfield england tow aircraft developed engine trouble english channel developed engine troubles carrying pounder anti tank guns rest encountered heavy anti aircraft fire landed hit result landed short landing zone hit wing forced emergency landing far landing zone hit stores pilots passengers captured german forces shortly landed rest landed successfully lift september place weather problems landing zones overrun finally september weather cleared deteriorating situation decided delivered single accompanied 1st set drop near town forced land england september experienced engine trouble tow rope snapped belgium forced land near march allied armies advanced germany reached rhine formidable natural obstacle allied advance breached allow allies access ultimately advance berlin major cities following laid general supreme allied commander decided attempt breach rhine areas field marshal commanding devised plan allow forces command breach rhine entitled subsequently authorized envisioned lieutenant general sir lieutenant general crossing rhine fronts area south canal ensure operation success montgomery insisted amphibious assaults supported airborne landing code named operation varsity varsity initially planned airborne divisions mind dropped german lines support conducted amphibious assaults breach rhine earliest stages planning apparent planners 13th unable participate operation combat transport aircraft area effectively transport divisions plan operation altered accommodate remaining airborne divisions 17th airborne divisions dropped german lines objective land disrupt enemy defences order aid advance dropped single lift unlike operation market garden seize high ground north town bergen capture town bridges river hold northern portion operational area relieved allied ground forces division utilize operation included large number new loads assigned similar operation market garden sixteen transporting pounder anti tank guns vehicles crews assigned loaded trailers stores ammunition equipment company use universal carriers trailers transport provided collect control issue supplies dropped aerial resupply drops airborne troops fought transport light tanks belonged 6th airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment carry supplies carry single finally assigned carry universal carrier use transport headquarters staff brigades successfully took march seven lost route landing zones majority forced cast land allied territory suffering engine failures carried broke mid air approached rhine possibly structural failure aboard killed destroyed german anti aircraft fire approached landing zones slow speed easy targets thirty remained landed successfully number suffered damage anti aircraft fire particularly hard hit carried personnel supplies landed successfully sufficiently undamaged allow stores carried recovered transported 6th airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment seven reached landing zones intact problems landed anti aircraft fire smoke area landed safely came heavy german anti aircraft fire crashed landed tank survived damaged machine gun crashed house wireless radio set main armament action broke loose landed flipped turret rendered useless operation come end undamaged dismantled parts shipped england aid construction post war time combat model remain service number years end second world war particularly useful transporting large heavy loads december recorded present routine training exercises january process begun dispose surplus moved disposal facilities remaining remainder continued routine flying exercises july disposed deterioration february left operation appear remained service public displays raf ultimately phased mid-1950s variants variants mark planned actually produced mark known gal designed specification attempt allow tropical climate pacific high temperatures high altitudes airfields reduced efficiency engined aircraft meant halifax bombers tow drastically reduced fuel load turn narrowed range initial solutions proposed correct problem convert rocket assisted aircraft cylindrical steel cylinders filled inch rockets attached provide mean thrust took airborne initial trials conducted january proved successful pursued unknown reasons second solution double halifax aircraft stripped unnecessary equipment attached tow ropes took airfield airborne normal halifax land modified halifax tow destination idea went initial trials england considered high risk operation high probability accident occurring powered version mark decided offered possibility long range airborne operations ability retrieve decision taken start developing mark november potential airborne operations japan began considered allies reason relaxed view taken development production models available early months prototype converted radial engines capable producing added wings wings fuselage strengthened weight engines extra controls added cockpit pilot positions space restrictions meant started rear seat fuel tanks added wings possibility carried fuselage additions increased weight pounds dimensions remained unchanged including carrying capacity fuselage flight power took place february initial flight trials showed operated expected engines installed mark towed fully loaded halifax achieve operational radius approximately miles fully loaded took power discovered maintain height power resulted decision decrease cargo carry power turn decreased weight pounds converted initial trials proved satisfactory mark converted built scratch orders cancelled conflict ended august tests conducted united_states variant proposed went production appeared design stage proposal mate lockheed lightning fighter fighter provide power aircraft flight relieve pilots task controlling cast land needed ballast flown sensitive centre gravity issues performance power performance tow notwithstanding low load yards maximum speed miles hour cruise miles hour gallons fuel manage miles air miles gallons onboard replacing cargo capacity operators united_kingdom british army royal air force survivors significant proportion fuselage preserved hampshire england badly preserved section fuselage collection displayed tank specifications data jane world aircraft general characteristics crew capacity tons length wingspan height wing area modified weight max takeoff weight performance exceed speed mph maximum speed mph stall speed mph wing loading | General Aircraft Hamilcar | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
7742_SupermarineSpitfire | british single seat fighter aircraft royal_air_force allied countries second world war built variants wing configurations produced greater numbers british aircraft british fighter continuous production war continues popular enthusiasts approximately static exhibits aviation museums world designed short range high performance aircraft chief designer operated subsidiary accordance role mitchell supported development distinctive elliptical wing designed possible cross section enabled higher speed contemporary fighters including mitchell continued design death colleague took chief designer overseeing development multitude variants july october perceived public raf fighter numerous greater proportion burden nazi german air force luftwaffe units lower attrition rate higher victory loss ratio flying hurricanes higher performance general tasked engaging luftwaffe fighters mainly series aircraft close match battle superseded hurricane backbone saw action european mediterranean pacific south east asian theatres loved pilots served roles including photo reconnaissance fighter bomber trainer continued serve roles 1950s carrier based adaptation served fleet air arm mid-1950s original airframe designed powered engine producing strong use increasingly powerful later marks rolls engines producing consequence performance capabilities improved course life development production origins design meet specification new modern fighter capable mph type open cockpit wings large fixed powered horsepower cooled rolls engine flight february seven designs accepted service type big disappointment mitchell design team immediately embarked series cleaned designs experience trophy starting point led type retractable wingspan reduced submitted july accepted design went series changes including incorporation enclosed cockpit oxygen breathing apparatus smaller thinner wings newly developed powerful rolls engine later named november mitchell backing owner started detailed design work refined version type december issued contract providing construction mitchell improved design january contract new specification written aircraft april armament changed vickers machine guns wing following recommendation squadron leader operational requirements section march prototype took flight later southampton airport controls captain chief test pilot vickers quoted saying don touch landing minute flight came months maiden flight contemporary hurricane fitted new propeller summers flew aircraft march flight retracted time fourth flight new engine fitted summers left test flying assistants soon discovered good aircraft perfect rudder sensitive speed mph little faster new powered hurricane new better shaped wooden propeller allowed reach mph level flight mid summers flew handed aircraft squadron leader anderson flight lieutenant took prototype raf given orders fly aircraft report landing jones report positive request equipped position indicator week later june placed order formal report issued interim reports later issued basis initial production british public saw raf air display saturday june scale production supposed begin immediately numerous problems overcome time production roll southampton assembly line immediate problem main factory working capacity fulfilling orders flying boats outside contractors supposed involved manufacturing important components especially wings parent company reluctant manufactured outside concerns slow release necessary result delays getting production forward plan production stopped initial order build vickers able convince problems overcome orders placed march orders covering prefix serial numbers february director sir guaranteed production aircraft week beginning months order placed june placed order aircraft price scale production began facility southampton quickly clear order completed months promised small company busy building flying boats vickers busy building initial solution work production rolled assembly line flown months initial order final cost aircraft delays increased programme costs came aircraft originally estimated production aircraft cost expensive components hand fabricated finished fuselage approximately engine followed wings pair guns propeller manufacturing birmingham approached ask quickly plant turned aircraft production informal request major manufacturing facilities turned formal scheme boost british aircraft production capacity leadership known shadow factory plan austin given task building new factories supplement existing british car manufacturing industry adding overall capacity increasing potential reorganisation produce aircraft engines plan july bought site consisting farm fields sewage works birmingham shadow factory supplement original factories southampton building ordered modern machine tools available installed months work started site lord expert mass motor vehicle construction managed equipped factory funded government money project estimated factory built beginning cost doubled stressed skin construction required precision engineering skills techniques outside experience local labour force took time train built june factory incomplete numerous problems factory management ignored drawings provided favour tools drawings designs workforce completely stopping production continually threatened strikes slow downs demands higher average pay rates met built spite promises factory producing week starting april lord minister aircraft production lord handing control plant ministry immediately sent experienced management staff experienced workers gave control factory time resolve problems june built rolled july august september time production ended june total built went largest successful plant type conflict largest factory producing maximum aircraft month built half approximately aircraft type production dispersal battle britain efforts luftwaffe destroy main manufacturing plants near southampton bombing raid missed factories came august month raids mounted september factories completely wrecked people killed large number injured casualties experienced aircraft production workers fortunately future production machine tools relocated september steps taken disperse production small facilities southampton area end british government likes vincent garage station square reading later specialised manufacturing salisbury sole producer wing leading edge fuel tanks photo reconnaissance producing components purpose built works manufacturing installing engines built star road reading drawing office designs drafted relocated near southampton site aircraft assembly hangar prototype experimental assembled associated flew towns satellite airfields chosen focal points workshops southampton airport salisbury hill reading experimental factory subject luftwaffe daylight raid missed target bombed nearby school completed delivered airfields large queen mary low articulated trucks fully assembled tested passed raf flight testing production flight tested delivery second world war chief test pilot charge flight testing aircraft types built oversaw group pilots responsible testing developmental production built company southampton area devised standard testing procedures variations specific aircraft designs operated chief test pilot placed charge testing built factory team pilots assessed developments flew total total production wrote flight testing thorough pre flight check circuit height trim aircraft try fly straight level hands stick trim satisfactory throttle climb rpm rated altitude careful check power output engine height temperature appeared satisfactory dive power rpm trim fly hands feet mph personally cleared carried tests determine good bad production test usually affair initial circuit lasted minutes main flight took thirty minutes aircraft received final ground mechanics faults ready collection loved versions admit later marks faster earlier ones heavier handle positive control test throw flick roll times rolled mark mark got half flick rolls mark heavier got half later heavier versions got essence aircraft design compromise improvement end performance envelope rarely achieved deterioration rolled february total examples variants built including seat trainers remaining service 1950s british fighter aircraft continuous production second world war design airframe mid-1930s aviation design teams worldwide started developing new generation metal low wing fighter aircraft french germany example designed advantage new techniques construction availability new high powered liquid cooled line engines featured retractable fully enclosed low drag metal wings introduced civil years slow adopted military favoured simplicity mitchell design aims create balanced high performance bomber fighter aircraft capable fully exploiting power engine relatively easy fly time france ally germany thought likely future opponent enemy fighters expected appear great_britain enemy bombers required fly north_sea single engined fighter time range accompany bombers successfully return friendly airfields carry mission home defence design intended climb quickly meet enemy bombers airframe complex streamlined semi fuselage featured large number compound curves built skeleton known frames starting frame number immediately propeller unit tail unit attachment frame frames supported tank engine frame engine secured supported weight engine accessories loads imposed engine strengthened double frame incorporated bulkhead later versions oil tank frame tied main fuselage rest airframe bulkhead shaped half frames accommodated fuel tanks cockpit rear fuselage started eleventh frame pilot seat later armour plating attached ended nineteenth mounted slight forward angle forward fin frames oval reducing size tail incorporated holes reduce weight possible weakening shaped frame frame fuselage proper frame tail unit attached frames formed fin frame incorporated opening frame rudder post attached main fuselage tail unit frames held horizontal tail combination longitudinal main attached frames helped form light rigid structure sheets stressed attached fuselage plating gauge order thickness tail fin structure completed short frames covered gauge plating skins fuselage wings secured critical areas wing forward main required flush fuselage standard dome headed february flush fuselage affecting variants areas rear wing lower skins fixed brass screws tapped strips spruce lower ribs wing tips skinned spruce elevators rudder fabric covered combat experience showed fabric covered impossible use high speeds light replaced fabric enhancing control speed range elliptical wing design mitchell design staff decided use semi elliptical wing shape solve conflicting requirements wing needed thin avoid creating drag able house retractable plus armament ammunition elliptical efficient aerodynamic shape wing leading lowest induced drag centre pressure occurs quarter chord position aligned main preventing wings twisting mitchell accused copying wing shape flew mitchell team explained wing thinner different section case simply asking trouble copied wing shape aircraft designed entirely different purpose wing section series adapted create thickness chord ratio root reducing tip degrees adopted increased lateral stability feature wing contributed greatly success innovative boom design square tubes fitted wing span tubes progressively cut away similar fashion leaf spring linked web creating lightweight strong main legs attached pivot points built inner rear section main retracted slightly backwards wells non load carrying wing structure resultant narrow track considered acceptable compromise reduced bending loads main landing ahead thick skinned leading edge wing formed strong rigid shaped box took wing loads time wing designed shaped leading edge intended house steam cooling system intended constant problems system led adoption cooling system housed new designed cooling air generate thrust greatly reducing net drag produced turn leading edge structure lost function later adapted house integral fuel tanks sizes feature patented feature wing trailing edge wing twisted slightly upward span angle decreasing root tip caused wing roots stall tips reducing tip stall resulted wing drop leading spin wing roots started stall separating air stream started aircraft warning pilot allowing relatively inexperienced pilots fly aircraft limits performance featured wing type consistent feature subsequent designs leading complexity wing design especially precision required manufacture vital leading edge structures caused major hold ups production problems increased work dealt metal structured high speed aircraft june problems resolved production longer held lack wings main flight controls originally metal structures fabric covering designers pilots felt having heavy terms effort mass high speed avoid possible reversal stopping pilots throwing aircraft pulling wings felt air combat place relatively low speed high speed physically impossible pilots found far heavy high speeds severely restricting lateral manoeuvres rolls high speed turns feature air air combat flight tests showed fabric covering high speeds adversely affecting replacing fabric covering light dramatically improved high speed wing tips secured mounting points end main wing assembly took role high altitude fighter vii early standard wing tips replaced extended pointed tips increased wingspan wing tip variation variants wing standard wing tips replaced wooden reduced span wing tips spruce internal structure light skin attached brass screws main controlled exit flaps early marks single operated manually left pilot seat stage introduced split room starboard wing size housed alongside port wing new housed square oil cooler alongside half unit flaps operated automatically light split flaps trailing edge wing operated finger instrument panel positions available fully fully flaps normally lowered final approach landing pilot served design basis fin assembly exploiting shape favourable aerodynamic characteristics elevators rudder shaped centre mass shifted forward reducing control surface longer greater propeller wash resulting larger engines later models necessitated increasingly larger vertical later horizontal tail surfaces compensate altered culminating series larger area improved late wing designs gained power able manoeuvre higher speeds possibility pilots encounter reversal increased design team set wings counter original wing design theoretical reversal speed mph somewhat lower contemporary fighters noted mph roughly effectiveness lost wing twist new wing successors designed help alleviate problem wing increased new design piano geared trim meant theoretical reversal speed increased mph alongside redesigned wing experimented original wing raising leading edge inch hope improving pilot view reducing drag wing tested modified called referred increase performance minimal experiment abandoned developed new flow wing based new profiles developed united_states objective reducing drag improving performance flow root tip estimated new wing increase speed mph new wing initially fitted later new fuselage designed new fighter somewhat surprisingly new wing lower critical number old bringing test pilots flew jet attacker remark original wing retained jet versus fuel injection early development engine lack fuel injection meant hurricanes unlike unable simply nose steep dive meant luftwaffe fighter simply high power dive escape attack leaving fuel forced negative raf fighter pilots soon learned half roll aircraft diving pursue opponents adopted sir explained increased performance increased power engine march metal disc hole fitted fuel line restricting fuel flow maximum engine consume cure problem initial fuel starvation dive reduce problem flooded fuel fuel pumps negative known miss invented improvements introduced series manufactured pressure designed allow fuel flow flight attitudes introduced armament shortage selected new standard rifle calibre machine gun raf early fitted guns fitted later early tests showed guns worked perfectly ground low altitudes tended freeze high altitude especially outer wing guns raf modified fire open bolt prevented british ammunition allowed cold air flow barrel fix problem october added hot air rear wing mounted guns bulkheads trap hot air wing red fabric patches gun ports protect guns cold dirt moisture fired worked perfectly pilots soon discovered sufficient destroy larger aircraft combat reports showed average rounds needed shoot enemy aircraft november tests armoured targets indicated introduction weapon calibre needed variant design cannon specification order prototypes gone january june fitted drum fed wing installation required large wing cover round drum cannon suffered frequent guns mounted sides fit magazine possible wing january flew prototype combat starboard gun stopped firing single round port gun fired rounds seizing cannon seized threw aircraft aim cannon armed ordered operational trials soon known distinguish armed delivered squadron beginning june found unreliable squadron requested exchange aircraft older armed aircraft operational training unit august perfected reliable installation improved feed mechanism outer wing panels modified fighters delivered squadron operational history service operations operational history raf started entered service squadron august achieved legendary status reputation aided famous fund organised run lord minister aircraft production fact hurricane outnumbered battle burden defence luftwaffe higher performance overall attrition rate squadrons lower hurricane units units higher victory loss ratio key aim stop luftwaffe bombers practice tactic possible use counter german escort fighters based northern france particularly hurricane squadrons attacked bombers known pilots included johnson enemy aircraft shot flew right operational career late bob flew hurricanes major air battles shot prisoners war flying france scored successes fighter disappearing july notable commonwealth pilots canada sailor south_africa new gray australian continued play increasingly diverse roles second world war air forces raf example high speed photo reconnaissance aircraft operated raf unarmed flew high medium low altitudes ranging far enemy territory closely observe axis powers provide continual flow valuable intelligence information war provided photographs radar systems helped confirm germans building vengeance weapons baltic_sea coast germany mediterranean heavy attacks malta luftwaffe early helped way allied invasions sicily italy march carrying fuel tanks took coast algeria mile flight malta service outside britain served eastern approximately thousand supplied saw service english anti air served malaya campaign defense singapore met match japanese zero raf pilots trained methods excellent german italian equipment suicide notice fast zero turn ease sustain climb steep angle stay air times long counter zero pilots adopt slash run policy use superior speed diving superiority fight avoiding classic help southeast_asia lower priority area allocated modern fighters compared europe allowed japanese easily achieve air superiority australia raaf helped defend port town darwin air attack took battle involving western allies burma ground attack role helping defeat japanese break attempt second world war replaced march listed appendix novel known regularly flown german secret operations unit tested evaluated operated captured enemy aircraft second world war speed altitude records beginning late high speed diving trials undertaken investigate handling characteristics aircraft travelling speeds near sound barrier onset effects highest limiting number aircraft time chosen trials high altitudes necessary fully propeller fitted prevent trials flown squadron leader reached mph dive april aircraft suffered engine failure dive flown squadron leader propeller reduction gear broke dive aircraft fastest recorded engined aircraft propeller came tail heavy climbed altitude loading resumed consciousness found aircraft feet originally straight wings slightly swept successfully airfield landed safely awarded exploits modified high speed testing known flying tail miles research aircraft test pilot stated tested successfully october november attaining dive february squadron based hong_kong reached probably highest altitude achieved pilot flight lieutenant routine flight survey outside air temperature report meteorological conditions altitudes preparation proposed new air service area climbed indicated altitude true altitude cabin pressure fell safe level trying reduce altitude entered dive shook aircraft violently eventually regained control landed safely damage aircraft evaluation recorded flight data suggested dive achieved speed mph highest speed reached propeller driven aircraft speculated figure resulted inherent instrument errors critical number original elliptical wing higher subsequently flow section straight tapering wing follow attacker illustrating practical engineering approach problems high speed flight paid variants overview known engineer designed premature death meant development date undertaken team led chief chief designer mitchell death noted mitchell born design born defend develop marks sub variants covered development engines high speed photo reconnaissance variants different wing configurations built type built followed different wings featuring variety weapons fitted marks wing machine guns wing machine guns cannon universal wing mount cannon machine guns war progressed wing common armament variation wing housed cannon machine guns continued improve speed armament limited fuel capacity range endurance limited remained short legged life dedicated photo reconnaissance role guns replaced extra fuel tanks developed seat variant known viii training ordered example constructed identified absence official variant number converted field included squadron north_africa second seat fitted instead upper fuel tank cockpit dual control aircraft thought squadron run unofficial seat conversions fitted dual controls small number russian lend lease aircraft referred differed proposals greenhouse style double canopy raised bubble type viii postwar era idea revived number seat built converting old second raised cockpit featuring bubble canopy variants sold currently trainers known exist including viii based veteran flown operationally squadron derived sea naval version specially adapted operation aircraft carriers designed rough carrier deck operations considered best available fighter time basic design impose limitations use aircraft carrier based fighter poor visibility nose example meant pilots trained land heads cockpit looking alongside port like relatively narrow track meant suited deck operations early marks relatively modifications standard airframe cumulative line experience meant later versions strengthened folding wings hooks modifications culminating purpose built able zero low altitudes types tested wartime mock combat exercises contemporary allied carrier fighters considerably robust practical carrier operations performance greatly increased later versions fitted engines late service second world war engined variants rolls engined flew august flew operationally squadron april mark mph level flight climb altitude minutes american fighters took long range escorting daylight bombing raids engined progressively took tactical air superiority role played major role flying bombs engined variants mainly engined adapted fighter bomber role later engined marks lost favourable handling characteristics powered predecessors main german foes later american british designed fighters final version flew april february years prototype flight production left production line regular raf unit squadron replacing planes squadron continued patrol reconnaissance duties germany occupation forces relocated hong_kong july chinese civil war squadron main duty defend hong_kong perceived communist threats operation emergency saw fly operational sorties malaysian communists operational sortie flown april flying singapore non operational flight raf service took place june temperature humidity flight known flight engined fighter raf nation middle_east operate syria kept late sir instigated trial flew custody memorial flight english electric lightning jet engined mock combat time forces involved possible action indonesia malaya decided develop tactics fight fighter similar performance airframe developed mechanical issues removed trial owned gate guard duties having retired year maintained running condition ground crews short time participating trials end trials raf pilots found red guided missiles trouble acquiring low exhaust temperature decided twin cannons weapons suited task complicated tight turning circle lightning running concluded effective way modern jet engined fighter attack engined fighter engage altitude lower perform hit run attack contrary established fighter fighter doctrine time operators surviving aircraft approximately condition worldwide air museums examples static display example chicago paired static static dive bomber oldest surviving mark serial number preserved aircraft built flew april flew operationally squadron raf june damaged wheels landing repair training august battle britain aircraft veterans allocated air historical branch future museum preservation originally restored world maintained condition florida year period 1990s aircraft slowly restored england original aircraft skins owner insisted aircraft restored original condition closely possible machine guns cannon gun sight original working radios installed originally restored remain flying condition england restored american donated second auctioned july london flying world aircraft record million auction july beating previous record million set surviving burma hostilities ceased asia number reportedly buried prepared long term storage burma excavations carried early failed locate rumoured aircraft widely reported numerous sources aircraft raf bases burma actually shipped reuse memorials replica flown test pilot brief period active service squadron display battle britain memorial near replica hurricane representing shot august sentinel sculpture depicting flight roundabout junction popularly known commemorating main factory island sits adjoining southern corners housing estate hurricane nearby sculpture prototype stands roundabout entrance southampton international airport saw flight aircraft march test pilot initiated project build exact replica prototype permanent public display memorial team original designers worked years create unveiled public april currently loan replica colours polish squadron leader based station second world war display sector station raf operational service replica display roundabout near school named sir flew second world war memorial memory old raf base residential estate replica mounted hamilton new_zealand tribute new_zealand fighter pilots flew second world war second world war command centre hurricane seen fixed position attack built memorial worked war replica colours city edinburgh squadron edinburgh airport control tower model replaced original gate guardian painted represent serial number code blue peter personal aircraft squadron commander squadron leader replica mounted alongside hurricane memorial pilots display replaces bomber previously display currently undergoing restoration remaining wartime record display alongside near kent international airport lodge hill garage size replica rooftop monument owner bought replica campaign build national memorial honour women flew aircraft factories operational died ferry flights replica mounted roof shop ontario replica hurricane entrance memorial pilots served size replica display memorial men women served raf small manufacturers produced replica complete aircraft kits self building range scale scale size use wooden construction original metal design restored built scratch significant proportion air worthy examples include spit france manufactured canada sac california usa silence germany originally brisbane australia based texas manufacture scale scale supplied kit form aluminium reproduction production scale replica notable appearances media symbol british resistance example lord fund campaign drew widespread public attention continues highly popular airfields museums worldwide continues hold important place memories people especially living flew combat numerous films documentaries featuring produced listed section known canada british film produced directed howard starring role playing composite character based trophy pilots test pilot footage includes film shot operational pilots squadron code letters howard spent long time researching history development film mitchell son gordon set production flying sequences featured minutes film early november flying mocked represent prototype starring black white war film telling story defence malta island main defence air attacks reach sky starring kenneth tells story contemporary aircraft production directed starring set film features sequences involving total flying versions number flying examples second world war era british german aircraft eagles london wholly fictional italian film features recreation piece cake starring aired itv network based novel miniseries covered era september series depicted air combat skies france britain early stages second world war flying examples late model place novel early model hurricanes shots taking landing grass starring tale czech pilots escape nazi occupied europe fly filmed new aerial scenes reused aerial footage hamilton film james starring james series featured episode children constructed scale model style scale model released doctor victory episode popular series modified aid defending london alien blitz debut album alternative british band band features single design construction plane described samples backing song channel documentary covering year restoration mark coded buried beneath sand years crash landing french beach evacuation tells boy style story pilot squadron leader helps restoration aircraft specifications performance improved greatly progressed information variants specifications performance armament data history jane fighting aircraft world war general characteristics crew pilot length wingspan height wing area root tip weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant rolls engine performance maximum speed mph combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament guns wing machine guns rounds gun wing rounds gun machine guns rounds gun wing cannon rounds gun wing rounds gun machine guns rounds gun wing cannon rounds gun machine guns rounds gun | Supermarine Spitfire | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
7926_LockheedYF-22 | lockheed lockheed american single seat twin engine fighter aircraft technology designed united_states_air_force design finalist advanced tactical fighter competition prototypes built demonstration phase competition won contest entered production lockheed martin similar aerodynamic layout configuration differences position design cockpit tail fins wings internal structural layout 1980s began looking replacement fighter aircraft especially counter advanced number companies divided teams submitted proposals submitted lockheed boeing proposed built marginally slower having larger radar cross section primarily reason picked air_force winner april following selection retired museum second prototype continued flying accident relegated role antenna test vehicle design development developed requirement advanced tactical fighter new air superiority fighter replace eagle crucial emerging worldwide threats including development soviet fighter aircraft advantage new technologies fighter design horizon including composite materials lightweight advanced flight control systems powerful propulsion systems stealth technology air_force sent technical requests proposals number aircraft manufacturing teams formal request proposal issued july contractor teams lockheed boeing selected october undertake month demonstration phase culminating flight test teams prototypes designed meet requirements stealth ease maintenance lockheed submission selected winners company division assumed leadership program partners responsible forward cockpit fuselage final assembly california wings aft fuselage built boeing center fuselage weapons bays tail landing gears built compared counterpart conventional design wings larger control surfaces span trailing edge tail surfaces counterpart examples prototype air vehicle built demonstration phase engines engines given unofficial lightning lockheed world war era fighter lightning persisted mid-1990s officially named aircraft later received serial number rolled august flew september taking piloted minute flight reached maximum speed knots mph height feet landing edwards following flight said remainder test program concentrated second maiden flight october hands operational history evaluation flight test program unlike weapon high angle attack high alpha flights carried requirement aircraft fired missiles internal weapon bays flight testing demonstrated thrust achieved pitch rates double low speed maneuvering prototype achieved reached maximum speed maximum speed excess flight testing continued december time flights completed airborne hours accumulated following flight testing contractor teams submitted proposals production april announced secretary winner competition design faster speculated aviation press seen navy navy abandoned instead retired case subsequently flew sorties following competition amassed flying hours flights april aircraft sustained damage landing attempt result pilot induced repaired flew instead served static test vehicle anticipated production production lockheed team won competition awarded engineering manufacturing development contract ultimately allow proceed production operational aircraft called seven single seat twin seat april spirit america rolled ceremony officially named limited funding flight previously scheduled occurred september flight testing continued december announced reached initial operational capability respects different production contrary initially difficult control small vertical lockheed specified fin area company reduced size percent lockheed shape wing trailing edges improve strength stealth characteristics wing sweep reduced finally improve pilot visibility canopy moved forward inches engine moved inches aircraft disposition air force flight test center museum edwards air force base california lockheed static test model specifications note specifications estimated data baker characteristics crew pilot length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant general_electric dry thrust lbf thrust lbf lbf performance maximum speed altitude knots mph knots mph military power combat radius nmi service ceiling maximum load | Lockheed YF-22 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
8088_PanaviaTornado | tornado family twin engine variable sweep wing combat aircraft jointly developed manufactured italy united_kingdom west_germany primary tornado variants tornado strike fighter bomber suppression enemy air defences tornado electronic combat reconnaissance tornado air defence variant aircraft tornado developed built tri national consortium consisting previously west_germany flew august introduced service nature able replace different fleets aircraft adopting air forces export operator tornado addition original partner nations tri nation training evaluation unit operating maintained level international operation production stage tornado royal_air_force raf gulf war tornado conducted low altitude penetrating strike missions operators conflicts yugoslavia war war iraq war libya civil war smaller roles afghanistan syria including variants aircraft built development origins 1960s designers looked variable geometry wing designs gain efficient cruise straight wings speed swept wing designs united_kingdom cancelled subsequent aircraft looking replacement vulcan strike aircraft britain france initiated project ended french withdrawal britain continued develop variable geometry aircraft similar proposed sought new partners achieve west_germany netherlands belgium italy canada formed working group examine replacements lockheed initially called later renamed participating nations fleets required replacing requirements diverse decided develop single aircraft perform variety missions previously undertaken fleet different aircraft britain joined group represented air vice marshal memorandum agreement drafted britain west_germany italy end prospective purchases countries amounted aircraft canada belgium departed long term commitments programme canada found project politically perception political circles manufacturing specifications focused western_europe france favourable offer belgium created doubt worthwhile belgium operational perspective aircraft march partner nations united_kingdom germany italy netherlands agreed form multinational company aircraft develop manufacture project aim produce aircraft capable undertaking missions tactical strike reconnaissance air defence maritime roles allowing replace different aircraft use partner nations concepts including alternative fixed wing single engine designs studied defining aircraft netherlands pulled project citing aircraft complicated technical preferences sought simpler aircraft outstanding additional blow struck german requirement reduced initial aircraft agreement finalised united_kingdom west_germany stake workload remaining going italy division production work heavily influenced international political fuselage tail assembly assigned united_kingdom centre fuselage west_germany wings italy similarly tri national engines general equipment separate multinational company formed june develop build engines aircraft ownership similarly split conclusion project definition phase concepts reduced designs single seat west_germany initially preferred twin seat raf preferred tornado aircraft briefly called project soon seat option september governments signed document point aircraft intended solely low level strike mission viewed viable threat soviet defences role point britain chief defence staff announced thirds fighting line composed single basic aircraft type prototypes testing dozen tornado prototypes took flight august germany pilot stated occasion aircraft handling delightful actual flight went smoothly begin wonder simulation flight testing led need minor modifications disturbances responded engine fuselage experienced speeds testing revealed nose wheel steering system connecting necessary counteract effect produced deploying thrust landing august soviet espionage activities exposed trying obtain information aircraft prototypes lost accidents primarily caused poor decisions errors leading ground collision incidents tornado prototype seriously damaged incident involving pilot induced pitch type development aircraft designers era beginning incorporate features sophisticated stability systems aircraft tornado use new technologies failure testing tornado command stability system conducted series realistic flight control variable sweep wings combination varying frequently heavy complicated clearance process production contract batch aircraft signed july aircraft delivered raf june respectively italian tornado delivered september january tri national tornado training establishment officially opened remaining active training pilots operating nations march tornado produced delivered west_germany december export customers sought west_germany withdrew objections aircraft saudi_arabia export customer tornado agreement purchase tornado controversial arms deal government committed purchasing equipment operate total value million late 1980s cancelled order financial difficulties 1970s australia considered joining programme find replacement ultimately selected meet requirement canada similarly opted considering tornado japan considered tornado 1980s selecting domestically produced design based 1990s taiwan south_korea expressed interest acquiring small number aircraft proposed variant greater electronic warfare capability australia production came end batch aircraft produced going ordered total june announced raf tornado fleet flown collectively million flying hours aviation author noted produced short making successful postwar bomber programs said tornado quarter century important military aircraft western_europe design overview tornado twin engined aircraft designed low level penetration enemy defences mission envisaged cold war delivery conventional nuclear ordnance invading forces warsaw pact countries eastern_europe dictated significant features design variable wing geometry allowing minimal drag critical low level dash prepared enemy desired project start advanced navigation flight computers including innovative fly wire system greatly reduced workload pilot low level flight eased control aircraft long range bombing missions tornado retractable probe aircraft tornado capable undertaking mission profiles anticipated strike mission operators replaced multiple aircraft types tornado common type use dedicated single role aircraft specialist purposes battlefield reconnaissance maritime patrol duties dedicated electronic phased standard modified variants extensive modification base tornado design tornado stretched armed long range anti aircraft missiles serve role tornado operators chosen undertake life extension upgrade programmes tornado fleets viable aircraft future raf upgraded standard increase combat effectiveness undergoing periodic upgrades multi stage system software tornado programme upgrades projected tornado shall service years prototype took flight variable sweep wing order tornado perform low level strike aircraft considered necessary possess good high speed low speed flight characteristics achieve high speed performance swept delta wing typically adopted wing designs inefficient low speeds operate high low speeds great effectiveness tornado uses variable sweep wing approach adopted earlier aircraft strike fighter soviet fighter similarities smaller tornado tornado differs multi role aircraft advanced onboard systems level wing sweep angle wings relation fuselage altered flight pilot control variable wing adopt sweep angle degrees degrees corresponding speed range angle tornado outfitted automatic wing sweep system reduce pilot workload wings swept exposed wing area lowered drag significantly decreased performing high speed low level flight weapons pivot angle variable sweep wings stores point direction flight hinder wing positions development significant attention given tornado short field landing performance germany particular encouraged design aspect shorter landing distances tornado sweep wings forwards degree position deploy span flaps leading edge allow aircraft fly slower speeds features combination thrust equipped engines tornado excellent low speed handling landing characteristics tornado features tandem seat cockpit pilot navigator weapons officer electro optical controls fly aircraft manage systems array switches mounted centrally placed monitor controlling navigational communications weapons control computers developed tornado advanced radar display information system tardis multi function display replace rear cockpit raf began installing tardis fleet primary flight controls tornado fly wire hybrid consisting command connected digital director system addition level mechanical capacity retained safeguard potential failure enhance pilot awareness artificial feel built flight controls centrally located stick tornado variable wings enabling aircraft drastically alter flight envelope artificial responses adjust automatically wing profile changes changes flight attitude large variety munitions stores outfitted resulting changes aircraft flight dynamics routinely compensated flight stability system tornado incorporates combined navigation attack radar simultaneously targets conducts fully automated terrain following low level flight operations readily able conduct weather hands low level flight considered core advantages tornado tornado different radar system variants designated designed air defence operations capable continuously keeping track targets ranges kilometres tornado earliest aircraft fitted digital data bus data transmission link integration variant enabled exchange radar sensory information nearby friendly aircraft tornado variants carry different equipment depending mission devoted missions operated germany italy tornado equipped system spot radar use german infrared imaging system reconnaissance flights raf laser range marked target targeting laser guided munitions raf introduced allowing tornado laser designate targets equipped tornado infrared reconnaissance system consisting sideways looking red fuselage forward engine capture oblique images single mounted fuselage underside provide vertical images recorded images vhs video tapes newer reconnaissance pod replaced built system armament equipment tornado cleared carry majority air launched weapons nato inventory including laser guided bombs anti ship anti radiation missiles specialised weapons anti personnel mines anti runway munitions improve combat tornado equipped onboard ranging electronic pods mounted wings fuel tanks buddy store aerial system allows tornado refuel available extend aircraft range decades tornado introduction tornado operators undertaken upgrade modification programmes allow recently introduced weapons squadrons new armaments tornado adapted deploy enhanced joint direct attack bombs modern cruise missiles missiles upgrades increased tornado capabilities combat accuracy precision weapons cruise missiles replaced older munitions cluster bombs strike variants limited air air capability air air missiles additionally tornado outfitted visual range missiles tornado armed revolver cannon internally mounted underneath fuselage tornado armed cannon raf aircraft converted replaced left hand cannon leaving reconnaissance variant gave guns space sideways looking red sensors developed specifically tornado european fighters alpha jet tornado capable delivering air launched nuclear weapons britain considered replacing submarines submarines alternatively tornado main bearer nuclear proceeded tornado squadrons based germany assigned deter major soviet offensive conventional nuclear weapons nuclear bomb retired german italian capable delivering nuclear bombs available nato engine britain considered selection develop advanced engine essential strongly opposed adopting engine american manufacturer point withdrawn issue september engine selected power advantage competition technology transfer partner nations agreed engine developed manufactured joint company programme delayed entry nature multinational collaboration process helped avoid major disruption tornado programme research contributed development final design engine control units provide desired performance features operate efficiently wide range conditions speeds engines use variable intake ramps control air flow hydraulic system power operational engine completely contained airframe integrating engine improve safety case double engine double generator failure tornado single use battery capable operating fuel pump minutes relatively rare fighter aircraft fitted thrust decrease distance required safely land fully deploy thrust landings connected steering provide greater stability august powered flight prototype tornado occurred engine completed qualification tests late final production standard engine met reliability performance standards development cost higher predicted ambitious performance requirements time tornado introduction service turbine blades engine suffered shorter life span desired implementation design revisions early production engines engines developed majority tornado germany tornado current engine control unit engines known cue upgrades designed low level operations tornado required modification perform medium level operations raf adopted 1990s raf fleet extensively manufactured tornado upgrades tornado included forward looking infrared wide angle head display improved cockpit displays night vision devices capabilities new global positioning system receiver upgrade eased integration new weapons sensors purchased parallel including storm shadow cruise missile anti tank missile laser guided bombs reconnaissance pod integrated flight tornado april october raf accepted delivery deliveries completed opted tornado undergo series upgrades equivalent raf configuration december signed contract project raf improved phases starting integration bomb communications upgrade followed new tactical german received system software tornado upgrade involved replacement weapons computer new gps navigation systems new computer allowed integration harm missiles pod laser guided bombs upgrade began primarily consisting new digital systems new suite provision cruise missile upgrades applied tornado process replaced upgrade programme started introduce support laser targeted software changes test platform printed parts announced december company test flown tornado equipped parts printing equipment parts included protective cover radio landing gear guard air intake door support test demonstrated feasibility making replacement parts quickly air base hosting tornado company claims parts costing piece manufacture printing resulted savings offer potential cost savings million operational history luftwaffe tornado prototype flight august west_germany deliveries production began july total number delivered numbered including variants originally equipped fighter bomber wings tactical conversion unit line wings replacing lockheed tornado wings german_navy disbanded aircraft equip luftwaffe reconnaissance wing equipped german undertook combat operations nato campaign war combat operation luftwaffe world war operating italy flew reconnaissance missions survey damage inflicted previous strikes scout targets aircraft strike reconnaissance missions reportedly responsible significant improvement target selection campaign german italian participated nato military operation war aircraft escort allies aircraft carrying harm missiles counter attempted use radar allied aircraft hostilities germany routinely conduct reconnaissance flights identify enemy ground forces civilian refugees yugoslavia june pair fly reconnaissance flights anti demonstration 33rd summit following mission admitted aircraft broken minimum flying altitude mistakes handling security summit detachment 51st reconnaissance wing deployed support nato forces decision send afghanistan controversial decision including political party launching unsuccessful legal bid block deployment unconstitutional support afghanistan mission improvements tornado reconnaissance equipment accelerated improving tornado ability detect hidden improvised explosive devices withdrawn afghanistan november defence cuts announced march resulted decision retire luftwaffe service led reduction tornado strength wings september january german defence minister announced major changes german armed forces major announcement plan cut german fighter fleet early force reduced type expected remain service luftwaffe aircraft retained undergoing service life extension programme currently luftwaffe operates training takes place der luftwaffe based new_mexico german_navy addition order luftwaffe german_navy received variant anti shipping marine reconnaissance roles replacing equipped wings nominal strength aircraft principal anti ship weapon anti ship missile initially supplemented bombs cluster munitions later harm anti radar missiles pods fitted optical cameras infrared line scan carried reconnaissance mission end cold war signing treaty gave rise requirement germany reduce size armed forces including number combat aircraft meet need tornado wings disbanded january aircraft replaced reconnaissance wing second wing enlarged continued anti shipping reconnaissance anti radar roles disbanded aircraft duties passed luftwaffe italian prototype maiden flight december italy received total tornado subsequently converted configuration italian tornado delivered february stop gap measure years additionally operated tornado air defence role leased raf cover service gap retirement lockheed introduction major delays began search interim fighter tornado considered long term extension lease involved upgrade raf standard considered cost effective february italy announced arrangement lease united_states returned tornado raf final aircraft arriving raf saint december aircraft retained static display purposes took gulf war saw tornado deployed del italy italy contribution coalition conflict aircraft lost iraqi anti aircraft fire pilots ejected safely captured iraqi forces total italian deployed nato organised variant bombing role variants patrolled combat region acting suppress enemy anti aircraft radars firing harm missiles response anticipated violence afghanistan elections italy nations increased military commitment afghanistan region aircraft participated enforcement fly zone military intervention libya coalition aircraft operated bases italy including italian military aircraft delivered combined guided bombs missiles strikes targets fighter bombers released guided bombs missiles italian navy delivered guided bombs italian launched storm shadow cruise missiles rest consisting guided bombs july italy signed contract upgrading received upgrade introduced improved navigation systems integrated gps laser ins ability carry new weapons including storm shadow cruise missile laser guided bombs italy opted extend tornado service life expense alternative ground attack aircraft major upgrade life extension program initiated provide new digital displays link communications capability night vision compatibility upgrades long term planned replace tornado fleet italian service lockheed martin lightning final italian tornado scheduled phased november italy announced sending tornado aircraft support staff kuwait participation coalition operations islamic state aircraft reconnaissance missions royal_air_force nicknamed british tornado combat debut british contribution gulf war saw nearly raf deploy air bases saudi_arabia tornado deployed provide air cover threat long range missiles significant iraqi pilots deliberately avoid combat approached early conflict targeted military airfields iraq deploying mixture bombs bombing attacks specialised runway denial weapons raf lost conflict lost delivering bombs lost delivering trying deliver laser guided bombs january tornado lost shot iraqi missile following failed low level bombing run january raf tornado shot intensive raid air base impact tornado strikes iraqi air fields difficult determine emergency deployment sent detachment aircraft equipped laser allowing drop precision guided weapons crash programme support sudden military action saw multiple outfitted laser designation system author declared pod enabled achieve probably accurate bombing raf history laser designation proved effective gulf war pods purchased shortages hindered combat operations following initial phase war switched medium level strike missions typical targets strikes included depots oil facilities reconnaissance tornado continued operate low altitude high speed profile war emerged unscathed despite inherent danger posed missions conducting pre attack reconnaissance war aftermath britain maintained military presence gulf half dozen based kuwait operations southern fly zone half dozen participated missions operation provide comfort march mid life upgrade project tornado launched upgrade standard tornado operational debut patrolling iraq southern bases kuwait based kuwait took coalition strikes iraq military infrastructure operation december iraqi anti aircraft battery fired missiles patrolling tornado battery later attacked retaliation aircraft lost incident reported successfully destroyed allotted targets missions planned successfully completed participated war initially operated germany later moved experience fighting led raf missiles smart bombs tornado fleet following war phased aircraft upgraded standard final upgraded returned raf june heavily operation british contribution invasion iraq flew opening phase war flying alongside american strike aircraft rapidly attack key installations following emphasis casualties squadron deployed new storm shadow precision cruise missile time iraq conflict air launched weapons precision guided years later iraq ratio increased march tornado shot iraq friendly fire patriot missile battery killing crew members july board inquiry battery operators observing tornado lack functioning identification friend foe factor incident problems patriot suggested factor multiple incidents identification friendly aircraft occurred including fatal navy weeks loss tornado britain withdrew iraq june early arrived airfield afghanistan replace aircraft deployed november guided bombs brought service raf having previously afghanistan fleet summer extra dispatched duration election ended operations afghanistan november flew pairs sorties hours including shows force deter attacks engagements missiles bombs deployed total roughly half cannon shells fired prior strategic defence security review publication retirement entire tornado fleet consideration savings billion anticipated announced tornado retained expense tornado numbers decline transition later lightning march british prime minister announced deployment enforce fly zone libya march flew mile strike missions targets inside libya according defence secretary longest range bombing mission conducted raf variety weapons operations libya including laser guided bombs missiles raf aircraft receiving upgrade achieved march type withdrawn raf service march august emergency meeting concluded raf deploy tornado cyprus support refugees region iraq decision came days united_states began conducting air attacks pre positioned use surveillance capabilities gather awareness help humanitarian efforts september days parliament approved forces inside iraq conducted armed reconnaissance mission country conjunction coalition aircraft cleared conduct needed britain conducted day hit heavy weapons post armored vehicle process supporting forces northwest iraq march deployed conducted targets iraq december british parliament voted begin air strikes syria iraq combat growing threat isis began bombing evening september saudi_arabia signed contract including things sale model flight march delivered february undertook operations gulf war june contract signed main element additional following experience tornado discontinued low level mission training light tornado superior low altitude flight performance addition outfitted equipment performing reconnaissance missions tornado replaced retired aircraft purchased sea eagle anti ship missile alarm anti radiation missile previously equipped withdrawn service saudi_arabia signed contracts new weapon systems fitted tornado typhoon fleets short range air air iris missile storm shadow cruise missiles september government signed contract worth billion billion upgrade tornado aircraft service tornado returned december upgrade tornado programme equip fleet range new precision guided weapons enhanced targeting equipment cases common systems fielded tornado december aircraft complete returned saudi_arabia starting week november performed air raids north time operation participated military operation hostile territory variants tornado tornado raf variants initially designated tornado later modified aircraft designated delivered june type entered service early 1980s total aircraft upgraded standard tornado tornado specialised anti shipping variant total converted based scotland replacing aircraft equipped carry sea eagle anti ship missiles lacked radar capability track shipping instead relying missile target acquisition later updates allowed target data fed aircraft missile tornado began studies mid life update update standard approved improve capability medium altitude role based lessons learned performance gulf war later upgraded tornado standard beginning finished raf aircraft receiving package bomb new secure communications module phase followed tie reconnaissance variant raf fitted tornado red reconnaissance system replacing cannon raf ordered new builds tornado upgraded aircraft upgraded standard switch low level operations medium high level operations means internal longer use internal sensors longer essential raf tactical reconnaissance wing operate aircraft tornado operated germany italy tornado variant devoted suppression enemy air defenses missions delivered sensors detect radar usage equipped anti radiation harm missiles luftwaffe delivered new italy received converted italian tornado differ luftwaffe aircraft lack built reconnaissance capability use reconnaissance pods luftwaffe equipped engine slightly higher thrust rating german carry cannon raf uses version role instead modified tornado undertake mission tornado tornado air defence variant variant tornado developed raf designated tornado operated saudi_arabia italy inferior agility fighters like intended dog fighter instead long endurance counter threat cold war bombers parts tornado greater acceleration improved engines stretched body greater fuel capacity radar software changes cannon accommodate retractable probe operators aircraft service december aircraft operation december saudi_arabia operation december aircraft service march aircraft display bulgaria tornado display germany tornado prototype display berlin tornado prototype display tornado series aircraft tornado gate guard german air base near tornado tornado paint scheme 31st fighter bomber wing display berlin tornado display tornado corporate design paint scheme engines munich italy tornado display display king air base display royal air force museum tornado display tornado display king air base tornado prototype display tornado prototype gate guardian airport england sale september prototype display england tornado england tornado display display display spain public display tornado display scotland tornado display display england tornado display england tornado gate scotland display norfolk england tornado gate lincolnshire england tornado display england tornado display scotland tornado display tornado display ohio tornado german_navy data international illustrated guide tornado characteristics crew length wingspan wing sweep wing sweep height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph altitude knots mph indicated near sea level range typical combat mission ferry range external drop tanks service ceiling rate climb min thrust weight armament guns revolver cannon internally mounted starboard fuselage rounds light duty heavy duty fuselage wing stations capacity inner wing shoulder launch rails short range provisions carry combinations missiles air air missiles self defence missile storm shadow alarm anti radiation missile bombs iii enhanced iii cluster bombs munitions runway operations tactical nuclear weapons drop tanks ferry flight extended range flight time aerial reconnaissance pod targeting pod laser pod systems sky shadow electronic pod popular culture | Panavia Tornado | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
8256_YermolayevYer-2 | long range soviet medium bomber world war developed prototype war bomb berlin estonia production terminated august allow factory concentrate building higher priority ground attack aircraft restarted end new fuel efficient aircraft diesel engines designed long range medium bomber flown tactical ground attack missions heavy losses survivors flown numbers august examples transferred schools resumption production allowed aircraft resume combat operations april remained service replaced engined bombers end 1940s development designed built whilst chief designer russian factory special construction scientific test institute civil air fleet performance extremely good particularly respect gross weight total weight flight trials maximum weight prototype crashed takeoff early resulting arrest imprisonment february lay appointed chief designer arrest task transforming design long range bomber task easier reserved space bomb bay fuselage repair carried flight test programme including record breaking nonstop flight august flew moscow moscow distance average speed mph preliminary design russian long range bomber bomber version designated completed beginning construction prototypes began following july retained little apart general layout structure completely redesigned pilot cockpit offset port improve downward view navigator bomb sat extensively nose millimeter machine gun radio operator sat starboard pilot dorsal gunner partially retractable turret millimeter machine gun fitted ventral hatch bombs carried bomb bay kilogram bombs carried externally fuel carried designed use experimental engines powerful engine substituted available prototype flew time began state acceptance tests september weaker engines prevented reaching designed performance attain mph instead expected mph meters defensive armament deemed inadequate problems included excessively long run engine defects offset virtues heavy bomb load long range kilometers carrying bombs ordered production factory manufacture began march approximately aircraft delivered june aircraft mph slower prototype normal weight increased production terminated august completed allow factory concentrate higher priority ground attack aircraft modified experimental engines reinforced armored seats navigator gunner machine guns place original weapons flew july able reach mph range reduced carrying bombs significant problem version excessive takeoff roll hindered operations grass engine unreliable cooling problems resources resolve cancelled october factory forced evacuate moscow german advance diesel engine evaluated engine like offered greatly reduced fuel consumption compared standard gasoline powered engine great penalty weight engines increased gross takeoff weight required reinforced wing area increased wing loading powered aircraft reached maximum speed mph ready service use project cancelled aircraft engine combination potential development work continued closely related mature diesel engine cockpit modified accommodate pilots wing areas increased machine gun dorsal turret replaced millimeter cannon nose ventral machine guns exchanged machine guns fuel carried placed production factory end production aircraft submitted state acceptance trials following month excess aircraft converted transports operational history squadron service germany invaded june russian formed shortly regiment flew operational missions later summer evening august accompanied attempted bomb berlin near airfield short accommodate fully loaded bombers manage regardless managed bomb berlin outskirts successfully returned shot friendly soviet aircraft went missing crews bombed nights august august september airport southeast moscow october service operational flown sorties beginning november august september october lost aircraft half non combat losses losses extremely high autumn winter committed german tactical targets low altitudes service march august hand briefly committed battle survivors flown numbers august aircraft transferred schools 2nd guards placed production end new bombers issued combat units june service january war ended combat mission undertaken returned production raid april russian remained service units replaced engined bombers like late 1940s variants prototypes series engines production version engines built aircraft engined prototype engines fastest diesel powered modified wings converted diesel engines production model diesel engined version performance excellent despite poor reliability rough running diesel engines range increased version engines russian special assignment aircraft production line modified seat cabin military equipment removed long range fuel tanks bomb bay aircraft converted production shuttle flights moscow russian carrier aircraft modified engine captured pulse jet engines production aircraft horsepower engine final iteration series production aircraft engined engines redesignated slightly larger wingspan increased takeoff weight improved armament prototype tested december enter production operators soviet_union russian add russian long range aviation later long range bomber aviation regiment long range bomber aviation regiment later long range bomber aviation regiment later 2nd guards long range aviation regiment long range bomber aviation regiment long range bomber aviation regiment specifications data bill encyclopedia general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight powerplant diesel engines performance maximum speed mph range miles service ceiling armament machine gun nose flexible mount machine gun ventral flexible mount cannon dorsal turret bombs internal bomb bay | Yermolayev Yer-2 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
8666_TupolevTu-70 | nato reporting cart soviet passenger variant bomber reverse engineered copy american boeing designed immediately end world war number components emergency landings soviet_union running fuel bombing japan fuselage soviet_union flew november aircraft successfully tested recommended serial production ultimately produced pressing military orders requirement aircraft design development basic design work completed bomber decided design passenger variant fuselage given internal designation intended use components possible reduce costs save development time low wing landing gear powered radial engines design work mock began february confirmed order single prototype following month production decision known testing speed construction prototype number components utilized included outer wing panels engine flaps tail assembly internal equipment wing center section redesigned span increased fuselage entirely new changed wing position mid wing low wing aircraft changed conventional stepped configuration different configurations proposed cabin layout government version mixed class passenger model configuration seats prototype appears built mixed class configuration confirmed completed october flight november began manufacturer trials october engine fire fourth flight caused crash landing traced design defect american built control system identifying problem fixing prolonged manufacturer trials october redesignated went state acceptance trials ended december met design goals accepted production factories committed building aircraft higher priority requirement type fully satisfied existing sent russian scientific research institute evaluation military transport aircraft december afterward variety tests scrapped design modified military transport placed production specifications data general characteristics crew capacity passengers length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant radial engines performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling wing loading power mass | Tupolev Tu-70 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
8816_JunkersJu87 | dive bomber german dive bomber ground attack aircraft designed flew combat debut luftwaffe spanish civil war served axis forces world war aircraft easily inverted wings fixed leading edges main gear legs mounted trumpet propaganda symbol german air power victories design included innovative features including automatic pull dive brakes wings ensure aircraft recovered attack dive pilot high forces operated considerable success close air support anti shipping outbreak world war spearheaded air assaults september following year crucial rapid conquest netherlands belgium france targets accurate effective ground targets like dive bombers war vulnerable modern fighter aircraft lack speed defensive armament meant required heavy fighter escort operate effectively operated success precision ground attack aircraft valuable german forces african mediterranean theaters early stages eastern general ground support anti shipping role effective specialised anti tank aircraft luftwaffe lost air superiority fronts easy target enemy fighter aircraft despite developments better replacement type continued produced end conflict largely replaced ground attack versions use days war estimated versions built august notable airmen flew successful ace highly decorated german second world war vast majority german ground attack aces flew aircraft point careers development early design principal designer held opinion dive bomber design needed simple robust led technical innovations retractable discarded favour distinctive features fixed continued carry developing adding ideas killed flying accident november produced underwent testing september military version designated nazis came power design given priority despite initial competition german aviation ministry turned designs designer trials double vertical introduced rear gunner better field fire main distinctive feature double inverted wings death continued development dive bomber registration originally fitted engine producing machine fitted dive brakes dive testing aircraft given good evaluation exhibited good flying characteristics took immediate liking concept dive bombing flying hawk invited watch perform trial flight artillery range raised doubts capability dive bomber began dive released bombs barely recovering pulling dive chief secretary state aviation feared high level nerves skill expected average pilots luftwaffe development continued growing love affair dive bomber pushed forefront german aviation development went far advocate medium bombers dive bombing capabilities initially doomed dedicated strategic heavy bomber design enter german line service war years meter wingspan having airframe design examining design details november perform medium angle missions germany operational heavy bomber september tasked mission profile meter wingspan airframe evolution design begun powered british rolls engine engines ordered april shillings prototype built sweden secretly brought germany late completed april inadequate strength airframe construction completed october complete non essential parts took maiden flight september aircraft originally carry registration later given registration flight report stated problem small caused power plant powered cylinder liquid cooled engine twin tail crashed january near dresden killing chief test pilot engineer square twin fins proved weak collapsed aircraft crashed entered inverted spin testing terminal dynamic pressure dive crash prompted change single vertical tail design withstand strong forces dive heavy plating fitted frame fuselage early additions included installation hydraulic dive brakes fitted leading edge rotate interested impressed relied british engine late suggested fitting line engine final variant equipped accepted interim solution reworking design began january test flight carried months lack adequate aircraft january crash destroyed machine second prototype design problems twin removed single tail fin installed fears stability shortage power plants instead engine fitted delays set testing february march second prototype finally fitted power plant year later replaced testing went pilot flight captain praised performance told representative chief engineer stood little chance luftwaffe main dive bomber opinion june ordered cessation development favour rival design cancelled order day development continued july crashed prototype day visiting communicate telephone according version story warned propeller failed consider dive engine propeller broke away immediately incident announced winner development contest design despite chosen design lacking drew frequent criticism testing prototype early revealed problems climb minutes bomb load cruising speed mph pushed powerful engine according test pilots better acceleration rate climb away target area quickly avoiding enemy ground air defences stated maximum speed mph unacceptable reasons pilots complained navigation powerplant instruments mixed easy read especially combat despite pilots praised aircraft handling qualities strong airframe problems resolved installing engine delays development forced installation line engine flight testing began august subsequent testing progress fell short hopes machine speed increased mph ground level mph maintaining good handling ability design basic design based series single engined metal fixed carry person crew main construction material external parts required strong construction wing flaps german aluminum containing element components bolts parts required heavy stress steel fitted aid ease maintenance overhaul designers avoided parts possible preferring cast parts instead large airframe segments complete unit increased speed repair airframe subdivided sections allow transport road rail wings standard double wing construction gave considerable advantage shallow angle large lift forces created reducing landing runs accordance stress group reached acceptable structural strength requirements dive bomber able withstand diving speeds mph maximum level speed mph near ground level flying weight performance diving attack enhanced introduction dive brakes wing allowed maintain constant speed allow pilot steady aim prevented crew suffering extreme forces high acceleration pull dive fuselage oval cross section housed water cooled inverted engine cockpit protected engine ahead wing center section fuel tanks located rear cockpit bulkhead covered canvas cover breached crew emergency enabling escape main fuselage canopy split sections joined strong steel frame canopy compartment sliding hood crew members engine mounted main support frames supported tubular frame structure fuselage main frames power plant quarter turn frames attached universal joints constructed sheets sides passing arranged harmful gases penetrate cockpit fuel system comprised fuel tanks main forward rear inner wing section port starboard wings gal capacity tanks limit passed warn pilot red warning light cockpit fuel injected pump tanks power plant shut pumped manually hand pump fuel powerplant cooled gal ring shaped aluminium water container situated propeller engine container gal positioned engine control surfaces operated way aircraft exception innovative automatic pull system releasing bomb initiated pull automatic recovery climb dive brakes pilot system significant force control column taking manual control wing unusual feature consisted single center section outer sections installed universal joints center section large negative outer surfaces positive created inverted wing pattern leading edge shape wing improved pilot ground visibility allowed shorter height center section offensive armament machine guns fitted wing operated mechanical system pilot control column rear gunner radio operator operated machine gun defensive purposes engine propeller automatic controls auto aircraft tail heavy pilot rolled dive lining red lines cockpit window horizon aiming target sight fixed gun heavy bomb swung clear propeller prior release diving procedure flying pilot located target window cockpit floor pilot moved dive rear limiting throw control column dive brakes activated automatically pilot set trim throttle closed flaps aircraft rolled automatically aircraft dive red upper surfaces wing visual indicator pilot case induced black automatic dive recovery system activated angle holding constant speed mph dive brake deployment increased accuracy aim aircraft reasonably close target light contact came indicate bomb release point usually minimum height pilot released bomb initiated automatic pull mechanism depressing control column elongated shaped located fuselage swung bomb way propeller aircraft automatically began nose horizon dive brakes retracted throttle opened propeller set climb pilot regained control resumed normal flight flaps reopened quickly prevent automatic pull liked pilots later said unit disconnected system allowed enemy predict recovery pattern height making easier ground defences hit aircraft physical stress crew severe human beings subjected forces seated position suffer vision form grey veil known pilots seeing stars lose vision remaining conscious seconds black pilots experienced visual pull dive brown british test pilot commanding officer captured enemy aircraft flight section tested said flown lot dive bombers dive truly vertically dive bombers maximum dive usually order degrees flying automatic flying vertically class force test extensive tests carried works plant discovered highest load pilot endure seconds aircraft pushed limit forces visual problems loss consciousness experienced pilots suffered visual problems grey vision vanished altogether upwards black occurred despite pilot maintain consciousness capable reactions seconds half subjects passed pilot regain consciousness seconds forces dropped lasted longer seconds position pilots withstand able remain functional short duration position concluded pilots withstand seconds vision defects war conditions acceptable tests new technologies tried reduce effects forces cabin great importance research testing revealed high altitude cause death cabin appropriate clothing new technology special clothing oxygen masks researched tested united_states_army occupied factory april impressed interested medical flight tests designs concept dive bombing popular leadership luftwaffe new aircraft designs later bomber models like equipped dive bombing strategic bomber initially supposed dive bombing capabilities requirement contributed failure design requirement rescinded september vulnerable fighter opposition fronts work develop replacement dedicated close support designs drawing board progressed far impact war technological difficulties luftwaffe settled fighter aircraft ground attack version started replace day missions continued night end war variants second prototype redesigned single vertical engine installed later series variant metal construction enclosed cockpit greenhouse framed canopy bearing twin radio masts aft sections mounted airframe unique version ease difficulty mass production leading edge wing straightened sections smooth leading trailing edges pilot adjust elevator rudder trim flight tail connected landing flaps positioned parts fuselage engine gave pilot better field vision order engine flattened engine set nearly fuselage lowered gunner position allowing gunner better field fire ordered seven initially increased order early tested varied bomb loads pointed insufficient quickly replaced power plant differed slightly installation gal fuel tanks built inner wing armoured protected intended fitted quartet machine guns wings omitted weight concerns pair remained fed total rounds ammunition stored design characteristic transverse large trousers versions onward pilot relied gun sight gunner single drums ammunition containing rounds represented round increase area fitted larger propeller capable carrying bomb carrying rear gunner radio operator power plant operations bomb load restricted weapons spanish civil war missions conducted gunner fitted stage significant difference iii pitch propeller produced factory near bremen new powerful model started replace time flown september registration flown february flown registration june flown march flown june flown august production variants pre production aircraft powered engine initial production version production version fitted improved engine series mass produced variant total pre production produced built production version considerably larger engine generating completely redesigned fuselage landing gear replacing twin radio masts version single mast mounted forward greenhouse canopy simpler lighter weight wheel version onwards transverse version design new design tested spain proving abilities production month result outbreak world war luftwaffe hand fitted essentially propeller driven diameter mounted wing leading edge directly forward landing gear edge fixed main gear weaken enemy morale enhance intimidation dive bombing enemy withdrawn devices caused loss mph drag instead bombs fitted fin produce noise release suggestion authors idea originated adolf_hitler followed improvements built number variants included ski equipped versions modification end tropical operation kit called italy received number named went members axis including hungary bulgaria romania oil hydraulic system closing flaps continued later designs production started built factory plant july production carried company april continued producing march long range version built known letter allegedly operational range primarily intended anti shipping missions series airframe additional oil tank fuel lines outer wing stations permit use gal capacity wing drop tanks wide variety luftwaffe aircraft war increased fuel capacity litres main fuel tank usable drop tanks prevent conditions bomb carrying ability restricted single bomb aircraft fully loaded fuel airframe exception modification fuselage enabled additional oil tank installed feed engine increase range addition extra fuel tanks airframe strengthened ensure withstand mph line engine installed replacing increase overall weight mph slower lower service ceiling increased range advantage variants developed built experimental expanded radio system crew communicate crew way tow rope differed powerplant known prototypes flown june conversion prototype powered flown august conversion flown november flown february flown october destroyed crash code built august decided introduce intended dive torpedo bomber kriegsmarine type ordered prototype production available testing january testing given months begin february end april prototype fixed wing test aircraft following modified folding wings prototypes powered engines owing delays completed march flew march designated flew time december arrested landings dry land found arresting gear weak replaced tests showed average braking distance metres designated october fitted standard equipment better wing folding mechanisms carrier built plant april july special equipment seat rubber signal ammunition emergency ammunition quick fuel dump mechanism gal bags wing gal bags fuselage enabled remain afloat days calm seas october war underway planned order point cancelled despite cancellation tests continued takeoff weight speed mph departure launched bomb bombs fuselage mounted wing operated rear gunner production switched known prototypes changed flown march flown despite vulnerability enemy fighters having exposed luftwaffe choice continue development replacement aircraft sight result series june ordered prototypes powerplant installed power performed poorly tests dropped series featured underneath sections wings oil cooler relocated position occupied single chin series introduced refined cockpit better visibility space addition armour protection increased new dual barrel machine gun extremely high rate fire installed rear defensive position engine power increased delivering bomb carrying ability nearly version version max load short ranges condition typical bomb load ranged internal fuel capacity raised usable adding additional wing tanks retaining option carry drop tanks tests airfield revealed possible flight duration hours minutes extra gal fuel tanks achieve hours flight time variant converting older series intended tropical version heavier armour protect crew ground fire armour reduced performance caused der luftwaffe place particular value production improved armour ground attack role number designated fitted night tropical equipment designation applied prototype torpedo bomber version carry aerial torpedo rack converted operated aircraft carrier modifications included flame unlike earlier variants cannon radio operator rear gunner ammunition supply increased rounds based design unique series wings metres feet longer previous variants wing guns exchanged powerful better suit aircraft ground attack role window floor cockpit reinforced previous installed higher diving speeds obtained mph range recorded ground level according operating instructions works document built limited numbers train pilots versions shortages raw materials mass production ground attack aircraft based upgraded standard armour wing cannons extended wing panels similar based fitted flame conduct night operations production variant started ordered aircraft delivered march wanted machines produced february company tasked production june september expected built increasing production problems encountered planned produced july hoped august delivered september planned roll production lines continued end time plant moved production berlin delivered production month expected spring end production manufactured january variety test beds variants start coastal test centre tested combination static position noted experiments successful suggested cannon installed testing continued january tested near training area noted increase drag reduced aircraft speed mph noted aircraft existing variants variants operated combat cannon known prototypes airframe conversion flown march airframe conversion flown march airframe conversion flown march airframe conversion flown march airframe conversion flown march known prototype flown june experiments unknown variants variant airframe found new life anti tank aircraft final operational version deployed eastern reverse german military fortunes appearance huge numbers armoured soviet tanks caused adapt existing design combat new threat proved potent ground attack weapon large fuel tanks vulnerable enemy fire prompting shortest possible time replacement type place soviet tanks priority targets development variant successor began november november raised question replacing altogether decided design power plant upgraded cannons added variant designed carry free fall bomb load furthermore armoured protection copied feature pioneered origin world war imperial germany protect crew ground fire required conduct low level attacks ace suggested guns self contained wing gun pod achieving success soviet tanks cannon gun pods fitted tank killer standard word germans spelling alphabet time inspired choice letter flight machine took place january piloted continuing problems dozens slow development equipped large based cannon gun pod beneath fuselage meant production april production delivered line units cannons mounted wing gun pods loaded round magazines armour piercing ammunition weapons cannon bird nicknamed proved successful hands aces converted older series retaining smaller wing dive brakes similar use extended wing built converted handful production committed opening day offensive flew official significant number variants fitted cannon operated unofficial battle june ordered production variants later influenced design book required reading members project night harassment variants soviet air_force practice german ground forces night drop bombs inspired luftwaffe form harassment squadrons july offered flame november finally authorised design directive new equipment difficult detect ground darkness pilots asked complete new blind flying certificate especially introduced new type operation pilots trained night unfamiliar terrain forced rely instruments direction standard replaced new exchanged help pilot instrument panel violet light installed november auxiliary created given east given respectively half night battle groups formed flying multitude different types aircraft including proved suited low level slow flying needed production despite problems ordered production wanted receive delivery machines january production capacity fully occupied licensing production facilities necessary produced september built factories factory september received construction orders paid development orders according records berlin end financial year september spent june produced seven built range sufficient dropped favour long range versions second half converted status production ordered development planned ordered production march expansion production lines compensate withdrawal production delayed production plant experienced production prompted visit threaten company meeting requirements february meet demands skilled workers needed skilled workers called military service able supply german workers factory interim solution soviet prisoners war soviet civilians deported germany working clock good received official demand increased chief general found unit needed standard strength average month cover attrition june december production capacity increase produced month august production climbed rapidly production scaled licence work shut production reached month spare parts failing reach production levels parts particularly short supply ordered production month september insufficient production capacity considered setting production facilities slovakia delay production buildings factories furnished machine tools tools short supply hoped purchase switzerland italy provide workers technical personnel produce machines month time demand increasing october production plans dealt blow plants burned leaving chronic shortage parts director member luftwaffe industry council reported january produced bremen berlin decline end production evaluating operations eastern ordered production limited month total general der general decided continued development hardly bring tactical value fighter pilot operational combat experience strike aircraft said abandoning development premature machines month sufficient july strike bomber production scaled fighter bomber destroyer production given priority august contradicted declared increase fighter production affect production important consideration life reduced months months operational flying hours october general der reported longer survive operations place finally agreed ordered minimal production smooth transition period production wound built rebuilt damaged machines months added force new repaired aircraft unknown built parts unofficially december end production overall completed factory production variants transferred company produce produced total course war little damage plant attacks caused little lasting damage succeeded damaging contrast plant bremen berlin little delay damage caused production despite heavy bombings large scale destruction inflicted targets went unscathed factory heavily attacked production ceased repair facility aircraft works destroyed site abandoned links operational history spanish civil war german aircraft designs participated german involvement spanish civil war single prototype allocated serial number assigned experimental legion fighter wing aircraft secretly loaded ship departed hamburg harbor night august arriving days later known information pertaining combat career spain piloted took nationalist offensive presumably aircraft secretly returned germany january arrived problems evident sank muddy airfield surfaces temporarily removed addition maximum bomb load carried gunner vacated seat bomb load restricted aircraft supported nationalist forces carried anti shipping missions returned germany october january returned spain morning january escorts attacked port barcelona days city captured republican fighters defending city aircraft operating city dive bombing ship republican pilot claimed destroyed near coma capable landing beach crashing time attacked capital january group prevented destruction bridge near barcelona demolition engineers attack republican ground defenders equipped quadruple mounting hit pilot legs crashed seriously injuring machine gunner casualties war returned experience spanish civil war proved air ground crews perfected skills equipment evaluated combat conditions tested numerous coordinated fighter opposition lesson learned later great cost crews second world war units moved germany eastern border preparation invasion poland morning august mass formation dive bombing demonstration high ranking commanders luftwaffe training grounds near crew members lost crashed ground simultaneously planes cloud expecting release practice bombs pull dive cloud ceiling unaware particular day ceiling low unexpected ground mist formed leaving time pull dive poland september invaded poland triggering world war der luftwaffe records indicate total force available operations august operation destroy polish demolition charges fixed rail bridges linked danzig corridor polish ordered perform low level attack polish army garrison headquarters iii targeted cables embankment electricity plant signal boxes poland exactly chain flight led carried bombing attack war attacked minutes official german declaration hostilities hit targets achieved complete success mission failed german_army delayed advance allowing poles carry repairs destroy bridges germans reach achieved air victory world war morning september shot polish fighter taking airfield pilot captain killed air air combat formations protected german fighter aircraft losses light short lived opposition reverted ground attack missions campaign opening air attacks involved controversial effective attacks lack anti aircraft artillery impact destroyed polish infantry division training troop trains easy targets destroyed target polish divisions trapped german forces forced surrender relentless day bombardment employed assault bombs caused casualties polish ground troops poles surrendered participated resulted breaking polish resistance dive bomber wings dropped tonnes tons bombs battle siege warsaw wings contributed defeat entrenched polish forces particularly effective destroying fortified luftwaffe anti shipping naval units deal polish naval forces unit performed effectively sinking ton destroyer moored harbour torpedo boat tons sunk general tons sunk september tons sister ships polish naval units trapped baltic destroyed operations enemy air opposition light force lost aircraft campaign norway began april invasions norway denmark denmark day whilst norway continued resist british french help campaign fast moving armoured divisions supported air power mountainous terrain ruled close cooperation instead germans relied airborne troops transported specialised ski troops given role ground attack anti shipping missions proved effective weapon luftwaffe carrying task april took occupied airfields destroy loss german cruiser disrupted amphibious landings oslo helped suppress norwegian defenders ensuing defenders surrender oslo captured result german naval operation failed caught ton norwegian destroyer hit engine room run aground scuttled wings equipped new differed having increased internal fuel capacity drop tanks range numerous successes allied naval vessels particular royal_navy posed formidable threat german naval coastal operations heavy cruiser suffolk attacked april stern virtually destroyed scapa_flow dead wounded crewmen light cruiser squadron consisting sister ships subjected lengthy attacks badly damaged lost witness later said threatened screaming nerve dive fate nearly sloop black swan april bomb passed quarter deck water tank inch magazine hull explode explosion limited damage hull fired rounds failed shoot attackers hms sunk april french large destroyer sunk evacuation forward magazine hit killing crew attempted rescue survivors sunk loss sailors officers men soldiers survivors lost aboard ships targeted armed german air umbrella attempt provide smaller targets craft armoured armed demonstrated april sank tons tons polish tons sunk operational effect little damage vice admiral commanded home_fleet expedition seven destroyers heavy cruiser aircraft carriers glorious battleship waves achieved near misses unable obtain hit victor ordered ship operate range norwegian airfields effect driven british sea power norwegian coast victor reported commander chief home fleet admiral carrier operations longer practical current conditions following weeks continued sea operations caught sank transports tons tons took bombing town support german forces command town fell week remaining weeks campaign norway supported german forces containing allied land forces withdrew early june france low countries units learned lessons polish norwegian campaigns failures poland silence fort ensured attention paid pin point bombing war period pay western campaign fall case yellow began helped swiftly fortress belgium headquarters commander responsible ordering destruction held bridges albert canal stationed village north demonstrated accuracy small building destroyed direct hits result bridges destroyed allowing german_army rapidly advance opening days proved useful asset low countries pitched battles french armoured forces effectively artillery armour assisted german forces concert british evacuating reserves country ports sank dutch jan van tons tons provided close shore artillery support british valentine crippled beached scuttled winchester westminster damaged later beached scuttled air attack units instrumental equipped units concentrated assisted breakthrough critical major land battle war french territory flew sorties french positions flying individual missions benefited heavy fighter protection units resistance organised vulnerable example near french group interception attacked formation claiming loss germans recorded losses entire allied opposition battles operations broke offered pin point aerial artillery support german infantry luftwaffe benefited excellent ground air communications campaign radio equipped forward liaison officers direct attack enemy positions axis advance cases responded minutes chief staff said smoothly functioning system discussing planning joint operations achieved battle allied ships lost attacks british operation sought evacuate british french armies pocket french destroyer sunk followed steamer french channel steamer followed operated maximum effectiveness weather allowed raf fighter units held allied air cover best destroyer grenade sunk outside harbour severe loss life french destroyer crippled bomb damage day jaguar badly damaged tons bombardment merchant ship tons sunk having taken soldiers attacks brought evacuation halt time rail ships tons sunk allies lost vessels sunk damaged june sank tons destroyer keith sunk crippled scuttled later badly damaged dover commissioned weeks sunk evening french destroyer sank mass attack victories shipping claimed nightfall june steamer lost carrying dutch soldiers killed oil tanker destroyed flotilla french lost tons tons venus tons total grt lost royal_navy lost destroyers battle sunk damaged service campaign ended french surrender june allied air power ineffective result losses mainly ground fire machines force destroyed damaged causes june luftwaffe order battle included bomber wings equipped iii iii committed battle anti shipping weapon proved potent weapon early stages battle july successful attack convoy english channel sinking damaged afternoon delivered single deadly air assault british territory history iii avoiding royal_air_force raf interception sank ton anti aircraft ship portland harbour killing crew gunners leading continued fire ship sank awarded posthumous victoria_cross remaining post despite mortally wounded mantle responsible single lost raid august success august opening main german attacks airfields took place known luftwaffe eagle day sent advance main strike successfully drew raf fighters allowing attack raf kent attack killed station commander destroyed raf aircraft ground great airfield buildings station proved time vulnerable hostile skies organised determined fighter opposition like dive bombers slow possessed inadequate defences furthermore effectively protected fighters low speed low altitudes ended dive bomb attacks depended air superiority thing contested britain withdrawn attacks britain august losses leaving luftwaffe precision ground attack aircraft steady losses occurred participation battle august known hardest day sides suffered heavy losses withdrawn destroyed damaged according der luftwaffe destroyed damaged varying degrees weeks operations total strength lost august myth shattered succeed sinking warships merchant ships badly damaging seven airfields radar stations destroying british aircraft mainly ground august units viii moved bases concentrated closer area proposed invasion britain september luftwaffe targeted airfields small number crossing coast heading anti shipping operations attacks resumed units november new winter tactic enforcing blockade days seven merchant ships sunk damaged mainly loss november iii escort drawn went convoy targets found estuary proceeded attack dover alternate target bad weather resulted decline anti shipping operations long groups began deploying poland concealed build spring remained facing united_kingdom operations small scale continued winter months march targets included ships sea thames estuary chatham naval dockyard dover night bomber sorties channel attacks resumed following winter north_africa mediterranean response italian defeats greece north_africa der ordered deployment german forces theatres luftwaffe contingent deployed command unit touched sicily december days groups deployed task attack british shipping passing sicily africa presence felt british aircraft carrier heavy attack crews confident sink flight deck area square metres january crews told direct hits bombs sink carrier delivered damaging near misses ship engines untouched besieged harbour malta italian equipped italian government asked supply italian pilots sent austria trained dive bombing aircraft spring luftwaffe aircraft delivered italian renamed turn assigned malta allied convoys mediterranean north_africa took conquering saw action opening phase italian invasion greece october numbers low ineffective comparison german operations italian forces quickly pushed early greeks pushed italian occupied albania hitler decided send military aid ally luftwaffe intervene italian achieved successes squadron sinking navy freighter april torpedo boat sunk later day april greek freighter sunk accounted british tanker destroyer june british cricket supply submarine victims crippled later sunk italian warships march pro german yugoslav government toppled furious hitler ordered attack expanded include yugoslavia operation commenced april luftwaffe committed campaign spearheaded air assault line strength machines minimal yugoslav resistance air allowing develop reputation region operating took heavy toll ground forces suffering light losses ground fire effectiveness dive bombers helped bring yugoslav capitulation days took peripheral operation punishment hitler retribution bombing belgrade dive bombers attack airfields anti aircraft gun positions whilst level bombers struck civilian targets belgrade badly damaged people reported killed injured greece despite british aid little air opposition encountered allies withdrew resistance collapsed allies began evacuating crete inflicted severe damage allied shipping april ton destroyers sunk days greek naval base lost vessels attack played significant role germans attempted send reinforcements crete sea lost vessels force command rear admiral force consisting cruisers forced remaining german ships retreat called deal british naval threat destroyer sunk day battleship damaged cruiser sunk loss officers ratings crippled cruiser morning later finished fighter bombers sinking destroyer hms hit drew close allies began withdrawal royal_navy lost destroyers kelly followed severely damaged evacuating soldiers north_africa killed wounded dive bomber wing supported year campaign north_africa main task attacking allied shipping operations north_africa dominated lasted seven months served battle battle decisive second battle drove tunisia tide turned allied air power grew autumn vulnerable losses heavy entry americans north_africa situation far worse obsolete fighter bomber war fight enemy fighters equal terms dropping ordnance vulnerability demonstrated november shot minutes allies enjoyed air supremacy north_africa ventured strength bombs sight enemy aircraft adding trouble german fighters fuel cover vulnerable point dive bombers continued operations southern europe italian surrender september participated campaign sized victory campaign occupied british luftwaffe committed based october recover islands raf bases kilometres away helped german landing forces rapidly conquer islands october sunk patrol vessel steam ship light tank carrier october sank landing craft cargo ship october light cruiser aurora action year light cruisers badly damaged destroyer sunk capitulation allied force proved final victory british eastern june commenced invasion soviet_union luftwaffe order battle june contained dive bomber wings viii command general der equipped units stab iii included stab iii attached command general der stab iii command operating norway allotted loss soviet german occurred early morning june escorted attack shot dive bomber wing suffered losses opening day result luftwaffe attention western soviet_union nearly destroyed official report claimed soviet aircraft destroyed ordered checked picking way wreckage luftwaffe officers found tally exceeded days soviets reported loss aircraft soviet aerial resistance continued ceased effective luftwaffe maintained air superiority end year took huge toll soviet ground forces helping break soviet armour eliminating disrupting enemy supply lines demonstration effectiveness occurred july knocked trains vehicles 1st 2nd groups forced river closed rendered support september destroyed rail network vicinity inflicting heavy casualties escaping columns loss september decorated sank soviet battleship air attack harbour near hit bow single bomb action sank destroyer destroyer submarine sunk crippled battleship destroyers exchange shot eastern assisted army group centre drive moscow december vehicles tanks destroyed greatly improving morale german infantry defensive finished campaign effective dive bomber wing destroyed vehicles tanks artillery batteries trains loss hostile action end lost aerial combat ground lost air ground lost dive bombers air ground enemy action operating norway lost aerial combat fall early gave german_army valuable support december soviet landed luftwaffe able dispatch reinforcements bomber groups dive bomber groups belonging air superiority operated days battle peninsula half landing force destroyed sea lanes blocked inflicting heavy losses soviet shipping effectiveness soviet armour potent later versions tank withstand attack general direct hit scored soviet types thin armour nearly destroyed repeatedly bombed trapped soviet forces pilots flew sorties soviet defenders flew combat sorties dropping tonnes bombs city efforts help secure capitulation soviet forces july german summer offensive fall luftwaffe concentrated aircraft making largest powerful air command world strength stood flew thousands sorties soviet positions city flew sorties october pushed soviets metre west bank sorties flown small strip land intense air attack causing horrific losses soviet units failed destroy luftwaffe force maximum effort phase war flew average sorties day caused heavy losses soviet forces losing average day battle marked high point fortunes strength soviet grew gradually control skies luftwaffe point onward losses increased decline heavily involved operation citadel battle luftwaffe committed iii iii command iii committed command viii cannon equipped devastating effect soviet armour participated huge aerial counter offensive lasting july soviet offensive saved german armies reducing attacking soviet 11th guards army tanks july soviet offensive completely halted air losses considerable lost july july july july arm lost holders lost period july lost july december lost aircraft period september units equipped ground attack versions began renamed attack wings face overwhelming air opposition dive bomber required heavy protection german fighters counter soviet fighters units like continued operate great success operating variants equipped cannons tank killers increasingly small numbers wake defeat played vital defensive role southern wing eastern combat luftwaffe soviets deploy fighter aircraft result suffered heavily lost august reported loss aircraft combat operations despite losses helped break near included substantial use units unsuccessful stemming advances units loss air superiority vulnerable ground aces lost way aftermath strength fell aircraft total percent required strength october renamed wings reflecting ground attack role combat wings ground attack aircraft series aircraft luftwaffe dive bomber units ceased exist small number retained anti shipping operations black_sea role proved successful operating mediterranean october evident carried attacks soviet black sea fleet october powerful flotilla fleet comprising class destroyers caught sunk dive disaster decreed ships pass range german aircraft personal permission operation berlin end war allies gained air supremacy replaced ground attack versions early number units operational aircraft declined soviet summer offensive groups mixed groups including luftwaffe order battle june mixed aircraft unit included large numbers dive bombers rushed finnish summer instrumental halting soviet fourth strategic offensive unit claimed soviet tanks soviet aircraft destroyed losses january remained operational units mixed units contained chronic fuel shortages kept grounded sorties decreased end war final months war ground attack groups able impose operational constraints enemy notably aircraft participated defence berlin january 1st initiated offensive offensive ground early phases soviets soon air support unable use forward filled airfields germans fallen air bases good facilities concrete able mount attacks soviet army columns reminiscent early years luftwaffe able inflict high losses largely unopposed vehicles destroyed weeks days february vehicles tanks lost german air attacks forced abandon attempt capture berlin mid february participated intense battles small numbers largest concentration german air power late february germans able achieve challenge air superiority eastern air offensive instrumental saving berlin albeit months effort exhausted german fuel reserves contribution exemplified claimed enemy tanks february operators bulgaria bulgarian air czechoslovakia air force operated captured aircraft nazi germany hungary royal hungarian air kingdom italy regia japan romania royal romanian air republic air spain spanish air_force united kingdom royal air force tested captured variants war united_states operated tunisia short time crashed written yugoslavia operated captured aircraft postwar survivors intact survive aircraft displayed abandoned north_africa found british forces donated british government sent usa war fully restored wisconsin later ground attack variant displayed london captured british forces thought built rebuilt variant possibly fitting outer wings airframe wings hard points gun pods fitted captured german aircraft selected british museum preservation assigned air historical branch aircraft stored displayed raf sites moved permission given use aircraft film modified resemble variant engine found excellent condition little difficulty starting returning aircraft considered costly filmmakers ultimately models film represent film modifications removed aircraft returned original configuration aircraft survive wreckage recovered crash sites owned flying heritage collection believed long term restoration fly served bearing code recovered united_kingdom berlin wreckage complete aircraft recovered separate crash sites near purchased new_zealand collector originally planned remains restored displays remains aircraft crashed near raised october recovered underwater near rhodes code display belgrade parts rumoured sold british buyer found village poland october body romanian pilot found wreckage specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant liquid cooled inverted engine propellers blade propeller engine propeller diameter performance exceed speed mph mph maximum speed mph range bomb load service ceiling bomb load armament guns machine gun forward machine gun rear bombs normal load bomb beneath fuselage bombs underneath wing | Junkers Ju 87 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
9552_Mikoyan-GurevichDIS | russian long range escort fighter prototype soviet fighter aircraft world war service designation reserved production version aircraft intended develop reconnaissance bomber versions plans disrupted german invasion june project failure intended engine performance disappointing second prototype built later radial engines cancelled prototypes built design development requested october factory later design bureau begin work twin engined long range single seat escort fighter intended use engine development requested specifications model ready discussed november year days later ordered produce prototypes undergo state acceptance trials august september november meeting roles include bombing torpedo attack reconnaissance low wing twin engined twin tailed mixed construction section built middle section wooden rear section steel tubes covered skin twin tails wooden electrically operated variable horizontal elevators frames covered fabric wing pieces center section metal outer panels wooden fabric covered covered flaps wing leading edge thirds length main retracted rear engine retracted rear fuselage engines underneath wings engine oil mounted outer wing panels air engine located wing leading edge pilot provided glass panel underside nose improve downward visibility protected armor millimetres thick rear sides underside seat fuel capacity litres imp gal gal protected tanks pilot wings intended armed cannon rounds pod beneath nose preferred carry rounds gun proved failure aircraft reverted original cannon wing root synchronized machine gun rounds mounted pair machine guns rounds gun gun pod removed bombs torpedo carried instead flight testing prototype internal designation flight june initial flight tests conducted manufacturer july october disappointment reach speed mph metres mph slower estimated bladed metre propellers exchanged bladed metre propellers engine installation redesigned wind tunnel tests central revealed poorly designed engine accessories major cause excess drag modifications aircraft reached mph altitude metres time metres minutes improvements recommend production recommended development testing continue german advance moscow october forced institute evacuate factory went failure enter production doomed project albeit temporarily aircraft designers directed use radial engine backup engine products evacuation disrupted production version known internally built autumn aside engines differed small respects split vertically use air brake armament revised consist cannon pod rounds machine guns mounted wing roots flight january demonstrated speed mph time meters minutes flight testing stopped february sent central institute aviation motors adjustment continuous problems delayed entire project cancelled october service designation reserved production version aircraft demonstrated order october instructed begin manufacture completion state acceptance tests known designations aircraft include factory designation bomber version entered production known prototypes known built records suggest built original order called aircraft amended later additional aircraft engines sources quote dates version flight january october indication version completed simply clerical errors specifications data gordon history characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight fuel capacity powerplant liquid cooled engines propellers bladed diameter performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling time altitude minutes wing loading armament guns cannon machine guns machine guns comparable aircraft lockheed lightning | Mikoyan-Gurevich DIS | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
9769_FaireySpearfish | british carrier based single engined torpedo bomber dive bomber ordered world war designed war prototype fly july larger earlier naval bombers designed use aboard large malta class aircraft carriers cancelled war cancelled seven prototypes ordered built actually flew experimental work aircraft scrapped design development designed admiralty specification replacement torpedo dive bomber role comparison powerful engine internal weapons bay retractable surface search radar mounted bomb bay half large designed operated long ton malta class aircraft carriers development august company received order prototypes built specification prototype serial number constructed factory flew july fly november company ordered build dual control dive bombing trainer variant built chapel factory assembled flown june development aircraft ordered built fitted engine engined aircraft built flew production orders aircraft placed built aircraft intended use horsepower radial engine engines 60s remainder addition flaps enlarged lateral control provided small cancellation malta class carriers longer requirement new torpedo bombers programme cancelled work continued prototypes built cancellation contract albeit slowly test pilot naval aviator captain evaluated prototype found controls cruising flight heavy fact lateral control solid barely hand knots mph bad weather pilot carrier waiting land forced fly wide circuit carrier sight bad weather later prototypes boosted hydraulic power artificial feel stick spring interim measure brown found second prototype pleasant aircraft fly stick continually hunted neutral build stick force increase speed lacked sort stall warning problem operational use stall approach speeds fairly close landing aircraft proved prototype later trials firm systems briefly ground training purposes beginning april scrapped shortly second prototype sussex sold scrap september prototype conducted radar trials damaged heavy landing september sold scrap august repair fourth prototype flew source sole built aircraft closest planned production configuration engine cooling power assisted flying control trials struck charge july follow meet seat strike fighter redesigned accommodate twin coupled rolls engine rotating propellers variety engines considered production order placed examples programme eventually shelved remaining paper project description mid wing metal fuselage centre wing section built integral fuselage outer wing panels folded carrier operations distinguishing feature wing large flaps spanned wing trailing edge outward conventional landing gear wings housed pair imperial gal fuel tanks plus imperial gal tank leading edge starboard wing total imperial gallons gal fuel man tandem cockpit operated canopy large internal weapons bay alternatively carry pound bombs depth charges torpedo imperial gal auxiliary fuel tank intended carry inch machine guns remote controlled nash barbette cockpit wings external offensive armament rockets carried underneath outer wing panels operators specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height weight gross weight max takeoff weight fuel capacity imperial gallons gal powerplant cylinder radial engine propellers bladed diameter performance maximum speed mph cruise speed mph range nmi combat range nmi service ceiling time altitude minutes feet armament guns machine guns wings nash remote controlled dorsal barbette rockets rocket projectiles rails bombs carried internal weapons bay torpedo bombs depth charges | Fairey Spearfish | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
10002_LavochkinLa-152 | reporting type variants jet fighter prototype designed manufactured shortly end world war derived different engines program canceled fighters powerful engines swept wings showed promise design development following limited success drastic changes introduced improve performance ease maintenance engine rated lbf thrust moved nose formed forward fuselage position thrust losses length intake allowed engine changed easily predecessor cockpit widened moved position mid set wings engine exhaust pilot seat armored protected armor plate fuel tanks positioned ahead cockpit total capacity kilograms fuel mid mounted wings different flow span wing single flaps retracted fuselage meant aircraft narrow ground track aircraft armed millimeter starboard aircraft nose port gun rounds ammunition flight december manufacturer trials completed june state acceptance trials commenced july prototype crashed eighth flight engine failed approach maximum speed attained crash kilometers hour mph decided improve performance late replacing engine powerful lbf thrust design work completed september construction began prototype shortly afterward engine ready testing project canceled significant difference cannon furnished rounds ammunition developing versions increase engine power successful model millimeters longer weighed additional kilograms original engine power increased additional lbf thrust engine designated bureau fitted aircraft prototype november initially designated changed aircraft following month addition powerful engine aircraft seat additional cockpit armor revised canopy importantly fitted new wings greater span surface area new designed delay area vertical increased prototypes built completed february flight march second prototype joined manufacturer trials later month aircraft participated august given reporting type additional power increased aircraft speed mph second prototype began state acceptance trials september demonstrated maximum speed mph altitude meters reach meters minutes aircraft rejected trials concluded january report said engine required work ready production aircraft problems longitudinal stability excessive stick forces elevators troublesome consequently canceled program experimental version built thin wing thin straight wing thickness believed flown world imported rolls engine rated lbf mounted nose cannon nose accommodate engine flown january speed mph sea level reached altitude meters minutes impressive gains inferior swept wing flown months earlier program canceled variants second airframe canceled delays engine originally known aircraft modified engine version thin wing version engine performance overshadowed lower powered aircraft development abandoned data early soviet general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity powerplant version lbf thrust dry lbf performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading armament guns rounds total | Lavochkin La-152 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
10222_BlackburnFirebrand | british single engine strike fighter royal_navy designed world war originally intended serve pure fighter performance allocation engine typhoon caused redesigned strike fighter advantage load carrying capability development slow production aircraft delivered end war built withdrawn line service development general required fighters capable navigating long ranges sea speed differential attackers critical defence british naval bases raf commitment provision admiralty accepted duty needed fighter experience early shown high performance carrier based single seat fighter advantage design sabre cylinder type engine accepted june proposal order drawing board meaning prototypes stating minimum speed knots mph raised cover design order placed january prototypes given service july low winged metal aft cockpit fuselage oval shaped stressed skin semi forward circular section tubular steel frame housed imperial gal main fuel tank imperial gal auxiliary fuel tank engine sabre engine housed wing root extensions large wing consisted centre section manually folded outer panels degrees allow compact storage hangar decks aircraft carriers increase lift reduce landing speed wing fitted large powered flaps extended edges fixed armament fitted outer wing panels rounds gun vertical rudder positioned forward horizontal ensure spin recovery rudder retain effectiveness conventional landing gear mounted ends centre wing section retracted unusual gauge mounted outside cockpit landing pilot look cockpit instrument readings development modern heads display unarmed prototype flew february sabre armed prototypes following july initial flight trials disappointment aircraft reach mph estimated maximum speed mph replacement sabre iii engine built specifically improved speed mph second prototype conducted deck landing trials commander controls aboard fleet carrier february sabre engine typhoon fighter production map decided typhoon priority sabre sabre experiencing production problems new engine needed necessary airframe improvements accommodate abandon time effort invested design map decided convert interim strike fighter meet fleet air arm requirement single seat torpedo bomber capable carrying bombs rockets engaging air air combat production aircraft built original specifications retained trials development work badly damaged emergency landing converted prototype strike variant company designation flew march adaptation wing centre section widened foot inches room torpedo like saw limited production run aircraft allocated development work including assigned shore based trials unit proposed versions sabre powered aircraft including raf version high lift wing accepted development new specification issued cover development horsepower vii radial engine prototypes converted incomplete additional aircraft delivered completing batch aircraft prototype flew december construction new aircraft slow flight november changes related installation larger diameter engine including air oil cooler wing root extensions housed engine spring loaded trim fitted control surfaces production aircraft fitted improved engine found unsuitable carrier operations variety reasons new engine produced sabre rudder control insufficient takeoff flaps needed carrier use visibility landing poor attachment airframe weak aircraft tendency drop wing stall landing development continued issues new development designated featured larger tail surfaces better low speed control enlarged rudder horn balanced vertical offset degrees port counteract bladed propeller wings featured operated dive brakes upper lower surfaces aircraft wings stressed carry pound bomb wing imperial gal drop tank rockets frame held torpedo connected nose downward increase ground clearance landing gear extended upward reduce drag flight imperial gal fuel tank fitted lieu torpedo flew version enter mass production built aircraft cancelled later featured minor aerodynamic improvements converted final version boosted increase aircraft rate roll converted standard operational history action world war issued september squadron disbanded september deploying sea reformed flew carrier later hms attack aircraft february received december flew primarily carrier disbanded november variety second line squadrons issued marks training trials time test pilot naval aviator captain opinion aircraft short performance sadly lacking especially rate roll furthermore positioning cockpit trailing edge wing gave pilot poor view nose ability view target land aircraft aboard carrier brown called disaster deck landing aircraft variants prototypes ordered meet named july second prototype built prototype production variant order aircraft built completed iii variants completed improved variant built original production branch iii vii powered variant prototypes production aircraft original production batch improved variant ordered completed converted standard delivery modified designated improved variant modified conversions prototype modified conversions operators arm naval air squadron data baby battleship general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity imp gal gal powerplant bristol cylinder radial engine propellers bladed diameter performance maximum speed mph cruise speed mph range nmi rate climb min armament guns rockets bombs torpedo bombs | Blackburn Firebrand | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
10468_IlyushinIl-30 | soviet powered tactical bomber designed higher performance swept wing version late 1940s thin wing engine necessitated use tandem landing gear soviet aircraft apparently canceled prototype flight sources disagree development follow design began june flown designed meet requirement jet bomber carry range maximum speed mph design took starting point thin mid mounted swept wings sweep angle chosen allow aircraft reach required speed intended powered new flow engines lbf thrust wing mounted fuselage area ruled thin wing necessary cure excessive lateral stability limited fuel carried tip tanks required meet range requirement slim engine allow main landing gear solution house fuselage bicycle landing gear soviet aircraft small twin wheeled mounted underneath stabilize aircraft ground aircraft crew pilot gunners pilot dorsal gunner shared compartment subdivided cockpit position extensively nose dorsal gunner placed pilot underneath canopy tail gunner separate compartment rear aircraft defensive armament cannon fixed forward pair dorsal turret immediately cockpit tail turret maximum bomb load initial results favorable scale formally reviewed march prototype completed august incident involving rival swept wing broke engine mount low altitude flight led delays additional tests demanded determine strength wings flight following year program lost momentum ordered concentrate resources service introduction formally terminated government order august prototype eventually scrapped beginning 1960s aviation historian quotes maiden flight date september says actually flew subject speculation west common ventral gun mount soviet bomber attain speed mph specifications estimated data history characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight powerplant lbf thrust speed mph cruising speed mph range nmi service ceiling armament guns bombs kilograms | Ilyushin Il-30 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
11261_TupolevTu-75 | military transport variant bomber similar new purpose designed fuselage soviet military machine class equipped rear fuselage loading ramp placed production decided cheaper modify existing transport mission use existing transports design development began work september military transport version confirmed march state trials begin august process maximum use components engines fuel injected version new narrower fuselage designed included rear cargo hatch vehicle loading ramp exit doors gun turrets dorsal ventral tail adapted fitted prototype crew gunners radio operator navigator pilots aircraft intended different roles transport parachute transport aerial ambulance role designed carry assault guns artillery seven guns prime combination equipment facilitate loading cargo mounted ceiling cargo hold capacity carry troops fully loaded standard parachute loads aerial ambulance carry medical operational history construction prototype prolonged aircraft finished november flight taking place january finished manufacturer trials following decided submit state acceptance trials decided cheaper rely existing transports modify bombers cargo role prototype map russian crashed october specifications data characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight useful load max takeoff weight powerplant cylinder row radial engine performance maximum speed mph cruise speed knots mph stall speed knots mph range service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament cannon planned | Tupolev Tu-75 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
11557_TupolevTu-80 | soviet prototype longer ranged version bomber built world war canceled favor program offered range sole prototype test programs ending days target development designed modernized enlarged greater range achieved use fuel efficient engines better adding fuel tanks intended range kilometres carry maximum bomb load kilograms speed kilometres hour mph work began design february confirmed order june required prototype ready state acceptance trials july forward portion fuselage redesigned style stepped fuselage lengthened allowed bomb bays doors lengthened radar operator moved forward compartment radar located chin position new streamlined wings enlarged total square metres rubber boots replaced efficient aerodynamic bleed air engine redesigned smaller cross sections drag originally engines considered engine ready fully propellers changes increased lift drag ratio construction began november components possible speed construction flight wasn december canceled program september favor expected better performance research aircraft testing pitch propellers structural heavy aircraft eventually target bombing gunnery range specifications data russian aircraft general characteristics length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant cylinder row radial engine performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling wing loading power mass armament bombs bombs | Tupolev Tu-80 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
11931_Platt-LePageXR-1 | known company designation early american twin helicopter built pennsylvania winner design competition held early helicopter tested flying flight testing proved troublesome continued testing showed design promise improved helicopters available ready service result development aircraft terminated design development developed earlier unsuccessful design winner design competition held terms logan act supply helicopter design submission judged army superior competitors included helicopter submitted developed following selection design contract construction prototype static test airframe issued july year contract specified delivery flying prototype january aircraft completed months later contract schedule delay led receiving funding development design design bore strong resemblance helicopter developed germany flown impressed founder tour europe powered radial engine mounted buried installation fuselage aircraft bladed mounted arrangement wing like designed produce lift forwards flight slightly unloading construction conventional standards time aircraft frame consisting steel tube framework covered fabric tail surfaces similar conventional aircraft equipped fixed landing gear aircraft wheels freely easier maneuvering ground cockpit seated aircraft crew members tandem arrangement pilot located ahead observer extensively provide good visibility aircraft intended observation army operation role development aircraft major general proposed evaluated operational history following months ground testing conducted maiden flight aircraft restrained early flights june aircraft conducted free flight albeit remaining feet ground flight testing continued aircraft performance envelope expanded quickly proved troublesome testing showing variety troubles design included issues aircraft controls insufficient control authority present addition resonance issues airframe prone pilot induced aircraft modified attempt resolve issues army modified contract provide additional funding improvements design despite problems continued addition company test pilot lacked confidence design refusing fly aircraft potential situation resolved colonel director wing projects flew aircraft reaching mph flight aircraft worst aircraft problems believed resolved submitted service testing course army failed structural testing surfaces strengthened result testing following repairs resuming despite modifications design proved control authority july program suffered setback aircraft crashed seriously injuring test pilot replaced following dismissal company crash caused inspector error leaving suspect aircraft hub failing flight result decision aircraft year ready fly testing able continue meantime negotiated contract cover second flight test aircraft built revised improved version design designated second aircraft flown time featured revised cockpit covering compared area increased improved visibility pilot observer positions reversed pilot seated rear cockpit flight testing found superior flight performance controls proving troublesome worst bugs worked following cross country flight ohio pennsylvania plant testing continued mechanical failure hub led crash landing october company deciding sell wreckage scrap having repaired meantime flying contract awarded construction seven pre production aircraft built improved version design designated motivated congressional concerns potential meantime given contract development improved version experimental helicopter contract called delivery army january continued financial flight testing problems proved incapable meeting schedule problems approaching resolution late protracted development aircraft meant alternative improved helicopters expensive aircraft available addition improvements failed cure aircraft control vibration problems considered company work applying hit miss method research development result assessment army contracts company universally cancelled early april following cancellation army contract returned company believing design potential civilian aircraft planned civilian version enlarged twin engined aircraft financial difficulty following cancellation army contract mid flight test program concluded aircraft retired meantime company test pilot purchased wreckage price cents pound formed new company intending provide helicopter flight training anticipation postwar aviation boom returned flying condition projected boom failed hat quickly entered bankruptcy selling employee started helicopter company soon grounded aircraft concerns airframe development planned failed proceed mock stage survivors following conclusion flight testing returned placed aircraft storage aircraft stored remarkable condition variants prototype built second prototype increased cockpit improved engine built seven pre production aircraft ordered contract cancelled completed proposed armed variant fitted machine guns nose proposed utility mail single seat helicopter proposed place civil helicopter partially built proposed based airframe built operators data connor lee general characteristics crew pilot observer length wingspan height gross weight powerplant radial engine main diameter performance maximum speed mph disk loading power mass | Platt-LePage XR-1 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
12141_LockheedMartinF-22Raptor | lockheed lockheed martin fifth generation single seat twin engine weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed united_states_air_force result program aircraft designed primarily air superiority fighter ground attack electronic warfare signals intelligence capabilities prime contractor built airframe weapons systems final assembly boeing provided wings aft fuselage integration training systems aircraft variously designated formally entered service december protracted development despite operational issues considers critical tactical air power says aircraft known projected fighter combination stealth aerodynamic performance awareness gives aircraft unprecedented air combat capabilities high cost aircraft lack clear air air missions delays russian chinese fighter programs ban exports development versatile led end production final tally operational production aircraft established delivered development origins developed requirement advanced tactical fighter new air superiority fighter replace eagle fighting falcon code named senior sky program influenced emerging worldwide threats including development soviet fighter aircraft advantage new technologies fighter design horizon including composite materials lightweight advanced flight control systems powerful propulsion systems stealth technology request proposals issued july contractor teams lockheed selected october undertake month demonstration phase culminating flight test technology prototypes design team produced prototype air vehicles engine options lockheed led team employed thrust enhanced increasing weight cost drove certain requirements development looking radars deleted dedicated red search track system downgraded multi color single color deleted space cooling provisions retained allow future addition components seat requirement downgraded fresh design existing flight test demonstration prototypes april secretary announced winner competition design considered faster aviation press speculated navy abandoned production prime contractor manufactured majority airframe performed final assembly georgia program partner provided additional airframe components integration training systems production split states increase congressional support production split contributed increased costs delays capabilities deferred post service upgrades reducing initial cost increasing total program cost production supported suppliers jobs design changes swept angle leading edge decreased vertical shifted decreased area improve pilot visibility canopy moved forward inches engine moved inches shapes wing trailing edges refined improve strength stealth characteristics increasing weight development caused slight reductions range aerodynamic performance engineering manufacturing development aircraft named unveiled georgia april flew september development team composed contractors won trophy american aviation prestigious award production years rate roughly month peak production originally envisioned ordering cost billion production beginning led secretary defense reduced aircraft beginning funding instability cut total reduced reduced operational aircraft despite preference multi year plan implemented save billion raise aircraft cost year program total cost projected billion distributed seven combat squadrons received billion contract increase order production extend manufacturing april assessed cost million aircraft billion invested development testing unit cost estimated million based production run aircraft estimated end production billion spent resulting total program cost billion million aircraft cost additional estimated million stated estimated cost million aircraft ban exports exported american federal law protect stealth technology high tech features customers fighters acquiring earlier designs fighting falcon newer lightning joint strike fighter contains technology designed cheaper flexible available export september congress upheld ban foreign sales despite ban defense authorization bill included provisions requiring prepare report costs feasibility export variant report effect export sales industry australian politicians defense commentators proposed australia attempt purchase instead planned citing known capabilities delays developmental royal_australian_air_force raaf determined unable perform strike close air support roles japanese government showed interest replacement fighter program japan air self defense force reportedly require fewer fighters mission obtained reducing engineering costs reported acquiring require increases defense budget historical percent end production japan chose december israel expressed interest eventually chose price production termination 2000s need debated rising costs lack relevant adversaries general united_states found demonstrated need investment opposition program expressed secretary defense deputy secretary defense senator john_mccain chairman senator program lost influential supporters forced secretary air_force chief staff air_force general congress passed defense spending bill funding continued production pentagon released million million additional aircraft raising total orders production aircraft leaving program hands administration november secretary defense stated relevant post cold war conflicts iraq afghanistan april new called ending production fiscal year leaving production aircraft july general vice chairman stated reasons supporting termination production included shifting resources allow fifth generation fighters service branches preserving production line maintain military electronic warfare capabilities boeing issues reliability availability raised concerns president obama threatened veto production senate voted july favor ending production house subsequently agreed production aircraft cap gates stated decision taken light capabilities set requirement aircraft lowering number major regional conflict preparations initiated study determine costs retaining future paper study estimated production building additional cost billion resulting million aircraft million higher cost stated production line cost million production documented illustrated electronic stored retained produce additional components limited production run reserve aircraft leading considerable care maintenance later attempts retrieve found containers russian chinese fighter developments fueled concern general head stated fleet inadequate secretary gates dismissed concern gates explained chinese fifth generation fighter developments accounted number set considerable advantage stealth aircraft delays december final completed test operational aircraft produced aircraft delivered april proposed legislation direct air_force conduct comprehensive assessment study costs associated resuming production aircraft defense secretary production halted cost billion direct funds ongoing irregular warfare operations iraq afghanistan pentagon noted air warfare systems russia china catching air superiority capabilities bill notes stated requirement initial program objectives aircraft require reviewing anticipated future air superiority capacity capability requirements estimated costs restart production measures addition identifying cost building aircraft report consider possibility prohibition export repealed previous estimates production placed figures billion including million non recurring start costs estimated unit cost million production run aircraft years lockheed proposed upgrading early training model combat coded block versions way increase numbers available deployment upgrades combat capable block aircraft flew upgrade program implemented enables aircraft employ joint direct attack munitions provides improved ground attack capability synthetic radar mapping radio direction finding electronic attack testing began upgraded aircraft delivered upgrade process focuses electronic warfare communications identification allow fully exploit missiles subsequent include adoption open platform air traffic control updates upgrades allow employ link reception transmission capability upgrade scheduled integrate weapons suite fleet planned block training block combat aircraft upgrade planned include new stores management system correct symbols improved control enable way communication platforms use gateway originally planned integration cut lack system maturity lockheed martin competing connect platforms maintaining stealth upgrades developed include red search track functionality missile launch integration helmet mounted system enable missile launches gains helmet mounted system use high capabilities march accelerated software portions completed january opened development integration contract billion budget november upgrade contract ceiling raised billion nearly billion allocated structural repairs achieve fleet availability rate achieved technology stealth applied update schedule slipped seven years instability requirements funding moved cut upgrade funding upgraded backup oxygen system software upgrades oxygen sensors address frequent oxygen issues operations faulty flight vest replaced altitude restrictions lifted distance restrictions lifted backup oxygen system installed april stated congressional testimony installation automatic backup oxygen systems fleet completed months designed lifespan years flight hours million structures program investigations upgrades extend useful lives long term expected superseded sixth generation jet fighter fielded design overview fifth generation fighter considered fourth generation stealth aircraft technology operational aircraft combine stealth fusion single weapons platform delta wings reverse sweep rear surfaces retractable landing gear flight control surfaces include leading trailing edge flaps vertical moving horizontal tails surfaces serve speed brakes aircraft dual engines closely spaced incorporate pitch axis thrust range degrees engine maximum thrust lbf class thrust weight ratio typical combat configuration nearly unity maximum military power maximum speed external stores estimated greater aircraft sustain flight fuel inefficient intercept targets aircraft lack speed pursue dependent aircraft lack fuel reach high operating altitude significant tactical advantage prior fighters use internal weapons bays permits aircraft maintain comparatively higher performance combat fighters lack aerodynamic drag external stores structure contains significant high strength materials withstand stress heat sustained flight respectively comprise aircraft structural weight highly speeds flight control system authority digital engine control aircraft highly departure resistant relaxed stability powerful thrust engines enable aircraft turn tightly perform high alpha angle attack maneuvers maneuver turn aircraft capable maintaining alpha having roll control aerodynamic performance fusion stealth work increased effectiveness altitude speed advanced active passive sensors allow aircraft spot targets considerable ranges increase weapons range altitude speed complement stealth ability increase aircraft ground defenses surface air missiles key include radar warning receiver infrared missile launch active array radar features sensors provide spherical infrared coverage passive radar blended wings fuselage round coverage program head described technically complex piece equipment aircraft range nmi exceeds radar cue radar emissions confined narrow beam elevation increase stealth depending detected threat defensive systems prompt pilot release according experts said passive detection system capable searching targets providing information radar lock radar features low active array track multiple targets weather conditions radar emissions focused enemy sensors electronic attack capability radar changes frequencies times second lower interception probability estimated range miles planned upgrades allow range miles narrow beams radar information processed common integrated capable processing billion instructions second process known fusion data radar sensors external systems filtered combined common view reducing pilot workload upgrading aircraft reportedly challenging highly integrated nature ability operate close battlefield gives aircraft threat detection identification capability comparative ability function mini radar powerful dedicated platforms designate targets allies determine friendly aircraft targeting aircraft radar system identify targets times quicker bus developed derived commercial bus system radar tested wireless data data second receiving speed far faster link system software million lines code majority involving processing radar data secretary blamed use cost delays military projects including reportedly raised doubts security systems combat effectiveness navy secretary considered safe citing age software cockpit glass cockpit digital flight instruments head display offers wide field view serves primary flight instrument information displayed color liquid crystal display panels primary flight controls force sensitive stick controller pair initially wanted implement direct voice input controls judged technically risky abandoned canopy dimensions approximately inches long inches wide inches tall weighs pounds integrated radio functionality signal processing systems separate hardware module reports inability communicate aircraft funding cuts affected integration voice communication possible data transfer integrated control panel system entering communications navigation data displays located display integrated caution advisory warning data communications navigation identification data serve stand flight instrumentation group fuel quantity indicator stand flight group displays artificial horizon basic instrument meteorological conditions primary multi function display located navigation situation assessment secondary multi function displays located tactical information stores management seat version aces advanced concept seat commonly aircraft center mounted control complex life support system includes board oxygen generation system protective pilot breathing anti valve controlling flow pressure pilot mask pilot developed advanced technology anti suit project protect chemical biological hazards cold water counter forces low pressure high altitudes provide thermal relief suspicions performance life support equipment raised including fatal crash armament internal weapons bays large bay fuselage smaller bays sides fuselage aft engine main bay accommodate launchers visual range missiles bay short range missiles launchers main bay replaced bomb racks carry bombs carrying armaments internally maintains aircraft stealth additional drag missile launches require bay doors open second hydraulic arms push missiles clear aircraft reduce vulnerability detection deploy missiles high speed flight carry air surface weapons bombs guidance self designate laser guided weapons internal air surface ordnance limited internally mounted cannon embedded right wing root muzzle covered retractable door maintain stealth radar projection cannon fire path displayed pilot head display high cruise speed altitude increase effective ranges munitions greater employment range prior platforms range extended introduction classified expected employed twice effective range legacy platforms testing dropped feet cruising striking moving target miles away typically carries weapons internally wings include rated handle accommodate carry external fuel tank holding air air missiles external fuel tanks use external stores aircraft stealth performance releasing stores external restore characteristics ordnance pod developed carry additional weapons stealth designed highly difficult detect track radar measures reduce radar cross section include airframe shaping alignment edges fixed geometry prevent line sight engine faces exterior view use radar material ram attention detail pilot helmets provide radar return designed decreased radio emissions infrared signature acoustic signature reduced visibility naked eye aircraft flat thrust reduces infrared emissions threat infrared heat seeking surface air air air missiles additional measures reduce infrared signature include special paint active cooling leading edges manage heat buildup flight compared previous stealth designs like reliant ram maintenance intensive susceptible adverse weather conditions unlike requires climate controlled undergo repairs flight line normal hangar features signature assessment system delivers warnings radar signature degraded repair exact radar cross section classified lockheed martin released information indicating certain angles equivalent radar reflection steel marble effectively maintaining stealth features decrease mission capable rate effectiveness stealth characteristics difficult gauge value restrictive measurement aircraft frontal area perspective static radar aircraft maneuvers completely different set angles surface area potentially increasing radar furthermore stealth radar materials chiefly effective high frequency radars usually found aircraft effects scattering resonance mean low frequency radars weather radars early warning radars likely detect physical size radars conspicuous susceptible low precision additionally faint radar contacts defenders aware stealth aircraft present reliably interception attack aircraft challenging according surprised iranian phantom attempting intercept american despite iran claim having military radar coverage operational history designation testing originally given unofficial lightning world war lockheed lightning fighter persisted mid-1990s officially named aircraft lightning later given aircraft briefly dubbed superstar september changed designation mimicking navy intended highlight planned ground attack capability amid debate aircraft role relevance designation reinstated december aircraft entered service flight testing began jet participate flight test program retired flight testing subsequently sent testing including live fire testing battle damage repair training testing upgrades maintenance trainers production delivered nevada january released report documented problem forward boom caused heat treating boom roughly specified potentially shortened life modifications implemented restore life august flight test squadron performed air air aircraft synthetic jet fuel wider effort qualify aircraft use fuel mix fischer process produced natural gas based fuel flew mixture derived introduction service december announced achieved alaska june simulated combat exercises downed adversaries losses exercises amassed kills losses air air combat loss red flag february supported strikes undertook close air support sorties superior numbers red force maintained air dominance sorties missed maintenance failures single judged lost defeated opposing force provided airborne electronic surveillance achieved operational capability december general officially declared integrated active duty fully operational followed integrated wing april rated excellent categories simulated kill ratio deployments fighter units frequently deployed okinawa japan february aircraft overseas deployment air base 27th fighter squadron flying hawaii experienced multiple software related system failures crossing international date line aircraft returned hawaii following tanker aircraft hours error resolved journey resumed early involved korean military drills november fighter squadron alaska performed interception russian bear bombers escorted bombers pair assigned 49th fighter wing operational new_mexico june support personnel reassigned reactivated secretary initially refused deploy middle_east type deployment region air base april rotating miles iran iranian defense minister referred deployment security threat march announced intercepted iranian phantom approached miles flying iranian coastline june deployed malaysia participate cope exercise conducted september performed type combat sorties american led intervention syria number aircraft dropped pound gps guided bombs targets vicinity combat operations planned continue future missions involve striking targets main role intelligence surveillance reconnaissance gathering january accounted percent air_force sorties operation inherent resolve general said performed deployment september july flew sorties syria dropping bombs locations june pair performed aircraft close air support mission receiving short notice request close proximity friendly forces late testing rapid deployment concept involving support proposed pilots goal type able set engage combat hours deployed germany august poland air base estonia september train nato allies maintenance training aircraft available missions time average rate early required hours maintenance flight hour total cost flight hour reduced lower pentagon requirement maintenance hours flight hour introduced mean time maintenance hours short required rose hours cost flight hour times fleet required maintenance man hours flight hour aircraft requires month long packaged maintenance plan flight hours stealth system including radar absorbing metallic skin account maintenance canopy redesigned original design lasted average hours instead required hours depot maintenance performed air logistics complex hill utah january reportedly maintained sortie rate flying tasked sorties zero kill ratio northern edge air air exercises alaska according lieutenant colonel wade squadron commander stealth robust earlier stealth aircraft sensitive weather wear tear rain caused shorts failures sophisticated electrical components posted guam reduce operating costs service life pilot training sorties performed flight adversary training budget cuts led demonstration flights halted resuming reported maintenance demands increased fleet aged stealth particularly demanding operational problems operational problems experienced caused fleet wide critically pilots experienced decreased mental status including losing consciousness reports instances pilots found decreased level memory loss landing pilots experienced lingering respiratory problems chronic symptoms include emotional changes number possible causes investigated including possible exposure chemical agents respiratory pressure suit malfunction effects oxygen delivery greater atmospheric concentrations oxygen supply problems include minor mechanical problems navigational software failures fleet grounded months resuming flight reports oxygen issues persisted expert panel recommended changes deal oxygen supply issues october awarded contract investigate breathing difficulties july pentagon concluded pressure valve flight worn high altitude flights carbon air filter likely sources like symptoms long distance flights resumed limited lower altitudes carbon filters changed different model reduce lung exposure carbon breathing anti valve pilot vest high maneuvers found vest intervals restricting pilot breathing board oxygen generating system unexpectedly reduced oxygen levels high maneuvers late awarded contracts install supplemental automatic oxygen backup system addition primary manual backup changes recommended received consideration reportedly considered installing brain wave monitors pilot helmets monitoring new backup oxygen generators filters installed aircraft symptoms attributed acceleration exacerbated high performance present solution condition presence particles ground crew deemed unrelated april distance altitude flight restrictions lifted determined breathing restrictions pilot responsible opposed issue oxygen provided variants pre production technology demonstration phase built single seat production version designated early 2000s planned seat variant canceled save development costs naval variant carrier borne variant variable sweep wings program replace program canceled called possibility naval variant deciding factor choice derivatives proposed medium range bomber projected carry small diameter bombs twice range maintaining stealth speed planned form appears canceled subsequent developments lieu larger bomber greater range multi axis tail aircraft planned experimental aircraft based enhanced thrust controls aerodynamic surface backup aircraft solely controlled thrust featuring elevators funding program halted operators united_states united_states_air_force operator ordered test operational production aircraft november production aircraft inventory 1st virginia 27th fighter squadron combat squadron began conversion december florida test evaluation squadron nevada nevada weapons squadron fighter wing florida fighter squadron squadron operate continues serve formal training unit california flight test squadron pacific air forces alaska fighter squadron fighter squadron 15th hawaii 19th fighter squadron active associate squadron associate virginia fighter squadron hawaii fighter squadron fighter wing associate unit known unit associate florida fighter squadron associate accidents april second crashed landing edwards test pilot escaped injury cause crash found flight control software error failed prevent pilot induced crash occurred takeoff december pilot ejected safely impact investigation revealed brief power engine prior flight caused flight control system malfunction consequently aircraft design corrected avoid problem following brief grounding operations resumed review march crashed miles northeast edwards test flight resulting death test pilot investigation found momentarily lost consciousness high maneuver ejected found low recover killed blunt force trauma aircraft speed investigation found design issues november crashed killing pilot captain restricted flying feet grounded investigation crash attributed bleed air system malfunction engine condition detected shutting accident review board ruled blame react properly engage emergency oxygen system widow sued claiming equipment defects later reached settlement ruling engagement handle emergency oxygen system redesigned system engage automatically engine failure february inspector general released report stating blaming facts sufficiently support conclusions stated stood ruling training mission crashed east november pilot ejected safely injuries reported ground investigation determined electrical wire ignited fluid hydraulic line causing fire damaged flight controls aircraft display display specifications data web site manufacturers data aviation week general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area root tip weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant pitch thrust dry thrust thrust fuel capacity internally external fuel tanks performance maximum speed altitude mph estimated mph range nmi external fuel tanks combat radius nmi nmi clean ferry range nmi service ceiling wing loading thrust weight maximum design load armament guns vulcan barrel cannon right wing root rounds air air mission air ground mission small diameter bombs wing stations fitted carry drop tanks weapons capacity radar miles targets estimated range missile launch radar warning receiver nmi detection range protection missiles notable appearances media | Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
12362_ProjectIsinglass | project project code given heavily classified manned reconnaissance aircraft studied cia potential replacements lockheed mid 1960s proposal high altitude plane fly considered insufficient advancement existing aircraft second advanced design referred air launched rocket powered boost aircraft use high altitude trajectory avoid defenses aircraft considered costly development project abandoned origins project developed result vulnerability existing manned reconnaissance aircraft lockheed lockheed soviet air defenses early 1960s shooting continuing plans soviet_union referred cia failed come pass cia began plans aircraft superior performance replace proposal initial aircraft proposed developed division developed work fish programs work tactical bomber design utilised systems developed use intended capable cruising speeds altitude feasibility study conducted completed fall aircraft determined costly considered potentially vulnerable projected soviet air defense capabilities project halted proposal design development alternative design completed usually considered documents refer aircraft having proposed boost aircraft submitted cia independently proposals featured small manned rocket powered craft high lift drag ratio air launched bomber flying atlantic_ocean aircraft rocket engine adopt trajectory soviet_union speeds altitude feet descending pacific_ocean landing groom lake nevada landing lake bed landing gear concept considered superior spy satellites number ways including rapid turnaround time quick response capability little funding cia budget developed aircraft funds technical support supplied cia proposal shape remains classified described similar space shuttle albeit reduced size cross model aircraft constructed illustrate principles construction showed aircraft essentially existing projected air defenses surface air missiles armed nuclear better force aircraft change course avoid fringe effects explosions cancellation following fourteen months work developed aircraft point proposals construction cia official requirement aircraft addition projected cost aircraft astronomical cost aircraft projected billion usd dollars inflation adjusted billion sum considered far high available budget addition concerns aircraft trajectory mistaken incoming missile cia failed receive approval funding approached project air_force proved adopting cia project despite support general chief late project terminated brief effort revive project proving unsuccessful engine development development aircraft conducted funding united_states_air_force fund development aircraft intended engine intended rocket engine powered liquid hydrogen liquid oxygen producing lbf thrust throttle development continued cancellation considered use space shuttle cancelled early 1970s | Project Isinglass | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
12627_IlyushinIl-40 | nato reporting seat soviet jet engined armored ground attack aircraft prototype flew successful fired guns disturbed engines caused problem took year involved radical change moving engine air way aircraft guns tip nose fuselage nose wheel aircraft resembling double shotgun ordered production production aircraft completed entire program canceled early discarded close air support doctrine favor tactical nuclear weapons battlefield development begun design studies jet engined ground attack aircraft possessing better performance characteristics possible engined aircraft end design bureau prepared technical proposal seat armored aircraft flow rated lbf maximum power lbf january sent proposal government quickly accepted directed design build prototype wings set low fuselage swept angle engines pods adjacent fuselage traditional ground attack aircraft core structure load bearing armored shell protected crew positions fuel tanks radio electrical equipment thickness shell ranged thickness armored bulkhead protecting pilot thick cockpit pilot given armored protect shells fired gunner protected armor thick total weight armored shell glass seats provided fitted rear fuselage underneath enhance aircraft dive initial armament mounted nose rounds protruding mounted remotely controlled tail barbette rounds maximum elevation maximum depression traverse traverse rate second elevate rate second small bomb bays fitted wings maximum capacity alternatively bomb racks fitted wings carry bombs rockets drop tanks total capacity litres gal normal bomb load carried conditions maximum rockets carried cameras fitted rear fuselage day night damage assessment photos flown march flight tests revealed shortcomings air operational far aft minor problem landing taking especially coupled short biggest problem proved guns effect engines aerial test cannons end march muzzle flash temporarily blinded pilot engines pilot able restart engines safely immediately started investigation cause engine problems ground tests high speed cameras revealed muzzle brakes blast tested difference engines single gun fired rounds decision replace guns nose cannon rounds gun rate fire greater totally revise gun installation guns moved tip nose separate compartment heat resistant steel provided special blast chamber blast away engine doors provided chamber chamber firing problem occurred immediately testing blast gases accumulated section spent links saved ignited occasionally strong actually chamber spent shell case section thoroughly muzzle brakes introduced successfully cure problem resolving problem guns prevented aircraft undergoing state acceptance trials july stipulated special commission appointed conduct trials december manufacturer trials successfully concluded january aircraft turned state acceptance trials lasted january march tests generally successful proving easy fly handful fighters opposing considerably superior engined ground attack aircraft service fight tests reveal blast gas firing engine opposite solutions evaluated cure problem pushed radical solution extending air engines way nose aircraft moving guns nose air change position guns extension air looked like double shotgun allowed nose wheel moved forward guns mounted nose wheel special shield added protect gun barrels debris thrown nose wheel linked nose wheel extended changes included replacement original engines improved version normal bomb load increased condition rear view mirror added allow pilot better observe rear upper hemisphere production began construction prototype evaluate solution endorsed october ordered production begin factory don improved version designated prototype flew february began state acceptance trials october changes resolved problems suffered earlier design order batch production machines placed completed spring undergoing pre flight tests entire program canceled april components preparation scrapped week later branch superseded branch doctrine drastically modified longer provide close support army use tactical nuclear weapons nuclear battlefield program canceled variants studied artillery spotting version known model added redesigned forward fuselage air reverted original position guns placed small wing bomb bays wasn danger engines blast guns navigator given extensively position tip nose protected armor glass fuselage nearing completion order came cancel entire program second variant torpedo carrying version called based fuselage navigator position flat glass panels facilitate aiming effort devoted model canceled early stage variants prototype second prototype production aircraft artillery navigator nose cockpit torpedo bomber navigator nose flat panels weapon aiming late 1960s revival concept beaten competition prototype ultimate iteration modern engines beaten specifications data gordon history characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph range drop tanks service ceiling wing loading armament guns cannon fuselage nose cannon remotely controlled rear turret bombs bombs wing bomb bays carrying bombs rockets drop tanks | Ilyushin Il-40 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
12826_AvroCanadaCF-103 | proposed canadian designed early 1950s development possible replacement company entering service time intended capable flying speeds moderate increase performance capability subsequently aircraft progressed mock stage design development prototype flown conducting studies potential advanced variations aircraft seeking greater high speed performance perceived limitations original thick straight wing chief designer proposed series included thinner swept wing december decided proceed redesign primarily incorporating early series fuselage structure new swept wing tail surfaces design study frost considered new design interim aircraft advanced project changes basic wing decreasing chord thickness adding sweep leading edge creating near delta wing configuration tail surfaces swept version considered featured streamlined fuel tanks blended leading edge wings near quarter position despite use powerful engines redesign modest performance specifications planned maximum diving speed scarcely better speed limit production executives recognizing company suffered protracted development determined frost revised design provide failure secure long term contracts issued order prototypes static test airframe project designation tools detailed engineering drawings place june wind tunnel testing conducted completed november wooden mock built separate cockpit area engine section partially framed mock feature unit interior fittings different tail designs fitted initial effort having swept leading edge tail definitive version appearance engineering installation requirements proposed jet engines finalized experimental hybrid unit stage turbine matched unit fully developed cancellation flight tests carried chief development test pilot members flight test unit revealed development potential intended performance envelope frost preoccupied sophisticated designs potential replacements work stalled maiden flight originally scheduled summer postponed cold war pressures mounting canadian government demanded production latest fighter developing advanced variants leading company project december mock experimental bay factory dramatic event served attempt restart project december height prototype unauthorized test flight resulted final scrapping mock specifications data arrow story arrow evolution extinction general characteristics crew length wingspan height powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph dive armament proposed forward firing ventral gun pack containing inch machine guns rounds machine gun | Avro Canada CF-103 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
12902_BoeingB-52Stratofortress | boeing boeing long range jet powered strategic bomber designed built boeing continued provide support upgrades operated united_states_air_force 1950s bomber capable carrying pounds weapons typical combat range miles aerial beginning successful contract bid june design evolved straight wing aircraft powered engines final prototype engines swept wings took maiden flight april built carry nuclear weapons cold war era missions replaced veteran wars dropped conventional munitions combat official rarely informally aircraft commonly referred buff big ugly fat active service active service reserve bombers flew sac aircraft absorbed transferred newly created air force global strike command superior performance high speeds relatively low operating costs kept service despite advent later advanced aircraft including canceled variable geometry stealth spirit completed years continuous service original operator upgraded expected serve development origins november issued desired performance characteristics new strategic bomber capable carrying strategic mission dependence advanced intermediate bases controlled countries aircraft crew turret gunners man relief crew required cruise mph knots feet combat radius miles nautical miles armament consist unspecified number cannon pounds bombs february air_force issued bid specifications boeing submitting proposals june boeing model straight wing aircraft powered wright gross weight pounds combat radius miles nmi declared winner june boeing issued letter contract million build scale mock new preliminary engineering testing october air force began express concern sheer size new aircraft inability meet specified design requirements response boeing produced model smaller engine version pound gross weight briefly deemed acceptable subsequently november deputy chief general curtis expressed desire cruise speed miles hour boeing responded aircraft december boeing asked change design engine bomber speed miles hour range miles nmi ability carry nuclear weapon total aircraft weigh pounds boeing responded models powered model nuclear bomber pound model general purpose bomber pound cost associated purchasing specialized aircraft air force selected model understanding adapted nuclear strikes june military requirements updated model met range obvious air_force updated performance obsolete time entered production offer little improvement result entire project postponed months time boeing continued perfect design resulted model speed miles hour mile range september convened performance requirements nuclear bomber december requirements called speed miles hour mile nmi range far capabilities outright cancellation boeing contract december plea president secretary allen reasoned design capable adapted new aviation technology stringent requirements january boeing instructed thoroughly explore recent technological innovations including aerial flying wing noting stability control problems experiencing flying wing bombers boeing insisted conventional aircraft april presented million million today proposal design construction testing model prototypes model design configuration similar later design built soviet_union bear strategic bomber revisions resulted aircraft speed miles hour feet range miles nmi pounds gross weight included pounds bombs gallons fuel design effort asked boeing incorporate previously discarded fuel efficient jet engine design resulted development revision july model substituted air_force project officer reviewed model favorably impressed especially thinking similar lines government concerned high fuel consumption rate jet engines day directed boeing use powered model basis agreed propulsion future general deputy chief staff material keen jet powered felt jet engine progressed sufficiently permit intermediate stage boeing encouraged continue studies expected commitment jet propulsion thursday october boeing engineers presented design engine bomber chief bomber development colonel warden disappointed projected aircraft asked boeing team come proposal engine bomber joined boeing vice president engineering engineers worked night hotel van ohio boeing proposal engine bomber friday colonel warden looked information asked better design returning hotel boeing team joined boeing engineers town business late friday night laid essentially new airplane new design built basic layout degree swept wings engines paired pods bicycle landing gear wheels notable feature landing gear ability pivot main landing gear aircraft centerline increase safety landings trip hobby shop supplies set work building model rest team focused weight performance data wells skilled artist completed aircraft drawings sunday hired type clean copy proposal monday presented colonel warden bound page proposal inch scale model aircraft projected exceed design specifications size mock inspection april generally favorable range concern early model excessive fuel consumption despite talk revision specifications design competition aircraft manufacturers general charge insisted performance compromised delays engine development final attempt increase range boeing created larger stating production range increased subsequent modifications following direct boeing awarded production contract thirteen seventeen reconnaissance pods february major design change general insistence switch style tandem seating conventional cockpit increased effectiveness reduced crew fatigue prototypes featured original tandem seating arrangement framed bubble type canopy pre production production second modified operational equipment flew april pilot ground testing november system failed pressure test resulting explosion severely damaged trailing edge wing necessitating considerable repairs hour minute proving flight seattle washington undertaken boeing test pilot air force lieutenant colonel followed october thorough development including days wind tunnel days aerodynamic testing paid smooth flight testing encouraged air force increased order ordered built returned boeing test program june february contract updated order aircraft new specifications final aircraft enter active service completed roll ceremony march air_force chief staff general said long rifle great weapon day today long rifle air age followed progressively improved bomber reconnaissance variants culminating allow rapid delivery production lines set main seattle factory boeing facility companies involved massive production effort airframe built prototypes models aircraft built seattle testing aircraft built seattle caused problems jet noise led establishment engine tests aircraft ferried miles east maiden flights near fully tested production came end factory phased production seattle responsible models plants continued build built seattle seattle decided transfer production freed seattle tasks particular production production ended aircraft built plus original prototypes upgrades proposed variant consisted modified augmented additional electronic capabilities variant restored airborne capability lost retiring raven program canceled following removal funds stand program revived cut early july air_force began fleet wide technological upgrade bombers called electronics communications technology computing flight deck upgrades include software hardware new computer radios data links receivers digital crew update warrior line sight software radio able transmit voice data information flight ground command control centers allowing transmission reception data updated intelligence mapping targeting information previous flight target changes required copying coordinates allows machine machine transfer data useful long endurance missions targets moved arrival aircraft able receive information upgrades cost billion overall years funding secured air_force hopes upgrades year rate decided weapons upgrades include gives percent increase weapons digital interface expected cost roughly million allow carry operational october bombers ability carry weapons place carry allows precision guided missiles bombs deployed inside weapons bay previous aircraft carried munitions externally wing increases number guided weapons carry reduces need guided bombs carried phase allow carry pound guided bombs pound later phases family missiles addition carrying smart bombs moving internally wings reduces drag percent reduction fuel consumption design overview shared technological similarities preceding boeing strategic bomber aircraft basic design swept wings jet engines cabin included crew systems pilots electronic operator ejected upwards lower deck crew ejected downwards gunner tail gun bail structural fatigue accelerated factor low altitude flight profile high altitude flying requiring costly repairs extend service life early 1960s phase high stress program launched counter structural fatigue aircraft flying hours follow programs conducted hour service life extension select extensive completed wet wing introduced models susceptible fatigue experiencing stress flight old wing wings modified followed fuselage skin replacement flight control program fuel leaks deteriorating continued plague variants end aircraft subjected hard shell finally programs fitted safety prevented catastrophic loss fuel case clamp failure september military aircraft fly alternative fuel took edwards air force base blend process synthetic fuel conventional jet fuel burned engines december took edwards synthetic fuel engines time air force aircraft entirely powered blend seven hour flight considered success program aims reduce crude oil usage obtain half aviation fuel alternative sources august air_force secretary certified fully approved use blend flight controls mission parameters modest maneuvers required need spin recovery aircraft relatively small narrow chord rudder giving limited control authority originally moving vertical abandoned doubts hydraulic reliability aircraft engines thrust loss engine flight minimal narrow rudder assist landings main landing gear degrees neutral landing gear crew according wind observations ground elevator narrow chord like rudder suffers limited elevator control authority long term pitch trim changes aircraft uses moving tail elevator small adjustments setting degrees movement crucial operations landing large pitch changes induced application prior models small short span approximately equal chord provide feedback forces pilot control fine tune roll axes delicate maneuvers aerial twisting thin main wing conventional type lose authority words activation cause wing twist roll control wing responsible majority roll control late models eliminated altogether added extra wing partly lack models susceptible dutch roll ongoing problems systems addressed program completed improved components bombing navigational computer terrain computer upgrade fitted aircraft detect failures weapons computer systems essential monitoring dog missiles electronic capability expanded improve operations low altitude consisted forward looking infrared system mounted navigational capabilities later augmented addition gps 1980s bomber space shuttle main computer targeting pod fitted increased effectiveness aircraft attack ground targets variety weapons laser guidance high resolution forward looking infrared camera obtain target imagery pods fitted wide variety aircraft armament ability carry nuclear missiles added models starting improve offensive ability air launched cruise missiles fitted testing backed boeing navy backed selected operation ultimately total modified carry carrying missiles modified carry missiles fitted bomb bay conform salt treaty requirements cruise missile capable aircraft readily identifiable reconnaissance satellites cruise missile armed modified distinctive wing root assumed modified visual modification aircraft required cruise missile entered service intended replace high cost cold war end led produced unlike conventional non nuclear version built modified utilize weapon missile canceled development costs converted cruise missile carriers underwent series modifications improve conventional bombing fitted new new hold larger bombs stores external modified carry anti ship missiles fitted carry stand air ground missile retired urgent scheme launched restore interim capability aircraft modified carry carry rapid program program gave comprehensive conventional weapons capability adding modified weapon conventional armed capability carry new generation weapons including wind corrected munitions guided bombs bomb missile program introduced new radios integrated global positioning system aircraft navigation system replaced nose modern unit seven modified program end starting boeing upgrade internal launchers interface enable internal carriage smart bombs currently carried wings engines engines paired pods suspended beneath forward wings leading edge careful arrangement allowed work wing fences delay onset stall prototypes powered experimental engines lbf static thrust models equipped providing dry thrust lbf increased short periods lbf water injection water carried tank rear fuselage models equipped series engines rated lbf models powered rated lbf static thrust water injection started delivered air_force cleaner burning maximum thrust lbf study mid-1970s boeing investigated replacing engines changing new wing improvements upgrade aircraft alternative development studied engines replaced late 1990s rolls boeing jointly proposed fit leased plan failed flawed economic assessment air_force resistance combat assets involve replacing total thrust total thrust increase range reduce fuel consumption cost approximately billion fleet aircraft million study concluded boeing estimated savings billion realized cost billion keeping existing engines citing significant expenditure higher maintenance cost report subsequently disputed report air_force urged engine aircraft delay report stated program significant savings reduce greenhouse gas emissions increase aircraft range endurance line conclusions separate congress funded study conducted found air_force failed account cost aerial fuel costing times air ground overhaul cost decade joint boeing study recommended billion allowing billion cost savings increasing combat range time station proposing competition financed reviewing industry studies engine replacement approved late reported unnamed private companies exploring program private lease companies purchase new engines lease costs determined actual usage payments delivered final production stop current possibilities thrust thrust costs operational history introduction production variant aircraft testing operational version developed parallel prototypes flying december serial number entered operational service heavy bombardment wing california june wing operational march training crews consisted weeks ground school weeks flying accumulating hours air new replaced operational basis early operations problematic addition supply problems technical issues struck ramps deteriorated aircraft weight fuel system prone leaks bombing fire control computers unreliable split level cockpit presented temperature control problem pilots cockpit heated sunlight observer navigator deck sat ice cold floor comfortable temperature setting pilots caused crew members freeze comfortable temperature crew caused pilots engines proved unreliable failure caused fatal crash february result fleet briefly grounded july fuel hydraulic issues grounded response maintenance issues air force set sky speed teams contractors base perform maintenance routine taking average week aircraft dropped nuclear bomb test code named air dropped weapon november 42nd flew nonstop perimeter north_america operation quick kick covered miles nmi hours minutes sac noted flight time reduced hours fast jet powered tanker aircraft propeller driven demonstration global reach january non stop flight world miles nmi covered hours minutes flight set records years september set world speed record miles hour kilometers nmi closed circuit day established world speed record miles hour kilometer nmi closed circuit december set world distance record flying miles nmi flight lasted hours minutes mph january set world distance record flying surpassing prior record set years earlier air base okinawa japan spain covered miles nmi flight passed seattle azores cold war entered service sac intended use deter counteract vast soviet military soviet_union increased nuclear capabilities destroying forces deliver nuclear strikes bombers missiles etc great strategic importance administration endorsed switch focus president expressing preference military targets civilian ones principle reinforced plan action case nuclear war breaking cold war strategic bombers performed airborne alert patrols code names bombers high altitude near borders soviet_union provide rapid strike retaliation capability case nuclear war airborne patrols formed component nuclear act prevent breakout large scale war soviet_union concept late 1950s era threat surface air missiles threaten high altitude aircraft seen practice incident intended use changed serve low level penetration bomber attack soviet_union terrain provided effective method avoiding radar threat intended low level role flexibility allowed intended successors nature aerial warfare changed large airframe enabled addition multiple design improvements new equipment adaptations service life november improve aircraft combat capabilities changing strategic environment sac initiated big modification program known modification operational early models program completed modifications ability launch dog nuclear missiles advanced electronic suite upgrades perform weather low altitude feet mission face advancing soviet missile based air defenses 1960s concerns fleet capable lifespan projects north american aborted proved disappointing light changing requirements left older main bomber opposed planned successive aircraft models february general curtis testified congress lack follow bomber project raised danger going fall apart replacement aircraft later complemented roles aircraft capable missions involving high speed low level penetration vietnam war escalating situation southeast_asia fitted external racks pound bombs project june additional aircraft received similar modifications project march united_states commenced combat mission operation arc light flown june bombers 9th struck communist stronghold near district south vietnam wave bombers arrived early designated rendezvous point maneuvering maintain station collided resulted loss bombers crewmen remaining bombers minus turned mechanical problems continued target seven dropped mile mile target box feet little bombs falling target zone force returned bomber electrical problems recovered mission having lasted hours post strike assessment teams south vietnamese troops american advisors found evidence departed area raid suspected south forces tipped north troops involved post strike inspection beginning late number underwent modifications increase bomb capacity carpet bombings external remained pound pound bombs internal capacity increased pound bombs pound bombs modification created capacity total pounds bombs modified carry pounds designed replace modified entered combat april flying guam bombing mission lasted hours aerial spring aircraft began flying airfield thailand giving aircraft advantage requiring flight november hit surface air missile sam raid crew forced abandon damaged aircraft thailand destroyed hostile fire total lost war included shot attacks vietnam operation linebacker referred christmas bombing consisted waves models equipment smaller bomb load days flew sorties dropped tons bombs targets originally committed war numbers frequently twice figure operation shot heavily damaged crashed suffered medium damage total crew men killed losses claimed shot air air combat vietnam war tail gunners credited shooting december tail gunner staff completed bomb run operation linebacker turning away north vietnamese air force approached locked fighter drew range turner fired guns mounting caliber machine guns exploded aft bomber confirmed master tail gunner nearby turner received actions tail number preserved display air air kill markings washington december bombing campaign diamond headed bomb railroad yards tail gunner class spotted fast approaching moore opened fire caliber guns kept shooting fighter disappeared scope technical sergeant tail gunner aboard watched catch fire fall away confirmed preserved display colorado moore bomber gunner believed shot enemy aircraft machine guns aerial combat vietnamese sources attributed air air victory shot april victories largest aircraft credited air air kills arc light mission fighter escort took place august military action southeast_asia wound post vietnam service reached end structural service life mid-1960s retired june followed september nasa eventually retired edwards california remaining models display wings denver colorado time expired models retired bulk retired march models retired survived trainers late fleet models served longer models extensively overhauled program mid-1970s lower wing fuselage replaced structural components renewed fleet models stayed largely intact late upgraded retired remainder retired remaining models nuclear standby alert duty nuclear combination nuclear armed land based missiles submarine based missiles manned bombers intended replaced older models ceased continuous hour sac alert duty vietnam experience operations hostile air defense environment taken account modernized new weapons equipment offensive defensive use low level tactics marked major shift utility upgrades short range nuclear missiles models modified carry missiles replacing existing gravity bombs carried internally special mounted wing strike heavily defended targets entering terminal defenses new modification sixth major program improved aircraft self protection capability dense soviet air defense environment new equipment expanded signal coverage improved threat warning provided new techniques increased quantity power requirements consumed excess electrical capacity modified electro optical viewing system low level operations terrain avoidance easier safer system contained low light level television camera forward looking infrared camera display information needed penetration lower altitude cruise unarmed resembled radar active carried devices range miles deployed operationally concept developed known air launched cruise missile modifications increased weight nearly pounds decreased operational range considered acceptable increase capabilities fall soviet_union remaining service destroyed accordance terms strategic arms reduction treaty start cut bombers pieces completion destruction task verified russia satellite person inspection facility gulf war later strikes important operation starting january flight flew louisiana air route struck targets iraq returned home journey hours miles round trip set record longest distance combat mission breaking record previously held raf vulcan bomber achieved forward seven flew combat sorties operation firing successfully destroying percent targets operating saudi_arabia united_kingdom air base spain island flew bombing missions iraq initially low altitude nights moved high altitude missions instead reduced effectiveness psychological impact compared low altitude role initially played conventional strikes carried bombers dropped pound bombs area bombings defending iraqi troops surrendered wake strikes science technology magazine described role conflict buff value clear gulf war turned lights baghdad operation flew sorties delivered weapons dropped coalition forces conflict claims iraqi air air successes including iraqi pilot allegedly fired missile damaged opening night gulf war disputes claim stating bomber actually hit friendly fire high speed anti radiation missile harm fire control radar tail gun jet subsequently renamed harm way shortly following incident general announced gunner position crews eliminated gun turrets permanently commencing october mid-1990s variant remaining military service currently stationed air force base 5th bomb wing air force base 2nd active air_force assigned edwards air force base additional nasa california heavy lift program september bombers conducted mission operation struck baghdad power stations communications facilities conventional air launched cruise missiles hour mile round trip mission guam longest distance flown combat mission march began bombers bombarded targets including contributed operation enduring freedom providing ability high battlefield provide close air support use precision guided munitions mission previously restricted fighter ground attack aircraft late dropped bomb afghanistan played role operation iraqi freedom commenced march iraq southwest asia night march launched targets iraq recent service august cruise missiles mistakenly loaded missiles nuclear weapons leave custody secured january original aircraft operational retired september periodically refurbished maintenance depots oklahoma air force works bomber projects intends service nearly years entered service unprecedented length service aircraft civilian military continues rely remains effective economical heavy bomber absence sophisticated air defense particularly type missions conducted end cold war nations limited defensive capabilities continued service reliable replacement capacity extended periods deliver precision direct fire munitions distance addition direct bombing valuable asset supporting ground operations conflicts operation iraqi freedom highest mission capable rate types heavy bombers operated period averaged ready rate spirit achieved averaged cost hour flight cost hour hour bomber program intended yield successor begin service intended produce aircraft competitors joint team boeing submitted proposals awarded contract october november began freedom navigation operations response chinese man islands region chinese forces claiming jurisdiction mile exclusion zone islands ordered bombers leave area refused recognizing jurisdiction january parts south_korea escorted south korean response supposed test hydrogen bomb north_korea april undisclosed number arrived air base operation inherent resolve military intervention took heavy bombing conducting rotated region january variants went design changes variants years production prototype aircraft limited operational equipment aerodynamic handling tests modified operational equipment designated production version built loaned boeing flight testing production differed prototypes having redesigned forward fuselage bubble canopy tandem seating replaced arrangement nose extension accommodated new sixth crew member rear fuselage tail turret inch machine guns fire control system water injection system augment engine power water tank added aircraft carried external fuel tank wing tanks wing kept close ground ease maintenance serial modified redesignated carry fitted right wing fuselage engines feet feet section removed right wing fit tail liquid oxygen hydrogen tanks installed bomb bays fuel launch flight march launch june named high mighty carried program flights version enter service june bombardment wing castle california version included minor changes engines enabling extra pounds thrust water injection temporary grounding aircraft crash february following july caused training delays mid year combat ready crews built capable carrying reconnaissance pod crew increased aircraft pound pod contained radio receivers combination cameras operators downward firing seats pod required hours install seven brought standard number converted launch platform subsequently flew balls support nasa research december making oldest flying replaced modified fuel capacity range increased gallons adding larger fuel tanks gross weight increased pounds pounds new fire control system introduced model belly aircraft painted white paint intended reflect thermal radiation away nuclear designation initially given fitted reconnaissance duties similar manner fitted reconnaissance pod designation little quickly abandoned dedicated long range bomber reconnaissance option big belly modifications allowed carry heavy loads conventional bombs carpet bombing vietnam modification added phase systems better systems later upgrades long range capabilities model extensively vietnam model aircraft assigned vietnam painted camouflage colour scheme black defeat received updated bombing navigational system eventually included following models aircraft modified systems aircraft fitted load mode system reduced airframe fatigue wind gusts low level flight test aircraft flew knots mph faster exceed speed damage eliminated vertical horizontal vibrations caused wind gusts aircraft given engines larger capacity water injection system provide greater thrust previous models model problems fuel leaks eventually solved service modifications hard shell proposed extend service life delays program radical redesign envisioned completely new wing engines rejected avoid production large number changes implemented significant brand new wet wing integral fuel tanks considerably increased fuel capacity gross aircraft weight went pounds compared prior variants addition pair external fuel tanks fitted wings model traditional eliminated instead provided roll control tail fin shortened feet water injection system capacity increased gallons nose enlarged tail gunner manning caliber machine guns mounted remote controlled tail turret model guns later removed operational aircraft relocated main cockpit provided seat dubbed battle station concept offensive crew pilot upper deck bombing navigation system operators lower deck faced forward defensive crew tail gunner operator upper deck faced aft entered service february day earlier retired making sac jet bomber force produced making produced variant destroyed compliance strategic arms reduction treaty number dismantled new start treaty requirements december examples remain display museums crew structural changes significant upgrade switch engines despite initial reliability problems corrected program offered considerably better performance fuel economy updated new fire control system fitted rear defensive armament changed machine guns vulcan cannon later removed final aircraft manufactured provision rocket later remainder fleet provision missiles aircraft flight occurred july entered service variant use total built production aircraft serial left factory october allocated reconnaissance variant aircraft designated instead operators united_states nasa united states air force aircraft service february 57th wing nevada weapons squadron bomb wing 20th bomb squadron bomb squadron 5th bomb wing bomb squadron test wing edwards bomb wing bomb squadron bomb squadron notable accidents january returning routine instrument training mission broke apart crashed near new_brunswick killing crew board pilot captain safety crash believed caused wings airframe exercise designed test pilot fourth crash involving months february crashed ice blocking fuel system leading reduction power engines crew members killed september collided near washington crew members aircraft killed october columbus mississippi carrying nuclear weapons collided tanker near kentucky crew members bomber crew tanker killed nuclear bombs damaged fire weapons recovered august crashed spruce swamp new_hampshire bomber routine training mission massachusetts air speed indicator failed led attempting emergency landing bay landing option affected weather conditions crashed making landing reported crash entire crew survived crew safety debris crash covered quarter mile densely wooded january broke crashed suffering severe fuel loss near north_carolina dropping nuclear bombs process march california carrying nuclear weapons experienced necessitating descent feet lower cabin altitude increased fuel consumption lower altitude unable rendezvous tanker time aircraft ran fuel crew ejected safely bomber crashed miles west california april serial accidentally shot intercept training mission carrying live missiles launch capability supposed disabled fault caused fire strike bomber left wing aircraft crashed near killing crew members board january training mission massachusetts lost vertical low level flight crashed west near maine crewmen aboard survived crash january 6th bomb wing walker air force base new_mexico crashed snow covered mountains northern new_mexico tore vertical fin operator tail gunner killed crew pilot radio operator crew member survived lockheed shooting stars later transports area trying locate survivors pilots reported saw survivors man walked safety january flown boeing test pilots lost vertical near east spanish peak able land air force base arkansas january carrying nuclear bombs suffered structural failure flight caused tail section shear crewmen ejected successfully aircraft crashed near cumberland maryland crewmen subsequently perished ground unable died aircraft weapons recovered incidents caused failure vertical january fatal collision occurred spain range nuclear bombs eventually recovered conventional explosives bombs detonated impact triggering nuclear explosion crash metric tons contaminated soil sent united_states agreement spain investigate clean pollution remaining result accident november deployed crashed destroyed flew ground south wisconsin crew low level terrain avoidance night mission sac stopped flights entered low altitude terrain avoidance radar flew low tops forest crashed july overran runway loss brakes emergency landing air base vietnam loss crew aircraft suffered electrical malfunction led engines january nuclear bombs aboard operation dome crashed ice attempting emergency landing air base greenland resulting fire caused extensive radioactive contamination cleanup lasting september year following closely incident cleanup costs political consequences proved high risk sac ended airborne alert program following day april assigned 28th caught fire crashed landing air force base sliding halt burning atop fuel storage tank efforts fire department personnel saved man crew prevented catastrophic explosion fuel tank march departed florida routine training mission assigned bombardment wing unarmed aircraft sustained multiple engine failures engine fires engines shortly takeoff aircraft immediately attempted return base crashed short runway residential area orlando florida approximately mile north destroying damaging homes flight crew airmen civilian ground killed july assigned strategic bomb wing operating combat mission hit lightning strike knocked plane instruments started fire port wing crewmen killed crash october serial assigned march air force base california impacted ground miles east night low level training mission crew members board killed crew sortie departed march planned recovering texas december assigned california participating minimum interval seconds aircraft takeoff incident aircraft number position ship cell equipped water injection additional thrust lead aircraft equipped system incident aircraft thrust system incident aircraft rapidly started overtake lead aircraft incident aircraft pilot rapidly causing engines aircraft stalled leading impact ground crew members killed fatalities ground october assigned washington wing arizona crashed sending high air seven crew perished crash including col wing deputy commander operations february hulk assigned provisional british indian ocean territory crashed returning bombing mission iraq crash eventually blamed catastrophic failure aircraft electrical system crew members board killed june crashed washington practice crew members died accident july deployed louisiana air force base guam crashed approximately miles coast guam crew members killed standard crew members flight surgeon aircraft display specifications data fact sheet characteristics crew pilot weapon systems officer navigator electronic tail gunner removal tail gun length wingspan height wing area root tip weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant lbf fuel capacity gal imp gal zero lift drag estimated drag area aspect ratio performance maximum speed mph cruise speed mph combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight lift drag ratio estimated armament guns vulcan cannon originally mounted remote controlled tail turret model removed current operational aircraft bombs approximately mixed ordnance bombs mines missiles configurations optical viewing system uses platinum forward looking infrared high resolution low light level television sensors rocket advanced targeting system sniper advanced targeting pod computer notable appearances media featured number major films notably bombers gathering eagles learned stop worrying love bomb dawn early light featured numerous novels early patrick novels feature heavily modified bombers nicknamed 1960s called resemblance aircraft distinct nose popular band subsequently named | Boeing B-52 Stratofortress | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
13047_DouglasXCG-17 | american assault developed conversion twin engine transport world war successful testing requirement large passed examples type built additional converted field configuration briefly evaluation quickly powered configuration design development introduction engined transport aircraft observing conventional service inefficient use power capacity determined requirement existed new larger assault determined best solution requirement conversion douglas large scale production meet requirement converted configuration minimal alteration airframe provide required capacity trials conducted conventional powered conducting ordinary landings towed indicated scheme feasible taken hand conversion given designation aircraft impressed military service start world war modified removal aircraft engines containing landing gear remained place covered containing fixed weight compensate removal engines equipment longer necessary conversion configuration removed save weight items removed included aircraft bulkheads navigator radio operator positions operational history conversion carried completed june aircraft undergoing initial flight test shortly flight testing proved aircraft satisfactory compared conventional service aircraft possessed lower higher speeds conventional significantly shallower angle tow tests conducted variety aircraft commonly configuration tandem tow aircraft coupled tandem leading aircraft following takeoff configuration dangerous middle determined single optimal aircraft cargo hold capacity pounds alternatively fully equipped troops transported figures significantly larger conventional capacity capable carrying single load alternatively millimetre regardless aircraft load ballast required maintain aircraft center gravity trait unique american assault despite satisfactory results testing aircraft failed army requirement capable landing fields addition time evaluation completed need large assault passed primary role intended increase supplies carried china war situation favorable added capacity provide longer required examples type produced prototype trials complete placed storage ferried disposal august august aircraft sold engines return aircraft powered status configuration sources indicate configuration following restoration powered status aircraft transferred mexico remained civilian service field conversion failed lead production derived type single converted field configuration located philippines january carried manner conversion included shaped engine auxiliary power unit bomber installed referred named aircraft undertook initial flight following conversion june towed flight tests field converted aircraft proved favorable ambitious flight aircraft tokyo japan planned flight intended prove large act aerial freight train regular transport flight conducted late june took hours flight time included overnight stay okinawa covering miles concluded airfield near tokyo despite success flight aerial freight train concept catch aircraft engines fitted august returned service normal operators military civilian specifications data general characteristics crew pilot capacity pounds cargo troops length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight performance maximum speed mph max speed cruising speed mph speed stall speed mph maximum ratio wing loading | Douglas XCG-17 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
13396_HallXPTBH | hall hall prototype american twin engined seaplane submitted united_states_navy response specification new bomber scout aircraft constructed innovative fashion extensive use aluminum proved successful flight testing failed win favor production contract awarded single aircraft built served experimental duties destruction hurricane design development late issued specification new scout bomber torpedo bomber designs companies submitted total designs response evenly split submitted seaplane design single prototype ordered navy evaluation june given designation aircraft receive mission type letters designation system hall choice twin float seaplane configuration dictated navy requirement new torpedo bomber design capable carrying standard naval torpedo type carried destroyers ordered intended fitted wright cyclone radial engines delays design caused hall relocating production facility difficulties contract doubts aircraft performance potential led redesign aircraft slightly smaller engines changed pair changes aircraft resulted receiving revised designation standard aluminum tubular fuselage wing leading edges covered aluminum rest wing control surfaces fabric covered aircraft armed defensively 1930s standards powered turret designed hall mounted nose carrying single caliber machine gun hand traversed pair machine guns fitted dorsal ventral belly positions aft flat glass panel fitted nose turret use aircraft offensive weaponry consisting mark aerial torpedo alternatively pounds bombs carried internal bomb bay twin float arrangement allowing clear release weaponry operational history delivered navy january aircraft officially presented public hall bristol pennsylvania factory april year aircraft early flight testing starting february conducted test pilot showed faults significant issue lack roll authority reduction ability turn aircraft result surface area modification increase area rudder solved issue aircraft water handling characteristics found excellent significant complaints surfaced testing period concerned gear found extremely difficult use water met design specifications rated overall good flight testing failed meet contractual requirements speed attack speed addition consider torpedo bomber aircraft operational requirement fact aircraft restricted operation water considered negative aircraft role led viewed jack trades purpose designed aircraft role considered superior company blamed navy politics lack production order following conclusion test program experimental duties naval torpedo station newport rhode_island participating trials aerial torpedoes service newport came end september destroyed great new england hurricane aircraft designed company remained business bought specifications data general characteristics crew pilot navigator flight mechanic gunner radio operator gunner length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight max takeoff weight powerplant radial engines propellers bladed constant speed performance maximum speed mph cruise speed mph range nmi combat range nmi torpedo service ceiling pounds mission weight time altitude minutes feet wing loading armament guns caliber machine guns nose turret dorsal position machine gun ventral position bombs torpedo pounds bombs | Hall XPTBH | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
14232_Bockscar | called forces bomber dropped fat man nuclear weapon japanese city nagasaki world war second nuclear attack history built nebraska delivered march assigned utah april training practice missions combat missions dropped bombs industrial targets japan august piloted commander major dropped fat man nuclear bomb blast yield equivalent tnt city nagasaki city destroyed people killed injured war returned united_states november september given ohio aircraft flown museum september original markings restored permanent display ohio replica fat man airplane history victor number assigned built nebraska aircraft modified designated block involved extensive modifications carry nuclear weapons bomb bay doors fuselage section bomb bays removed create single foot bomb bay british attached shape types gun type suspension anchored aft bomb bay type mounted forward bay weight reduction accomplished removal gun turrets armor plating improved engine aircraft represented significant increase performance standard variants delivered march assigned captain crew flown utah april chosen aircraft painted mission pun aircraft commander left june arrived june originally given victor unit assigned identification number august given triangle tail markings security measure victor changed avoid actual aircraft training practice missions combat missions dropped bombs industrial targets japan crew bombed lieutenant crew bombed atomic bomb mission mission crew flown august crew great piloted major commander plane piloted lieutenant normal aircraft commander great designated observation instrumentation support plane second mission flown major photographic aircraft mission primary target city located secondary target nagasaki large armament plants located flown crew test drop rehearsals fat man assemblies days leading second mission including final rehearsal day great assigned aircraft crew flew designated preliminary planning drop second bomb aircraft fitted observation instruments hiroshima mission moving instrumentation great complex time consuming process second atomic bomb mission moved august august adverse weather forecasts crews great instead exchanged aircraft result bomb carried flown crew great nagasaki pre flight inspection flight engineer notified fuel transfer pump impossible use gallons imp gal fuel carried reserve tank fuel carried way japan consuming fuel replacing pump hours moving fat man aircraft long dangerous bomb live group commander colonel elected continue mission took mission profile directed fly individually rendezvous point changed bad weather feet cruising altitude instead customary feet increasing fuel consumption began climb feet bombing altitude half hour rendezvous mission warned minutes rendezvous proceeding target reached rendezvous point assembled great time failed appear weather planes dragon reported nagasaki accepted parameters required visual attack ordered circle longer minutes continued wait urging commander plane command mission exceeding original departure time limit half hour accompanied great proceeded thirty minutes away delay rendezvous resulted clouds drifting smoke fires started major raid nearby previous day covering area aiming point bomb runs minutes burning fuel exposing aircraft repeatedly heavy defenses unable drop visually time bomb run japanese anti aircraft fire getting close second lieutenant monitoring japanese communications reported activity japanese fighter direction radio bands increasingly critical fuel shortage resulted decision reduce power conserve fuel divert secondary target nagasaki approach nagasaki minutes later indicated heart city downtown covered dense cloud decided bomb nagasaki radar according captain small opening clouds end minute bomb run permitted identify target features visually dropped fat man local time exploded seconds later blast yield equivalent tnt altitude feet approximately miles northwest planned aiming point resulting destruction city failure drop fat man precise bomb aim point caused atomic blast confined consequence major portion city protected intervening hills bomb dropped city industrial valley midway south ordnance works north estimated people killed injured bombing nagasaki killed japanese munitions workers korean slave laborers japanese soldiers landing delays mission fuel transfer pump sufficient fuel reach emergency landing field flew aircraft okinawa arriving minutes trying contact control tower landing clearance finally concluding radio faulty critically low fuel barely runway okinawa fuel landing attempt brought miles hour instead normal miles hour firing distress alert field landing number engine died fuel starvation began final approach touching runway hard heavy left row parked bombers pilots managed regain control propellers insufficient slow aircraft adequately pilots standing brakes degree turn end runway avoid running runway second engine died fuel exhaustion time plane came stop flight engineer later measured fuel tanks concluded minutes total remained following mission confusion identification plane eyewitness account war correspondent new_york_times accompanied mission aboard aircraft piloted reported leading mission great noted victor number writing personnel commented jersey number football player interviewed crew depth aware referred airplane great gay names painted fact noted account unaware switch aircraft assumed victor great fact great victor current status war returned united_states november served new_mexico nominally assigned task force records indicating deployed tests august assigned arizona storage placed display aircraft bombed nagasaki markings great september title passed ohio aircraft flown museum september original markings restored permanent display ohio display primary exhibit museum gallery includes replica fat man bomb signage states aircraft ended short documentary nagasaki mission aboard including details mission preparation titled nagasaki commander voice crew members regularly assigned crew manned great nagasaki mission captain aircraft commander lieutenant pilot lieutenant navigator lieutenant philadelphia master flight engineer rochester assistant sergeant sergeant nagasaki mission crew crew normally assigned great major aircraft commander captain don pilot pilot miami second lieutenant regular pilot captain navigator captain houston master columbus staff gunner assistant flight engineer chicago staff lisbon sergeant board following additional mission personnel commander lieutenant assistant second lieutenant baltimore flew atomic missions serving radar august august display | Bockscar | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
14422_NorthropN-3PB | single engined american 1940s developed export model based earlier design total purchased norway delivered fall norway second world war exiled norwegian forces operating iceland convoy escort anti submarine patrols training purposes little norway canada years delivery design effectively obsolete combat role remaining replaced larger aircraft design development following increased international tension surrounding german annexation norwegian parliament granted extraordinary funds nok share funds designated buy torpedo bombers reconnaissance aircraft new naval air stations considered proposals retrieved commission quickly decided best aircraft satisfy air services needs requirements reconnaissance aircraft range speed torpedo equivalent bombs december norway sent purchasing commission united_states consisting contingent headed contingent led goal commission inspect serve new common reconnaissance bomber air services requirements commission hoped fill replacing patrol aircraft commission found able deliver reasonable time aircraft found quickly found douglas satisfy requirements fitted continued look aircraft suitable visits aviation companies february determined manufacturer design available production capacity commission ordered based model renamed drawing board literally aircraft ordered prior type having flown march total cost nok meet requirement half paid shortly german invasion norway april model export model attack bomber series intended serve basis redesigned meet requirements norwegian order new product reformed low winged fitted twin intended lower powered engine ultimately powered wright cyclone radial engine type specified bombers ordered norway time eventual maintenance operation requirements entire norwegian military aircraft fleets norwegian operation requirements drawn coastal reconnaissance series modifications requested original design changes included redesign float structure accommodate torpedo bomb load carried center fuselage supplement bomb racks additional armament changes led combination machine guns replacing machine gun fixed forward flexible rear mounted cannon forward facing fixed arrangement initial design provision rear fuselage gun equipment requirements including fitting rear fuselage mounted camera changes instrumentation radio equipment complete aircraft norway invaded germany invasion occupation norway necessitated armament originally installed norway changed initial specifications listed cannon wing machine guns fuselage rear gunner stations owing lack availability originally specified armament norwegian manufactured heavy machine guns substituted machine guns wings mounted dorsal ventral positions gunner rear cockpit operational history delivery chief test pilot flew december california flight test customer acceptance trials successfully completed production aircraft use powerful cyclone engine performance estimates exceeded flight characteristics including considered excellent aircraft delivered exiled end march training late february production flown station canada canadian winter bases norwegian training bases known little norway service advanced trainer canada little norway summer base island harbour toronto winter bases western coast canada relatively brief ended determined pilot air crew graduates integrated raf squadrons arrangements later advanced flight training norwegian pilots carried raf schools types better fit transition combat flying consequently surviving stored shipped iceland march steamer delta combat use remaining equip norwegian squadron raf iceland sent iceland shipped atlantic board norwegian steamer voyage new_york taking days complete reason deploying iceland avoid having unusual aircraft operating united_kingdom involved risk friendly fire incidents squadron declared operational april erected seaplane hangar aircraft flying june squadron flew convoy escort patrols june flights based squadron carried attacks german boats including surrendered british boats sunk number occasions clashed long range reconnaissance bombers flying boats credited damaged october involved friendly fire incident attacking british lockheed hudson incident ended aircraft involved hit effort operations circulated report norwegian flown aircraft involved attack german battleship merely example wartime propaganda despite aviation historians claim appears current accounts sinking formed april received days attack didn fly june official operational flight wasn june squadron began flying boats began displaced february arrival capable flying boats allowed longer patrols carried superior qualities surviving continued operate alongside flying fighter patrol escort operations iceland east coast early transition types squadron flight maintained unit involved secondary roles including army cooperation transport air sea rescue ice reconnaissance ambulance roles early crews relocated scotland aboard troop ship remaining flew aircraft left iceland scrapped december april combat service june march carried operational sorties totalling hours flying time attacks carried boats proved inconclusive escort patrols sweeps important allied effort keeping north_atlantic sea lanes open end type combat service iceland norwegian naval authorities considered basing arctic archipelago previously known german naval raid september resulted deployment cancelled accidents incidents flight training little norway accidents resulting death students instructors lost canada fatal crashes british_columbia harbour toronto frozen beach flying boat station near vancouver aircraft involved ferry boat accident island harbour june taking collided ferry killing student pilot instructor newspaper wrote matter time norwegian aircraft crashes city fear impractical flight training place current civil aviation operations precipitated new camp ontario new location elementary advanced level training place advanced flight training continued toronto island airport squadron notable accidents fatalities including operational loss navigational training flight disappeared north_atlantic july attrition accidents gradually reduced squadron operational fleet damaged repair september depth charges accidentally released detonated aircraft moored total lost casualties including squadron commander crew failed return sweep august despite intensive search trace aircraft crew found survivors war surviving aircraft flown norway sold salvage scrapped scrapped search records vice president crash site wreck recovered iceland bad weather iceland east coast flown operating forced landing april stuck gradually sunk river navy divers began initial recovery later aided team volunteer divers great_britain iceland norway united_states bringing remains sent california restoration completed strong volunteer group including retired employees involved original production line complex restoration required construction replacement parts primarily damaged original aircraft components order create complete airframe surviving aircraft currently exhibition norway military operators squadron raf little norway training unit specifications data second world war volume characteristics crew pilot navigator wireless operator rear gunner length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant wright cylinder air cooled radial engine performance maximum speed knots mph sea level cruise speed knots mph range service ceiling climb min armament guns fixed forward firing machine guns machine guns dorsal ventral positions bombs torpedo equivalent weight bombs depth charges | Northrop N-3PB | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
14657_HawkerSiddeleyP.1154 | planned vertical short landing fighter aircraft designed developed alongside smaller derived proposal meet consequently born capable aircraft retained chamber burning previously designed technical winner submissions follow testing production proceed result political strife considered modifying airframe joint specification aircraft raf royal_navy services specifications preserve design raf desired configuration precedence royal_navy number proposals submitted stage twin design considered rejected following labour government coming power project cancelled royal_navy acquire phantom raf continued foster development raf leading successful family development nato requirements development considered feasibility aircraft influenced general perception time aircraft held significantly value aircraft consequently april decided conduct preliminary work guidance aircraft designated larger employ chamber burning essentially previously cold forward engine engine development named exhaust equipped uses principle allowing aircraft theoretically reach speeds design effort initially undertaken cater issued august specifications called strike fighter combat radius kilometres nmi cruise speed dash speed aircraft kilogram able clear metre obstacle following metre takeoff roll requirement specifications changed aircraft considered subsequent studies confirmed fears bristol enlarged original engine raised exhaust heat increase thrust lbf new larger design emerged initially named redesignated attracted contenders principal competitor design employed separate lift thrust engine concept rolls engines provide lift single thrust supported submitted design nato january year emerged winner competition judged technically superior politically operative development production member nations project terminated french government subsequently withdrew following selection design raf royal_navy requirements december design submitted nato decided developed requirements use raf royal_navy february royal_navy admiralty received aircraft concept great interest royal_navy seeking new aircraft aircraft carriers single aircraft replace raf fleet air arm services sought different characteristics aircraft raf desired single seat fighter secondary intercept capability royal_navy wanted seat capable secondary low level strike capability financially politically committed joint requirement royal_navy raf single seat design took precedence seat version royal_navy raf accommodate navy large airborne intercept radar submitted design august royal_navy criticised proposal tandem layout incompatible catapult operations consequently design investigated accepted practical december year offered equipped thrust twin design alternative seen inferior considered great detail aircraft required vertical takeoff caused significant ground erosion aircraft armed red missile raf royal_navy requirements aircraft development started modifications naval requirements july weight gain considerable issue navy openly criticising choice despite stated navy preference swing wing fighter july services agreed aircraft completely common exception different radar systems august expressing view range changes damaging aircraft potential export time navy stated regarded second rate raf openly loss strike performance october concerned project progress noted effort combine strike aircraft fighter single aircraft trying fit airframe services cancellation november raf found suitable platform royal_navy appeared consider phantom better fit needs response focused efforts raf version february announced house_of_commons conservative government development contract placed equipped engine raf strike aircraft time announced naval requirement met engined positive news emerged october engine ran time received favourable reports competitive performance aircraft including phantom february incoming labour government led cancelled grounds cost aircraft strike aircraft transport time cancellation prototypes construction following cancellation raf royal_navy adopted instead government gave contract continued work raf led originally reserved enter service retrospect aviation author considered cancellation aircraft justified noting time consuming expensive failures attempts nations soviet russia west_germany aircraft aircraft multiple engines configuration like single thrust likes went great success specifications raf version data general characteristics crew length wingspan height max takeoff weight powerplant thrust engine lbf performance maximum speed sea level altitude service ceiling armament bombs | Hawker Siddeley P.1154 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
15380_Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-3 | russian soviet fighter aircraft world war development remedy problems found development operations replaced production line factory december built large numbers factory converted build june beginning operation service soviet air_force soviet territorial air defense organization difficult fly peacetime combat designed high altitude combat combat eastern generally lower altitudes inferior german modern soviet fighters pressed service fighter bomber autumn equally time survivors concentrated withdrawn service end war development large number defects noted flight testing forced number modifications design testing size aircraft wind tunnel belonging central evaluate problems proposed solutions aircraft changes applied fourth prototype flew october approved production passing state acceptance trials improved aircraft named december completed december delivered end year changes included engine moved forward improve longitudinal stability new water fitted modifications allowed additional litres gal fuel tank fitted underneath pilot seat outer wing panel increased degree increase lateral stability additional oil tank mounted engine fitted use cooled exhaust fuel tanks reduce chance fire pilot seat armored plate increased later models streamlined main landing gear strengthened size main wheels increased canopy extended aft improve view rear allowed installation shelf pilot radio later upgraded instrument panel layout improved replaced original ammunition guns increased rounds gun additional added carry bombs spray containers rockets state acceptance testing production aircraft conducted january february found heavier reduced field performance time decreased minute service ceiling proved faster sea level altitude ranges reached aircraft farther older aircraft required protested range results calculations showed reach based specific fuel consumption mile state acceptance trials mile operational trials conducted earlier showed mile blamed failure use altitude correction engines properly adjusted went far arranging flights moscow prove fly production aircraft flown ranges flying maximum speed altitude report air force scientific test institute despite problems aircraft designers awarded contribution soviet aviation number reports received poor quality aircraft received regiments pointed directly responsible monitoring quality aircraft delivered decreed number senior managers demoted head institute major general executed number found unacceptable performance high altitudes despite designed high altitude oxygen supply insufficient stall spin characteristics dangerous especially inexperienced pilots demonstrated april pilots 31st fighter regiment attempted intercept german high altitude reconnaissance aircraft lithuania flying aircraft entered spins pilots forced bail killed sent engineer investigate found pilots flown hours high altitude sortie problems included insufficient fuel oil pressure altitude problems pumps comparison fighters speed mph metres faster mph german service beginning mph lower altitudes speed advantage disappeared maximum speed sea level mph mph unfortunately pilots aerial combat eastern generally took place low medium altitudes speed advantage loaded weight greater horizontal plane higher wing loading lack exacerbated poor climb performance instability high speeds aerial gunnery difficult point aim wandering requiring constant pilot input remain target armament standard armament machine gun machine guns mounted engine synchronized fire propeller arc contrast versions german encountered cannon machine guns meaning armed little better remedy problem aircraft built machine gun pod wing lowered speed mph altitudes unpopular pilots removed pods aircraft equipped pair machine guns lieu weapons aircraft machine guns fitted carry rockets total aircraft mounted pair cannon wide variety armaments experimented units requests pilots shortages production announced production plan december required build total begin construction complete aircraft end year start plan construction upgraded version program canceled shortly delivered january pace exceed delivered july august september october german advance moscow forced factory evacuate production resumed unsuitable conditions shortly sent telegram directors plants building demanding production resulting production terminated favor final thirty aircraft built additional factor cancellation engine closely related allowing production quickly switched production planned reduced order august required factory produce fighters september declining december production december aircraft repair plant transferred redesignated begin production german advance disrupted plans produced single operational history delivered line fighter regiments beginning spring handful pilots accustomed lower performance remained tricky demanding fly extensive improvements fighter regiments kept pace training pilots handle rapid pace deliveries resulted units having trained pilots german invasion june strength trained pilots contrast pilots 31st fighter regiment 4th fighter regiment able claim german high altitude reconnaissance aircraft shot war broke june high altitude combat sort prove uncommon eastern air air engagements altitudes metres altitudes respects new soviet fighters like furthermore shortage ground attack aircraft forced role totally pilot recalled perfect altitudes lower altitudes cow weakness second armament weapons failure aircraft weakness inaccurate closed fired point blank june border military districts soviet_union total hand non operational additional assigned air_force air_force 4th 55th fighter regiments assigned experiences day war taken typical 4th experienced unit shot romanian reconnaissance bomber confirmed post war research lost aircraft crashed obstacle 55th experienced claimed aircraft shot recent research confirms german damaged suffered pilots killed aircraft lost unusual case pair dispatched 55th reconnaissance mission failed properly fuel consumption forced land ran fuel assigned interior military districts transferred lack performance low altitudes important july assigned bulk belonging 6th moscow remained total despite deliveries aircraft october eve german offensive moscow operation typhoon assigned units navy total decrease fighters july despite deliveries thousand aircraft intervening period december start soviet counter offensive drove germans gates moscow navy hand total increase aircraft october winter soviets transferred remaining navy left strength naval aviation strength hand june navy transferred aircraft reported strength gone january undoubtedly remained training units like assigned combat units limitations leading soviet allied ace war official air victories plus shared recorded number victories flying beginning war later recalled designers rarely succeeded matching fighter flight characteristics firepower operational advantage obscured certain defects advantages undoubtedly exploited pilot able discover variants attempts engine aircraft engine originally designed designated converted evaluate engine proved poor longitudinal stability powerplant number problems german invasion following month caused cancellation development resources required engines production improve low level performance aircraft tested engine july proved mph faster normal sea level recommended production passing state acceptance trials september provided cure engine tendency ambient temperatures found sole prototype shot october flight tests decided proceed idea production allocated ironically later war rearmed cannon ordered convert use radial engine entering production resulting aircraft variety names including design failure promising continue program variety tests projects conducted leading edge evaluated fitted production aircraft bladed propeller fitted aircraft increase thrust high altitude enable fighter catch high flying aircraft moscow new propeller hub mounted standard blades known project aircraft converted carry cameras evaluation fifth converted evaluate improvements learned approved use trials improve service ceiling aircraft weight details known reached height metres proposal use combination mother ship engined bomber carry fast dive bomber fighters modified carry bomb wing close target release conduct attack fly nearest friendly preliminary work germans invaded abandoned pressure work combination estimated maximum speed mph range survivors russian company rebuilt use engines rebuilt shot flew start remain russia operators soviet_union naval aviation specifications data years secret aircraft design general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant liquid cooled performance maximum speed mph knots maximum speed sea level mph knots combat range service ceiling wing loading power mass climb min armament machine gun machine guns bombs spray containers chemicals gas rockets | Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
15384_BoeingChinook(UKvariants) | variants tandem helicopter operated royal_air_force raf series variants based united_states_army boeing fleet largest outside united_states seen extensive service including fighting war peace keeping commitments balkans action iraq afghanistan wars aircraft normally based raf provides heavy lift support transport branches british armed forces supported smaller medium lift helicopters royal_navy raf based design development march order placed standing helicopter cargo mark royal_air_force replace original variant based order cancelled review defence spending november ambitions revived announced requirement new heavy lift helicopter replace thirty ordered price million helicopters comparable engines designated entered service december delivered replacement metal blades aluminium glass composite blades saw aircraft designated surviving aircraft later returned boeing updated standard service raf army generation entered service improvements included upgraded engines composite blades redesigned cockpit reduce pilot workload redundant improved electrical systems advanced flight control system improved raf returned original boeing upgrading standard returned additional ordered delivery beginning ordered designation main difference standard strengthening fuselage allow fitting aerial probe future argentine captured war raf training aid rear fuselage later repair crashed retirement dates fleets scheduled respectively planned upgrades types expect flying ordered dedicated special forces helicopters intended low cost variants army include improved range night vision sensors navigation capability aircraft cost million forecast service date november delivered receive certificates possible software unfortunately profoundly piece sir head defence inherited project said original requirement actually impossible mean essential requirements read said protection missile coming direction later commented hard imagine people think able cost effectively buy requirement small production run unsuitable poor risk analysis necessary requirements omitted contract times claimed planned perform software integration boeing involvement order reduce costs lacking certification helicopters permitted fly visual meteorological conditions subsequently stored climate controlled protracted negotiations allow enter service reported november likely receive contract install system announced march called fix field programme cancelled instead revert helicopters specification programme estimated cost million june issued scathing report handling affair stating programme likely cost million time helicopters enter service july modified test flight flight testing evaluation phase program programme upgrade helicopters initiated december called includes new digital flight deck based suite comprising new displays digital moving map display electronic flight bag installation nose mounted upgrading engines powerful standard upgraded aircraft redesignated deliveries expected commence conversion flew december initial operating capability status reached june seven aircraft delivered designation assigned later reduced derived ordered digital flight control systems delivered operational history overview raf widely deployed support british military engagements serving wartime role war gulf war attached large peace keeping commitments balkans continued british presence afghanistan operation iraq war provide routine supply support missions british military notably northern_ireland helicopter use military humanitarian missions extraction civilians evacuation evacuation lebanon particular known original squadron code november come widespread public recognition remarkable service record seen action major operation involving raf helicopter year service life including lebanon germany northern_ireland iraq afghanistan war war deployed british forces april loaded aboard container ship bound support british operations november sent pick freight helicopter airborne attacked super sea missile november avoided ship destruction assisted evacuation ship later landed aircraft carrier gaining nickname survivor owing rapid spread fire smoke aboard strike possible fly helicopters remained ship deck captured intact british_army forces surrender estimated force helicopters british task force alongside helicopters post war operated squadron garrison reduced single helicopter mid-1990s type eventually withdrawn order free resources craft operations afghanistan gulf war vital transit tool gulf war iraq moving troops region start conflict january transport patrol infamous zero mission aftermath conflict british delivered food supplies thousands refugees iraq june squadron left base raf hampshire carrying join nato forces serving balkans arrived following week support operations casualty evacuations transporting vital supplies june waves escorted attack helicopters rapidly deploy british infantry forces nato phase deployment august hundreds world including british armed forces grounded cracking discovered landing gear british helicopter routine inspection helicopters british european_union citizens sierra evacuation regional instability september evacuate casualties fighting sir support ship docked lebanon july helicopters squadron deployed raf cyprus evacuate british citizens lebanon squadron flew foreign affairs representative start crisis members units deployed lebanon locate contact british citizens afghanistan helicopters relied heavily support british forces afghanistan continuously start war afghanistan saw helicopters assist british sweeping region afghanistan threat improvised explosive devices scattered terrain insurgents transport helicopters highly valued demanded units style warfare april deployed transport planes southern afghanistan support raf lost august combat operations brought enemy fire spite warnings months plans attack helicopters continued operation fleet cost effective support regimes altered december british government announced including purchase new build expand force replace losses afghanistan delivered royal_air_force number additional cut october defence review bring total fleet size aircraft raf inventory variants new build aircraft raf based built modification metal blades survivors converted conversion boeing surviving standard new build aircraft similar strengthened fuselage structure manufacturing techniques built special forces variant based built aircraft upgraded engines conversions planned aircraft upgraded new build announced expected delivered beginning originally aircraft later reduced helicopters plus attrition replacements operators raf squadron joint special forces aviation wing squadron squadron squadron joint suggestion squadron previously operated reform new squadron new aircraft order boeing delivered day day maintenance nos squadron aircraft carried engineering squadron separate squadron innovative fight flight structure provide combined engineering whilst maintaining ground crew relationships deployed deployed detachment nos squadron engineering squadron known flight raf total inventory late august notable incidents accidents crashed bad weather helicopter crew troops crashed hill miles destination hampered personnel recovered crew member died shortly crash pilot soldier died way hospital board concluded crew white conditions february crashed test flight following leaving helicopter normal cruising speed altitude feet crashed ground kilometres south east airfield destroyed subsequent fire board unable determine exact cause forward upper boost seven board crew technicians killed hit pier airport position confined space struck underside causing helicopter rear vertically fall fire started rear fuselage soon spread crew members killed major injuries destroyed june crashed scotland killing passengers crew members cause disputed august announced emergency landing following rpg strike subsequent engine fire cargo drop north afghanistan flew kilometres safe area landing crew sustained injuries evacuated aircraft rescued second sortie damaged aircraft destroyed coalition air strikes prevent falling hands august loss announced helicopter hard landing operations near province suffered damage nose crew soldiers board unharmed according location crash possible safely recover aircraft destroyed explosives deliberately cause hard landing investigated thought shot specifications data royal_air_force general characteristics crew pilot air depending aircraft role capacity soldiers equipment length diameter height weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant performance maximum speed mph service ceiling rate climb min armament machine gun | Boeing Chinook (UK variants) | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
15418_FairchildRepublicA-10ThunderboltII | single seat twin engine straight wing jet aircraft developed united_states_air_force commonly referred nicknames official comes fighter particularly effective close air support designed close support ground troops close air support providing quick action support troops helicopters vehicles ground troops entered service production built aircraft served designed solely secondary mission provide forward air controller airborne support directing aircraft attacks ground targets aircraft primarily role designated intended improve performance poor firepower designed cannon airframe designed measures pounds armor protect cockpit aircraft systems enabling absorb significant damage continue flying short takeoff landing capability permits operation close lines simple design enables maintenance minimal facilities served operation operation american intervention iraq invasion kuwait distinguished participated conflicts balkans afghanistan iraq middle_east single seat variant version produced pre production airframe modified twin seat prototype test weather night capable version program started upgrade remaining aircraft configuration modern use precision weaponry variety upgrades wing replacements service life extended development background air_force entered 1960s long period introducing faster attack aircraft intended primarily nuclear strike role led high speed designs like penetrating enemy high speeds deliver nuclear designs concentrating conventional weapons largely ignored leaving entry vietnam war led korean war era capable aircraft era relatively large long times propeller driven fairly slow vulnerable ground fire air_force marine_corps lost action vast majority small arms fire lack modern conventional attack capability led service members specialized attack aircraft june secretary defense ordered air force develop tactical aircraft long range strike role fighter bomber mission emerged second filled modified version navy phantom phantom successful fighter designs 1960s proved capable fighter bomber clearly lacking pure role lack time major problem lesser extent poor low speed performance expensive aircraft purchase operate cost million operational costs hour air_force undertook broad review tactical force structures concluded adopt cheap aircraft supplement air_force focused air air performance cost effectiveness study shifted focus new cheaper contract awarded platform soon subject gold plating exercise led demands upgraded engine new doubled cost helicopter competition period army introducing service intended role transport soon modified field carry machine guns known helicopter role proved effective lightly armed enemy new gun rocket pods quickly added arsenal improved cobra dedicated attack role armed long range tow missile able destroy tank outside range defensive fire platform effective led revolution military thought ways confront warsaw pact europe advance force anti tank helicopters instead large number tactical nuclear weapons basis nato battle plans 1950s helicopter improved air_force planners worried advanced designs like lockheed pose threat air_force funding air_force study existing capabilities revealed gaps escort fire suppression roles fill study concluded air_force acquire simple cheap dedicated aircraft capable develop doctrine tactics procedures aircraft accomplish missions armed helicopters provided program formed program office september general ordered specialized aircraft designed developed obtained december requirements action directive issued airplane march air_force released request information defense contractors objective create design study low cost attack aircraft secretary air_force asked write detailed specifications proposed project initial involvement kept secret earlier controversial involvement project discussions pilots operating vietnam analysis aircraft role indicated ideal aircraft long time low speed massive cannon firepower extreme possessing best elements specifications demanded aircraft cost million required biography world war luftwaffe attack pilot read people program issued modified detailed request proposals aircraft threat soviet armored forces weather attack operations requirements included aircraft designed specifically cannon specified maximum speed mph takeoff distance feet external load pounds mile mission radius unit cost million aircraft designed exclusively close air support time separate released cannon requirements high rate fire round minute high muzzle velocity companies submitted aircraft proposals selected build prototypes respectively general_electric selected build test cannon prototypes prototypes built republic factory new_york flew pilot production built maryland trials fly january announced selection production general_electric selected build cannon june additional fly principal attack aircraft time order prove need new attack aircraft production flew october deliveries commenced march total produced delivered experimental seat night adverse weather version built converting developed demonstration testing evaluation consideration included second seat weapons system officer responsible electronic navigation target acquisition version interest export customers seat trainer version ordered air_force funding canceled jet produced seat built resides edwards air force base production february deputy secretary authorized rate production accepted march production continued rate aircraft month believed best rate deliver total including prototypes delivered rate production authorized planned service life hours small reinforcement design quickly adopted failed initial fatigue testing testing fix passed fatigue tests flight hour service lives common time fatigue testing continued new flight hour target fatigue testing new target quickly discovered cracks portions wings joined fuselage production change add cold working address problem soon air_force determined real world fleet fatigue harsh estimated forcing change fatigue testing introducing spectrum equivalent flight hour testing spectrum fatigue testing started round testing quickly determined drastic reinforcement needed second change production starting aircraft increase thickness lower skin outer wing panels tech order issued thick skin fleet tech order rescinded roughly planes leaving roughly planes original thin skin starting aircraft cold working performed performed earlier aircraft fourth drastic change initiated aircraft address problems discovered spectrum testing change increased thickness lower skin center wing panel required modifications lower caps accommodate thicker skin air_force determined economically feasible earlier planes modification upgrades received upgrades years beginning laser receiver pod adopted receives reflected laser radiation laser faster accurate target identification began receiving navigation system upgrade provided weapon aiming equipment ground collision warning system compatible night vision low light operation aircraft began receiving global positioning system navigation systems multi function display system upgraded proposed upgrades included integrated combat search rescue systems improved early warning anti jam self protection systems air_force recognized engine power sub optimal planning replace powerful engines estimated cost billion wing replacement program took program following decision developed force structural maintenance plan damage threat assessment military incorporate updated procedures maintenance tech orders critically condition inspection implemented program office inspect plane specified instead employed statistical sampling fraction fleet maintenance suffered budget constraints performed field centralized programmed depot maintenance program large military corporate numerous changes contractor large military resulting changes brought base alignment closure commission sign trouble near critical sized cracks found initially classified minor reclassified critical tasked creating plan double service life fleet foundation attempted service life extension programs unfortunately plan based assumption implemented subsequent testing uneventful assumptions wrong began repair program implement planned wing replacement program program repair program bypassed acquisition process allowed use maintenance funding program bypassed strict evaluation proposed upgrade added center wing fuel replacement flight control system fitting areas request period near critical cracks previously uncovered received scrutiny cracks previously classified minor classified critical disrupted program greatly increasing scope cost independent review program point concluded data wing upgrade relied longer trusted independent review presented september shortly fatigue testing test wing failed mounting problems wings service failing increasing rate air_force estimated run wings plans explored replacing wings new ones costing million implement billion life program subject service life extension program boeing awarded contract build wing sets june november flew new wings fitted september awarded boeing million follow contract new wings increasing total ordered improves mission readiness decreases maintenance costs allows operated plans retire considered halting wing replacement program saving additional million total savings retiring fleet total billion program far contract financially efficient cancel fleet new wings fly past according contractor boeing entire fleet began receiving precision engagement upgrades include improved fire control system electronic smart bomb targeting aircraft received upgrade redesignated work completed estimated cost upgrading service life extension plans force total billion september reached initial operating capability utah completed work 100th precision engagement upgrade january upgrade add weather combat capability upgrade upgrade hand throttle stick configuration mixing flight stick throttle receive modern communications suite including radio upgrades backbone central interface control unit replaces old armament control system mission provide integrated solution pilot maintenance technician takes sources information aircraft targeting pods radios displays displays information manner meant reduce pilot workload low altitude safety targeting system replaced integrated flight fire control computer included upgrade central interface control unit provides digital stores management overall systems integration upgraded controller new instrument panel upgraded power systems necessary accommodate new gps guided smart weapons upgrade includes awareness data link provide air air ground air digital communications target data uses enhanced position location reporting system provide secure jam resistant data communications friendly force data army units near real time displays replace analog switching displays controls information data link sources automatically oriented scaled providing pilot accurate view forces sides ground pilots thumb displays surrounding keys hands throttle stick kit add controller positioned pilots eyes data keyboard typically input menu items navigational information weapons delivery data mission planning system mps allow pilot plan route weapons employed drop sequences target information ground uses cartridge load mission plan aircraft mps upgrade upgrade pilots able check status target weapons flight maintenance technician existing control display unit fitted upgraded software improve detection isolation failures system provided new operational test system included upgrade improve system availability july issued contract integrate system evaluated february secretary air_force ordered development suite software upgrade continue response congressional pressure software upgrades originally ceased plans retire suite software includes ability friendly units identify friendly aircraft requested testing external fuel tank extend time minutes flight testing tank conducted involve combat evaluation flight tests conducted 40th flight test squadron gather data aircraft handling characteristics performance different load configurations tank slightly reduced stability axis decrease aircraft tracking performance prior air_force began removing pods receive capability redundant installation targeting pods typically station sniper targeting pod typically station laser laser rangefinder sensors left place initially removed avoid possible repairs uses march conducted flight aircraft engines powered blend flight performed blend based fuel june aircraft fly new fuel blend derived alcohol known alcohol jet fuel based derived wood paper grass based material processed aviation fuel alternative fuel evaluated air_force replacement petroleum derived fuel previous types synthetic derived coal natural gas mass fuel derived plant animal known granted million modify weather research replacing retired armor expected allow survive extreme meteorological conditions mph found high altitude weather events boeing revealed holding initial discussions prospects selling retired stored near condition international customers air_force subsequently stated permit aircraft sold design overview low wing wide chord deep section piece constant chord center wing section tapered outer panels wing tips segment position trailing edge flaps right left wide span upper lower surfaces separate serve small leading edge redundant armor shielded flight control system semi aluminum fuselage main multiple frames lap skin aluminum structure twin fins mounted tips constant chord elevators electrically operated trim superior low speeds altitude large wing area high wing aspect ratio large wing allows short landings permitting operations primitive forward airfields near lines aircraft extended periods operate ceilings visibility typically flies relatively low speed knots mph makes better platform ground attack role fast fighter bombers difficulty targeting small slow moving targets leading edge wing structure panel construction providing strength minimal weight similar panels cover elevators sections fins skin panels integral fabricated computer controlled reducing production time cost combat experience shown type panel resistant damage skin load bearing damaged skin sections easily replaced field makeshift materials necessary far ends wings greater rolling moment distinguishing features larger typical percent wingspan providing improved control slow speeds split making designed rearmed serviced minimal equipment simple design enables maintenance forward bases limited facilities repairs field unusual feature aircraft parts left right sides including engines main landing gear vertical landing gear low pressure tires large straight wings allow operation short rough strips heavy aircraft ordnance load allowing aircraft operate damaged flying straight roadway sections landing gear offset aircraft right allow placement cannon firing barrel centerline aircraft ground taxi offset landing gear causes turning turning right ground takes distance turning left wheels main landing gear partially retracted making gear belly landings easier control damaging landing gears aircraft rear hydraulic power lost combination gravity wind resistance open lock gear place exceptionally tough able survive direct hits armor piercing high explosive projectiles double redundant hydraulic flight systems mechanical system lost flight hydraulic power uses manual control system pitch control engages automatically roll control pilot selected manual mode sufficiently favorable conditions return base control forces greater normal aircraft designed fly engine half tail elevator half wing missing cockpit parts flight control system protected aircraft armor referred armor tested withstand strikes cannon fire strikes rounds plates inches determined study likely angles armor makes percent aircraft weight interior surface directly exposed pilot covered multi layer shield protect shell canopy resistant small arms fire shown april captain flying baghdad invasion iraq suffered extensive damage iraqi fire damaged engine crippled hydraulic system requiring aircraft flight controls operated manual mode despite damage campbell flew aircraft nearly hour landed safely envisioned fly forward air bases semi prepared high risk foreign object damage engines unusual location general_electric engines decreases risk allows engines run aircraft serviced rearmed ground crews reducing turn time wings mounted closer ground operations heavy engines require strong supports bolts connect engine airframe engines high bypass ratio relatively small infrared signature position directs exhaust detection infrared surface air missiles engines angled upward degrees cancel nose pitching moment generate mounted aircraft center gravity avoiding need trim control surfaces force reduce likelihood damage fuel system fuel tanks located near aircraft center separated fuselage projectiles need penetrate aircraft skin reaching tank outer skin compromised fuel transfer lines self seal damage exceeds tank self sealing capabilities check prevent fuel flowing compromised tank fuel system components inside tanks fuel lost component failure system use foam lines inner outer sides fuel tanks retaining debris restricting fuel event damage engines shielded rest airframe fire equipment event main tanks lost self sealing tanks contain fuel miles flight weapons carry considerable stores primary built weapon type cannon powerful aircraft cannon flown fires large depleted armor piercing shells original design pilot switch rates fire rounds minute changed fixed rate rounds minute cannon takes half second come speed rounds fired second rounds second gun accurate place percent shots foot diameter circle feet flight slant range feet degree dive fuselage aircraft built cannon mounted slightly port barrel firing location starboard clock position aligned aircraft centerline gun foot inch ammunition drum hold rounds ammunition generally holds rounds prevent enemy fire causing rounds fire prematurely armor plates differing aircraft skin drum designed detonate incoming shells final armor layer drum protects damage gun loaded linked tube carrier ammunition loading assembly cart air surface missile commonly targeted electro optical guided infrared allows target engagement greater ranges cannon risk anti aircraft systems absence dedicated forward looking infrared cameras night vision infrared camera night missions poor man weapons include cluster bombs rocket pods equipped carry laser guided bombs usually fly pod wing air air missiles wing self defense modernization update variant new flight computer new glass cockpit displays controls new inch color displays moving map function integrated digital stores management system funded improvements fleet include new data link ability employ smart weapons wind corrected munitions ability carry integrated targeting pod lockheed martin sniper advanced targeting pod included remotely operated video enhanced receiver provide data personnel ground announced thick skin urgent wing assemblies program extend lifespan aircraft past colors markings flies low ground speed aircraft camouflage important aircraft difficult different types paint schemes tried included scheme sand yellow field black white colors winter operations tan green brown mixed pattern featured false canopy painted dark gray underside aircraft gun form attempt confuse enemy aircraft attitude maneuver direction feature nose art shark mouth head features common markings applied european woodland camouflage scheme tone gray scheme european woodland scheme designed minimize visibility threat hostile fighter aircraft felt ground fire uses dark green medium green dark gray order blend typical european forest terrain 1980s early 1990s following end cold war based experience gulf war air air threat longer seen important ground fire new color scheme known compass ghost chosen minimize visibility tone gray scheme darker gray color lighter gray underside aircraft started applied early 1990s operational history entering service unit receive tactical training wing based arizona march unit achieve combat readiness tactical fighter wing south_carolina deployments followed bases home abroad including england louisiana alaska air base south_korea england operated rotating detachments bases germany known forward operating locations initially addition air_force pilots switching want fighter pilots traditionally favored speed appearance shifted forward air control role redesignated role typically equipped pods inch rockets usually smoke white target marking physically unchanged remain fully combat capable despite 23rd deployed operation urgent fury provided air cover marine_corps landings island late october fire weapons marines met resistance gulf war balkans combat time gulf war destroying iraqi tanks military vehicles artillery pieces shot iraqi helicopters cannon shot captain kuwait february air air victory shot war surface air missiles battle damaged returned base written sustaining additional damage crash landings mission capable rate percent flew sorties launched percent missiles fired conflict shortly gulf war air_force abandoned idea replacing close air support version aircraft fired approximately rounds following seizure heavy weapons serbs warehouse series sorties launched locate destroy captured equipment august located anti tank vehicle afterward serbs agreed return remaining heavy weapons august nato launched offensive called operation deliberate force flew close air support missions attacking artillery positions late september began flying patrols returned balkan region beginning march march escorted supported search rescue helicopters finding downed pilot deployed support search rescue missions time began receive ground attack missions successful attack happened april remained action combat ended late june afghanistan iraq libya recent deployments invasion afghanistan initial stages campaign squadrons deployed pakistan air base afghanistan beginning march participated remained country fighting remnants operation iraqi freedom began march aircraft took early combat issued operation iraqi freedom numbers report aerial campaign conflict april initial invasion iraq mission capable rate percent war fired rounds ammunition single shot near baghdad international airport iraqi fire late campaign flew missions aircraft dropped propaganda iraq deployed iraq jets include precision engagement upgrade digital communications systems greatly reduced time acquire close air support target attack flew percent combat sorties operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom sorties ranged annually half flew sorties afghanistan beginning october flew percent operations iraq afghanistan strike eagle percent missions flown time period march deployed operation odyssey dawn coalition intervention libya participated attacks ground forces september fighter wing revealed deploying middle_east month includes unit aircraft deployment planned year advance support role timing coincided ongoing operation inherent resolve islamic state mid november commanders began sending hit targets central northwestern iraq daily basis months time flew percent sorties start operations august november days attacks paris destroyed convoy operated oil tanker trucks syria attacks intensification intervention called operation tidal wave named original operation tidal wave world war failed attempt raid german oil fields resulted heavy aircraft loss attempt cut oil smuggling source funding group future expected service possibly later replaced lockheed martin lightning critics said replacing giant leap backwards given performance rising costs air_force considered variant replacement aircraft concluded aircraft generate sufficient sorties august congress air_force examined proposals including aerial vehicle filling role proponents state armor cannon superior aircraft ground attack guided munitions planes rely jammed ground commanders frequently request support budget service considered retiring single mission aircraft multi mission aircraft cutting fleet infrastructure seen method major savings expressed interest obtaining air_force retire later stated chance happening stated retirement save billion guided munitions allow aircraft perform mission reducing requirement specialized aircraft aircraft bombers performed percent missions air_force stated vulnerable advanced anti aircraft defenses army stated versatile weapons loads psychological impact reduced logistics needs ground support systems january officials told years fully develop new attack aircraft replace year general head stated follow weapon system need developed planned initially sorties later sufficient numbers operationally available decade service considering purchasing relatively inexpensive replacement perform enemies lack sophisticated air defenses considering developing replacement aircraft january revealed indefinitely freezing plans retire years addition congressional opposition use anti operations deployments eastern_europe response russia military intervention ukraine numbers necessitated retention retirement deferred begin replacing squadron squadron basis march air_force revealed begun studying future aircraft succeed low intensity conflicts like regional stability operations admitting expensive operate day day roles low end basic shelf options sophisticated clean sheet attack aircraft derivatives generation trainer entirely new attack platforms considered variants variant built close air support ground attack version updated airborne forward air control updated seat experimental prototype work night bad weather prototype converted updated program proposed version developed persistent close air support program program eventually dropped idea manned civilian proposed replace thunderstorm penetration aircraft military engines oxygen system replaced civilian versions engines airframe receive protection hail replaced ballast scientific instruments operators flown exclusively united_states_air_force components operates aircraft united_states united_states_air_force 25th fighter squadron south_korea weapons squadron nevada georgia 75th fighter squadron georgia arizona arizona test evaluation squadron nevada maryland michigan fighter squadron fort wayne air national guard station indiana fighter squadron 45th fighter squadron arizona arizona fighter squadron georgia fighter squadron missouri operators united_states_air_force 18th tactical fighter squadron 55th tactical fighter squadron fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron air force reserve command fighter squadron air national guard fighter squadron fighter squadron fighter squadron tactical fighter squadron fighter squadron aircraft display germany south_korea united_kingdom cold war museum united_states joint base virginia air force flight test center museum edwards california utah flying tiger heritage park england louisiana empire state museum new_york washington new_york air force armament museum florida heritage park alaska adjacent arizona museum aviation georgia georgia south_carolina marked assigned represented aircraft credited downing iraqi hip helicopter assigned pennsylvania missouri cradle aviation new_york museum california airport sacramento california collection colorado peru indiana field wisconsin nose section cradle aviation new_york ohio don memorial museum kentucky park south_carolina barnes air national guard base massachusetts windsor locks connecticut warrior park arizona new england air museum windsor locks connecticut american museum republic airport new_york michigan specifications data great book modern general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area root tip weight loaded weight mission anti armor mission max takeoff weight powerplant lbf internal fuel capacity performance exceed speed knots mph bombs maximum speed knots mph sea level clean cruise speed knots mph stall speed knots mph combat radius mission nmi hour min combat anti armor mission nmi nmi sea level penetration exit min combat ferry range nmi knot mph minutes reserve service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight armament guns cannon rounds capacity wing fuselage stations capacity provisions carry combinations rockets rocket pods rockets respectively rocket pods rockets rocket pods rockets missiles air air missiles self defense air surface missiles bombs mark series iron bombs bombs cluster bombs series laser guided bombs pod pods lockheed martin sniper targeting pods drop tanks increased range time laser pod mounted beneath right cockpit use currently longer use head display improved technical flying air ground support notable appearances media nicknames received popular nickname pilots crews attack squadrons flew maintained republic jet attack aircraft serve nicknamed nicknamed tagged ultra saying ugly early associated aircraft reference calling early support troops ground combat | Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
16036_BACTSR-2 | cancelled cold war strike reconnaissance aircraft developed royal_air_force raf late 1950s early 1960s designed penetrate defended forward battle area low altitudes high speeds attack high value targets rear nuclear conventional weapons intended combat role provide high altitude high speed stand looking radar photographic imagery signals intelligence reconnaissance advanced aviation technology period incorporated order highest performing aircraft world projected missions airframe flew test flights weight rise design indicated aircraft unable meet original stringent design specifications design specifications reduced results flight testing victim rising costs inter service britain future defence needs led controversial decision scrap programme election new government cancelled rising costs favour purchasing adapted version decision later rescinded costs development times increased replacements included phantom previously considered rejected early process eventually smaller swing wing developed adopted european consortium broadly similar requirements development operational environment introduction practical jet engines late world war period led calls new jet powered versions practically aircraft flying design replacement time world leading light bombers designed express intent aircraft order improve speed possible process led removal defensive armament improving performance point unnecessary high speed approach extremely successful jet powered version difficult intercept winning design defensive armaments producing design speed allowed fly past defenses importantly design long straight wing gave lift needed operate high altitudes placing range jet powered fighters able operate canberra simply fly enemy relative quality naturally suited aerial reconnaissance missions spawning number spin versions aircraft larger wings greater altitude performance improved range high speed high altitude approach effective late 1950s soviet_union began introduce surface air missiles speed altitude performance greater contemporary aircraft canberra high altitude aircraft like bombers extremely vulnerable weapons aircraft fall victim soviet nato sam reconnaissance version canberra shot solution fly lower radar operates line sight detection aircraft flying low altitudes significantly hindered reducing time enemy counter measures practice trees hills valleys reduce range making ground based interception extremely difficult canberra designed high altitude flight suitable continuous terrain flight require completely different aircraft low level strike aircraft grew new class late 1950s generally featured high wing loading reduce effects cross wind form high performance navigational radar allow low flight high speeds large fuel loads offset higher fuel use low altitudes aware changing operational environment started work attempting define new light bomber replace canberra early studies eventually settled aircraft nmi ferry range speed altitude nmi low level range crew required operator advanced navigational attack equipment bombs requirements eventually official november general operational requirement issued aircraft manufacturers march requirement exceptionally ambitious technology day requiring weather aircraft deliver nuclear weapons long range operate high level low level possible performance requirement effect common battle plans 1950s suggested nuclear strikes opening stages war damage meaning aircraft need rough fields disused second world war airfields sufficiently flat open areas land specifically requirement included delivery tactical nuclear weapons low level day night photo reconnaissance medium level day low level day night electronic reconnaissance delivery tactical nuclear weapons day night medium altitudes blind bombing necessary delivery conventional bombs rockets low level stated expected attack speed sea level operational range nmi operating able operate ground speeds range allowed operate strategically addition tactical scenarios political changes specification studied manufacturers political storms dog project head defence minister stated defence white paper era manned combat end missiles weapons future decade philosophy thoroughly time climate cold war mutual missile weapons system appeared sense especially missiles offer significant cost savings manned aircraft viewpoint vigorously debated aviation industry years senior raf officers argued white paper premise stating importance mobility replace canberra potentially entire bomber force addition argument need manned aircraft additional political effect project september informed heads aviation companies acceptable proposals issued teams consisting company large number competing aircraft manufacturing companies orders decreasing government intended foster cooperation certain companies encourage political matter help mutual distrust services time defined royal_navy midst project eventually low altitude attack aircraft designed water opposed overland use savings involved forces common aircraft considerable offered raf version fit requirements chief defence staff sea lord lord loyal proponent later claiming type purchased price raf rebuffed proposal stating unsuitable poor takeoff performance capable desired role raf official interest aircraft political opponent project sir time chief scientific advisor extremely low opinion british technological achievements favour military hardware united_states submissions work continued deadline submissions january proposals entered teamed submitted shorts vertical lift platform capability designs received eventually selected consideration ministry particularly impressed vickers submission included aircraft design total systems concept outlining support facilities logistics needed maintain aircraft field official opinions management found decidedly lacking comparison vickers combination felt useful marriage accordingly development contract awarded vickers sub contractor existence revealed public december statement house_of_commons pressure recommendations examined ways project proposals combined january minister supply announced built working initials coming tactical strike reconnaissance strike designation specifically referring raf terminology nuclear weapons role january project given official ahead february came new designation operational requirement specific built work submissions specifically stating low level operations attained altitude mission envisioned standard mission carry weapon internally combat radius nautical miles mission nautical miles flown higher altitudes nmi target area flown low speed remainder mission flown entire mission flown low altitude mission radius reduced nmi heavier weapons loads carried reductions range plans increasing range included fitting external tanks imperial tank wing imperial tank carried centrally fuselage internal weapons carried imperial gallons carried tank weapons bay later variants fitted variable geometry wings equipped reconnaissance pack weapons bay included optical unit built emi cameras sideways looking radar order carry majority reconnaissance tasks unlike modern units use infrared imaging use daylight imaging artificial light source ground night reconnaissance tactical nuclear weapons carriage existing tactical nuclear bomb specified beginning project quickly realised external carriage speeds safety handling limitations yield considered inadequate targets assigned instead successor improved specification known operational requirement specified tactical strike role expected attack targets forward edge battlefield assigned raf nato day night targets comprised missile sites hardened soft aircraft airfields airfield buildings airfield fuel installations bomb stores tank concentrations ammunition supply railways railway tunnels bridges specified yields assuming circular error probable damage probability delivery capability burst heights targets sea level requirements weight length diameter ministerial ruling july decreed future tactical nuclear weapons limited yield raf issued new version specification accepting lower yield making provision design capable adaptation later higher yield event political restriction lifted raf explored ways lower yield including specifications bomb provision releasing smaller weapons dropping sticks revised later named yards intervals prevent weapon destroying succeeding ones turn detonate led requirement able carry internally external stores width bomb bay originally designed accommodate single red beard weapon necessitating reduction diameter bomb width fin span constrained need fit bombs aircraft bomb bay requirement stick bombing nuclear weapons soon dropped larger yield bombs came favour carrying external limitation aerodynamic heating bomb limited maximum carriage time minutes low level bomb temperature rise permitted maximum impose severe operational restriction aircraft designed cruise height nuclear stand missiles proposed early development proceeded included air launched development missile carried semi bomb bay air launched missile referred derived intended missile range nautical miles conventional missiles instead design originally use moving favour french settling new missile cancellation raf eventually filled tactical strike requirement dual key nuclear weapons continued attempts limit lifted development delayed years inundated work developments workload eased completion missile work able resume deliveries raf beginning late deployment year deliveries royal_navy approval high yield tactical weapons eventually gained raf weapon similar planned design vickers worked combining best designs order forward joint design view having aircraft flying working merging companies umbrella forward delta winged design vickers swept wing long fuselage wing born greater experience judged superior vickers vickers fuselage preferred effect aircraft built vickers half rear powered advanced variants vulcan developed power design featured small shoulder mounted delta wing turned tips moving swept large moving fin blown flaps fitted entire trailing edge wing achieve short takeoff landing requirement later designs achieve technically complex swing wing approach fitted control roll instead implemented differential movement slab wing loading high time enabling aircraft fly high speed low level great stability constantly upset ground related weather phenomena chief test pilot wing commander favourably compared flying characteristics canberra flight characteristics stating canberra troublesome according flight envelope capable sustained cruise altitudes dash speed limiting leading edge temperature degrees theoretical maximum speed level flight aircraft featured extremely sophisticated navigation mission delivery prove reasons costs project features forward looking radar looking radar navigational fixing commonplace military aircraft years later features allowed innovative system turn enabled long distance terrain following sorties crew workload pilot input greatly reduced considerable problems realising design contributing manufacturers employed directly ministry leading communication difficulties cost equipment area autonomy supplied ministry associate contractors equipment designed provided subject ministry approval overall funds largest aircraft project britain date unlike previous projects prototypes development batch procedure pioneered americans lightning instead development batch built production choice proceeding production turned source delay aircraft having adhere strict production standards deal bureaucracy attaining concessions allow exhibit differences later years project effectively prototypes exhibiting succession specification differences intended pre production production operational history testing despite increasing costs inevitable given low original estimates development batch aircraft completed engine development problems led delays flight meant missed opportunity displayed public year days leading testing opposition defence spokesman criticised aircraft saying time introduced face new anti aircraft missiles shoot making expensive million aircraft basis ordered test pilot finally flight armament experimental establishment wiltshire september initial flight tests performed engine power strictly controlled limits minute flight shortly takeoff second flight vibration fuel pump frequency human caused pilot throttle engine avoid loss vision 10th test flight landing gear successfully retracted problems preventing previous occasions vibration problems landing persisted flight testing programme test flight flight achieved transfer flight aircraft achieved dry power following lit single unit problems engine fuel pump result aircraft accelerated away chase lightning flown wing commander catch engines flying described prototype handling like big lightning period months total test flights conducted complex electronics fitted aircraft flights concerned basic flying qualities aircraft according test pilots involved outstanding speeds sustained low level flights achieved vibration problems continued final flights fitted additional tie complex landing gear significant reduction test flight took place march test flying programme completed undergoing typical design systems modifications reflective sophisticated configuration doubt airframe capable tasks set represented major advance type costs continued rise led concerns company government upper management levels aircraft falling short requirements laid takeoff distance combat radius cost saving measure reduced specification agreed notably reductions combat radius nmi speed takeoff run increased yards project cancellation 1960s united_states military developing swing wing project follow fast low level fighter bomber designed 1950s internal bay nuclear weapon interest australia royal_australian_air_force raaf raaf chose buy instead having offered better price delivery schedule american manufacturer nonetheless raaf wait years ready enter service time anticipated programme cost raf asked consider alternative cost saving measure response suggestions cancellation employees held protest march new labour government come power issued strong cabinet meetings held april decided cancel grounds projected cost instead obtain option agreement acquire aircraft immediate commitment buy decision announced budget speech april maiden flight second development batch aircraft day announcement following accident conveying airframe coupled announcement project cancellation happened ultimately prototype took air week later chancellor defended decision debate house_of_commons saying prove cheaper engineer sir designer said modern aircraft dimensions span length height politics simply got right replacements replace initially placed option modified enhancements considered choices conversion enhanced new attack system reconnaissance capability referred double star proposal pursued replacement final decision reserved defence review defence minister memo cabinet minutes final cancellation indicate preferred following defence white paper decided aircraft longer term replacement joint anglo french project variable geometry strike aircraft debate followed claimed cost million years including running costs compared million combination ordered april additional order april programme suffered enormous cost coupled pound far exceeding projection technical problems unresolved successful operational deployment faced poorer projected performance estimates order raf eventually cancelled january provide suitable alternative raf settled combination phantom transferred royal_navy aircraft raf derided order ahead proved capable remained service raf versions phantom given designation respectively entered service phantom fighter ground attack fighter ground attack reconnaissance remaining service air air role raf replaced strike reconnaissance role mid-1970s 1980s jaguar eventually replaced role variable geometry smaller design experience design development particularly terrain following capabilities later tornado programme late 1970s tornado nearing production aviation businessman initiated highly speculative feasibility study project despite persistent lobbying government time proposal taken seriously came survivors completed aircraft scrapped months cancellation eventually survived complete complete airframe fly completed completed taken targets test vulnerability modern airframe systems gunfire additional completed incomplete airframe scrapped son airframe allocated aircraft allegedly built construction aircraft allocated started partly built scrapped serial batch listed cancelled batch projected aircraft coincidence projected batch trainer variant allocated raf cancelled incomplete apparent project scrapped source argument bitterness nonetheless remains lingering british aviation comparable cancellation destruction bombers canada arrow scrapped canada surviving display display cockpit section display engines display specifications data britain characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust thrust performance maximum speed sea level range nmi combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling final specification rate climb min min thrust weight armament total weapons load internal external internal weapons bay long initially red beard nuclear weapon intended nuclear weapons bombs final designed normal load nuclear role nuclear weapons tandem weapons bay external stores inch rocket pods nuclear weaponry inner modified terrain following radar navigation attack systems emi looking airborne radar general radio | BAC TSR-2 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
16414_RockwellB-1Lancer | engine variable sweep wing jet powered heavy strategic bomber united_states_air_force envisioned 1960s bomber speed sufficient range replace boeing developed primarily low level long range speed capability high altitude commonly called bone originally designed boeing development delayed multiple times history changes perceived need manned bombers initial version developed early 1970s production canceled prototypes built need new platform surfaced early 1980s aircraft resurfaced version focus low level penetration bombing point development stealth technology promising aircraft dramatically improved capability production went ahead version operational spirit period increasingly vulnerable entered service sac nuclear bomber early 1990s following gulf war concurrent sac newly formed converted conventional bombing use served combat operation nato action following year supported nato military forces afghanistan iraq expected continue serve long range strike bomber start development background issued requirements new bomber combining range boeing maximum speed december selected proposal replace engine bomber reach speeds high altitude avoid aircraft effective anti bomber weapon 1950s soviet aircraft unable intercept high flying lockheed fly similar altitudes higher speeds combat expected simply fly right defenders late 1950s anti aircraft surface air missiles threaten high altitude aircraft demonstrated downing strategic air command sac aware developments begun moving bombers low level penetration downing tactic greatly reduces radar detection distances use terrain features terrain like hills valleys line sight radar bomber broken rendering radar human observers incapable seeing target somewhat higher altitudes radar systems era subject stray returns ground objects requiring minimum angle ground effective bombers flying low altitudes remain angles simply keeping distance radar sites combination effects era ineffective low flying aircraft effects meant low flying aircraft difficult detect higher flying aircraft radar systems readily pick opposing aircraft ground reflections lack look shoot capability switch high altitude low altitude flight profiles severely affected design highly tuned provide desired high altitude performance planners outlined series low level profiles higher aerodynamic drag low level limited speed dramatically decreasing range result aircraft somewhat higher speed range meant replace new low altitude role growing shift intercontinental missile force bomber program canceled president prototypes research program intended low level role flexibility allowed intended successor nature air war environment changed huge fuel load allowed operate lower altitudes longer times large airframe allowed addition improved radar deception deal radars vietnam war concept future wars nuclear turned head big belly modifications increased total bomb load pounds turning powerful tactical aircraft ground troops strategic targets high altitudes smaller bomb bay useful role design studies delays effective ideal low level role led number aircraft designs known tuned specifically long range low altitude flight designs operation fighter bomber variable sweep wings tactical missions similar aircraft emerged users notably later number studies strategic range counterpart followed post strategic study known low altitude bomber slab completed produced design looked like bomber large swept wing tail large high bypass engines followed similar extended range strike aircraft added variable sweep wing vogue aviation industry envisioned relatively small aircraft pounds range nautical miles kilometres nmi flown low altitudes august similar low altitude manned lamp design completed called aircraft pounds bomb load somewhat shorter range nmi culminated october advanced manned precision strike system led industry studies boeing north american revised requirements retitled project advanced manned differed primarily demanded high speed high altitude capability similar existing class given lengthy series design studies engineers joked new actually stood america studied aircraft arguments led cancellation program led question need new strategic bomber sort adamant retaining bombers nuclear concept included bombers submarine launched missiles combined package complicated potential defense argued bomber needed attack hardened military targets provide safe option bombers quickly launched safe areas attacked introduction mobility argument newer generation accuracy speed needed attack point targets time seen costly option based lower unit cost development costs higher secretary defense preferred bombers air_force portion force felt new expensive bomber needed limited program studies component development beginning program studies continued awarded advanced study contracts remained opposed program favor upgrading existing fleet adding nearly shorter range roles filled vetoed funding aircraft development program president richard_nixon program taking office keeping administration flexible response strategy required broad range options short general nuclear war nixon secretary defense reviewed programs decided lower numbers lacked desired range recommended design studies accelerated april program officially entry new bomber designation series created air_force issued request proposals november proposals submitted boeing north american january june north american design selected awarded development contract original program called test aircraft engines cut ground flight test aircraft company changed named aircraft division fourth prototype built production standards ordered fiscal year budget plans called built initial operational capability set design featured number features common 1960s designs use crew capsule ejected unit introduced improve case high speed additionally design featured large variable sweep wings order provide high lift takeoff landing low drag high speed dash phase wings set widest position aircraft considerably better lift power allowing operate wider variety bases penetration soviet_union defenses place speed crossing quickly possible entering defended speeds reduced large size fuel capacity design allow dash portion flight relatively long order achieve required performance high altitudes exhaust air intake ramps variable initially expected performance achieved low altitude required critical areas fuselage wing structure low altitude performance requirement later lowered reducing cost pair small mounted near nose active vibration system low altitude ride featured escape capsule ejected cockpit crew members inside fourth equipped conventional seat crew member review occurred late october prototype air_force serial flew december prototypes followed program continued unit cost continued rise high inflation period estimated unit cost million figure climbed million new problems cancellation soviet pilot defected japan described new super certainly referring look shoot radar order attack cruise missiles low level penetration aircraft visible easy attack given armament suite similar appeared likely survive soviet program increasingly questioned particular senator continually derided public arguing expensive dinosaur federal election campaign democratic_party platforms saying bomber example proposed system funded dollars carter took office ordered review entire program point projected cost program risen million aircraft lifetime cost years informed relatively new work stealth aircraft started decided better avenue approach pentagon officials stated cruise missile launched existing fleet equal capability penetrating soviet range miles launched outside range soviet defenses penetrate low altitude like bomber lower radar cross section size greater numbers lower cost small number launch hundreds defense program improve develop deploy cost price deploy planned june carter announced canceled favor fleet modernized armed carter called difficult decisions office mention stealth work public program secret today known early authorized project eventually led spirit domestically reaction cancellation split partisan lines surprised announcement internal expectations number ordered reduced congressman claimed breaking moscow contrast appears soviets concerned large numbers representing greater threat smaller number soviet news agency commented implementation plans seriously complicated efforts limitation strategic arms race western military leaders generally happy decision nato commander described attractive alternative french general stated formidable weapon terribly useful price bomber cruise missiles flight tests prototypes program continued april program included flights totaling hours speed reached second engine testing continued time engines totaling hours shifting priorities period soviets started assert new theaters action particular cuba starting soviet invasion afghanistan strategy point focused containing communism preparation war europe new soviet actions revealed military lacked capability outside narrow confines responded accelerating concept suffered major problems capability order slow enemy invasion countries air power critical key iran afghanistan border outside range carrier based attack aircraft leaving role range support demand global missions long runway requirements limited forward basing possibilities presidential campaign ronald_reagan campaigned heavily platform carter weak defense citing cancellation program example theme continued 1980s time carter defense secretary announced stealth bomber project apparently implying reason cancellation program taking office reagan faced decision carter continue short term wait development advanced aircraft studies suggested existing fleet remain credible threat predicted force survive attack targets introduction missile soviet airborne early warning systems increasingly vulnerable funds allocated new study bomber 1990s time frame led project evaluated possible solutions emphasis placed multi role capabilities opposed purely strategic operations believed operation covering transitional period increasing vulnerability introduction reagan decided best solution october reagan announced ordered fill role january awarded contracts worth combined billion development production new bombers numerous changes design better suited expected missions resulting new changes included reduction maximum speed allowed variable aspect intake ramps replaced simpler fixed geometry intake ramps newer design reduced version radar signature reduction radar cross section seen good trade speed decrease high speeds low altitude focus area revised design low level speeds increased maximum speed higher altitudes maximum takeoff weight increased pounds pounds weight increase allow takeoff internal fuel load external weapons carried engineers able reinforce critical areas non critical areas airframe increase weight minimal order deal introduction equipped new radar system aircraft look capability reduced low flying advantage electronic warfare suite significantly upgraded opposition plan widespread congress critics pointed original problems remained areas performance expense particular fitted electronics similar equally able avoid interception speed advantage minimal appeared interim time frame served decade rendered obsolete shortly introduction capable design primary argument favor large conventional weapon takeoff performance allowed operate credible wider variety airfields spread production congressional districts making aircraft popular radar testing rome air development center new_york modified include systems completed began flight testing march production rolled september flew october 100th final delivered delivered determined aircraft vulnerable soviet air defenses design overview blended wing body configuration variable sweep wing engines triangular fin control surfaces tail wings sweep degrees degrees forward sweep forward swept wing settings takeoff landings high altitude maximum cruise aft swept wing settings high flight variable sweep wings thrust weight ratio provide better takeoff performance allowing use previous bombers length aircraft presented problem air low altitude alleviate included small triangular fin control surfaces near nose structural mode control system automatically counteract smooth ride unlike reach speeds maximum speed mph altitude low level speed increased mph speed current version aircraft limited need avoid damage structure air help lower radar cross section uses air intake fixed intake ramps limit speed compared intake serve shield radar emissions highly reflective engine blades engine modified slightly produce emphasis increased efficiency core engine engine designs including seen use variants recent versions basis non spirit engine basis core extremely popular civil engine found versions practically small medium sized nose gear cover door controls auxiliary power units allow quick starts order scramble main computer space shuttle bomber computer programmed programming language offensive include forward looking offensive passive array radar set electronic beam steering fixed antenna pointed downward reduced radar synthetic radar ground moving target indication terrain following radar modes navigation radar navigation suite block upgrade added global positioning system gps receiver beginning defensive electronics include radar warning defensive equipment sets base wing rear facing tail tail radar linked total located canopy handled management system capacity world largest infrared weight pounds equipped carry aiding relatively low radar cross section technically stealth aircraft comprehensive sense thanks aircraft structure intake paths use radar material 50th similar sized roughly equivalent small fighter aircraft upgrades upgraded production beginning conventional mission upgrade program added new smart weapons interface enable use precision guided conventional weapons began block standard capability deliver non precision gravity bombs block brought improved synthetic radar upgrades fielded block provided enhanced capability delivery cluster bomb units sortie modifications bomb racks added near precision capability improved weapons targeting systems added advanced secure communications capabilities electronic upgrade added anti jam radios upgraded computers incorporated joint weapon joint air surface substantially improving bomber capability upgrades completed september block improve aircraft electronic capabilities canceled december cost schedule slips program began upgrade crew stations integrate data linking equipped flew july enables electronic data sharing eliminating need enter information systems hand january boeing delivered integrated battle station equipped replaced displays new multi function color display units upgraded newer june receiving block upgrades add link networking digital flight instrumentation sniper targeting pod integrated fleet pod mounted external aircraft chin near forward bomb bay following accelerated testing sniper pod fielded summer future precision munitions include air_force considering upgrading multiple racks carry times smaller currently february work began multi year upgrade scheduled completed vertical situation display upgrade shall replace existing flight instruments color displays second display shall aid threat targeting act display additional memory capacity installed database installation upgrades expected cost million research engineering costs estimated million additions replace spinning mass navigation system ring laser systems gps antenna replacement radar active array new attitude indicator operational history second star delivered sac june initial operational capability reached october placed nuclear alert status received official march bomber commonly called bone nickname appears stem early newspaper article aircraft spelled inadvertently omitted late engine fires led grounding fleet cause traced problems stage fan aircraft placed limited alert words grounded nuclear war broke following repairs returned duty beginning february fledgling conventional capability able drop pounds general purpose bomb low altitude despite cleared role problems engines prevented use gulf war primarily reserved strategic nuclear strike missions time providing role airborne nuclear soviet_union suited role conventional warfare coalition forces instead originally designed strictly nuclear war development effective conventional bomber delayed collapse soviet_union brought nuclear role question leading president ordering billion conventional refit sac establishment developed greater conventional weapons capability development start additional bomb wings created fighter wings converting aircraft mid-1990s employ weapons end 1990s advent block upgrade boasted array guided munitions longer carries nuclear weapons nuclear capability disabled removal nuclear hardware conventional role combat support operations iraq operation december employing weapons subsequently operation allied force notably operation enduring freedom afghanistan invasion iraq role operation allied force criticized aircraft enemy defenses suppressed aircraft like older intended replace deployed array conventional weapons war zones notably pounds months operation enduring freedom dropped percent aerial ordnance including munitions heavily iraq notably april unsuccessful attempt kill sons height iraq war permanently airborne provide rapid precision bombardment important targets intelligence identified operation enduring freedom able raise mission capable rate higher speed compared older intended replace holds world records speed distance time climb different aircraft weight classes november set long distance record aircraft demonstrated ability conduct extended mission lengths strike world return base stops recognized completing memorable record flights built remained losses accidents june pentagon sought place fleet storage proposal resulted officers members congress lobbying proposal including drafting amendment prevent cuts proposal intended allow money diverted upgrades remaining computer modernization accompanied removal bomb wings decided retire aircraft concentrate budget maintaining availability remaining new appropriation bill called retired aircraft return service returned seven bombers service increase fleet aircraft july associated_press reported growing presence iraq including close hand platform support coalition ground forces iraq afghanistan armed role surveillance purposes ready deliver guided bombs support ground troops contacted underwent series flight tests mix synthetic petroleum fuel march texas aircraft fly speed synthetic fuel flight texas new_mexico conducted ongoing air_force testing certification program reduce reliance traditional oil sources august flew sniper advanced targeting pod equipped combat sortie crew successfully targeted enemy ground forces dropped guided bomb afghanistan march attacked undisclosed targets libya operation odyssey dawn service september split squadrons organized 7th bomb wing texas 28th upgrades viable air force service approximately despite upgrades repair cost issues flight hour needs hours repair fuel repairs needs hour mission costs cost flight hour june senior officials met consider retiring entire fleet meet budget cuts pentagon plans supplement aircraft beginning meantime capabilities particularly suited vast distances unique challenges pacific region continue invest rely support focus pacific president obama pivot east asia august 9th expeditionary bomb squadron returned month tour afghanistan flew sorties squadron single deployment squadron spent hours airborne having bombers air times accounted quarter combat aircraft sorties country averaged requests air support day september participated maritime evaluation exercise deploying munitions laser guided bombs joint direct attack munitions long range anti ship missiles aim detect engage small craft existing weapons tactics developed conventional warfare ground targets seen useful asset maritime duties patrolling shipping lanes beginning syrian civil war august january accounted percent sorties operation inherent resolve deployed july support missions afghanistan air campaign began august unit iraq syria squadron dropped bombs months support forces defending city bombs period killing fighters went winchester dropping weapons board times deployment dropped sixth month rotation 28th flew sorties dropped munitions targets month deployment february sent cockpit upgrades organizational realignment announced april aircraft reassigned effective october variants original design variable engine speed prototypes built production units manufactured revised design reduced radar signature speed low level penetration total produced proposed upgrade existing aircraft regional fitted advanced radars air air missiles new engines variant speed shorter range existing external modified allow multiple conventional weapons carried increasing overall air air defense active array radar added existing modified carry air air missiles needed escape unfavorable air air encounters speed aircraft currently capable sustained speeds operators united_states united states air force strategic air command air force global strike command present 7th bomb wing texas 9th bomb squadron present 13th bomb squadron 28th bomb squadron present 28th 34th bomb squadron present 37th bomb squadron present bomb squadron texas present 57th wing nevada weapons squadron present bomb wing combat crew training squadron bomb wing grand 46th bomb squadron wing mountain home idaho 34th bomb squadron bomb wing kansas 28th georgia bomb wing kansas present flight test squadron test wing flight test squadron aircraft display wings denver colorado strategic air command museum near nebraska aircraft conventional seats features variant star linear air park texas aircraft delivered home active air force wings idaho wheels wells air force base home active air force wings air force base kansas air_force base air force base georgia base aircraft sixth produced delivered bomb wing texas march aircraft arrived september previously home wings renamed midnight train georgia april utah hill performs depot level maintenance entire fleet spit fire near main gate air force base oklahoma aircraft suffered flight engine failure led grounding fleet boss national museum united_states_air_force near ohio displayed museum cold war gallery replaces display accidents incidents lost accidents crew members people board killed accidents crashes august stalled crashed performing minimum control speed tests low altitude crew escape capsule leave bomber deployed causing capsule hit nose impact killed pilot test pilot seriously injured crew members september combat crew training squadron crashed near colorado flying low level training route crash occur crew members aboard crew members jump seats crew members seats perished root cause accident thought bird strike wing leading edge low level flight impact severe fuel hydraulic lines aircraft engines functioned long allow fleet later modified protect supply lines november crashed near texas fire broke left engines crew members successfully ejected aircraft november 28th 37th crashed short runway adverse weather crew members ejected successfully november 7th texas flying low level training flight crashed mountain near texas members crew killed cause attributed pilot error september 28th 37th flying crashed miles north montana members crew killed review board found bomber struck ground pilot error performing defensive maneuver training february 7th texas crashed near kentucky fire detected cockpit instrument panel shut aircraft power crew members able rescued safely december 28th 37th lost indian_ocean crew members successfully ejected rescued bomber flying route long range combat mission afghanistan crew declared flight emergency pilot captain attributed crash multiple causing bomber control water depth structural data collector black box recovered cause positively determined aircraft recently returned routine combat mission returning island lost combat operations april lost hydraulic power crashed concrete barrier caught fire crew safely evacuated aircraft carrying bombs time detonate aircraft destroyed august crashed remote area near montana crew members survived aircraft crashed report found crash mechanical failure leading fuel leak explosions accidents notable incidents october texas forced emergency landing edwards air force base suffering flight failure hydraulic system required use system deploy landing gear nose gear failed deploy crew attempted lower nose gear alternate emergency gear extension method hours attempting different means lower nose gear decision perform nose gear landing lower portion forward bulkhead mount radar antenna aircraft suffer damage repairs jet returned january crew performed emergency landing october flying training route eastern colorado 28th bomb squadron experienced explosion engines reached power fire aircraft left spotted engine shut fire activated accident investigation determined engine suffered catastrophic failure engine blades cut engine mounts engine detached aircraft december texas experienced caused engine shut fire event coupled october engine incident led day grounding nuclear alert status problem eventually traced problems stage fan equipped modified engines june 7th emergency divert germany wing sweep malfunction crew high speed landing stopped feet short end runway afterward brakes led fire right main landing gear quickly extinguished september extensively damaged fire landing air force base guam investigation incident concluded leaking hydraulic fluid sparks wheel caused fire start aircraft right main landing gear touched resulting fire damaged right wing engine airframe landing gear leading estimated repair cost million 7th texas landed gear recovery hour ferry flight island resulting fire quickly extinguished crew escaped hatch minor injury pilot air force investigation concluded crew forgot lower landing gear based following reasons pilot task pilot wanting complete long mission pilot completed landing pilot belief pilot lowered landing gear pilot turned control pilot final approach pilot reported base landing gear indicator lights showing landing gear working apparently ignored result impacted slid runway caused approximately million damage aircraft runway specifications data pace lee noted general characteristics crew aircraft commander offensive systems officer defensive systems officer internal external ordnance combined length wingspan extended swept height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant augmented dry thrust lbf thrust lbf fuel capacity optional gal fuel tank internal weapons bays performance maximum speed altitude mph altitude low level mph altitude range nmi combat radius nmi service ceiling wing loading thrust weight armament external pounds ordnance use weapons restricted arms treaties internal bomb bays pounds ordnance bombs air air general purpose bombs low drag general purpose bombs sea mines general purpose bombs naval mines wind corrected munitions gps guided bombs gps guided bombs mounted multiple racks mounted multiple racks small diameter bomb gps guided bombs fielded surface missile nuclear bombs longer carried forward looking offensive passive array radar radar warning receiver defensive equipment defensive management system sniper advanced targeting pod optional notable appearances media | Rockwell B-1 Lancer | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
16661_PolikarpovI-6 | soviet fighter prototype late 1920s designed traditional wooden construction comparison wood steel tube construction development took longer planned lead designer arrested industrial sabotage delayed project prototypes built selected production design development development fighter began september deadline delivery prototype august prototypes completed new fighter shared characteristics earlier design including single bay layout wings new design cylinder single row air cooled radial engine water cooled engine predecessor designed russian later redesignated russian experimental department aviation trust supervision head designer department originally intended compared changed evaluation construction methods wooden construction compared mixed construction aircraft engine license recently negotiated oval section semi fuselage covered birch small fuselage engine enclosed metal left cylinder heads exposed better cooling wings covered fabric clark profile internal wires fitted reinforce wings control surfaces framed covered fabric type separated wings attached upper wing fuselage profile reinforced steel wires conventional fixed rubber shock wooden propeller given spinner lighter weight air cooled engine required heavy meant weight arrested imprisoned september crime industrial sabotage projects met stipulated delayed flight march second prototype completed shortly aircraft appeared year day fly past moscow aircraft likely imported engines replaced soviet built copy crashed june test pilot justification opinion soviet aviation historian virtually identical performance took seconds complete circle versus seconds aircraft armed machine guns production model expected armed proved impose great penalty performance exact reasons selection debated year known likely relate factors informed selection release initial sentence death years imprisonment labor camp specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant radial engine performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling wing loading power mass time altitude minutes horizontal turn time sec armament machine guns | Polikarpov I-6 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
16834_LockheedD-21 | lockheed lockheed american reconnaissance maximum speed excess mph initially designed launched carrier aircraft variant lockheed aircraft development began october originally known lockheed designation intended reconnaissance deep enemy designed carry single high resolution photographic camera path release camera module air self following fatal accident launched modified launched boeing test flights followed unsuccessful operational flights program canceled design development 1960s lockheed secret developed reconnaissance aircraft cia shooting piloted number different concepts proposed alternatives leader developed concept long range technology october cia air_force instructed lockheed study high speed high altitude concept johnson specified speeds operational altitude feet range nautical miles intended way trip camera end mission recovery self double delta wing similar wing design air launched key technology project including construction radar cross section reduction design features johnson wanted power engine built boeing long range surface air missile lockheed collaborated programs close working relationship engine required modification designed burn long missile needed hit target engine needed operate high temperatures hour half high altitudes modified engine designated scale ready december undergone preliminary tests measure radar cross section successfully tested modified wind tunnel meantime cia enthusiastic agency time missions getting speed covert operations southeast_asia air_force interested reconnaissance platform cruise missile cia finally decided work develop new lockheed awarded contract march scale development camera film magazines navigation system carried cramped bay air intake components built module fit bay known hatch hatch ejected end mission air hercules technique developed air_force recover film satellites missed hatch equipped devices recovered ship released water built systems new construction techniques materials developed systems withstand high temperatures extreme vibrations lack space late project named designated version daughter mother original aircraft designated serial numbers seat version fuselage centerline vertical carry nose attitude testing carrier change mounted began captive flight testing december aerodynamic covers initially placed intake exhaust reduce drag removed tests way damaging carrier plane devised launched march released stayed close seconds like hours crew second launch took place april reached operational altitude speed mph lost hydraulic pump failure flight nmi air_force interest program continued ordered second launch flight took place june flying nmi complete flight profile camera hatch released electronics failure fourth final launch july ended disaster unlike previous launches performed straight level outside loop assist separation aircraft suffered engine problems struck tail separation leading destruction aircraft crew ejected landed sea pilot survived drowned following accident johnson suggested launching large boeing bomber adding solid rocket speed modified adding attachment points spine mate carrying belly attachment points adapted accommodate rocket necessary increase speed allow operate vertical increased size approximately modified version designated modified carry pair means large replaced smaller dog cruise missiles tail gunner electronic warfare officer stations replaced launch control stations command systems added high speed cameras installed track separated launch control officer communicate self solid fuel larger heavier feet inches long weighed pounds folding tail fin stabilize rocket firing burn time seconds thrust pounds force ground handling feet required wear anti static prevent discharge static electricity attempted launch september fell launch stripped aircraft reached intended launch point johnson admitted incident embarrassing launches performed november january completely successful johnson ordered team conduct thorough review launch attempts launch april failed engine june finally completely successful flight flew specified altitude course range hatch recovered launches failures followed successful flight december test february check navigation system actual mission profile failure flights july succeeded operational history operational missions took place senior bowl conducted november march spy nuclear test site based california flew missions usually guam chinese spotted failed turn continued straight crashing soviet_union test flight conducted february successful attempt correct problems second operational mission december reached recovery point hatch partial parachute failure lost sea photographs operational mission march flew returned released hatch deployed parachute recovery failed hatch fell water destroyer tried retrieve hatch ran sank fourth operational flight march lost china final segment route china wreckage found local authorities years wreckage moved exhibition area july program canceled poor success rate introduction new generation photo reconnaissance satellites president richard_nixon china total built expended launches remaining initially stored california moved near arizona base open public quickly spotted photographed air_force called standing fate disappeared operational flight finally revealed february official cia returned panel given soviet agent self siberia soviets recovered wreckage design bureau reverse engineered wreck produced plans soviet copy named raven built late 1990s nasa considered test hybrid rocket based combined cycle engine operates rocket depending flight regime ultimately nasa derivative agency test vehicle experiments aircraft display located arizona california beijing china oregon peru indiana march field riverside california air force base georgia museum flight seattle washington mounted remaining ohio california adjacent arizona wingspan length height launch weight maximum speed mph knots service ceiling range nmi engine lbf sources pace | Lockheed D-21 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17012_IlyushinIl-6 | soviet long range bomber developed originally intended high speed replacement recast long range bomber fuel diesel engines production single prototype began december flight testing showed issues landing high weights engines proved hard start low temperatures slow respond throttle movements development canceled development similar faster longer fuselage fitted completely new highly tapered wing aspect ratio engine streamlined reduce drag increase speed engine mounted wing center section fed slits leading edge wing defensive armament greatly improved cannon fitted flexible nose dorsal turret waist positions ventral forward originally intended high speed replacement initial design completed august requested bomber extended range instead high speed original radial engines replaced diesel engines low fuel consumption promised required range especially operated moderate weights revised design completed december production prototype initiated flight august lower powered engines substituted unavailable engines flight tests revealed difficult handling lack power non availability intended engines flight tests continued waist guns gunner fitted july despite modifications aircraft suffered poor low speeds high weights poor performance flight tests engines performed air found difficult start low ambient temperatures slow response throttle movements development canceled variants intended production version engines known bomber engines projected variant engines production drawings issued heard presumably effort focused diesel powered version specifications data gordon history aircraft general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight powerplant performance maximum speed mph range miles service ceiling rate climb min armament cannon dorsal turret flexible nose beam ventral positions bombs maximum internally bombs external racks torpedoes external racks | Ilyushin Il-6 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17049_AvroVulcan | vulcan later july jet powered delta wing high altitude strategic bomber operated royal_air_force raf aircraft manufacturer designed vulcan response bombers produced vulcan considered technically advanced option scale aircraft designated produced test delta wing design principles delivered raf deliveries improved vulcan started featured powerful engines larger wing improved electrical system electronic modified accept missile force vulcan backbone airborne nuclear cold war vulcan typically armed nuclear weapons capable conventional bombing missions capability operation black war united_kingdom argentina vulcan defensive weaponry initially relying high speed high altitude flight evade interception electronic employed designated circa change low level tactics mid-1960s mid-1970s adapted maritime radar reconnaissance operations redesignated final years service converted tanker configuration aerial retirement raf example named spirit great_britain restored use display flights air shows whilst kept condition ground runs demonstrations london airport respectively flew time october kept condition robin hood airport development origins origin vulcan bombers linked early british atomic weapon programme nuclear policies britain bomb programme began issued august anticipated government decision january research development work atomic weapons mcmahon act having prohibited atomic knowledge countries collaborated manhattan_project envisaged weapon exceed length diameter weight weapon suitable release january distributed specification aviation companies satisfy medium range bomber capable carrying bomb target nautical miles base world cruising speed knots mph heights specified maximum weight fully loaded ought exceed addition special atomic bomb aircraft capable alternatively carrying conventional bomb load similar required long range bomber nautical miles radius action maximum weight fully loaded requirement considered total companies submit technical specification including required tender end april work began led technical director chief designer type designation obvious design team conventional aircraft satisfy specification knowing little high speed flight unable investigated german second world war swept wing research team estimated conventional aircraft swept wing doubled weight requirement realising swept wings increase longitudinal stability team deleted tail supporting fuselage swept flying wing rudimentary forward fuselage fin vertical estimated weight requirement delta shape resulted reducing wingspan maintaining wing area filling space enabled specification met generally credited pioneer delta wing team followed logical design process initial design submission large stacked pairs buried wing engines bomb bays august killed crash tudor prototype succeeded sir reductions wing thickness impossible incorporate split bomb bays stacked engines engines placed pairs single bomb bay fuselage growing somewhat fins gave way single fin aircraft rival manufacturer received prototype contract crescent winged tender november considered best option contract placement design delayed whilst technical strength established instructions proceed construction prototypes received january insurance measure radical designs failing received contract prototype stringent later named required april vickers received authority proceed type falling short specification conventional design available sooner plane entered service flight experience delta wing company planned smaller experimental aircraft based scale model low speed handling half scale model high speed handling ordered cancelled considered time consuming develop high speed variant designed place flew september crashed later month killing test pilot second low speed built nose section containing seat redesignated flew september piloted test pilot high speed followed july delay programme contribution basic design considered significant highlight need increase length ground degrees attitude proved design validity gave confidence delta second seat constructed played development vulcan prototypes type certification influential design wind tunnel testing performed indicated need wing redesign avoid onset drag restricted maximum speed painted white prototype flew time august piloted flying solo prototype fitted pilot seat conventional control wheel powered rolls engines lbf thrust wing fuel tanks temporary carried bomb bay appearance society air month demonstrated vertical bank appearance future subject speculation strongly recommended ottawa honour company connection weekly magazine flight suggested rejecting apollo chief preferred class bombers announced following month called vulcan roman god fire destruction january grounded installation wing fuel tanks engines lbf thrust systems flew july second prototype flew september representative production aircraft lengthened accommodate longer nose leg featured visual bomb aiming cabin fitted engines lbf thrust suggestion fighter style control stick replaced control wheel prototypes pure delta wings straight leading edges trials july substantially damaged heavy landing repaired fitted engines lbf thrust resuming trials october exploring high speed high altitude flight envelope mild undesirable flight characteristics experienced approaching speed sound including tendency enter dive unacceptable armament experimental establishment solution included phase wing featuring leading edge vortex generators upper surface tested auto introduced nose attitude high speeds control column pushed pulled maintain level flight production flown february original wing september flying second production amazed crowds air executing barrel roll second president tent days flying called service civil aviation authorities ordered refrain carrying dangerous manoeuvre fitted phase wing delivered march trials type initial received following month developments powered lbf thrust early examples metallic finish remained property retained trials development purposes entering raf service delivered operational conversion unit july later aircraft painted anti flash white powered lbf thrust began enter squadron service july quickly modified standard ultimately rated lbf thrust far begun development rated lbf thrust fitted introduced requiring redesign wing decision proceed versions vulcan anticipated 45th aircraft order able achieve greater heights targets believed operational flexibility extended provision flight equipment tanker aircraft increasing soviet air defences required fitting electronic equipment vulnerability reduced introduction stand missile development order develop proposals second vulcan prototype rebuilt larger thinner phase wing improved flying control surfaces engines flying configuration august plans hand equip 16th aircraft onwards flight receiving equipment allocated development work development later new electrical system including tail cone tail warning radar 46th production aircraft flew september fitted engines lbf thrust months delivered march rebuilding considered rejected cost extend service life upgraded standard including features equipment flight receiving equipment radio second flew january powered production lbf thrust representative production aircraft fitted flight probe tail cone subsequent initially lacking tail fitted showed retaining narrow engine air anticipating powerful engines air deepened 11th subsequent aircraft early aircraft retained trials 12th delivered raf july coincidentally vulcan service raf retired 26th production batch ordered february vulcan apart development aircraft capable carrying missile aircraft delivered raf modifications version cancelled favour douglas air launched missile december fittings changed anticipation new missile wing cancelled november aircraft delivered later aircraft onwards delivered engines lbf thrust earlier aircraft engined trials development work seven aircraft converted circa delivered type served till whilst service continuously updated modifications including rapid engine starting bomb bay fuel tanks wing strengthening fatigue life enable aircraft fly low level tactic introduced upgraded navigation equipment terrain following radar common nuclear weapon improved equipment strengthened withdrawn modified maritime radar reconnaissance role airborne tanker role proposed developments cancelled projects type proposal delta winged military transport based type carry troops passengers powered engines proposal announced june passenger delta winged based type type proposal development vulcan powered junior engines unlike proposed low level bomber steel bomber dating cancelled completion prototype type showed vulcan heritage vulcan phase vulcan air staff approached request study patrol missile armed missiles capable mission length hours submission phase vulcan built aircraft fitted enlarged wing span increased fuel capacity additional fuel tanks dorsal spine new main carry weight lbf thrust amended proposal october inserted plug forward fuselage capacity crew members including relief pilot facing forwards seats aft fan versions export proposals countries expressed interest purchasing bombers foreign sales australia early australia recognised english electric canberra outdated evaluated aircraft vulcan potential replacements political pressure canberra replacement rose head point modern types north american available raf transferred bombers including interim use raaf purchased raaf selected argentina early 1980s argentina approached proposal buy number application september requested early availability suitable aircraft reluctance ministers approved export single aircraft emphasised clearance given sale larger number letter british foreign january stated little prospect seen happening argentine interest interest genuine face strike aircraft entirely suitable attack argentina invaded months later design overview despite radical unusual shape airframe built traditional lines highly stressed parts structure manufactured standard grades light airframe broken number major assemblies centre section rectangular box containing bomb bay engine bays bounded rear wing transport joints centre fuselage fuselage incorporating pressure cabin nose outer wings leading edges wing trailing edge tail end fuselage wings sealed directly fuel carried fuel void spaces wings single swept tail fin single rudder trailing edge man crew pilot pilot navigator radar navigator air electronics officer accommodated pressure cabin levels pilots sitting seats whilst lower level crew sat facing abandon aircraft entrance door original specification sought crew compartment requirement removed subsequent amendment rear crew escape system issue controversy practical refit scheme rejected rudimentary sixth seat forward navigator radar provided additional crew member additional seventh seat opposite sixth seat forward seats harness oxygen facility visual bomb compartment fitted blue devil space housed vertically mounted camera assessing simulated low level bombing runs fuel carried bag tanks centre fuselage rear bay outer wing tanks split groups equal capacity normally feeding respective engine cross feeding possible centre gravity automatically maintained electric pumps tanks aircraft fitted additional fuel tanks bomb bay despite designed low radar cross section stealth factors consideration technical note stated aircraft far studied vulcan appeared far simplest radar echoing object shape components contributed significantly echo aspect compared types colour schemes prototype finished white early vulcan left factory natural metal finish half nose painted black rear half painted silver line vulcan finish anti flash white raf type line similar type pale adoption low level attack profiles mid-1960s given glossy sea grey medium dark green pattern camouflage upper surfaces white type vulcan onwards delivered factory mid-1970s vulcan received similar scheme camouflage light aircraft grey low visibility received similar scheme half longer painted black beginning received wrap camouflage dark sea grey dark green red flag exercises defending sam forces found grey painted vulcan visible ground high angles bank original vulcan radio fit channel receivers channel receiver featured receiver initial radio fit similar ultimately fitted receiver receiver collins navigation bombing system comprised radar navigation bombing computer nbc navigation aids included radio compass radar determine drift angle radio radar replaced replaced continuous display aircraft position maintained ground position indicator vulcan eventually fitted twin free running heading reference system based platform missile integrated system missile carried navigator heading unit provided enabled navigator adjust aircraft heading little degrees additionally fitted navigation system original fit fitted voice communications metric red shrimp band passive warning receiver red steer tail warning radar window bulk equipment carried large extended tail cone flat aerial plate mounted starboard later equipment included band replacing red shrimp band replacing green palm improved red steer red gave squared fin controls aircraft controlled fighter type control stick rudder bar operated powered flying controls single electro hydraulic powered flying control unit rudder running artificial feel form pitch provided auto flight instruments traditional included artificial zero reader flight display instruments features incorporated pilots components beam director fitted terrain following radar built commands fed director elevators replaced vulcan fitted electrically operated position medium drag high drag upper centre section lower originally lower deleted aircraft entered service brake parachute installed inside tail cone electrical hydraulic systems main electrical system supplied engine driven generators backup power provided batteries connected series providing secondary electrical systems single phase phase driven main system system backed single battery greater efficiency higher reliability main system changed phase supplied engine driven constant speed standby supplies event main failure provided ram air turbine rat driving operate high altitude airborne auxiliary power plant gas turbine driving started aircraft altitude secondary electrical supplies similar change system significant improvement vulcan powered flying controls powered flying control unit hydraulic pump driven electric motor manual total electrical failure result loss control standby batteries designed power minutes flying time proved optimistic aircraft crashed result main hydraulic system provided pressure raising lowering trim steering fitted bomb doors opening closing air lowering hydraulic pressure provided hydraulic pumps fitted nos engines electrically operated hydraulic power pack operate bomb doors brake compressed air later nitrogen system provided emergency lowering engine originally known flow powered vulcan vulcan engines buried wings positioned pairs close centre fuselage engine design began intended power rival design vulcan arrangement air cause vulcan distinctive engines approximately power heard aircraft performs public prototype vulcan ready flight prior available flew rolls engines lbf thrust quickly replaced engines lbf thrust later flying test bed second prototype flew lbf thrust subsequently engined engines lbf thrust flew phase wing fitted engines lbf thrust early engined later aircraft delivered lbf thrust overhaul ultimately lbf thrust flew second generation lbf thrust design began subsequent engined lbf thrust lbf thrust designated fitted rapid air starter engine later developed powerplant cancelled strike bomber passenger transport operational history introduction september raf received vulcan immediately embarked round world tour tour important demonstration range capabilities aircraft benefits form conducting goodwill visits countries later life routinely visited nations distant parts british_empire support military protection tour struck october landing bad weather london airport completion world tour destroyed fatal accident aircraft delivered january training crews started february following months aircraft delivered course qualify course went form flight squadron squadron operational squadron use bomber borrowed july received aircraft september handed squadron second course formed flight squadron subsequent trained crews form second bomber squadron squadron aircraft batch aircraft delivered end squadron order increase mission range flight time vulcan operations flight capabilities added onwards bombers refurbished refuel continuous airborne patrols proved mechanisms vulcan fleet fell 1960s force aircraft routinely visited far_east particular singapore fully equipped nuclear weapons storage facility constructed indonesia malaysia confrontation britain planned deploy squadrons bomber aircraft tactical nuclear weapons region ultimately decided trained region conventional nuclear missions britain regularly deployed far_east contribution operations test defenses friendly nations joint exercises early 1970s raf decided permanently deploy squadrons overseas bomber wing based cyprus withdrawn violence intensified mid-1970s long range missions june took sydney long journey flown bit hours air frequently visited united_states 1960s 1970s participate air shows static displays participate annual bombing locations louisiana florida raf crews representing later strike command took operation exercises defences tested possible soviet air attack soviet fighter bomber attacks new_york chicago washington results tests classified vulcan proved successful giant voice exercise managed avoid nuclear britain independent nuclear vulcan initially carried britain nuclear weapon gravity bomb low yield bomb designed united_states detonated hydrogen bomb supplemented bombs available programme later british red beard tactical nuclear weapon previously embarked hydrogen bomb programme bridge gap ready bombers equipped based blue danube containing large pure yield bomb known deployed green grass incorporated developed weapon later fitted british built variant british weapon deployed carried vulcan retained nuclear weapons assigned dual key arrangements pre positioned singapore use vulcan victor bombers squadrons vulcan squadrons victor armed missile rocket powered stand bomb fitted yield operationally ensure coverage major soviet targets aircraft raf assigned targets end onwards jets major raf base armed nuclear weapons standby permanently principle quick reaction alert standby airborne minutes receiving alert identified time warning ussr nuclear strike launched arriving britain closest vulcan came taking potential nuclear conflict cuban missile crisis october moved alert condition increased state normal operations stood early november intended equipped missile replace vulcan carrying wings modified production line fit carry variant increased wingspan carry proposed missile system cancelled president recommendation secretary defense retained supplement royal_navy took role submarines vulcan bombers adopted new mission profile flying high clear transit dropping low avoid enemy defences approach deploying parachute bomb aircraft designed high altitude flight low altitudes exceed knots vice marshal vulcan pilot said questionable effective flying low level war soviet_union british submarines operational taken service vulcan continued carry tactical nuclear strike role british contribution europe standing nato forces longer held aircraft minutes readiness peacetime squadrons stationed cyprus assigned strategic strike role eventual demise vulcan bombers continued retirement like like replacement multi role tornado strike bomber successor roles previously filled vulcan conventional role operational usage vulcan typically carried nuclear armaments type secondary conventional role performing conventional combat missions vulcan carry bombs inside bomb bay 1960s vulcan squadrons routinely conducting conventional training missions expected able perform conventional bombing missions addition critical nuclear strike mission vulcan normally performed vulcan combat missions took place end type service war vulcan deployed forces occupied conflict occasion bombers participate conventional warfare missions performed vulcan known black raids aircraft fly reach stanley victor conducted necessary air air vulcan cover distance involved approximately imp gal fuel mission selected participate operation order aircraft receive minute adaptations including modifications bomb bay long use flight system installation new navigational system derived vickers onboard electronics underneath wings new fitted carry pod anti radar missiles wing locations originally installed purpose carrying cancelled nuclear missile engineering work begun april mission conducted single vulcan flew port stanley dropped bombs airfield concentrating single runway direct hit making unsuitable fighter aircraft vulcan mission quickly followed strikes anti air installations flown nearby royal_navy carriers vulcan missions flown airfield missions missiles launched radar installations additional missions cancelled time missions held record world longest distance raids systems board proved effective argentine radars vulcan theatre british aircraft vicinity greatly reduced chance coming effective fire june vulcan squadron took black mission radar sites stanley airfield attempting refuel return journey probe broke leaving vulcan insufficient fuel forcing diversion rio_de_janeiro neutral brazil route secret papers dumped remaining missiles failed launch vulcan escorted fighters permitted emergency landing rio little fuel left board vulcan crew detained end hostilities days later reconnaissance november result planned closure victor equipped squadron squadron reformed equipped vulcan replacement maritime radar reconnaissance role squadron carried patrols seas british isles including strategically important gap iceland united_kingdom flying high level vulcan radar monitor shipping peacetime followed visual identification photography targets interest low level wartime vulcan leave visual identification potential targets coordinate attacks hostile shipping initially equipped number aircraft squadron eventually operated aircraft known unofficial designation aircraft modified role removing terrain following radar adding radio navigation aid main external visual difference presence paint finish light grey protect sea spray squadron inherited secondary role air sampling squadron involved flying airborne contamination onboard equipment collect fallout released ground underground nuclear tests later analysis aircraft small fitted redundant carry sampling pods modified drop tanks pods collect needed samples filter additional smaller pod fitted port wing main squadron disbanded march passing radar reconnaissance duties raf aerial role end war vulcan withdrawn raf service year campaign consumed airframe fatigue life raf victor tanker conversions ordered lockheed ordered subsequent conflict measure converted single point vulcan tanker conversion accomplished removing bay tail aircraft replacing single additional cylindrical bomb bay tank fitted making total giving fuel capacity ahead converting aircraft given days ordered vulcan tanker delivered vulcan operated squadron vulcan support air defence activities disbanded march vulcan display flight disbandment squadron continued flying raf air displays vulcan display flight based administered squadron based initially displaying aircraft sold having replaced began displays continued finishing operations determined costly run light budget cuts aircraft subsequently entered preservation survived kept reserve years later scrapped engine test beds prototype engines replaced lbf rolls conway transferred rolls conway test bed flew world fatal crash september vulcan flight vulcan fitted engines spring intensive flying trials aircraft crashed july routine test flight vulcan flew engines standard plus destined aircraft destroyed ground fire december vulcan withdrawn raf service june transferred converted test bed thrust cancelled february scrapped converted vulcan withdrawn raf service landing accident rebuilding replaced conway test bed fitted inner replaced flying time configuration october vulcan surplus trials converted similar layout flight test installation flight october testing continued june april flew rolls destined tornado engine included thrust functions fly retired february vulcan developing flew larger engine returned refurbished raf variants initial production aircraft straight leading edge later phase wing early examples finished silver later changed anti flash white converted standard raf service retired flight engine march electronic system new larger tail cone unlike undergo extensive wing strengthening low level flying withdrawn service developed version larger thinner wing wing fitted engines lbf engines lbf auxiliary airborne power plant auxiliary power unit rat similar nose fitted aircraft new radar warning receiver tail fin giving square mid-1970s converted maritime radar reconnaissance deleted aircraft modified distinctive finish light grey underside converted air air mounted semi tail cone deleted fitted bomb bay drum tanks mark vulcan fuel emergency proposed version intended long endurance missile carrier capable carrying flights hours duration built production total production assembled design models delivered raf january operators armament experimental establishment aircraft trials evaluation royal_air_force squadron raf operated squadron raf operated squadron raf operated squadron raf operated squadron raf operated squadron raf operated squadron raf vulcan squadron operated squadron raf operated squadron raf operated operational conversion unit raf unit operate vulcan provided conversion type operational training vulcan vulcan flying currently based robin hood airport sheffield aircraft operated times direction trials evaluation blind landing experimental unit bases raf cyprus base operational squadrons squadron moved returned squadron moved returned base operational squadrons squadron formed operate moved squadron formed operate moved squadron formed operate moved base operational squadrons squadron moved moved squadron moved disbanded squadron moved moved raf squadron formed second operational squadron moved moved moved base operational squadrons different times squadron formed operate disbanded reformed operate variant squadron squadron reformed operate disbanded squadron formed operate reformed operate disbanded moved disbanded base number operational squadrons different times operational vulcan base squadron moved disbanded squadron formed operate converted disbanded squadron formed operate converted flew tanker version disbanding squadron formed operational squadron operate reformed later year unit squadron moved converted disbanded formed train vulcan crews moved bomber dispersal airfields event transition war bomber squadrons deploy aircraft short notice pre prepared dispersal airfields united_kingdom early 1960s raf ordered communication aircraft crews dispersal airfields importance aircraft brief diminishing primary nuclear switched royal_navy missile accidents incidents october vulcan delivered crashed london airport operation flight flag waving trip australia new_zealand approach bad weather struck ground short runway engine power applied impact probably broke drag links main allowing forced backwards damaged wing trailing edge initial impact rose air pilot squadron leader pilot sir bomber command ejected survived occupants including spare pilot representative killed aircraft hit ground broke vulcan attached armament experimental establishment acceptance testing unintentionally flown number crew reached speed commander raaf pilot raf tasked fly mph taking aircraft load factor climbed intending reach target speed approaching target altitude closed elevator applied continued pitch nose contemplated pushing forward inverted rolling upright instead opened speed brakes maximum operating speed speed brakes undamaged slow aircraft came past vertical leveled reports sonic boom unlikely true number reached rear bulkhead found deformed september vulcan flown test pilot engine performance sortie fly past battle britain home display flew main runway started roll starboard climbed slightly starboard wing main collapsed went dive starboard wing fire struck ground killing occupants controllers crew board proposed causes structural failure included pilot error metal fatigue air intake vibration inadequate maintenance october vulcan squadron crashed east detroit michigan usa complete electrical failure occurred backup system provided minutes emergency power allowing reach airports area backup power lasted minutes short circuit service locking controls went steep dive crashing leaving crater ground later excavated wreckage despite extensive property damage ground fatalities person ground hospitalized crew members killed including pilot ejected pilot seat found lake body recovered following spring buried oak ridge cemetery michigan alongside raf student pilots killed second world war accidents nearby naval air station july vulcan crashed electrical failure engine test shortly crew observed generator warning lights loss voltage aircraft commander climbed steering away airfield populated areas attempted solve problem clear control regained harrison instructed rear compartment crew exit aircraft pilot crew survived making complete vulcan crew successfully escape aircraft crashed near kingston hull october vulcan participated marking opening wellington international airport airport touch landing runway came stop landing wind shear caused land short runway threshold port leg embankment point southern end damaging wing engine fuel lines main landing gear drag link unable support aircraft port wing tip nearly runway surface able lift fuel crowd pilot actions prevented possible disaster spectators present western apron flew safe emergency landing nose starboard landing gear little damage repair team returned january departed remaining service october september vulcan damaged runway garage allocated test engine delivered approaching poor weather conditions aircraft touched halfway runway braking parachute streamed realising aircraft stop time captain opened round runway garage took force jet blast property damage sustained petrol pumps blown flat street light knocked blown multiple cars shattered aircraft diverted flying days later december vulcan squadron crashed exercise scotland flying ground struck ground climbing slightly cause likely poor visibility crashed demonstration aircraft entered spin low speed high rate descent demonstrated landing parachute deployed stopping spin briefly began spin aircraft commander instructed crew abandon aircraft commander pilot ejected successfully rear compartment crew presumably forces spin july vulcan crashed explosion caused engines shut explosion caused failure bearing engine starboard wing extensively damaged pilot insufficient power indications highly inaccurate crew successfully abandoned found minutes rescued october crashed power practice approach executed power approach engines producing thrust idle checked squadron commander unfamiliar aircraft commenced moved power engines producing power reached power quickly engines idle resultant thrust exceeded available rudder authority causing aircraft spin crash crew perished vulcan crash landed causing written year delivery february vulcan wing crashed low level exercise aircraft struck ground near summit northeast crew members died time snow covered cloud extended april vulcan burnt runway beginning run aircraft carrying missile training round crew including cadet escaped aircraft flames totally destroyed accident caused failure turbine disc engine reached power january vulcan crashed following loss control rear crew members killed pilots ejected captain ejected late stage survived deploying parachute power cables accident caused failure turbine disc aircraft returned airfield following indications bomb bay january vulcan crashed blade fatigue failure engine damaging fuel system causing fire crew abandoned aircraft safely crashed october vulcan squadron lost left damaged airframe runway malta aircraft broke village turning emergency landing pilot pilot escaped seats crew members killed large aircraft pieces fell village woman killed electric cable injured january vulcan squadron crashed near lincolnshire practice emergency descent bomb bay fire warning light followed engine fire warning light captain shut engine reported flames coming area engine deployed ram air turbine rat fire intensified captain ordered aircraft abandoned rear crew members escaped ordering pilot captain ejected control lost cause rat electrical burning hole adjacent fuel pipe setting fuel fire august vulcan squadron crashed air display naval air station illinois united_states crew authorised carry display airport captain elected carry display low level run probably aircraft pulled executed resulting low level stall crash killing board june broke probe attempting refuel flight returning mission insufficient fuel reach base pilot discarded classified information atlantic_ocean diverted rio_de_janeiro shortly entering brazilian sent escort british plane landed air force base led high level diplomatic talks brazil remained neutral war seven days vulcan crew allowed return home condition played conflict vulcan suffered failure port engines starting roll airport bags inadvertently left air intake maintenance second increasing power port engines immediately destroying remaining port engine debris engine destroying fire prevention systems proved effective airframe control systems suffered damage pilot difficulty bringing aircraft safe stop having remained ground july returned flight surviving aircraft survive housed museums united_kingdom north_america vulcan spirit great_britain display aircraft raf vulcan display flight grounded later restored flight vulcan displayed civilian aircraft retired second time engineering reasons retirement retained base robin hood airport taxi able aircraft role performed survivors based airport based specifications vulcan data characteristics crew pilot pilot navigator radar navigator length wingspan height wing area weight including crew max takeoff weight powerplant lbf performance maximum speed mph altitude shallow dive cruise speed miles hour range service ceiling thrust weight armament pounds conventional bombs nuclear gravity bomb nuclear gravity bomb mark nuclear gravity bomb supplied project nuclear gravity bomb gravity bomb red beard nuclear gravity bomb parachute nuclear gravity bomb comparison variants notes popular culture | Avro Vulcan | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17116_Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-1 | soviet fighter aircraft world war designed meet requirement high altitude fighter issued minimize demand strategic materials aluminum aircraft constructed steel wood flight testing revealed number deficiencies ordered production fixed difficult handle built design modified aircraft issued fighter regiments apparently destroyed opening days german invasion soviet_union june design development design phase designed response requirement high altitude fighter engine issued january initially aircraft designated designed construction bureau work started june direction assistant preferred radial engines promoted design time powerful engine available decided use fighter approach selected build smallest possible aircraft intended powerplant weight drag philosophy light fighter specified aircraft capable reaching mph august fell favour result went november tour germany aviation works soviet authorities decided construction team create new experimental construction section headed remained formally bureau june work design assigned later recognized justice designers low wing tail dragging mixed construction shortages light rear fuselage wood fuselage propeller rear cockpit steel tube covered bulk wing wooden center section metal steel section main wing profile evenly tapered rounded tips outer wing panels landing gear wheels retracted main units wing center section cockpit situated aft seriously limited forward vision landing engine available powerful substituted exhaust pair cylinders provided additional thrust drove pitch propeller metres diameter air wing roots oil cooler port engine underneath cockpit armament included fuselage mounted machine guns machine gun result highly conventional aircraft flew schedule april moscow chief test pilot controls prototype attained speed mph attain speed originally specified air_force engine second prototype took air aircraft armed forced wait june problems gear prolonged ground firing tests august mph reached maximum boost time altitude figures minutes minutes speeds lower altitudes mph mph production improvements ordered production immediately contrast competing designs successfully completed state trials august attempt trials revealed number defects including inadequate visibility poor quality canopy pilot view heavy controls poor longitudinal stability difficulty opening canopy excessively hot cockpit dangerous flick simple stall spin impossible recover number improvements ordered aircraft result deficiencies discovered trials able implemented production began anxious modern fighters service included additional air intake starboard nose oil cooler rubber fuel tanks self sealing bomb racks capable carrying kilogram bomb given rounds rounds ninth aircraft onwards opening canopy replaced rear sliding canopy flight december designated initials improvement process continued production run weren immediately implemented production line instead incorporated fourth prototype evaluation aircraft flew october significant improvement production passed state acceptance trials improvements incorporated production line designated december production completed december additional testing prototypes evaluate number proposals example second prototype fitted prototype engine flew engine january experienced severe vibration problems despite efforts cure problems failed flight destroyed ensuing crash prototype generally armament trials experimenting rockets weapons trial equipped experimental carried underneath wings external pods redesignated gun removed tests space freed install extra fuel tank initially cannon low rate fire rounds minute soon doubled gun renamed installation guns difficult despite aircraft metal outer wing panels wings deformed cannon mounted flight december carrying machine guns blocked fuel line caused forced landing guns fired testing variety aircraft revealed unsatisfactory performance guns development canceled designers arrested executed october operational history december ordered based town conduct operational trials transferred pilot training conclusion trials february issued regular fighter units notably fighter regiment lithuania poland places soviet occupation june spread bit total hand operational additional assigned pilots trained handle little known performance combat likely destroyed opening days inventory late recorded withdrawn year variants internal designation prototype prototype single seat fighter aircraft operators soviet_union soviet navy specifications general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant liquid cooled performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament machine gun machine guns bombs | Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-1 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17318_LockheedXF-104 | lockheed lockheed single engine high performance prototype united_states_air_force series lightweight simple fighters aircraft built aircraft primarily aerodynamic research served armament prototypes destroyed accidents testing forerunner lockheed korean war fighter pilots equipped soviet pilots lockheed engineers led designed submitted novel design air_force design notable particularly thin wings missile shaped fuselage novel pilot system maiden flight came february flight test program encountered problems resolved performance proved better estimates prototypes lost accidents ordered service test internationally production proved popular serving line fighters number countries development chief engineer lockheed visited korea december talked fighter pilots sort aircraft wanted time pilots confronting north american pilots felt superior larger complex american design pilots requested small simple aircraft excellent performance pilot particular colonel quoted saying sight piece stuck told johnson radar waste time return johnson immediately started design aircraft realising official requirement soon published march team assembled different aircraft proposals ranging small designs fairly large ones design known remained essentially identical model eventually delivered design presented air_force november interested create new proposal inviting companies participate additional designs received improved version prototype north american eventually evolve new powered design interesting lockheed lead granted development contract march test data earlier lockheed rocket program proved aerodynamic research share general design wing tail experience gained douglas design phase surplus artillery rockets launched test tail designs camera film recovered parachute wooden mock ready inspection end april work started prototypes late engine ready prototypes instead designed use wright licensed built version construction prototype serial number buzz number began summer lockheed burbank california factory aircraft powered non built wright prototype completed early started flying march total time award contract flight year short time today years typical construction second prototype proceeded slower pace design order achieve desired performance lockheed chose minimalist approach design achieve high performance wrapping efficient airframe possible single powerful engine emphasis drag mass radical wing design jets use swept delta wing allows reasonable balance aerodynamic performance lift internal space fuel equipment efficient shape high speed flight found small straight mid mounted wing low aspect ratio high wing loading wing extremely thin thickness chord ratio leading edges wing thin sharp presented hazard ground crews protective guards installed ground operations wings meant fuel tanks landing gear contained fuselage hydraulic driving inch thick fit available space known resemblance musical instrument wings electrically driven leading trailing edge flaps increase lift low speed feature production aircraft extensive wind tunnel testing mounted fin stability control pitch axis vertical tail fin slightly shorter length wing nearly effective act wing rudder application phenomenon known dutch roll offset effect wings angled downward rudder manually operated supplemented small surface mounted fin fuselage high ratio tapering sharply nose small frontal area fuselage tightly packed containing cockpit cannon internal fuel landing gear engine air designed fixed geometry inlet powered aircraft incapable performance similar mounted slightly away fuselage inner plate boundary layer bleed air combination features provided extremely low drag high angle attack point induced drag high featured unusual downward stanley seat feared contemporary seat designs explosive power clear high tail assembly event seat firing possible manually release lower fuselage hatch exit aircraft gravity series aircraft later convert upward seats fuselage hatch retained useful maintenance feature operational history testing evaluation lockheed transported edwards amidst high secrecy night february lockheed test pilot initial testing february planned hop ground high speed taxi official flight took place march flight landing gear landed low speed flight minutes adjustments flights discovered problem low pressure hydraulic system bad weather kept ground march flights carried landing gear normally second prototype lockheed fitted start flew october armament test bed fitted vulcan cannon equipped fire control system achieved speed feet march piloted lockheed test pilot highest speed achieved level flight powered non easily exceeded slight descent july replaced engine installed performance greatly improved maximum level speed altitude attained climb attained dive accepted november initial aerial firing tests vulcan cannon second aircraft successful december explosion firing burst engine suffered severe stalls immediately shut engine successful landing investigation later showed cannon rounds exploded breech blowing bolt rear gun structure forward fuselage fuel cell jet fuel run gun bay leaked compartment door seals left engine air intake engine immediately flooded fuel causing stalls crashes lost crash july developed tail flying chase flight tests entire tail group ripped airframe lockheed test pilot forced vertical fin known problem aircraft limited speeds time accident attempted aircraft removed flight status placed museum arguing performance suitable chase duties lost april accumulating flying hours test pilot forced gun firing trials gun test firing severe vibrations began build knocked loose hatch cockpit cabin pressure lost salmon pressure suit covering face recalling experience exploding cannon shell previous december salmon believed thing happened option later found saved simply bringing lower altitude waiting pressure suit loss armament lockheed engineers forced find alternative armament trials continued modified amassed approximate total flight hours testing conclusions flight testing proved performance estimates accurate fitted low powered engine flew faster century series fighters developed time ceiling higher predicted exceeded estimated speed drag figures percent noted low thrust engine enable performance potential type realized number minor problems surfaced readily fixed found ineffective rudder positively center problems corrected rudder control system rudder provide adequate directional control high air speeds hydraulic power subsequent versions concern expressed poor higher altitudes later interview asked opinion aircraft come designs terms performance yes terms engine went great engine problems designing airframe johnson jointly awarded trophy sharing honor general_electric engine flight records production official approval design led contract service test aircraft production run aircraft built united_states license worldwide visible changes production versions include longer fuselage accommodate engine extra internal fuel forward nose landing gear seat versions increase clearance downward seat ventral fin increased stability added test program inlet shock fuselage spine canopy fin housed fuel added features production aircraft feature redesigned fin structure steel eliminate problem internal fuel capacity low limiting useful range aircraft extra capacity provided later versions forward fuselage specifications data characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area convex weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant wright dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph stall speed mph range nmi service ceiling armament guns vulcan cannon | Lockheed XF-104 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17319_SEPECATJaguar | anglo french jet attack aircraft originally close air support nuclear strike role service originally conceived 1960s jet trainer light ground attack capability requirement aircraft soon changed include performance reconnaissance tactical nuclear strike roles carrier based variant planned french service cancelled favour cheaper manufactured production joint venture major joint anglo french military aircraft programs jaguar exported india ecuador nigeria air forces jaguar numerous conflicts military operations iraq bosnia pakistan providing ready nuclear delivery platform britain france india half cold war gulf war jaguar praised reliability valuable coalition resource aircraft served main strike attack aircraft july royal_air_force end april replaced tornado raf development background jaguar programme began early 1960s response british requirement advanced jet trainer replace french requirement tactical combat support trainer cheap dual role trainer light attack aircraft replace lockheed countries companies designs hunting britain france memorandum understanding signed countries develop aircraft trainer based larger cross channel negotiations led formation european company production combat trainer tactical support aircraft joint venture produce airframe based basic configuration innovative french designed landing gear jaguar built incorporated major elements designed notably wing high lift devices production aircraft components split assembled production lines france work component aircraft source british trainer requirement demanding requiring performance superior result needed thinner wing increased weapon load power meet raf required ferry range miles separate partnership formed develop engine proposed engine preferred joint venture use elements new engine built derby previous collaborative efforts britain france complicated programme ended cancellation controversy surrounded development whilst technical collaboration went took encouraged acceptance designs naval attack aircraft receive profit initial plan britain buy jaguar trainers strike requirements met advanced aircraft france buy trainers single seat strike attack aircraft favoured aircraft collaborative june france cancelled cost grounds left gap raf planned strike capabilities 1970s time france cancellation germany expressing interest jaguar design oriented low level strike role october raf requirements changed single seat strike aircraft trainers jaguar replace close air support tactical reconnaissance tactical strike roles freeing phantom air defence french british trainer requirements developed significantly eventually fulfilled instead alpha jet respectively french chosen jaguar replace increased order include initial carrier capable maritime version jaguar apparently disparate aims come single entirely different aircraft relatively high tech ground attack high threat environment prototypes prototypes flew september seat design fitted production model engine aircraft later went flight lost landing march following engine fire second prototype flew february total prototypes appeared flight paris air year french prototype flew march october british conducted flight prototype flew november strengthened airframe hook different twin single testing france went carrier landing trials land based catapult july real offs landings french carrier trials doubts throttle response case aborted landing testing revealed problems aircraft handling flying engine planned engine improvements problems considered suitable replacement able purchase instead aircraft furthermore expensive limiting size force french_navy afford proposed super claiming simpler cheap development existing french navy agreed order instead jaguar rising costs meant planned aircraft purchased cancelled french government design overview jaguar orthodox single seat swept wing twin engine design tall type retractable landing gear original configuration maximum weight class manage combat radius internal fuel giving jaguar greater operational range competitor aircraft aircraft fitted external weapons load typical weapons fitted included rocket pod bombs anti radar missiles missiles cluster bombs raf gained new weapons gulf war including high velocity rockets american cluster bombs finally jaguar equipped pair french cannons alternatively british cannons unusual optional provision short range air air missiles magic option wing weapons stores gained buildup modified raf jaguar intended wired carriage launchers clearance weapon completed funding cuts engine powered engine developed parallel primarily jaguar separate partnership formed develop shaft engine equipped twin engines selected ease maintenance major consideration engine change possible minutes needed high bypass capable high thrust flight low level prototype jaguar flew september flight engine initial development engine complications stability system testing showed slow throttle response times problematic situation aborted landing engine improvements problems prior jaguar coming service french service introduced original engine entered service engine mainly featuring better throttle control raf later engined improved providing greater performance developed non models beaten jaguar fulfill trainer requirement adopted non engine developed jaguar engine found use aircraft abroad resembles jaguar following jaguar retirement europe continues active product new variants developed considering fitting new engines operational theatres gulf war jaguar proved reliable aircraft conducting missions owing jaguar original shortcomings navigation target acquisition escorted reconnaissance aircraft act guides jaguar provided valuable component campaign raf detachment flew combat sorties aircraft lost significant changes shortly war owing obsolete navigational systems unable provide accuracy required french quickly modified gps receivers recent technology time prior nato bombing campaign bosnia known dozen upgraded capability carry laser pod redesignated jaguar respectively shortly raf upgraded jaguar fleet common standard incorporating ability use new reconnaissance pods interim jaguar upgrade added new new hand controller stick integrated gps terrain referenced navigation upgraded introduced new digital reconnaissance pod helmet mounted sight improved cockpit displays improved night vision compatibility single jaguar converted act fly wire controls aerodynamic alterations airframe aerodynamic instability improved test data development operational history france took delivery production jaguar eventual single seat jaguar type conversion training france took seat jaguar capable carrying single nuclear bomb french government assign use force france strategic nuclear task carried later nuclear armed instead assigned pre strategic role clear path strategic strike force nuclear bomb retired service september nuclear armed squadrons concentrated conventional attack performed role aircraft bearing anti radiation missile capable staying airborne suppress enemy defences long periods time mid air french service jaguar frequently deployed defence national interests africa 1970s policy referred jaguar diplomacy jaguar combat debut forces december august conventionally armed rapid reaction squadron established intended deploy support french forces interests world jaguar shot missile france involved conflict years men force intervention helicopters deployed defend central forces arriving later engaged june contributing significantly halting offensive forces routed aircraft shot pilot recovered helicopter support military action region known deployed inside international airport january attacked rebel column withdrawing raiding town aircraft shot pilot captain killed denied involvement forces withdrawn agreement french forces withdrawn respect agreement returned operation time forceful role february escorted fighters supported aircraft launched raid airfield constructed anti runway bombs response incursions strike carried january jaguar destroyed radar missile stationed target sabotage owing effectiveness enemy forces attempts unsuccessful france member nato joint operations limited 1980s france dispatched participate coalition campaigns 1990s gulf war conflict operation deliberate force nato bombing campaign bosnia based italy conducted strike missions french service retired replaced ground attack roles united_kingdom raf accepted delivery single seat service designation squadron supplemented seat trainers previously jaguar comprehensive attack system models consisting navigation way weapon control system rapid deployment regional reinforcement flew tactical nuclear strike role carrying bomb beginning squadron followed squadron based shadow squadron reserve unit peacetime training role based jaguar squadrons declared operational british nuclear weapon squadron squadron based followed squadron squadron based brought raf jaguar force peak strength squadrons plus aircraft equipped nuclear weapons squadrons squadron squadron based respectively primarily tasked tactical reconnaissance wartime role operational squadron line assigned jaguar aircraft nuclear bombs variety conventional weapons april single jaguar test aircraft rough capacity landing taking multiple times motorway final test flight conducted weapons load ability service considered useful improvised left available large scale european conflict high intensity european war role jaguar support land forces continent resisting soviet assault western_europe striking targets forward edge battlefield conflict apparent aircraft numbers nuclear bombs consequence raf staff planners concluding attrition early conventional phase leaving survivors numerically strong deliver entire allocated nuclear bombs december updated standards navigation attack systems replacing original time engined engines fitted ability carry air air missiles electronic pods wings force altered late squadron squadron squadron exchanged tornado assignment wartime role remained unchanged units squadron squadron followed suit respectively left operational jaguar force concentrated squadrons participated gulf war order meet urgent need increase number aircraft able designate targets laser guided bombs upgraded capability carry laser pod redesignated jaguar respectively equipped deployed italy august operation deliberate force forces designate targets operations carried raf bombing raid europe end second world war years following success upgrade raf launched plan upgrade jaguar fleet common standard incorporating improvements introduced aircraft gulf war adding ability use new reconnaissance pods upgrade came parts interim jaguar upgrade added new new hand controller stick integrated gps terrain referenced navigation delivered standards upgraded known jaguar introduced fleet wide compatibility new digital reconnaissance pod helmet mounted sight improved cockpit displays improved night vision compatibility subsequently engined new service iraq war planned operate bases turkey north iraq turkey refused access northern attack cancelled demands treasury cut defence budget led defence secretary detailing plans july withdraw jaguar expected date october service date brought forward days notice april december jaguar operated undertook british military jaguar flight following retirement flying service continue serve ground notably training raf india india approached possible customer jaguar early declined partly grounds clear french british accept aircraft service decade later largest single export customer billion order aircraft jaguar chosen ahead long difficult evaluation process order involved built europe licence built aircraft local sword justice interim measure loaned loaned aircraft operational july second batch aircraft jaguar built aircraft delivered march batch assembly aircraft kits shipped united_kingdom kit shipped india following phases aircraft built india european content carry reconnaissance missions support indian peace keeping force sri_lanka later played active role war pakistan dropping laser guided bombs defining role deep penetrating strike aircraft jaguar small numbers anti ship role equipped sea eagle missile jaguar remains important element indian military jaguar described aircraft capable performing nuclear strike role reasonable chances success alleged indian military decided developing jaguar active nuclear platform lack ground clearance deploying india gravity dropped nuclear bombs aircraft aged viewed lacking suitable components ground attack mission terrain following radar gps navigation modern night flight systems consequently upgrades carried mid-1990s including addition targeting pod india placed order additional upgraded jaguar aircraft plans upgrade starting upgrading including multi mode radar auto pilot changes iii programme considering fitting powerful engines improve performance particularly medium altitudes war following invasion kuwait august british government assigned initial jaguar tornado aircraft middle_east aircraft operated bases august squadron tornado dispatched region tornado difficult operational high temperatures dispatched january act laser ground strike aircraft raf gained new weapons including high velocity rockets american cluster bombs raf existing bombs designed low level release unsuitable higher altitude operations common raf detachment flew combat sorties aircraft lost flew missions highest number missions aircraft france committed military assets coalition october jaguar aircraft reconnaissance aircraft sent middle_east advanced acting guides owing obsolete navigational systems unable provide accuracy required french quickly modified gps receivers required adaption lesser extent force saudi_arabia built maximum aircraft carried combat sorties jaguar damaged iraqi surface air missile typical targets iraqi armoured units missile sites naval vessels january french bombed kuwait damaged attack returned base january tornadoes raided missile batteries kuwait encourage perception imminent amphibious invasion liberate country 30th destroyed class landing ship rockets cannon entrenched kuwait border subjected continuous intensive bombing campaign weeks allied forming portion delivering aircraft performed valuable reconnaissance combat area coalition forces nations withdrawn region march end operators early development decided jaguar offered export prototype stage development formal approaches switzerland india japan australia netherlands belgium germany promoting aircraft sale japan began negotiations licensed production jaguar plans failed high royalty payments sought proposal turkey construct licence air force come fruition attempts export kuwait pakistan transfer orders kuwait initially ordered instead pakistan approached refused sell aircraft choice arms pakistan eventually opted successfully sold number overseas countries india prolific operator export version sold ecuador nigeria latin american export customer purchased seat variants officially designated respectively aircraft arrived january mainly ground attack roles occasionally air superiority duties war peru main fleet held reserve case wider conflict nigeria ordered single seat seat variants delivered subsequent order aircraft second batch cancelled service withdrawn operations grounds economy remaining aircraft sale royal_air_force like ecuador ordered single seat seat variants designated respectively delivered march second identical aircraft order placed mid-1980s joined raf examples aircraft retired august variants jaguar single seat weather tactical strike ground attack fighter version prototypes production aircraft built seat training version royal_air_force prototype production aircraft built capable secondary role strike ground attack flown equipped single cannon upgrade similar conversions jaguar jaguar aircraft given capability unofficial designation jaguar jaguar upgraded jaguar standard jaguar seat training version prototypes production aircraft built weather tactical strike ground attack fighter version royal_air_force built equipped navigation attacking use radar laser ranger marked target added nose production engines replaced jaguar jaguar navigation capability upgrades conversions jaguar aircraft modified carry pods upgrade jaguar jaguar upgrade jaguar single seat naval strike prototype french_navy built converted research aircraft versions based version built version jaguar built export version royal_air_force built jaguar export version jaguar royal_air_force built jaguar single seat weather tactical strike ground attack fighter built built jaguar seat training version built built jaguar single seat maritime anti shipping aircraft fitted radar capable carrying sea eagle anti ship missile built jaguar export version built version jaguar built operators current squadron direct supply built jaguar august squadron dragons squadron operational september loaned equipped march squadron equipped indian built jaguar october squadron arrows equipped indian built jaguar june squadron operator ordered single seat seat aircraft delivered purchased raf jaguar attrition replacements eagles france french air_force retired nancy equipped declared operational september discarded jaguar july french squadron operate jaguar french jaguar formed october disbanded june received march operational july disbanded july formed april soon moved disbanded july operational march disbanded june operational june disbanded july received february disbanded july formed august disbanded june ordered jaguar delivery operated squadron withdrawn use economy measure purchased jaguar jaguar identical order following aircraft respectively brought standards 1990s operational retired august squadron squadron retired squadron replaced germany main role tactical reconnaissance equipped tornado squadron formed october moving november serving attack role moved april disbanding squadron replaced based germany replaced reserve squadron formed renumbering later moving finally disbanding march squadron replaced strike role equipped squadron formed february strike role disbanding june squadron based replaced strike role replaced squadron formed reconnaissance role disbanded april squadron formed march attack role moving august disbanded march operational conversion unit formed october redesignated reserve squadron september initial data jane world aircraft air force aircraft nato cold war general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area aspect ratio weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant rolls dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed knots mph combat radius nmi external fuel ferry range nmi service ceiling climb min sec armament guns cannons rounds gun total wing fore aft single outer center line stations plus centre special weapons capacity provisions carry combinations rockets rocket pods rockets missiles anti radar missiles laser guided air ground missiles magic air air missiles bombs laser guided bombs nuclear bombs nuclear bomb protection pods laser electro optical targeting pod external drop tanks extended range time | SEPECAT Jaguar | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17954_FMAIAe33PulquiII | indigenous language arrow jet fighter aircraft designed late 1940s argentina government built design elements wartime fighter project envisioned successor postwar service argentina development comparatively problematic lengthy prototypes lost fatal crashes despite prototypes successfully tested combat political economic technical challenges faced project meant unable reach potential argentine government ultimately chose purchase united_states lieu continuing development indigenous fighter production status background late 1940s argentina benefited recruitment prominent german scientists engineers fleeing europe following defeat nazis seeking sanctuary latin_america group refugees included french designer collaborator homeland headed experimental fighter program argentine engineers jet aircraft designed built latin_america flight tests revealed mediocre performance resulting cancellation program spanish leadership efforts build successful indigenous jet fighter attempted modify earlier aircraft apparent little potential development initiated new design utilizing powerful lbf rolls engine early institute completed scale model called design featured wings swept angle flow section revised model built later year wings relocated shoulder mounted position changed tail configuration kurt tank like german designer technical director similarly hired work jet fighter project argentina tank emigrated latin_america restart career ventures entering country passport identifying found warm welcome maintain secret identity employees instrumental evolution argentina military aircraft factory tank engineer test pilot designed fighter design team responsible project declared winner emergency fighter competition swept wing jet powered designed engineer designer reached stage wind tunnel studies end hostilities design development appointment project director new indigenous fighter program tank adapted basic airframe engine substantially resulting new design bore passing resemblance larger heavier powerful planned use required new redesigned fuselage larger cross section primarily design similarity tank redesign director institute merged parallel projects fuselage tank design adapted use shoulder mounted negative wings swept greater sweep angle given small comparable engine placement engine situated aft cockpit near center gravity engine maintenance service facilitated removal tail section airframe featured graceful swept shaped cockpit topped clear bubble type canopy dorsal fuselage armor provided cockpit incorporated fuel capacity initially imp gal internally imp gal wings armament planned include cannon pair mounted near ventral position fuselage slightly set jet intake testing evaluation prove design built contract constructed testing including flights tank tests revealed significant problems lateral stability resulting modifications tail address problem construction began prototype lack modern machinery metal relied heavily prototypes labor intensive procedure president envisioned benefit setting aviation factory argentina introduce production standards comparable world class manufacturing facilities tank realized production tools feasible stage relied instead essentially hand built examples airframe reserved static testing subsequently destroyed tests flying prototypes built completed maiden flight june year captain controls second flight test pilot encountered severe lateral stability problems speeds mph returned airfield precaution landing high speed aircraft bounced sufficient force cause right main fail repairs aircraft order tricky landing characteristics increased length served alter angle aircraft shock adjusted greater throw considered modifications improved takeoff landing low speed characteristics aerodynamic problems persisted stemming tip stall stalled resulting unpredictable rolling moment leading change wing leading edge near rudder modified attempt resolve lateral instability issues addition canopy reinforced external frames small installed engine exhaust tank capable development test pilot took test program investigate aircraft characteristics airframe changes took months complete modified able undertake proving flight october ensuing high altitude test successive occasions stalled inadvertently tank sufficient height recovery adding ballast nose aircraft cured problem february tank publicly demonstrated buenos_aires audience included government officials legislators foreign diplomatic corps military large crowd spectators flew demonstration successful completion proving test flights requested pre production order aircraft air force established team service pilots test fly new aircraft series acceptance flights flight commander revealed severe vibration kilometres hour mph tank declared sole prototype pending investigation problem appears overlooked prototype continued fly eve 28th flight captain assigned test program advised stress aircraft source vibrations experienced previous flight morning discovered determined better team leader recent performance ignored precautions began practicing maneuvers near afternoon flight consequently high force turn structural failure occurred wing separating fuselage struggling martin seat ejected low altitude aircraft inverted parachute fully deploy killed defect traced faulty related joint pin wing fuselage manufacturing process necessitated modern pressing equipment argentina construction prototype began immediately loss design team initiated number changes design flaws found flying prototype including incorporating larger rudder improve lateral stability increasing size exhaust adding unique air brake rotated sides fuselage near tail reinforcement canopy fuel carried internally extend range kilometres new prototype completed flight september piloted flight testing resumed aircraft prepared demonstration president october slated flight reservations flight characteristics extremes flight envelope worst experienced test pilot days prior exhibition practicing display routine stalled low level killed resulting crash destroyed prototype tank constructed fourth prototype attempt resolve design deep stall problems high angles attack added stall fences wing rear fuselage included cockpit additional fuel capacity prototype fitted definitive mark cannon armament piloted fourth maiden flight august began armament testing weather version adding radar considered tentative plans acquisition aircraft production version dedicated featuring engine fitted giving anticipated maximum speed number foreign buyers equally expressed interest including netherlands egypt lack clear commitment production series hampered prospects export sales nations eventually settling readily available fighter aircraft political project linked fortunes regime charged bringing aviation projects completion constant political interference contributed delays disarray aviation programs severe economic problems led government build cars trucks including tank team primarily focused completing design multi purpose aircraft transport trainer reconnaissance roles eventually entered production spanish national manufacturing research devastating political decision divert entire manufacturing program seemingly overnight automotive products agricultural equipment essentially closing aviation divisions competing projects automotive manufacture served drain resources time money personnel project argentina finances extremely strained following economic crisis setback project came january tank contract expired requested twice money continue president instead canceled contract outright despite years development trials project encountering problems status remained unclear final decision abandon project reached iconic stature era operational history september sole remaining prototype pressed action coup état led general exact details participation unknown rebel forces commanded captured conquest fighter bombers stationed military aviation school enlisted struggle flying combat missions later appeared victory parade celebrating triumph coup loyalist forces military came power project thrown disarray new government released leading air force staff similarly tank team forced leave argentina tank going india worked later developed fighter air force effort gain political support planned record flight buenos_aires demonstrate combat potential fly air force practice range buenos_aires area return internal fuel oxygen equipment available long flight repairs successfully completed flight including demonstration average cruise speed oxygen system failed return leg semi conscious pilot managed perform emergency landing high speed heavy landing resulting stress broke landing gear end runway aircraft damaged repair cancellation shortly record flight reviewed decision acquire fighter force considered based wing fuselage components hand aircraft constructed relatively quickly remainder order years complete time attrition original obtained late 1940s continued plans alternative replacement initially centered acquisition rejected unable provide necessary foreign exchange longer viable option seriously considered having enter series production new prototype ordered despite united_states having offered combat proven sabre fighters available immediately fifth prototype designated constructed visually identical fourth prototype retaining original clear canopy entered flight testing flight september flying continual evolution resulted design team solving inherent instability high angles attack increasing fuel capacity use wet wing provide sufficient range fighter considered obsolete addition politically association consequently decided cancel project development instead acquiring united_states bargain basement price mutual defense assistance act completing test fights new role research platform prototype retired placed storage bringing project culmination remaining factory incomplete destroyed soon legacy despite having achieved production status considered significant aviation achievement swept wing jet fighter entirely developed built latin_america allowed argentina lay claim eighth nation world develop technology long term benefit traced project creation argentina fledgling aviation industry lockheed martin aircraft argentina survivors decades outdoor display buenos_aires today final prototype sole surviving example project preserved air base displayed original colors markings alongside symbols lost dreams specifications 3rd 4th prototypes data pioneers prototypes general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight powerplant rolls lbf thrust performance maximum speed mph cruising speed mph range nmi endurance hours minutes service ceiling rate climb min armament guns license built cannon | FMA IAe 33 Pulqui II | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
17967_1945Japan–Washingtonflight | japan washington flight japan washington flight record breaking air voyage specially modified boeing september northern japanese island continuing washington flight generals airmen returning united_states overseas duty world war date involved heaviest load carried american aircraft longest nonstop flight nonstop flight japan united_states complete aircraft flight break world distance record established royal_air_force originally intending fly miles nonstop washington airmen encountered unexpected canada predicted aircraft fuel distance landed chicago instead continued washington awarded including pilots generals donnell distance record long months later american flew guam washington distance miles breaking world record japan washington flight pioneered route similar later importantly airmen america able demonstrate reach light nascent cold war preparation based guam mission records mechanical difficulties selected mission day process continued typhoon okinawa aircraft stripped unnecessary equipment armor gun turrets resulting spaces fuselage smooth metal minimize parasitic drag type bubble windows replaced flat ones painted group markings removed aluminum aircraft skin polished high order achieve possible drag markings painted vertical rudder bomb bay aircraft fitted fuel tanks added normal fuel tanks total gallons fuel capacity railroad tank car filled fuel men ship weighed pounds greatest attempted time aircraft ready flew stopped night loaded fuel hold known intended air base fill long distance flight meaning fuel tanks fly september aircraft left flying north past okinawa typhoon blown continued approach involved japanese air base judged colonel suitable runway long near sea level maximum lift possible air known hold heavily laden bombers concrete cracking sent filled drums crewmen tanks hand japanese air base serve launching point called locally americans today japan ground self defense force camp built southern japan northern island near city base long range flights attack way suicide trips engine bombers function served landed safely stepped aircraft greeted approximately japanese soldiers base commander time realizing intention returning salute treatment setting tone japan relations area airmen certain wear arms walked downtown evenings september later said japanese sailors manning air base posed threat aircraft men commander aircraft lieutenant general deputy commander united_states strategic air forces pacific aircraft carried weather officer making long distance voyage crewmen captain aboard included lieutenant served pilots second aircraft commander chief staff strategic air forces lieutenant served pilots lieutenant colonel flight team 25th bombardment squadron heavy heavy based good friends colonel chief staff joined crew guam personally days earlier crew 25th included sergeant removed guam joined men 44th bomber squadron lieutenant staff remainder crew flight engineer captain 45th bomber squadron lieutenant 24th bomber squadron major captain 40th crew chief master number construction number built months earlier kansas called push produce great air fleets number dubbed combat crew cut consume normal fuel oil carrying missions marked mechanical reliability number commanded donnell ending service commander heavy flight airmen drew great circle shortest distance surface globe flight plan jet stream help farther fuel absolutely required plan aircraft way eastern edge soviet_union alaska continue canadian canada great lakes washington near atlantic coast total miles taking hours air distance broken world distance record held royal_air_force vickers aircraft flown egypt darwin australia covering miles considered good public relations stunt good generals images september airmen early final preparations weather observation aircraft took hour report latest meteorological conditions path ahead super aircraft rigged air sea rescue stood alert airfield lit truck number commanded little local time dawn began glow east ship took eastern war time washington lieutenant colonel lieutenant controls donnell number took minutes later heavily loaded machines required bit foot concrete runway airborne gravel reaching miles hour lifting ground bombers expected washington day hours flight weather officer aboard number observed slight threatened throw overboard hours japan airmen number met bell fighters wearing red star insignia soviet fighter pilots inspected unarmed close range performed maneuvers americans wings salute left continue journey replaced controls maintained radio contact communicating positions hourly independently near magnetic fluctuated wildly ignored relying instead radio compass number radio compass stopped working resumed working later flight wearing fur lined flight suits prevent men feeling extreme cold high altitude pilots rotated duty tired weather continued great concern frequently checked aircraft left encountering north_america hours flight northern lights clearly visible crews systems working outside air temperature altitude feet heating systems completely broken weather problems encountered significant slight observed time expected jet stream complete distance meant washington far eastern war time aircraft number alaska navigator determined schedule said later reported fact general looked thought fault retreated bulkhead check figures later airmen learned typhoon near okinawa week greatly affected jet stream seventeen hours lifting sunrise japan men began sun rise short day able sleep excitement trip penetrating cold crossing canada grew stronger load hard ice clear ice visible wings delivered war complete equipment gear removed months reduce weight increase combat range speed ice load picked night endured melted lower altitudes near regina decision early stops fuel proposed solution land minneapolis donnell land detroit fuel continue washington plan past hours predicted plans states donnell plan land minneapolis detroit fuel plane number commanded believes able washington soon determined chicago municipal airport airport large accommodate directed donnell land sent word radio heading washington new_york newspapers plan headlines land refuel capitol aircraft approached chicago contacted radio donnell landed eastern war time minutes past chicago informed weather marginal washington ordered refuel chicago landed flight time hours minutes straight line distance flown globe miles aircraft newspaper reporters asked questions captain aboard visually targeted nagasaki order drop second atomic bomb crewmen drank coffee waited completed took directly washington reception chicago washington flight uneventful sky giants manned blue ribbon crews flew national airport ronald_reagan washington national airport formation landed generals crews stepped aircraft waiting smoking signature senior staff reporters wives family airport greet airmen crowd photographs taken airport airmen lobby weary men besieged stayed later hear supper club singer grand went bed catch sleep morning news conference held grand emphasized importance route indication future civil military aircraft warned proved remember future enemy able declared wanted second chance prove capable flying miles nonstop said took little expected information indicated passed drop didn need needed nice normal wind arrive schedule averaged mph reporters finished presented airmen told men personal military equipment flight including offered free rides home military aircraft refused parachute ride telling thank general think train crewmen pacific_ocean theatre world war pay attention record breaking flight said 40th knew little trip september busy preparing fly home october months later november colonel lieutenant colonel flew long distance named world distance record miles flying nonstop guam washington taking hours minutes aircraft gross weight greater pounds | 1945 Japan–Washington flight | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
18106_RAFWestRuislip | raf west raf west site located london borough base originally built depot royal_air_force raf split north railway housed depot original personnel accommodation site leased air_force followed navy eventually housing united_kingdom command navy following review properties navy vacated site surplus requirements project model following year initial plans homes retirement home approved london borough july buildings subsequently demolished way new development bought acre site november history establishment land site developed originally owned chosen march wing commander house decision instead establish depot existing buildings site revisited july selected house depot military acquisition order close proximity great western metropolitan railways ideal purpose additional construction costs meant final total original estimate need heating brought requirement boiler houses plus additional foundations needed buildings north railway lieutenant created design site buildings contractor involved civil engineering company appearing records temporary railway siding created aid delivery building supplies december sheds completed officers mess sleeping quarters navy july military stores moved site items kept completed sheds shortage bricks october meant widening bridge railway delayed construction railway line site inter war years wrote land employed september announce wished buy land allow permanent use raf accept initial offer agreed sell eventual deadline january receiving sum resident land cancelled september paid compensation military march authorities believe worthy built included site later residence commander naval activities united_kingdom based site maintenance unit ran site separating regimental buildings north depot buildings south scheme established raf stations prepare cases civil disturbance prepare fences depot belonging nearby railway company replaced non variety raf guard sergeant corporal acting corporal airmen formed protect site rest decade provided guard housed sick bay remaining married given houses park road placed order closure public ran site providing maintenance nearby green lane path originated eventual order dated october replaced previous orders required replacement route route established officially separated sites depot site accommodation site considered separate raf stations original accommodation buildings north site replaced new married quarters raf established apprentice scheme october earlier trial concluded successfully scheme trained general administrative accounting duties practising depot acting total passed scheme station commander wing commander died quarters february buried churchyard february funeral attended personnel depot raf succeeded wing commander second world war newly formed depot group raf equipment maintenance unit raf overall command depot responsible provision maintenance engines sent units ammunition prepared sent squadrons action maintenance unit raf came control depot january increase personnel lead extension station additionally navy army built site order protect potential enemy bombing majority moved temporary base gloucester later war maintenance unit involved radio preparations day landings produced radar equipment use air_force submerged feet water post war years following end war depot responsible repair vehicles conversion coaches aircraft engines propellers radar equipment continued repaired site vehicles air_force air_force base nearby raf south began serviced april american vehicles maintained dedicated shed remaining operation closed having run subsidiary gloucester office previous year lack available housing gloucester area meant closure completed proposed april year convert base transfer operations august formed station unit office responsible medical records transferred moved building november relocated station passed december enable consolidation facilities sites country single location october american relocated air_force decided close headquarters civilian members staff redundant station chapel built building incorporated nave seating space people connecting wings hall gymnasium built site navy leased site december constructed additional facilities personnel families including bar filling station post office cinema chapel school baseball diamond medical dental centre came morale welfare recreation department large area site demolished late 1980s large residential development named village housing shared personnel british families built building incorporated separate sections children families recreational facilities courts built baseball diamond field house built built nearby following year closure redevelopment following review facilities navy elected vacate site beginning june final chapel service held june operations returned united_states plan save million year staff involved service personnel civilian staff british civilian staff base closed ceremony september american flag lowered personnel transferred new facilities naples italy united_kingdom officially stood september ceremony late buildings site excluding elementary school demolished included demolition works village housing retained separate military buildings purchased acre site development november explore living thames valley later bought acre plot february outline planning permission granted london borough january despite local opposition buildings having flat roofs new homes social housing plan included homes bed care home largest buildings storeys high september sought permission london borough sell completed homes completing highway work site order development financially viable september homes sold additional houses construction largest building construction house completed october final homes development completed tailored care living development received planning permission open early september began public consultation reopening elementary school free special school january plans refurbished open pupils gradually expanded eventually intake pupils september school named opened intake pupils january officially reopened permanent secretary | RAF West Ruislip | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
18202_PolikarpovI-3 | russian soviet fighter designed late 1920s entered service retired advent fighters higher performance design development development began investigations loss completed new shared characteristics earlier design including layout wings new design designed russian supervision head designer department debate proper powerplant new fighter rejected wright tornado radial engine decided favor liquid cooled engine wooden mock completed april formal approval design come june static tests sized model began october time negotiations license engine finished oval section semi fuselage covered birch small fuselage engine enclosed metal wings covered fabric clark profile internal wires fitted reinforce wings control surfaces framed covered fabric provided differential type type separated wings attached upper wing fuselage profile reinforced steel wires conventional fixed rubber shock main gear replaced like fitted engine semi retractable extended fuselage rear main gear fuel tanks fitted main fuselage small imp gal gal tank mainly start engine center section upper wing engine tank total fuel carried initially fitted fixed synchronized vickers machine guns later replaced machine guns central optical provided ring sight offset starboard aircraft bomb racks carry bombs prototype completed early flight february manufacturer trials finished march state acceptance trials april pilots russian air force scientific test institute criticized lack directional stability high speeds slight problem control response maneuvers area vertical tail increased elevators given horn alleviate problem split addressed second problem production begun aircraft actually approved service use aircraft completed smaller second prototype completed august tested different propeller high speed increased speed mph lengthened run aircraft completed plus prototypes imported engines remainder license built approximately built gordon citing sources state provide yearly production table lists built add prototypes included operational use initial deliveries units replaced equipped 4th 7th squadrons russian air squadron later fighter squadrons russian 13th later 7th fighter squadrons 17th 19th squadrons later units based ukraine began receive theirs following year equipped later air detachment later 33rd fighter squadron delivered 1st 2nd october service year later hand january fell year later end relegated secondary roles newer powerful fighters entered service notably variants russian enlarged seat variant extra frame added fuselage extended wingspan enlarged rudder machine guns mounted ring observer cockpit prototype completed early flight year prototype crashed failure dive later killing pilot operators soviet_union soviet air_force specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area clark weight loaded weight powerplant engine performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling wing loading power mass time altitude min horizontal turn time sec armament machine guns | Polikarpov I-3 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
18273_GeneralAircraftHotspur | general aircraft general aircraft military designed built british company general aircraft ltd world war british airborne establishment formed order prime minister winston_churchill decided transport airborne troops battle general aircraft ltd given contract june design produce initial use airborne establishment resulted conceived assault necessitated compact design troops carried tactical philosophy soon favoured larger numbers troops sent battle aboard mainly relegated training basic trainer schools formed named sir significant captain anglo scottish wars known development operational requirements german military pioneered airborne formations conducting successful airborne operations including impressed success german airborne operations allied governments decided form airborne formations decision eventually lead creation british airborne divisions number smaller units british airborne establishment began development june prime minister winston_churchill directed memorandum investigate possibility creating corps parachute troops equipment airborne forces development officials decided integral component transport troops heavy equipment june formed airfield near manchester tasked primarily training parachute troops directed investigate transport troops battle decided royal_air_force army cooperate forming airborne establishment squadron leader major rock tasked gathering potential pilots forming unit achieved searching members armed forces pre war experience flying interested learning officers newly formed unit provided obsolete bombers small number purposes unit process formed june contracted general aircraft ltd design produce initial type use airborne establishment assault training purposes capable transporting airborne troops capable long approach landing prevailing belief time released considerable distance target ensure sound aircraft alert enemy stable cheap easy construct intended operational range miles released high altitude practice reduced miles released height feet design primarily designed team leader specification similar design german assault battle netherlands prototype designated receive service flew november months given requirement initial order placed september nearly months prototype flew mark constructed wood designed accommodate fully armed airborne troops wingspan feet feet inches length load approximately pounds weighed approximately pounds distinguished variants addition cabin fuselage hooks nose tail allow multiple towed pilots later pilot instructor training sat tandem cockpit unusual fuselage functioned like lid landed troops inside throw half fuselage climb lower half like leaving small boat total produced gal operational arrived february april delivered august trials began february bomber development initial produced problems design uncovered primary carry sufficient troops designed transport airborne troops cargo pounds found inadequate believed airborne troops landed groups far larger number aircraft required tow needed land larger groups concerns towed tandem operationally extremely difficult nighttime cloud formations disappointing ratio contributing factor assault concept limitations inherent design decision continue development types including tank carrying remained production primarily training aircraft stop gap case programmes failed variants original created heavily modified specification redesigned partially address changes operational requirements bolster ground handling initial series aircraft operations releasing long distance away allowing gently ground decided aircraft approach landing zone release requiring robust wings shown considerable type proved difficult handle ground order reduce stresses airframe fuselage strengthened wings shortened resulting wingspan feet inches tips square cut moved end wings position maintaining original wood construction overall fuselage dimensions incorporated modified fuselage included altering cockpit enclosure deeper canopy instead lid pilots boarded canopy doors added troops enter depart seating arranged braking parachute added rear dimensions remained length feet inches gross weight approximately pounds airborne troops pounds equipment total early production modified trainers adding dual controls instruments student pilot externally variant twin progress past prototype phase twin attempt create capable carrying airborne troops interim production reached sufficient levels created connecting constant chord centre wing section feet length constant chord pilots sat tandem style port fuselage august sole twin prototype underwent testing towed armstrong project abandoned production begin primarily flight characteristics criticised pilots production production ended early total produced primary sub contractor responsible parent company produced single prototype sub contractor involved production completed operational history changing operational requirements combat operations instead exclusively training purposes pilots belonging received initial instruction relatively heavy high sink rate exhibited good flying characteristics flown allowing pilots quickly gain proficiency pilots named pilots trained elementary flying training school tiger converting training schools iii employed dual instruction rear seats weighted ballast instructor student aboard usually towed later miles master training dual instruction flights usually preceded student solo flight operational training schools flights troops instead ballast release high altitudes night flying training total retained operational use required rest training sent canada eventually united_states_navy build operation overlord early scheme considered transport cargo equipment canadian fighter squadron squadron selected trials intention enable faster fighter squadrons carry spare pilots ground crew essential supplies squadron operated modified tow means tow point attached tail wheel pilots trained fly including fighter ace found reasonably effective engines prone maximum tow speed miles hour comparatively slow despite scheme judged practical saw operational use war end type retired relatively preserved display variants single prototype production run aircraft series modified reduced wingspan new seating arrangement deeper cockpit canopy doors braking parachute fuselage strengthened series dual controls instruments external standard outer wing panels joined common centre section single prototype variant enter series production operators united_kingdom british army royal air force canada survivors mark replica display hampshire england fuselage preserved prior museum closing anticipation specifications data world war general characteristics crew capacity troops length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight performance maximum speed mph landing speed mph range miles release release wing loading | General Aircraft Hotspur | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
18408_RepublicF-105Thunderchief | republic fighter bomber united_states_air_force capable conducted majority strike bombing missions early years vietnam war aircraft removed combat high loss rates originally designed single seat nuclear attack aircraft seat version later developed specialized suppression enemy air defenses role surface air missile sites commonly known crews follow capable north american armed missiles cannon design tailored high speed low altitude penetration carrying single nuclear weapon internally flown entered service deliver greater bomb load american heavy bombers world war boeing flying fortress primary attack aircraft vietnam war sorties flown aircraft lost including operational non combat losses produced smaller fighters credited kills war single seat primary aircraft delivering heavy bomb loads military targets seat wild variants dedicated suppression enemy air defenses platforms fighting soviet built nato reporting surface air missiles pilots awarded medal honor attacking north vietnamese surface air missile sites shooting day dangerous missions required suppressing enemy air defenses strike aircraft accomplished missions left area largest single seat single engine combat aircraft history weighing approximately pounds exceed speed sound sea level reach high altitude carry bombs missiles later replaced strike aircraft phantom swing wing wild variants remained service replaced specialized wild development design phase started internal project replace characteristic wing root air place cameras pointed nose design team led examined configurations settling large single engine fighter bomber experimental specifically new aircraft intended primarily low altitude penetration deliver single internally carried nuclear bomb emphasis placed low altitude speed flight characteristics range aircraft fitted large engine relatively small wing high wing loading stable ride low altitudes drag speeds traditional fighter attributes secondary consideration enthusiastic united_states_air_force awarded republic contract aircraft september march reduced order fighter bombers tactical reconnaissance aircraft citing approaching end korean war time mock completed october aircraft grown large intended abandoned favor powerful anticipating protracted development engine expected aircraft use smaller near end entire program canceled number delays aircraft june officially ordered weapon system designation prototype flew october second following january spite powered potent engine pounds force thrust prototype attained speed maiden flight expected generate lbf aircraft featured conventional wing root air slab sided typical early jets republic viewed prototypes representative true capability aircraft numerous changes prior production insufficient power aerodynamic problems drag experience led redesign fuselage conform area rule giving characteristic wasp waist combination distinctive forward swept variable geometry air regulated engine speeds engine redesign enabled attain production march placed order order conduct nuclear mission fire control system ranging radar allow toss bombing integrated pre production flew trainer variant added plan june canceled reconnaissance variant canceled july production accepted air_force june requested named continuing sequence company thunder named aircraft official month later fulfill air_force requirement weather attack republic proposed variant version featured enlarged nose housing bombing navigation system designed radar operated air air air ground modes navigation radar cockpit featured vertical tape instrument displays adverse weather operation ability carry nuclear weapon added reconnaissance development restarted based model took maiden flight june plans build cut short secretary defense decided equip seven combat wings type november production cut favor air_force adopting navy phantom longer term program final built seat trainer variant based model inches longer provide room rear cockpit aircraft similar flight performance preceding total completed production ended designed short nuclear campaign leading shortcomings evident lengthy conventional war poor layout fuel tanks self sealing subsequent upgrades improved reliability weapons capacity existing response surface air missile sam threat experienced skies vietnam dozens converted anti radar wild aircraft culminating design overview mid wing swept wing tail surfaces single engine fed wing roots leaving nose free housing multi mode radar fuselage provided room gallons fuel internal bomb bay bomb bay measured feet inches originally carry single nuclear weapon typically held additional gal fuel tank featured wing centerline inner wing centerline capable accepting fuel gal drop tanks outer dry stations wired missiles bombs vulcan initially designated barrel style cannon installed left nose short range air air missile carried outer wing designed primarily low level low altitude speed greatest asset dealing enemy fighters managed air air victories based combat experience updated better seat additional armor improved gun sights electronic counter measures pods wings flight characteristics north american sabre pilot recalled awe size seeing time manage reach air intake lip running jump cockpit good visibility layout particularly introduction tape instruments advanced electronics easy learn operate landings performed mph range provided good roll control speeds distinctive opened slightly engaged allow larger flow exhaust gases highly effective speeds loss control spin complications adverse required deliberate effort pilot spontaneous spin recovery rapid initial reaction fighter pilot community new aircraft lukewarm massive dimensions troubled early service life garnered number nicknames addition aforementioned nicknames included bomber lead ultra names arose predecessors nicknamed super respectively according pilots crews nickname inspired character chief television series aircraft offensive capabilities referred triple threat bomb fall positive aspects responsive controls strong performance high speed low altitude outfit electronics won pilots term known mother pilot colonel said nickname justified originally spoken respect air fraternity special modifications rear seat modified project radar radar scope offered high resolution aircraft weather night low level strikes especially dangerous targets unit 13th tactical fighter squadron dubbed ryan raiders starting april aircraft later converted wild iii standard effort attacks fitted communication system project north vietnamese force followed soviet air defense doctrine pilots rigid direction ground controllers radio links nicknamed colonel computer filled rear cockpit bounced voice communications radio channel delay resulting time combat martin charge strategic signals intelligence ordered air_force cease immediately believed intelligence obtained monitoring channels benefits experience vietnam demonstrated need better visual blind bombing capability march air_force ordered development upgraded bombing navigation system incorporating navigation system improvements navigation radar solid state radar redesignated furthermore digital long range navigation receiver replaced problematic receiver additional housed long raised dorsal spine modified bombing navigation system known system achieve bombing circular error probability feet altitude aircraft flew vietnam total received modification wild began operating seat north american specially equipped suppression enemy air defenses mission vietnam nicknamed wild aircraft achieved number victories north vietnamese surface air missile radars second crew member navigator trained electronic warfare officer information guide pilot targets interim solution limited required multiple aircraft conduct successful strike lacked speed endurance effectively protect resulting wild iii designation popularly unofficial supplemented sensors electronic equipment anti radiation missiles conventional bombs giving offensive capability lacking aircraft flew january began arriving southeast_asia flying mission june assigned 13th typical early mission single accompany flights provide protection enemy ground fire strategy effective reducing losses aircraft suffered heavy casualties lost july august attacks high risk environments saw operating flights mixed single seat seat suppressing sites attacks strike force attacking route fall began upgraded definitive wild incorporated considerable new specific including upgraded warning system required redesign free additional weapons electronic permanently installed long underside fuselage thirty aircraft fitted carry standard anti radiation missile typical mission carried single standard balanced gal fuel tank gal centerline fuel tank costs notes costs approximately united_states dollars adjusted inflation operational history introduction entered service 4th tactical fighter wing august squadron fully operational december piloted commander 4th tactical fighter wing set world record miles hour miles circuit difficulties fire control system experienced early typically required hours maintenance flying hour problems addressed lack resulted entire fleet briefly grounded modified ballast replacing cannon fuselage wing reinforcement addition smoke generator briefly flew demonstration team shows fatal accident airframe led super sabre relegated squadrons replaced service definitive advanced radar fire control system gave weather capability radar added terrain avoidance radar capability completely new instrument panel fitted replacing type instrument vertical tape instruments easier read combat order accommodate new radar larger radar dish forward fuselage redesigned increasing overall length inches entered service september fully operational early overseas units formed west_germany 36th tactical fighter wing air base 49th tactical fighter wing air base october wings primary tactical nuclear strike role nato deployed pacific 18th tactical fighter wing okinawa converting 8th tactical fighter wing converting like early career plagued maintenance problems flight failures origins nickname obscure claim stood sound crashing ground entire fleet grounded december june issues worked production run early upgraded engine failures fuel system problems persisted gradually changing anticipated mission nuclear conventional bombing look alike upgrades increased aircraft capacity conventional bombs fuselage centerline added equipment launch air ground missiles june delivered conventional bombs test time record single engine aircraft times heavier american engine heavy bombers world war boeing flying fortress aerial required long missions named famed world war vietnam war spite troubled early service life dominant attack aircraft early vietnam war carry twice bomb load farther faster wild role combat mission war involved attack august anti aircraft artillery site des mission carried aircraft 36th tactical fighter wing deployed air base japan thailand lost war occurred mission pilot managed return aircraft strike mission took place january destruction bridge early additional squadrons deployed air bases thailand start operation rolling thunder march large numbers shipped bases participate intense bombing missions april total aircraft including sent nicknamed dragon jaw day enemy encountered second run bridge total faced escorted flight super evaded escorts altitude cloud cover instead focusing bomb laden lost thought lost later claimed north downed claimed probable kill vietnamese pilot believes comrades shot piloted narrowly escaped chief staff general mad hear shot korean war era north vietnamese proved resistant aerial bombing multiple missions flown damage bridge aircraft december pilots regiment downed losses typical combat mission carried gal wing mounted fuel tanks gal fuel tank bomb bay bombs required going returning distant flying vicinity routinely travel mountainous terrain nicknamed evade air defenses surrounding city colonel pilot vietnam noted demands flying close gave simply room error august support successful attacks bridge flying low altitude missions conducting dive bombings forced range north vietnamese anti aircraft guns coming heavy fire escorted protect enemy fighters officially credited air air victories north vietnamese aircraft cost aircraft lost enemy fighters north vietnamese pilots claimed shot additional confirmed victories shot cannon fire victory shared missiles unofficially credited downing air air missile second cannon fire centerline rack bombs directly path surprised dedication ceremony took place honor graduates served vietnam assembled parts different seen service vietnam placed permanent static display ceremony included entire cadet wing superintendent commandant cadets representative members press conclude ceremony flight fly formation feet ground fly singly feet formation portion happened planned flight leader col james black matt came single file pass exceeded speed sound feet ensuing sonic boom broke hundreds windows people sustained cuts medal honor recipients pilots received medal honor captain awarded medal honor kevin mike wild mission march flying serial number aircraft damaged ground fire elected stay skies steel works sam site found destroyed captain awarded medal honor wild mission april flying serial number johnson protected attempted rescue crew shot process destroying running ammunition johnson continued act draw away rescue aircraft phase retirement production ended type replaced vietnam war aircraft primarily phantom october tactical fighter wing based thailand unit vietnam began return wild versions end war gradually replaced wild rapidly withdrawn service end vietnam war built combined lost southeast_asia including lost enemy action lost operational accidents following war began transferring remaining aircraft units late 1970s aging difficult maintain retired flight tactical fighter squadron february variants pre production prototypes engine model pre production aircraft engine initial production model navigational radar built test aircraft built allocated built reconnaissance version built ordered completed proposed dual control trainer canceled built definitive production model weather capability advanced including navigational radar built proposed reconnaissance version built proposed trainer version cancelled completed seat trainer version lengthened forward fuselage fully combat capable dual controls taller fin increased takeoff weight flight took place june total built featured navigational radar initial designation wild version converted seat wild improved version conversions variant navigational radar operators united_states air force air force reserve air national guard survivors specifications data great book fighters quest performance general characteristics crew variants weapons length wingspan height wing area root tip weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust thrust zero lift drag drag area aspect ratio performance maximum speed mph combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight lift drag ratio time altitude min armament guns vulcan cannon rounds total wing centerline stations plus internal bomb bay capacity ordnance including conventional nuclear bombs missiles radar fire control system modified aircraft | Republic F-105 Thunderchief | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
18489_NorthropF-20Tigershark | initially privately financed light fighter designed built development began evolution tiger featuring new engine greatly improved overall performance modern suite including powerful flexible radar compared faster gained visual range air air capability suite air ground modes capable firing weapons improved capabilities competitive contemporary fighter designs expensive purchase operate development carried project called sought develop fighters capable combat latest soviet aircraft excluding sensitive line technologies united_states_air_force aircraft product carter administration military export policies aimed provide foreign nations high quality equipment risk line technology falling soviet hands high hopes international market policy changes following ronald_reagan election meant compete sales aircraft like latest fighter design development program abandoned prototypes built fourth partially completed development kennedy administration entered office instructed find inexpensive fighter aircraft united_states offer allies number designs studied including stripped versions lockheed newly designed april united_states_air_force informed united_states secretary defense selected designation given freedom fighter early marks produced common initiated program provide equivalent allies desired light weight fighter competitive performance inexpensive purchased large numbers reasonable operating costs prospective customer nations numerous companies entered designs existing leading position submitted upgrade tiger radar changes allow missile fired wing tip rails november entry announced winner produced total tiger time manufacturing ended export limitations late 1970s taiwan air_force started looking fighter aircraft match improvements mainland air force particular wanted platform capable firing long range missile time process opening ties president nixon famous visit china considered support taiwan interests wanted carefully blocked export capable aircraft outdated early models phantom suggested israeli instead rejected taiwan producing license asked study adding capable radar tiger alternative effort studies spring administration announced new military export policy limited sales line designs countries nato australia japan carter stated time world champion peace world leading supplier weapons war previously coherent export policy concerns latest technologies quickly end soviet hands numerous exceptions israel egypt buy advanced designs camp david agreements israel allowed buy key component air defense technology iran receiving demonstrated problem advanced exports february reports emerged iran sold soviets south_korea order initially blocked policy later allowed context strengthening relations despite exceptions export policy implemented covering potential current customers relatively modest upgrade appeared strong position sales given limitations placed rival designs carter personally blocked sales problems export policy apparent soviets continued sell newer aircraft designs clients placing allies disadvantage denied countries turning vendors modern fighters notably france assistant director testified reductions foreign arms transfers actually encouraged nations increased worldwide arms sales time considerable pressure provide suitable aircraft taiwan argued needed modern counterpart role occupied 1960s 1970s light carter concerns suggested new aircraft designed role based technology pose threat lengthy study january president carter allowed development new export fighter use advanced systems aircraft unlike programs led entirely privately financed companies market aircraft directly sales handled secretary defense responded requirement variant replacing engine downgraded responded emerges ronald_reagan administration took power export restrictions place carter administration slowly relaxed program continued normal number events eroded value program limit potential sales signing joint major agreement arms sales continued blocking sales point started light fighter project signing signaling taiwan receive modern aircraft taiwan primary focus result sales potential remained summer deputy secretary defense sent memorandum air_force navy encouraging seek potential foreign customers aircraft months later sent classified memo services abandon green lighting line fighters overseas december prompting white_house reversed position directed air_force fund small number fiscal year budget future program doubtful following agreement sell pakistan felt needed match performance require better performance engine new comparable suite saw viewed fighter low cost option second tier air forces combat perception requested designation approved late march design primary design change earlier use single engine originally designed new engine provided thrust compared combined output paired improved aircraft thrust weight ratio new engine gave speed ceiling initial climb rate minute min wing profile remained modified leading edge extensions improved maximum lift wing increase wing area original aircraft fairly sluggish pitch horizontal increased size new dual channel fly wire control system added aircraft pitch modifying improved turn rate sec sustained turn rate rose sec compared sec turn rates higher greater usage composite materials construction development areas metal designed use numerous upgrades mechanical parts suite new greatly improved earlier designs general_electric multi mode radar heart suite offering wide range air air air ground modes electro mechanical navigation system replaced electronic version based ring laser time power able launch greatly reduced result seconds boasted aircraft shortest scramble time contemporary aircraft cockpit completely worked large heads display multi function displays set high control panel addition complete hands throttle stick control system promised reliability competing aircraft service able utilize common weapons inventory including entire range mark series bombs air ground missile air air missiles like earlier test equipped cannon mounted nose production substituted cannons instead based lighter higher rate fire problems inherent small size low mounted wing meant limited ground clearance position landing gear meant loads positioned outer ends wings limited hard point weights single hard point fuselage carry single bomb bombs additionally wing improved lift higher angles attack maneuvering improve cruise lift performance normal present problem fighter role severely reduce range figures compared similar aircraft like offered low cost option significantly expensive expensive designs like million eagle million fighting falcon projected consume fuel require maintenance manpower lower operating maintenance costs times reliability average line designs era offer ability fire visual range missile capability lacked time gain block version february operational history testing august original engine change serial registered maiden flight piloted minute flight prototype climbed reached demonstrated outstanding reliability end april flights accumulated including evaluation flights potential customer nations second prototype serial number registered featuring complete suite flight august fly total flights prior termination exclusively flown ideal conditions note prototype approach intended production quality aircraft page report case study june test program fired february air ground testing fired folding fin aerial rockets dropped bombs fired rounds gun pod barrel addition internal cannon flight characteristics ability fly mph angle attack limited acceleration seconds climb minutes including sec start ins set signed memorandum agreement air_force air_force responsible performance air fixed price program legend employed spokesperson touted aircraft magnificent featured advertising november customer south_korea explored local production support improvements implemented included upgrades expanded fuel tank use changes extensive fourth prototype built test involved number simultaneous negotiations prospects appeared positive october crashed south_korea demonstration flight killing pilot investigation cleared mechanical design faults concluded excessive forces crashed bay killing pilot crash blamed barnes practicing routine paris air battle sales december president reagan reacting soviet invasion afghanistan signed major economic military aid package pakistan included offer keeping policy soviet_union idea ring countries soviet invasion afghanistan initially viewed attempt break arranged system placed priority quickly building new layer defense allies saw potential break policy began requesting best approval increasingly granted starting venezuela long examined project agreed buy replacing fleet ground attack aircraft sweden decided develop design september turkey announced plans buy replace long time rival receiving purchased november giving firm pledge secrecy late government financial commitment help israel develop new fighter objected potential competitor export market privately fund government directly foreign competitor congressional support israel overruled complaints complaints branches government companies marketed directly foreign air forces program marketed policy umbrella submit piece marketing material government review months interest selling perspective aircraft leading approach led complaints government promoting congressional investigation air_force starting march congress chaired series hearings secretary state security assistance science technology testified policy result sales spite government support stated sales arms primarily matter foreign policy commercial venture ceo argued little point independently developing aircraft companies reliant government sell suggested concept dropped allowed sold additionally brigadier general director testified air_force actively marketing observed years sold fighters countries compared france aircraft exports showing market low cost fighter existed committee concluding remarks accused rhetoric lacking support april congressional hearings directed promote actively potential customers june performance cost air_force published internal report late june characterized having outstanding performance viable threats seen candidate air_force requirement report additionally stated contractor funded totaling million compared million report concluded little market sell interest encourage sales larger production numbers drive cost unit noted cast air_force bad light aircraft developed independent input authors shared conclusion contrast heavily involved hierarchy originating group officers known fighter mafia march secretary state policy despite calls support abandoned roles possibility purchase opened small number aircraft air combat training style training introduced united_states_navy school simulate november congress directed navy air_force study use single aircraft type fill similar roles services january navy announced selected specially version rumored aircraft sold loss market chance upgrade claimed fast scramble time natural fit role lower cost allow operate larger aircraft numbers supported additionally competing air_force production able replace aircraft quickly air_force requirements priorities favoring role flew lower unit costs maintain better equip units perform line combat roles disputed lower cost claim research october air_force announced selected upgraded support nations suggested accept condition inducted selection heavy blow cancellation years buyers late cancelled billion project reluctant protest perceived fear losing support project spirit stealth bomber ongoing negotiations canceled small order later scandal emerge attempts market south_korea leading managers resigning chief executive retired late 1980s local production discussed india 1980s market aircraft license production manufacture aircraft evaluated pakistani contingent united_states flown senior pakistani air force fighter pilot components radar end successful taiwan selected south_korea adopted golden eagle trainer aircraft radar multinational sales prospects apparent early sold radar division eventually acquired aviation author wrote best fighters went production discussing military stated competition served lower prices generate massive savings government writing prior cancellation noted commonly described privately funded combat aircraft recent history commented logical choice saudi_arabia chance selected political factors competition candidates aircraft disposition serial number crashed air base south_korea october pilot killed serial number crashed bay canada pilot killed serial number california science center los_angeles california specifications data complete encyclopedia world aircraft general characteristics crew pilot length wingspan missiles missiles height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant lbf performance maximum speed miles hour combat radius nmi mission gal drop tanks ferry range nmi gal drop tanks service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight armament guns cannons nose rounds external capacity bombs missiles rockets drop tanks extended range rockets rocket pods rocket pods rockets rocket pods rockets missiles launch rails similar launch air surface missiles bombs air ground ordnance mark series iron bombs including practice bombs cluster bomb munitions bomb | Northrop F-20 Tigershark | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
19787_IkarusIK-2 | 1930s high wing single seat fighter aircraft yugoslav design built designed french trained engineers saw developing home grown aircraft industry production models built aircraft time brought service time german led axis invasion yugoslavia april defeat yugoslavia remaining aircraft taken strength air force axis puppet state croatia survived war background late 1920s scheme promoted yugoslavia sent aspiring engineers france develop knowledge intended advanced training return yugoslavia offered specialist roles industry went program returned yugoslavia employed administrative work frustrated decided design replacement built fighter service working basement belgrade apartment devoted spare time secretly working design original concept low wing retractable contemporary thinking led modify initial design high wing armed hub firing cannon fuselage mounted machine guns wing design emphasised power characteristics design development aircraft designed french cylinder engine mounted cylinder banks engine firing propeller hub powerful shaft horsepower engine combined hub firing cannon mandated use metal fuselage armament consisted french machine guns mounted engine wing fuselage fixed conventional landing gear mounted wing fixed enclosed cockpit located wing horizontal rigid lower tied flying wires vertical bladed propeller manually pitch considerable work needed fully develop design early men moved project pre project basic aerodynamic evaluation stages including building wooden scale model took paris test built wind tunnel point men received outside help forced borrow family project going decided approach head technical department lieutenant colonel design surprised impressed work official report proposing build design presented september senior officers opposed concept captain acknowledged outstanding fighter tactics considered shp engine ultimate fighter design despite opposition support younger pilots meant concept approved prototype ordered factory near belgrade delivery end year prototype designated standing believed prototype complete september flight delayed concerns wing structure following month appointed test pilot prototype operate preparations maiden flight decided develop test program permission granted flight testing begin april conducted flight prototype april initial uneventful flight weapons installed light fuel load following day manoeuvres wing fabric observed official checked stated resolve fabric completely dried took aircraft test flight day involved aircraft shallow dive pulled abruptly high speed point wing fabric began tear rapidly extent seen ground aircraft dropped spin starboard safely crashed ground critics exploited accident undermine concept joining criticising aircraft flights considered sufficient verdict design debate future fierce placed significant pressure designers element aircraft design subsequently attacked eventually generally agreed aircraft designed needed testing point decided build second prototype evident hand fabric wing stood strain question second prototype took months build designers closely involved main difference wings covered metal leaving rear fuselage fabric covered new wing tested fabric metal covering request changes reduced size improved shape modified air making streamlined fuselage machine guns replaced machine guns second prototype delivered aircraft placed hands different test pilot 1st lieutenant conducted flight august worked closely designers construction static testing suggestions resulted improved cockpit layout strictly followed completely new test program installed testing equipment recorded characteristics aircraft gaining complete mastery aircraft conducted manoeuvres visit future turkish president included complete inverted loop mid october broke unofficial european air speed record aircraft fixed attaining speed mph yugoslav air speed record aircraft able achieve greater expected power altitudes completed testing program submitted report acceptance group pilots conducted mock service displayed overall superiority british built aircraft point declared continuing doubts aircraft challenged duel flying preferred aircraft fury won climbing competition race belgrade final forced better aircraft november submitted proposal order batch approved following month production version included additional improvements continued testing resulted delays aircraft entering service year time international consensus superiority low wing time delivered fighter units operational history production aircraft delivered 6th fighter regiment based early pilots subjected considerable additional testing entered normal service mid year remaining entered service remainder aircraft delivered radios armament fitted workshops october transferred licence built delivered transferred 5th fighter regiment end production concentrated consisted solely interim allocation squadron group equipped hurricanes soon equipped hurricanes 5th fighter regiment threat war overtook planned deployment march moved near command german led axis invasion yugoslavia commenced april damaged landing accident workshops repaired fourth machine badly damaged condition day patrolled bosnia contact enemy machines conducted combat air patrol airfield 8th bomber regiment pattern continued following day incident patrol duration coverage limited short range aircraft april patrol unsuccessfully gave chase lone german reconnaissance aircraft later day force landed leaving seven operational aircraft april german fighters observed heading nova landing patrol poor flying weather managed climbed meet unable complete landing extreme avoid attack total hurricanes meet germans following seven minutes furious ensued german aircraft claimed hurricanes lost german records indicate aircraft lost pilot survived survived loss badly wounded germans low fuel broke headed north following day force landed engine failure reducing number despite deteriorating weather conditions revolts yugoslav forces combat patrols continued april aircraft grounded weather april aircraft 4th fighter regiment took air chasing german reconnaissance aircraft record victories following day 4th fighter regiment continued carrying sorties commander 2nd ordered remaining aircraft destroyed personnel withdraw road end brief campaign air_force independent state croatia croatian surviving captured aircraft beginning service lacked spare parts later year operational observed airfield near october operating airfield north remained nearly year conducting missions end service end following year remained survived war development proposed development dual control fast reconnaissance ordered operators kingdom yugoslavia independent state croatia data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity powerplant liquid cooled engine shp propellers bladed pitch performance maximum speed mph cruising speed mph range nmi service ceiling time altitude minutes seconds wing loading armament cannon rounds spiral drum machine guns rounds gun | Ikarus IK-2 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
19859_GeneralDynamicsF-16FightingFalcon | single engine fighter aircraft originally developed united_states_air_force designed air superiority day fighter evolved successful weather aircraft aircraft built production approved longer purchased improved versions built export customers sold aircraft manufacturing business turn merger key features including bubble canopy better visibility mounted control stick ease control maneuvering seat degrees reduce effect forces pilot use relaxed static stability fly wire flight control system helps aircraft internal vulcan cannon locations mounting weapons mission equipment official fighting falcon commonly pilots crews perceived resemblance snake colonial addition active duty units aircraft aerial demonstration team adversary aircraft united_states_navy serve air forces nations second common currently operational military aircraft world development program experiences vietnam war revealed need air superiority fighters better air air training fighter pilots based experiences korean war fighter tactics instructor early 1960s colonel mathematician developed energy theory model fighter aircraft performance combat work called small lightweight aircraft maneuver minimum possible energy loss incorporated increased thrust weight ratio late 1960s gathered group like minded known secured funding study design concepts based theory air force proponents remained hostile concept perceived threat program air_force leadership understood budget allow purchase aircraft satisfy missions advanced day fighter concept renamed gained civilian political support reform minded deputy secretary defense favored idea competitive result established key member proposals funded issued january called pound class air air day fighter good turn rate acceleration range combat speeds altitudes feet region studies predicted future air combat occur anticipated average cost production version million production plan firm plans winner finalists selected companies responded selected follow prototype development testing phase awarded contracts worth million million produce respectively flights prototypes planned early overcome resistance air_force hierarchy proponents successfully advocated idea fighters high cost low cost force mix high low mix allow able afford sufficient fighters overall fighter force structure requirements mix gained broad acceptance time prototypes defining relationship developed team engineers led rolled december minute maiden flight edwards california february actual flight occurred accidentally high speed taxi test january gathering speed roll control caused fin port mounted missile starboard ground aircraft began runway test pilot decided lift avoid potential crash safely landing minutes later slight damage quickly repaired official flight occurred time flight accomplished february second prototype flew followed flights prototypes june august respectively completed sorties total flight hours flew sorties covering hours air combat fighter competition increased interest turn acquisition program nato allies belgium denmark netherlands norway seeking replace fighter bombers early reached agreement ordered winner consider ordering needed replace phantom fighter bombers sought greater fighter air_force navy august navy funds new program fighter bomber variant nato allies formed multinational fighter program group pressed decision december accelerated testing reflect intent new fighter bomber program rolled new air combat fighter competition announcement secretary defense april clear order addition extinguished opposition raised stakes brought competitors intent securing touted time arms deal century proposed anglo french jaguar proposed offered similar jaguar cobra dropped early leaving european candidates september confirmed plans order winning design equip tactical fighter wings computer modeling predicted close contest proved significantly quicker going maneuver unanimous choice pilots flew aircraft january secretary air_force announced winner competition chief reasons given secretary lower operating costs greater range maneuver performance significantly better especially speeds advantage unlike use engine powerplant lower cost engines programs secretary announced planned order possibly production navy air combat fighter competition navy selected basis production initially ordered scale development aircraft single seat seat models flight test program reduced single design altered production fuselage lengthened larger nose fitted radar wing area increased height decreased ventral fins enlarged stores stations added single door replaced original double doors weight increased modifications manufactured texas late rolled october flew december initial seat model achieved flight august initial production standard flew time august delivery accepted january given formal nickname fighting falcon july entering operational service 34th tactical fighter squadron hill utah october june european partners known signed aircraft paris air split belgium denmark netherlands norway european production lines netherlands facility plant belgium produce units respectively norway denmark manufactured parts aircraft european production officially launched july factory beginning november produced components sent fuselage assembly shipped europe final assembly aircraft belgian plant february deliveries began january aircraft delivered june aircraft delivered late 1980s 1990s produced block production line license produced block egypt mid-1990s block opened production line program producing mid-1990s decade india selected sixth production line built india stated currently orders producing improvements upgrades change production augmented pitch control avoid deep stall conditions high angles attack stall issue raised development originally discounted model tests conducted revealed potential problem laboratory able duplicate flight tests sufficient expose issue later flight testing aircraft demonstrated real concern response areas horizontal increased aircraft later earlier aircraft addition manual switch disable horizontal flight prominently placed control console allowing pilot regain control horizontal flight lock place recover reducing risk deep stalls larger horizontal tail improved stability permitted faster takeoff rotation 1980s conducted evolve capabilities risks technology development ensure aircraft worth program upgraded stages process permitted quick introduction new capabilities lower costs reduced risks compared traditional independent upgrade programs allocated billion upgrade waiting enter service key upgrade auto ground collision avoidance system reduce instances controlled flight terrain onboard power cooling capacities limits scope upgrades involves addition power hungry lockheed won contracts upgrade foreign operator offers upgrades receiving orders south_korea turkey lost south korean contract price breach november assigned total upgrade contract upgrades include replaces analog flight instruments single digital display budget cuts cast doubt ability complete secondary programs taiwan upgrade general stated money service life extension program fund aircraft flying responded talk cancellation fixed price upgrade package foreign users included pentagon budget request said upgrade package offered taiwan lockheed said common elements radar unit costs issued design overview single engine highly multi role tactical fighter aircraft designed cost effective combat perform missions maintain clock readiness smaller lighter predecessors uses advanced including use relaxed static stability fly wire flight control system achieve enhanced maneuver performance highly fighter aircraft purpose built pull maneuvers reach maximum speed innovations include bubble canopy better visibility mounted control stick seat reduce force effects pilot armed internal vulcan cannon left wing root multiple locations mounting missiles bombs pods thrust weight ratio greater providing power climb accelerate vertically designed relatively inexpensive build simpler maintain earlier generation fighters airframe built aviation grade aluminum steel leading edge flaps ventral fins use aluminum structures number points fuel line connections significantly lower predecessors access panels accessed stands air intake placed nose forward minimize air flow losses reduce aerodynamic drag program called structural life flight hours capable achieving internal fuel engineers decided design airframe life hours maneuvers internal fuel proved aircraft mission changed solely air air combat multi role operations changes operational use additional systems increased weight necessitating multiple structural strengthening programs general configuration delta wing incorporating wing fuselage blending vortex control fixed geometry air intake plate single jet engine conventional tri plane arrangement moving horizontal pair ventral fins beneath fuselage aft wing trailing edge landing gear configuration aft nose gear deploying short distance inlet lip boom style aerial located single piece bubble canopy cockpit located aft end wing body mounted underneath fuselage beneath rudder houses equipment drag later models feature long dorsal fuselage spine housing additional equipment fuel aerodynamic studies 1960s demonstrated vortex lift phenomenon highly swept wing configurations reach higher angles attack leading edge vortex flow slender lifting surface high combat agility designers chose slender delta wing leading edge sweep straight trailing edge improve variable wing selected adjusted leading edge trailing edge linked digital flight control system regulating flight envelope moderate wing loading reduced fuselage lift vortex lift effect increased leading edge extensions known act additional short span triangular wings running wing root fuselage point forward fuselage blended fuselage wing root generates high speed vortex remains attached wing angle attack increases generating additional lift allowing greater angles attack allow smaller lower aspect ratio wing increases roll rates directional stability decreasing weight deeper increase structural strength internal fuel volume armament early armed heat seeking short range air air missiles employing rail launchers radar guided medium range weapons mix recent versions support aircraft carry wide variety air ground missiles rockets bombs electronic navigation targeting weapons pods fuel tanks wings fuselage locations fuselage available radar pods carries vulcan cannon close range aerial combat negative stability fly wire production fighter aircraft intentionally designed slightly unstable known relaxed static stability improve aircraft designed positive static stability aircraft return straight level flight attitude pilot releases controls reduces inherent stability overcome aircraft negative stability designed controlled flight speeds gains stability eventually positive aerodynamic changes counter tendency depart controlled flight avoid need constant trim pilot channel fly wire flight control system flight control computer accepts pilot input stick rudder controls control surfaces way produce desired result inducing control loss conducts thousands measurements second aircraft flight attitude automatically counter pilot set flight path leading common pilots don fly flies incorporates governing movement main axes based attitude angle attack prevent control surfaces inducing instability slips high inducing stall prevent maneuvers exert load flight testing revealed assaulting multiple high low speed result far exceeding limit colloquially referred departing causes deep stall near upright inverted high aircraft attitude stable control surfaces ineffective pitch locks extreme pitch pitch attempting recover pilot rock nose pitch control recover unlike controls serving backup took innovative step eliminating mechanical control stick rudder flight control surfaces entirely reliant electrical systems relay flight commands instead traditional linked controls leading early moniker electric jet design permits graceful degradation flight control response loss channel renders system began analog system variants supplanted digital computer system beginning block controls suffered sensitivity static electricity discharge models electronics vulnerable cockpit key feature cockpit exceptional field view single piece bird proof bubble canopy provides round visibility look angle aircraft nose compared common preceding aircraft pilot seat elevated purpose furthermore canopy lacks forward bow frame found fighters pilot forward vision aces zero zero seat unusual tilt angle fighters seat seat accommodate taller pilots increases force tolerance associated reports neck possibly caused incorrect head rest usage subsequent fighters adopted modest tilt angles seat angle canopy thickness seat lacks canopy breakers emergency instead entire canopy prior seat rocket firing pilot flies primarily means mounted stick controller instead traditional center mounted stick engine throttle conventional rudder employed enhance pilot degree control aircraft high combat maneuvers switches function controls moved hands throttle stick controls controllers throttle hand pressure stick controller transmitted electrical signals system adjust flight control surfaces maneuver originally stick controller non moving proved uncomfortable difficult pilots adjust resulting tendency rotate control stick given small play introduction controls standard feature modern fighters head display projects visual flight combat information pilot view able head cockpit improves pilot situation awareness flight systems information displayed multi function displays left hand primary flight display typically showing radar moving maps right hand system display presenting information engine landing gear settings fuel weapons status initially ray tube displays replaced color liquid crystal displays block introduced compatibility night vision available onwards targeting based pilot head faces high missiles like fire control radar originally equipped fire control radar array antenna designed compact fit relatively small nose mode uses low pulse repetition frequency high altitude target detection low environment look shoot employs medium heavy environments operating frequencies band provides air air seven air ground operating modes combat night bad weather block model added powerful signal processing higher output power improved reliability increased range environments program introduced new model features higher speed memory evolution introduced block greater range resolution operating modes including ground mapping beam ground moving target indication sea target track scan targets block model added compatibility lockheed navigation targeting red night pods high pulse track mode provide continuous wave radar target illumination semi active radar missiles like block initially reliable signal employing high speed integrated circuit technology advanced block equipped radar greater air air detection range synthetic radar mode high resolution mapping target detection recognition august contracted upgrade radars aircraft standard providing weather autonomous detection targeting gps precision weapons mapping terrain following radar modes modes outfitted active array radar developed latest radar upgrade selected upgrades named july announced developing generation radar based earlier radar competitor propulsion initial powerplant selected single engined whitney modified version rated lbf thrust testing engine found prone stalls engine thrust spontaneously reduce idle resolved air_force ordered operated dead stick landing distance bases standard engine new build introduced lbf later installed block aircraft main advance unit improved reliability reduced stall occurrence beginning production supplanted engines later aircraft upgraded onwards standard enhanced reliability engine reduced result program colloquially known great engine war saw entry general_electric engine provider limited original inlet thrust lbf common inlet allowed achieve maximum thrust lbf distinguish aircraft equipped engines block series blocks ending powered blocks ending fitted engines increased performance engine program led lbf block lbf block began flying engines early 1990s altogether ordered fitted series engines block powered maximum thrust lbf highest thrust engine developed operational history participated numerous conflicts middle_east united_states active duty units aerial demonstration team adversary aircraft united_states_navy naval strike air warfare center including flew combat operation balkans later 1990s patrolled fly zones iraq operations northern watch southern watch served wars afghanistan operation enduring freedom iraq operation iraqi freedom respectively air force took intervention libya scheduled remain service replacement planned variant lockheed martin lightning expected gradually begin replacing multi role aircraft program member nations delays program receive service life extension upgrades israel air air combat success achieved april syrian helicopter downed cannon fire june israeli escorted executed employment significant air ground operation raid severely damaged iraqi nuclear construction near baghdad prevent regime creation nuclear weapons following year lebanon war israeli engaged syrian aircraft largest air battles involving jet aircraft began june continued days credited air air kills conflict january israel completed purchase new planes deal totaling billion ground attack role strikes targets lebanon participated lebanon war attacks strip december lebanon war shot iranian launched air air missile pakistan soviet war january shot afghanistan probable shot pilots squadron squadron pilots destroyed kills destroyed cannon fire flight lieutenant credited kills lost battles encounter soviet air force april pilot ejected safely foreign internal military exercises exercise conducted jointly turkey fleet attack militant positions support operations pakistan november launched sorties operations dropped munitions laser guided bombs patrolled indian border tension india turkey acquired participated support united_nations resolutions june crashed turkish february crashed intercepted fighters october months greek reportedly fired magic missile shot turkish turkish pilot died pilot ejected rescued greek forces august downing turkish defence minister confirmed turkish shot magic violating greek near island greek intercepted turkish reconnaissance aircraft escorts coast greek island athens fir mock ensued sides resulting collision turkish pilot ejected safely greek pilot died damage caused collision turkey extensively conflict parts turkey iraq turkey launched cross border raid december prelude turkish northern iraq involving fighters operation sun time turkey mounted night bombing operation massive scale largest operation conducted tasked protection syrian border downing june turkey changed rules engagements syrian aircraft resulting syrian combat aircraft shot turkey syria border november egypt february egyptian performed air strikes weapons training camps libya revenge murder workers masked affiliated isis air strikes killed isis fighters including leaders coast flown combat missions serbian shot dutch war belgian participated joint operations war dutch belgian danish norwegian deployed intervention libya afghanistan libya norwegian dropped bombs flew missions total strike missions including bombing headquarters variants models denoted increasing block numbers denote upgrades blocks cover seat versions variety software hardware systems weapons compatibility structural enhancements instituted years gradually upgrade production models delivered aircraft produced according block designs variants significant changes usually modification programs changes resulted role close air support reconnaissance variants models developed test new technology design inspired design aircraft considered derivatives converted targets single seat seat initial production variants variants include block versions block major change larger horizontal numerous variant produced single seat seat variants entered production version block improved cockpit radar added weather capability visual range air air missiles block later versions unit cost million operational cost flight hour estimated depending calculation method single seat seat newer variants version based block developed especially features improved active array radar fuel tanks powerful engine indian competition offered super based block features fuel tanks radar engine controls electronic warfare suite red searching updated glass cockpit helmet mounted system longer competition september informed united_states congress possible foreign military sale aircraft associated equipment services newly reformed total value sale estimated billion adversary aircraft operated based standard block powered general_electric engine strengthened wing capable carrying pod starboard single seat twin seat based early production small inlet airframe retain radar addition aircraft cannon removed carry missiles fit consists radar warning receiver standard air_force aircraft carrier capable production totaled single seat twin seat initial batch aircraft service time cracks discovered bulkheads navy resources replace aircraft eventually retired aircraft sent collection florida remainder placed storage aircraft later replaced pakistani original inventory previously operated adversary squadrons virginia florida california current aircraft operated naval strike air warfare center nevada singapore air lockheed martin unveiled plans new variant nickname feature active array radar new mission computer electronic warfare suite cockpit improvements package option current production service september tested boeing air_force air_force pilots controlling airplane ground flew gulf_of_mexico operators delivered july operators italy italian air_force leased notable accidents incidents involved hull loss accidents june practicing aerial display maneuver second tail number texas prior sent paris air main landing gear jammed test pilot perform emergency gear landing chose grass hoping minimize damage avoid injuring observers aircraft slightly damaged prototype sent paris air place november training flight outside air base south_korea captain died crashed inverted mountain ridge widow filed lawsuit claiming electrical malfunction pilot error cause jury awarded million damages ruled contractor immunity lawsuits previous judgment court claim electrical malfunction cause noting knew instrumentation initially disclosed accident subsequent trial subject film march joint exercise pope north_carolina fighter wing fighter squadron engine approach collided crew members ejected aircraft continued arc struck boarded army accident resulted fatalities injured known disaster september crashed air idaho captain attempted split maneuver based incorrect mean sea level altitude airfield climbing ground level instead insufficient altitude complete maneuver able guide aircraft away spectators ejected second impact survived minor injuries aircraft destroyed procedure demonstration maneuvers changed requiring pilots controllers use ground level altitudes november air force crashed jordan technical problem pilot died january greek crashed performing nato training exercise spain crew members french soldiers ground died crashed flight line destroying damaging italian jets french 2000s crashed mission killing pilot july collided south_carolina pilot ejected safely people killed october pilot landing gear damaged takeoff aircraft crashed north_sea near pilot quickly extracted water minor injuries january 56th fighter wing crashed arizona killing pilot training aircraft display belgium display brussels display les france example germany display germany japan display japan netherlands designation display museum netherlands turkey block united_states virginia flight museum dallas texas mounted gate guard south_carolina cadet area colorado display ohio memorial park virginia production model delivered fighter wing park arizona gate guard vermont gate guard alabama heritage park alaska michigan fighter wing fighter wing combined headquarters utah display area kansas display montana gate guard florida display cannon air park new_mexico base park area adjacent south_carolina painted 20th fighter wing memorial killed flying display 8th street park douglas arizona gate guard florida pedestal mounted memorial arizona painted fighter squadron markings include world war airmen red tails uss alabama battleship memorial park mobile alabama ground mobile static display aircraft normally located new_york utilized fighter wing recruiting static display wing georgia memorial park static display idaho display colorado aircraft painted markings based utah utah new_york_city new_york display parade ground texas fighter wing aircraft destined transfer display air space museum arizona city park florida painted markings 56th tactical training wing fighter wing previously assigned nearby 1980s early 1990s air force armament museum florida memorial park static display puerto_rico painted markings marked display markings ohio museum aviation georgia memorial park florida fighter wing markings 56th fighter wing previously assigned 1980s display houston texas display naval air station aviation museum cape county airport new_jersey display alabama display adjacent texas oklahoma display gate guard new_jersey russell illinois display hill memorial park utah air park display indiana aircraft retains air force heritage paint scheme honoring world war display austin texas fighter wing fighter squadron aircraft static display preserved hangar nevada assigned number attached number season number number san diego museum san_diego california california palm springs air museum california fort worth texas painted colors naval air station pensacola pensacola florida air power park naval air station nevada specifications block data sheet characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area root tip weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant block dry thrust lbf thrust lbf internal fuel pounds performance maximum speed sea level mph altitude mph clean configuration combat radius nmi mission bombs ferry range nmi drop tanks service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight loaded weight internal fuel maximum load armament guns vulcan barrel cannon rounds wing tip air air missile launch rails wing fuselage sensors stations capacity stores rockets rocket pods rockets respectively rocket pods rockets rocket pods rockets missiles air air missiles iris air ground missiles harm missile anti ship missiles mark general purpose bombs mark bombs mark bombs small diameter bomb iii iii joint direct attack series joint weapon wind corrected munitions nuclear bomb nuclear bomb pod pod pods lockheed martin sniper targeting pods drop tanks ferry flight extended range time long range pod centerline radar bus notable appearances media | General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
19963_SaabJAS39Gripen | english griffin light single engine fighter aircraft manufactured swedish company designed replace delta wing configuration relaxed stability design fly wire flight controls powered speed later aircraft modified nato standards undertake flight swedish government began development studies aircraft capable fighter attack reconnaissance missions replace new design selected developed flying following crashes flight development subsequent alterations aircraft flight control software entered service upgraded variants featuring advanced adaptations longer mission times began entering service order market aircraft export customers formed partnerships collaborative efforts multiple overseas companies example efforts joint partnership formed responsible marketing aircraft heavily involved successful export type south_africa organization later dissolved amidst allegations employed secure foreign interest sales export market achieved moderate success sales nations south_africa southeast_asia suspected authorities closed investigation version designated development referred changes include adoption new powerplant active array radar significantly increased internal fuel capacity proposed derivatives including carrier operations manned aircraft operations sweden brazil ordered switzerland initially selected built development origins late 1970s sweden sought replace required affordable aircraft good short field performance defensive dispersed basing plan event invasion plan included long wide rudimentary stated base goal aircraft smaller improving range characteristics early proposals included called intended attack aircraft trainer development capabilities fighter attack sea reconnaissance aircraft foreign designs studied including ultimately swedish government opted new fighter developed government began study calling versatile platform capable standing air air attack air surface reconnaissance indicating fighter aircraft fulfill multiple roles mission designs reviewed promising project redesignated project later project recommended government established joint venture industrial arm swedish armed forces preferred aircraft single engine lightweight single embracing fly wire technology unstable design powerplant selected license built derivative engine development priorities weight reduction lowering component count june approval issued contracts worth billion covering prototypes initial batch production aircraft january converted flying test aircraft intended fly wire controls received griffin public competition logo testing production improvements rolled april marking 50th anniversary originally planned fly flight delayed months issues flight control system december prototype serial number took minute maiden flight pilot controls test programme concern surfaced aircraft specifically fly wire flight control system relaxed stability design february issue led crash prototype attempted landing test pilot walked away broken elbow cause crash identified pilot induced caused problems pitch control routine response crash firm introduced software modifications aircraft modified lockheed test improvements allowed flight testing resume months accident august production aircraft destroyed accident aerial display stockholm test pilot lost control aircraft roll low altitude aircraft stalled forcing later found problem high pilot quick significant stick command ensuing investigation flaw correction delayed test flying months resuming december order included option exercised june consisted seat seat variant longer accommodate second seat necessitated cannon reduced internal fuel capacity april prototypes series production completed visual range missile selected batch ordered june composed upgraded single seat known nato compatibility exports aircraft delivered possess powerful updated flight capability retractable aircraft starboard board oxygen generating system longer missions flight tested specially equipped prototype successful trials teaming agreements paris air announced formation joint venture company goal adapting manufacturing marketing supporting worldwide deal involved conversion series aircraft export series developed compatibility nato standards cooperation extended formation promote export sales december announced sell large portion stake responsibility marketing export orders june announced internal investigation revealed evidence acts corruption including money south_africa customers april norway signed million joint development agreement cooperate development programme including integration norwegian industries development future versions aircraft june year entered agreement concerning development communications systems fighter order awarded provisions letter agreement signed april result united_states diplomatic cables leak revealed diplomats concerned cooperation norway sweden topic sought exert pressure norwegian purchase aircraft december marketing efforts denmark deal signed danish technology supplier allows participate industrial cooperation programme years total value programme estimated billion partly dependent denmark controversies scandals costs developing advanced multi role fighter major undertaking sweden predecessor despite advanced expensive criticized occupying sweden military budget branded military nest critics early party congress social democrats dominant party swedish politics 1950s motion passed stop future projects develop advanced military aircraft project passed margin entire party voting proposal demands studies new bill introduced final approval given april condition project fixed price contract decision later criticized unrealistic later cost according aftermath crashes loss credibility weakening public image public speculation failures address technical problems exposed crash directly contributed second crash observed media elements called greater public explanation project ill informed media analysis distorted public knowledge sitting conservative government quickly endorsed supported minister defense issued public project positive sweden connection marketing efforts multiple countries including south_africa austria czech_republic hungary reports widespread corruption swedish journalists reported paid bribes equivalent millions dollars following criminal investigations countries individual austria prosecuted scandal international reputation sweden cost subject frequent attention speculation announced reduced earnings year partly increased marketing costs aircraft disputed norway cost calculations excess real world performance existing operators report stated total research development costs billion according study operational cost lowest modern fighters estimated flight hour estimated cost system comprising billion distributed period estimated maintaining model aircraft cost billion buying aircraft foreign supplier cost billion developments seat aircraft designated demo ordered upgrades powered development boeing super engine maximum weight increased internal fuel capacity increased cent relocating allowed added fuselage underside combat radius kilometres carrying drop tanks radar replaced new active array radar based radar family maiden flight conducted january flew test capability served basis referred generation material standard studied variant capable operating aircraft carriers 1990s launched project response india request information carrier borne aircraft brazil require new carrier aircraft following meeting officials agreed establish development center expand concept stated development manned version capable flying operations explored firm development manned carrier versions require commitment customer november expressed interest carrier based variant sweden awarded year contract improve radar equipment integrate new weapons lower operating costs june stated sweden planned order designated enter service earlier dependent export orders august following switzerland intention buy variants sweden announced planned buy swedish government approved decision purchase january july assembly began pre production aircraft originally models revised having new built reused parts production aircraft delivered march revealed detailed design indicated planned receive military type certification early rolled september head announced electronic warfare version development design overview fighter aircraft intended lightweight aerial platform incorporating advanced highly control surfaces contributes positive lift force speeds generous lift delta wing rear producing negative lift high speeds increasing induced drag intentionally unstable employing digital fly wire flight controls maintain stability removes flight restrictions improves reduces drag good short takeoff performance able maintain high sink rate strengthened withstand stresses short landings pair air brakes located sides rear fuselage angle downward act air brakes decrease landing distance capable flying degrees angle attack order enable long service life projected roughly years aircraft designed low maintenance requirements major systems engine radar type reduce operating cost increase reliability designed flexible anticipated newly developed sensors computers armaments need integrated technology advances aircraft estimated roughly sourced swedish european suppliers united_states key aspect program keen emphasize technology transfer agreements industrial partnerships export customers typically customer requirements enabling routine inclusion local suppliers manufacturing support processes number south african firms provide components systems including communications suite electronic warfare systems operated operators access source code technical documentation allowing upgrades new equipment independently integrated export customers intend domestically assemble proposed brazilian manufacturer produce export customers sensors fully integrated total digital data buses described fusion total integration makes aircraft allowing software updates introduced time increase performance allow additional operational roles equipment programming language adopted primary flight controls final prototypes onwards subsequent production aircraft software continuously improved add new capabilities compared preceding updated month schedule data generated onboard sensors cockpit activity digitally recorded length entire mission information cockpit easily extracted detailed post mission analysis data transfer unit insert mission data aircraft like designed operate component national defence system allows automatic exchange information real time aircraft ground facilities according features world highly developed data link tactical navigation system combines information multiple onboard systems air data computer radar gps continuously location entered service pulse band multi mode radar developed based advanced radar served basis radar weather radar capable locating identifying targets away automatically tracking multiple targets upper lower spheres ground sea air guide visual range air air missiles multiple targets simultaneously stated able handle types air defense air surface reconnaissance missions developing mark upgrade mark version increase high altitude air air detection ranges detection tracking smaller targets current ranges improvement air air mode low altitude integration modern weapons missiles future use new active array radar based radar family improvements new radar capable scanning greatly increased field view improved range addition new red search track capable detecting thermal emissions air ground targets aircraft vicinity sensors claimed able detect low radar cross section targets visual range targets tracked best dominates system onboard sensors auxiliary unit data link function radar cockpit primary flight controls compatible control principle centrally mounted stick addition flying aircraft controls cockpit displays weapon systems digital fly wire system employed flight controls mechanical backup throttle additional functions communications navigational decision support data accessed control panel directly central cockpit display includes cockpit display system developed provide pilots high level awareness reduces pilot workload intelligent information management features fusion capability information onboard sensors combined automatically analysed useful data presented pilot wide field view head display large multi function colour displays helmet mounted display system multi function displays central display navigational mission data display left center shows aircraft status electronic warfare information display right center sensory fire control information seat variants rear seat displays operated independently pilot display arrangement forward seat promoted capability useful electronic warfare reconnaissance missions carrying command control activities sweden began additional onboard computer systems new displays designed event failure flight information presented displays developed cobra use based cobra fully integrated operational aircraft available option export customers older swedish south african provides control information target data flight parameters equipped night time operations chemical biological connections cockpit designed rapid detachment safe use system engine service january powered engine license manufactured derivative fed plates changes include increased performance improved reliability meet single engine use safety criteria greater resistance bird strike incidents components redesigned reduce maintenance demands november accumulated flight hours single engine related failure incident head management stated think hard record beat single engine application variants currently development adopt powerplant variant produce greater thrust current engine enabling maintain speed sound barrier use speed carrying air air combat stated capable developing engine better match performance claimed developing expensive option prior selection consideration proposed included use thrust equipment armaments compatible number different armaments aircraft single cannon omitted seat variants including air air missiles air ground missiles anti ship missiles fleet completed upgrade process enabling compatibility range weapons including long range missile short range iris missile laser guided bomb speaking selection armaments campaign director stated buy select want weapons israel sweden europe south_america customer flight typically capable carrying armaments equipment equipment includes external pods reconnaissance target designation targeting pod reconnaissance pod system digital joint reconnaissance pod advanced integrated electronic warfare suite capable operating passive mode actively jam hostile radar missile approach warning system tracks incoming missiles november announced offer active developed june defensive missile pod performed flight describes swing role aircraft stating capable instantly switching roles push button human machine interface changes switching roles computer response new situations threats equipped use number different communications standards systems including saturn secure radio satellite equipment performing long range missions aerial probe onboard oxygen generation system integrated maintenance cold war ready defend possible invasion scenario required combat aircraft dispersed order maintain air defence capacity key design goal development ability snow covered landing strips metres furthermore short turnaround time minutes team composed technician able arm refuel perform basic inside time window returning flight design process great priority placed aircraft maintenance addition maintenance friendly layout components require little maintenance aircraft fitted health usage monitoring systems monitors performance systems provides information technicians assist operates continuous improvement programme information systems submitted analysis according provides lower operating costs best competitor jane study compared operational costs number modern combat aircraft concluding lowest cost flight hour fuel pre flight preparation repair scheduled airfield level maintenance associated personnel costs combined estimated lowest block higher operational history sweden placed total order delivery occurred june handed ceremony handed december air force received example december instead fixed price agreement batch aircraft paid target price concept cost split entered service wing november final batch aircraft delivered november accomplished agreed price batch putting cost million batch equipped flight specially equipped programme started upgrade air force fighters combined service january march received final march swedish parliament approved month deployment support mandated fly zone libya deployment pilots personnel began april june swedish government announced agreement extend deployment october flown combat missions flight hours delivered approximately reconnaissance reports nato journalist suggested operations stimulate sales aircraft november lieutenant colonel testified stated current version outdated air air combat having judged minimum required defend swedish wants upgraded standard august swedish government announced expected service december approved purchase option cancel aircraft ordered customers january government approved deal delivered march swedish defence minister stated ordered later confirmed government delivered czech republic czech_republic nato member need replace existing soviet built fleet aircraft compatible nato standards apparent czech_republic began evaluating number aircraft including major condition industrial offset agreement set expected purchase value december having reportedly generous financing offset programme announced selected deal delayed parliamentary elections taken place alternative means air defense studied including aircraft june announced czech_republic lease aircraft modified comply nato standards agreement included training czech pilots technicians sweden delivered april lease agreed period years cost million swedish air_force aircraft included single seat trainers september announced follow agreement czech_republic completed extend lease years leased aircraft shall undergo extensive process including adoption new lease option eventually acquiring fighters outright lease extended service contract extended november considers russia deteriorating relationship west recently decided upgrade fleet configuration hungary following hungary membership nato proposals achieve nato compatible fighter force considerable attention went studying second hand aircraft options modifying nation existing fleet hungary received offers new aircraft nations including sweden belgium israel turkey united_states hungarian government initially intended november process negotiating year lease contract aircraft option purchase aircraft end lease period arrangements offered offset deal valued cent cost fighters initially hungary planned lease aircraft inability conduct aerial weapons compatibility limitations generated hungarian contract signed february total originally standard undergone extensive upgrade process nato compatible standard aircraft deliveries took place december operates total aircraft lease country reportedly intended purchase aircraft outright january hungarian swedish governments agreed extend lease period years according hungarian defence minister agreement represented considerable cost savings lost crashes june leaving operation hungary signing replacement contract south_africa south_africa signed contract standard minor modifications meet requirements deliveries commenced april april aircraft aircraft single delivered establishment fighter weapon school air force base south_africa consideration july ruled option lack local support initiative thailand alternative location considered czech air base april december south african contractors held prime responsibility maintenance work fleet support contracts expired arrangement led fears extended operations possible lack proper maintenance december awarded long term support contract company perform engineering maintenance support services march south african defense minister stated half stored insufficient budget flying september decided place number long term storage instead aircraft rotated flying cycles short term storage speaking september brigadier general testified met minimum requirements country faced military threats thailand thailand parliament authorized spend billion billion effort replace thailand existing fleet february ordered single seat models seat models deliveries began thailand ordered november deliveries began thailand eventually order thailand selected main operating base aircraft delivered february delivered april september september stated thailand interested purchasing aircraft near future pending government approval commander general stated air force intends information systems integrated army navy systems armed forces officially united_kingdom united_kingdom advanced fast jet training test pilots operates aircraft potential future operators shown interest leading opening office country interested purchasing surplus model order possibly extended replace fourteen canadian air force fighters years old officials believe acquisition fighter jet deal sixteen looking replace fighter jet fleet brazil october brazil selected finalists fighter programme boeing super initially planned possibly later replace aircraft february submitted tender january reports claimed final evaluation report placed ahead contenders decisive factor reportedly lower unit cost operational costs amid delays financial constraints reports selection selection december president announced selection key decision factors domestic manufacturing opportunities participation developing potential exports africa asia latin_america argentina ecuador interested brazil mexico considered export target factor distrust surveillance scandal immune foreign pressure use component percentage veto sale argentina dispute argentina considering russian chinese aircraft instead deliveries begin brazil intends lease aircraft october brazil sweden signed billion contract aircraft delivered maintained swedish government provide year interest rate loan purchase aircraft assembled brazil brazilian companies involved production run delivered later billion price increase selection developments requested brazil wide area display inches display compensation package set billion times order value brazilian pilots trained sweden november april requirement delivered interested replace douglas carrier based fighters brazil sweden finalized deal development colombia offered colombia possible deliveries depending variant selected croatia deal including aircraft single seat models seat models valued million euro billion offered croatia stalled financial crisis croatian government government spending programmes october sweden announced bid croatia fighter replacement requirement following request information june newly built aircraft order replace croatian fleet aircraft according remain service result ongoing programmes run scheduled funding available replacement aircraft second hand country considered finland june working group set proposed starting program replace current fleet group recognises potential types boeing super lockheed december finnish sent letter great_britain france sweden united_states informing fighter project launched goal project replace fleet decommissioned multi role fighters project named mentioned letter potential fighter program request information concerning sent april tender sent spring buying decision scheduled place poland contender fighters started december polish defence minister announced block selection according selection heavily influenced lucrative offset agreement totaling billion offset billion offset political emphasis poland strategic relationship nato offered described decision political according polish military defence vice minister offer better included research participation proposals poland plans purchase combat aircraft replace polish air_force fleet ground attack aircraft fighters open tender procedure include lightning typhoon boeing advanced super slovakia august czech_republic slovakia sweden signed letter intent agreeing operate lead acquisition aircraft letter intent laid foundation operation common surveillance slovakia czech_republic slovakia looking replace fighters reported aircraft choice requirement open competition seek lease fighters buy neighbouring hungary czech_republic switzerland january submit bids replace nation fleet responded initial proposal july contenders november swiss government announced decision buy aircraft billion swiss confidential report tests contenders leaked rated performing substantially assessed satisfactory reconnaissance unsatisfactory combat air patrol strike missions evaluated bid parliamentary security commission found offered risks voted ahead option considered satisfactory roles august plan order confirmed swedish swiss authorities deliveries expected run fixed price billion billion including development costs mission planning systems initial support training certification swedish government guaranteed price performance operational leased train swiss pilots allow retired moved increase swiss industry deal value swiss parliament upper house voted deal financing august approved purchase followed lower upper houses parliament approval september elements left center political spectrum criticized unnecessary expensive swiss voters voted plan national referendum according press questioned role manned fighter aircraft general relevance alternatives surface air missiles capabilities april switzerland set replacement programme favourite nations expressed interest include argentina versions brazil subject veto austria versions belgium bulgaria canada colombia brazil croatia possibly newly built ecuador brazil estonia finland india sea indonesia kenya lithuania malaysia mexico brazil peru brazil philippines portugal serbia slovakia brazil vietnam head exports stated chances improved nations commitments defense analysis enterprise attributed difficulty securing export sales swedish government inability offer sort strategic partnership rival aircraft manufacturing nations september ceo said envisioned sales reach aircraft failed bids denmark denmark signed memorandum understanding defence ministers sweden denmark evaluate replacement denmark fleet denmark requested development variants featuring powerful engines larger longer range additional request contributed decision proceed development denmark repeatedly delayed purchase decision indicated contenders danish purchase alongside boeing lockheed martin joint strike fighter denmark partner programme invested million final selection fighters expected swedish government announced july withdrawal danish competition having chosen respond invitation tender finland export bid finland competed replace fleet announced winner performance cost grounds finnish minister defence stated delays development schedule hurt chances competition india contender indian competition combat aircraft april offered india tender opened office order support efforts indian market february announced partnered india develop new variant fit india needs conducted extensive field trials evaluated flight performance logistics capability weapons systems advanced sensors weapons firing april rejected bid favour senior officials happy improved capabilities identified high reliance supplied hardware including electronics weaponry engine factor ability exported order cut aircraft indicated willingness set joint production india netherlands july netherlands announced evaluate competitors response offered aircraft august december reported netherlands evaluated having better performance price relation january claimed according swedish sources offered deliver billion billion euro cheaper norway january issued request binding information rbi issued offer april november selection lightning announced stating candidate meet operational requirements media reports claimed requirements favour sweden defence minister stated norway cost calculations flawed offer years norway operating aircraft years doubling cost cost projections failed relate operational costs norway calculated greater attrition losses sweden considered reasonable according norway decision complicated export deals december leaked united_states diplomatic cables revealed united_states deliberately delayed sweden request access radar norway selection cables indicated norwegian consideration norway decided purchase high level political pressure candidates replace typhoon selected ended romania went instead variants initial version entered service number upgraded standard seat version training specialised missions type conversion fit second crew member life support systems internal cannon internal fuel tank removed airframe lengthened nato compatible version extended capabilities terms armament electronics etc flight seat version similar alterations improved version following demo technology changes include powerful engine radar increased fuel capacity additional improvements improvements reportedly increased costs estimated swiss hour increased cost million swiss single seat production version developed program sweden brazil ordered variant flight prototype expected seat version variant ordered brazil developed assembled planned pilot training combat seat air battle management information warfare network attack weapon system officer electronic warfare roles proposals proposed carrier based version based development underway brazil india interested proposed combat aerial vehicle variant proposed electronic war variant operators service military users january brazil ordered aircraft czech_republic lease serve tactical squadron include single seat models seat models operation january hungary operates models model lease buy arrangement january south_africa south african air force ordered aircraft single seat models models delivery took place april squadron sweden originally ordered aircraft including sweden aircraft czech including inventory january approximately operational use including models refitted level thailand ordered single seat including use january delivered april september october thai government announced intention purchase fighter squadron united_kingdom operates training instructor pilots students undergo training fly training campaigns year spring autumn agreement renewed aircraft display second prototype display single seat serial displayed wing swedish government donated thailand display accidents incidents july involved incidents including hull loss accidents loss life crashes respectively occurred public displays resulted considerable negative media reports crash filmed news crew led calls previous critics project cancel development altogether second crash occurred area island stockholm water festival tens thousands spectators present decision display large crowds publicly criticised compared crash crashes related flight control software issues specifications data williams general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf wheel track performance maximum speed mph high altitude combat radius nmi ferry range drop tanks service ceiling wing loading thrust weight maximum load armament guns revolver cannon rounds single seat models wing fuselage provisions carry combinations rockets rocket pods rockets missiles iris anti ship missile bombs laser guided bomb cluster bomb mark bombs | Saab JAS 39 Gripen | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
20470_PolikarpovDI-1 | known russian prototype soviet seat fighter designed 1920s sole prototype built crashed ninth flight manufacturing defects program cancelled design development began design seat fighter initially designated seat fighter single engine october moscow soviet indigenous seat fighter single bay wings arranged configuration oval shaped semi fuselage birch wings covered upper wing lower wing internal wires wings built ribs large holes separated wings connected upper wing fuselage steel wires externally enclosed axle fixed small ski served imported engine enclosed metal carried fuel oil armament consisted single fixed synchronized machine gun machine gun mounted ring observer cockpit flight prototype took place january known demonstrated excellent performance flew observer fourth eighth test flights ninth flight march aircraft making speed runs measured kilometer airfield height metres upper surface right upper wing ripped followed lower skin right wings collapsed crashed killing pilot observer examination wreckage revealed large portions wings skin badly number rib caps panel connected structure holes necessary pressure inside wing outside missing entirely crash advanced aircraft shocked entire industry caused month hiatus design work loss built structure number subsequent aircraft stronger heavier needed work project abandoned following crash nominally lack suitable engine specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant lion cylinder engine performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling wing loading power mass time altitude min horizontal turn time sec armament machine guns | Polikarpov DI-1 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
20853_BellBoeingV-22Osprey | bell boeing bell boeing american multi mission military aircraft vertical takeoff landing short takeoff landing capabilities designed combine functionality conventional helicopter long range high speed cruise performance aircraft originated defense joint service vertical landing experimental aircraft program started team awarded development contract aircraft team jointly produce aircraft flew began flight testing design alterations complexity difficulties intended military service world led years development united_states marine_corps began crew training fielded supplemented replaced boeing operator fielded version entering service marine_corps air_force deployed transportation operations iraq afghanistan libya kuwait development origins failure iran hostage rescue mission demonstrated united_states military need new type aircraft land vertically carry combat troops speed began joint service vertical landing experimental aircraft program leadership defining mission marine_corps perform amphibious landing particularly interested program realized concentrated strike force vulnerable single nuclear weapon airborne solutions good speed range allowed significant dispersal wearing replacement threat merger marine_corps army similar president proposal following world war navy administration project congressional pressure eventually proved marine_corps given lead combined requirements marine_corps air_force army navy request proposals issued december preliminary design work interest expressed lockheed contractors encouraged form teams bell partnered submit proposal enlarged version prototype february proposal received preliminary design contract awarded april aircraft designated january march prototypes produced expanded deal project workload work split evenly bell boeing wing drive system tail surfaces aft ramp engines performs final assembly fuselage cockpit flight controls variant received designation variant received reversed normal procedure prevent marine_corps having conflicting designation aircraft carriers scale development tilt aircraft began partnership awarded billion contract aircraft point military services acquisition plans versions rolled significant media attention project suffered blows year left program citing need focus budget immediate aviation programs project survived separate votes senate resulted cancellation despite senate decision instructed spend money projected development budget greatly increased defense secretary tried remove funding effort cancel eventually overruled congress provided funding program multiple studies alternatives found provided capability combat effectiveness similar operating costs supportive helped attain funding flight testing design changes prototypes flew march helicopter mode september fixed wing mode fourth prototypes successfully completed sea trials uss wasp december fourth fifth prototypes crashed october april bell boeing redesigned reduce weight manufacture reduce production costs redesigned version model flights resumed june safety improvements incorporated prototypes awarded contract engineering manufacturing development phase june prototypes received changes better match model configuration flight testing stage focused expanding flight envelope measuring flight loads supporting redesign flight testing early continued flight testing scale development began early pre production delivered naval air warfare test center naval air station river maryland flight took place february testing fell schedule low rate initial production aircraft ordered april delivered number completed program second sea trials time january external load testing april boeing lift transport light weight fatal crashes killing total marines aircraft grounded cause crashes investigated parts redesigned changes hardware software procedures response hydraulic fires vortex ring state control issues opposed landings completed final operational evaluation june evaluation included long range deployments high altitude desert operations deemed successful problems identified accidents reportedly addressed worked software upgrades increase maximum speed knots mph knots mph increase helicopter mode altitude limit feet feet feet increase lift performance implementation upgrades began september proved largely effective october tested rolling landings carrier preparing carrier onboard delivery controversy development process long controversial partly large cost increases caused requirement fold wing fit aboard ships development budget planned billion increased projected billion billion spent program billion required complete planned production numbers estimated lifetime cost maintaining grew percent allocated maintenance support production costs considerably greater helicopters equivalent capability specifically twice great greater ability carry heavy equipment unit cost million produce million helicopter equivalent lieutenant colonel commander squadron relieved duty allegations instructed unit maintenance records aircraft appear reliable total officers later implicated having played role scandal october ran article condemning unsafe completely inadequate marine_corps responded arguing parts article data dated obsolete inaccurate reflected expectations high new field aircraft reported controversial defense industry supported average rate flight hour past years approximately half average accident rate fleet accident rate lowest marine reported safety record achieved excluding ground incidents responded reporting standards aircraft reported readiness rate risen percent inspector general later found reports recorded information captain blamed errors incompetence said deliberate required mission capable rate average june aimed reliability rate readiness rates rose percent high 80s cost flight hour dropped percent rigorous maintenance improvement program focused problems failures occur requires higher maintenance lower availability traditional helicopters lower rate average cost flight hour cost flight hour ownership cost hour technically capable engines fail helicopter mode safe landing difficult director pentagon testing office stated loss power feet emergency landings likely pilot captain stated turn plane like complete loss power requires engines fail engine power drive shafts vortex ring state contributed deadly accident flight testing found aircraft susceptible condition conventional helicopters report stated conventional helicopters phenomenon test flights explore characteristics canceled trains pilots recognition recovery instituted operational envelope limits instrumentation help pilots avoid conditions production september pentagon formally approved rate production planned rate increase year year total planned air_force navy average cost million aircraft including development costs cost million aircraft hoped million cost year production contract cost million budget april awarded million contract design integrated response add new network capabilities provide upgrade includes awareness late contract upgrades awarded february marine_corps received block aircraft feature new radar additional mission management electronic warfare equipment marines investigate options upgrade models order boost availability june awarded billion contract bell boeing production lots including marine_corps work expected completed september provision gives option order combined cost june contract associated contracts order totaled billion reportedly hoping sell internationally interested nations identified prospective customers included israel japan bell began lay workers production line following implementation defense cuts reduced order half originally planned number aircraft production rate went planned manufacturing robots replaced older automated machines increased accuracy efficiency production large parts held place cups measured raw materials arrive frozen march issued develop armor protect passengers worked florida based composite armor company develop deliver advanced stopping system october costing consists plates fitting interior bulkheads deck adding aircraft weight affecting range installed removed needed hours partially assembled pieces partial protection specific areas kits delivered set pennsylvania gather information aircraft improve fleet performance similar manner design overview world production aircraft bladed engine transmission mounted classified powered lift aircraft takeoff landing typically operates helicopter vertical horizontal airborne rotate forward little seconds horizontal flight converting fuel efficient higher speed aircraft rolling takeoff landing capability achieved having forward possible ferry range nmi operational range nmi composite materials airframe blades use storage fold seconds wing align fuselage requirement folding foot diameter feet optimal vertical takeoff resulting high disk loading missions use fixed wing flight time reducing wear tear operational costs fixed wing flight higher typical helicopter missions allowing longer range line sight communications improved command control heat engines potentially damage flight decks ships devised temporary fix portable heat shields placed engines determined long term solution require decks heat resistant coating passive thermal barriers ship structure changes similar changes required operations requested solutions installing robust flight deck cooling heat resistant anti material called tested uss wasp engines rolls engines connected drive shafts common central gearbox engine power engine failure occurs september announced increased engine power percent adoption new increase fuel valve flow capacity accompanying software updates upgrade increase reliability high altitude high heat conditions boost maximum limitations block upgrade reportedly examined increase power percent producing close improve fuel consumption august military issued request information potential drop replacement engines submissions power rating shp rpm operate degrees degrees fit existing wings minimal structural external modifications september navy considering contracting alternative engine supplier order reduce costs program navy purchases engines separately aircraft general electric considered replacement providing engine power wing generally capable engine gearbox fails engines stopped emergency landing aircraft characteristics poor partly low maximum speed knots knots lower limit hurricane usually prevents usage starboard door instead rear ramp boeing stated design loses percent vertical lift design operating helicopter mode resistance wings design better short takeoff landing performance maintain vertical separation avoid wake cause potentially lead loss control equipped glass cockpit incorporates multi function displays compatible night vision shared display images including imagery primary flight instruments navigation gps ins system status flight director panel allows fully coupled functions aircraft forward flight pilot interaction programming system glass cockpit canceled derived fuselage personnel wear board oxygen masks feet triple redundant fly wire flight control systems aircraft damage control automatically damaged elements pointing straight conversion mode flight computers command aircraft fly like helicopter forces applied conventional hub airplane mode rudder elevator fly aircraft like airplane gradual transition occurs rotation range lower greater effect airplane mode control surfaces rotate past vertical flight use jump orientation takeoff quickly achieve high altitude speed aspects flight automated simplified control system low wind hands controls according flown aircraft fixed wing pilots unlike helicopter experience trained constantly adjust controls armament armed caliber machine gun caliber machine gun loading ramp fired ramp lowered barrel gun mounted nose studied future upgrade developed belly mounted remotely operated gun turret system named remotely operated gunner inside aircraft targets separate pod color television forward looking infrared imagery installed half deployed afghanistan found limited use weight restrictive rules engagement available marine_corps june system fired combat routinely escorted helicopter close air support aircraft allowing focus transport role squadrons flew belly gun added weight reduced cargo carrying capacity speed means supporting conventional helicopters requiring self defense capability long range missions operate independently infrared gun camera proven valuable reconnaissance surveillance weapons studied provide quadrant defensive weapon system including nose guns door guns work current ramp mounted machine gun revealed plans new weapons increase axis stand precision capabilities potentially operated additional crew members armament increases enhanced offensive capabilities special purpose marine rapid crisis response task forces attack platform adapted precision weapons including griffin ground missile fuselage based clear november bell boeing conducted self funded weapons tests equipped small port fuselage camera replaced laser rockets guided rockets griffin missiles fired flights seek nose mounted weapon connected helmet mounted sight integrating desired forward facing gun weapons fuselage carry munitions capability boeing developing roll roll aerial kit ability refuel aircraft having aerial capability based wasp class amphibious assault ships increase striking power rely assets based sized class aircraft carriers land bases roll roll kit applicable intelligence surveillance reconnaissance functions boeing funded non functional demonstration aircraft prototype kit successfully tested september high speed version system designed deployed mph function mph onboard tanks roll roll contain fuel operator open ramp extend raise ramp extended ramp door left open refuel wing aircraft require separate specifically helicopters partially converted bell boeing hoping funding additional testing include contact receiver eventually passage fuel marine_corps ground vehicles run aviation fuel service late stated operational navy declared firm interest use aerial system planned fleet february boeing confirmed sign development contract marine_corps system quarter boeing conducted internally financed proof concept roll roll capability anticipated contract providing funds kit operational allow recovery tanker aircraft land amphibious ships need additional fuel wait available deck space operational history march conducted marine_corps crew training june marine_corps helicopter squadron stood transition december lieutenant general commander accepted delivery fleet delivered unit reactivated march squadron redesignated march north_carolina reached initial operational capability marine_corps june replacing sea knight retired october july landed aboard royal_navy aircraft carrier time landed vessel april marine_corps announced combat deployment iraq september left iraq aboard uss wasp decision use ship instead self deploying concerns north_atlantic portion trip lack available mid air wasp availability arrival iraq western province cargo troop movements scout missions general military commander iraq visit troops iraq christmas day presidential candidate barack_obama tour iraq obtaining spare parts proved problematic july flown sorties totaling hours iraq general iii praised increased speed range legacy helicopters stating turned battle space size texas size rhode_island fired times man portable air defense systems small arms lost enemy fire study reported january operating iraq completed assigned missions mission capable rates averaged overall mission capable rate report stated aircraft shown weakness awareness maintenance operations transport capability study concluded deployments confirmed enhanced speed range enable personnel internal cargo transported faster farther possible legacy helicopters replacing deployed afghanistan november saw offensive combat mission operation cobra anger december assisted marines troops southern afghanistan disrupt communication supply lines february marine commandant general indicated deployed afghanistan surpassed flight hours noted airplane close airplane marine_corps inventory january sent haiti operation unified response relief efforts earthquake type humanitarian mission march participated mission rescue downed crew member operation odyssey dawn following operation neptune spear body founder terrorist group flown aircraft carrier prior burial sea received communications seating modifications support marine presidential transport squadron urgent need afghanistan august debut secret service agents white_house staff press members martha president vacation boeing announced plans submit presidential transport replacement japanese politicians okinawa residents opposed deployment japan july mainly high profile accidents june landed coast california time landed japan maritime self defense force vessel january landed aboard french class amphibious assault ship marine landed march marking landing amphibious ship august completed longest distance mission date flying okinawa alongside tanker aircraft flew philippines august darwin australia august australia august finally august formed intercontinental response force special purpose marine air ground task force crisis response africa equipped outfitted specialized communications equipment following 3rd deployed philippines disaster relief operations capabilities described uniquely relevant able fly faster greater moving essential supplies remote sites island archipelago deployment afghanistan set conclude late combat operations directed extend operations new role casualty evacuation better suited helicopters speed better enabled casualties reach hospital golden hour fitted medical equipment heart monitors basic supplies supported time critical effort virus epidemic flying people cargo november placed alert air base kuwait ready minutes recover downed pilots military intervention occasions november april aerial tanker assigned trap mission spent flight hours ready perform rescue missions required pilot downed radio ejected landed close forces air_force operational delivered special operations wing air force base new_mexico march subsequent aircraft fleet aircraft training pilots crew members special operations use november air_force officially accepted ceremony conducted field florida air_force non training mission perform search rescue october operational deployment sent november support flew nonstop florida flight declared 8th reached march service june 8th delivered pounds humanitarian supplies remote villages honduras accessible conventional vehicles november 8th squadron returned month deployment iraq august found wake modeling inadequate trailing aircraft accurate safe separation preceding aircraft december came small arms fire mission evacuate american civilians south political crisis aircraft damaged crew wounded mission aborted aircraft flew south officials stated attackers rebels 8th flown countries nmi formation hit times causing flight control failures hydraulic fuel leaks aircraft fuel leaks multiple air air performed route following south incident developed optional armor floor panels july aircraft carried eastern syria islamic state held american hostages quickly eliminated site found hostages moved returned home handed air_force looking perform combat search rescue addition primary long range special operations transport mission act complement air force hawk planned rescue helicopters employed scenarios ability cover ground quickly better suited search rescue slower helicopters potential operators united_states navy potentially employ search rescue transport anti submarine warfare roles program included navy ordered proposal replace carrier onboard delivery duties specific advantage role ability deliver supplies people non carriers ships helicopter range landed onboard evaluation october cargo handling trials took place proponents said capable similar speed capacity lift performance carry greater short ranges carry suspended external loads land carriers requiring distribution smaller vessels helicopters certified operating amphibious ships aircraft carriers logistics ships roles helicopters fitted ramp cabin configuration non patients seats medical boeing designed special frame carry lockheed engine ships bell boeing pitched navy platform missions communications electronic warfare aerial navy known gap tactical aerial currently handled air force delivery systems january navy marines signed memorandum understanding buy mission confirmed navy budget initially designated aircraft initially bought year navy variant incorporate extended range fuel system high frequency radio horizon communications public address system communicate passengers range nmi carrying marines navy requirement nmi range lower passenger capacity february navy officially designated variant primary mission long range aerial logistics mission sets include personnel recovery special warfare navy program record originally called aircraft later determined required production begin start deliveries version come equipped extra fuel extend range india arc interested acquiring purposes personnel evacuation hostile conditions supplies deployment border india seen utility relief operations april earthquake deal worth million elements looked early warning control replace short range israel israel shown interest israel reportedly favored israel interested support special operations search rescue missions israel reportedly interested possible lease aircraft special operations missions type act replacement existing april agreement finalized sell israeli aircraft moved production queue jumping ahead deliveries expected arrive early aircraft special operations rescue missions initial order aircraft cost billion including additional equipment support israel interested doubling purchase aircraft october media reports indicated israel budget restraints changing policies december letter agreement offering million early delivery formally expired defense minister having decided wait elections march push approval new cabinet japan defense minister ordered investigation costs operations exceeds current helicopters terms range speed ministry deployments multinational cooperation japan considering plans service maritime role early november officially decided deliveries planned january japan parliament approved defense budget funding south_korea february showed interest delivering special forces islands near north korean territory talks held possible buy reported final negotiation stages purchase intends use support special forces pentagon seek million unit cost november selected variant search rescue use denies negotiations variants scale development aircraft flight testing unofficially considered variants redesign variant conducts long range special operations missions equipped extra wing fuel tanks terrain following radar equipment fuel capacity increased gallons wing tanks auxiliary tanks gal added cabin replaced low variant marine_corps lead service development marine_corps variant assault transport troops equipment supplies capable operating ships expeditionary airfields ashore replaced fleets variant carrier onboard delivery role similar includes extended range fuel system high frequency radio public address system proposed airborne early warning control variant royal_navy studied variant replacement current fleet carrier based helicopters considered provide combat search rescue delivery special warfare teams fleet support transport chose role lists variants proposed anti submarine warfare variant studied 1980s replace aircraft operators japan japan self defense forces order united_states united_states 20th flight test squadron united states marine notable accidents seven hull loss accidents total fatalities testing crashes resulting fatalities operational crashes resulting fatalities minor incidents aircraft accident history generated controversy perceived safety issues aircraft display prototypes display pennsylvania ohio specifications data boeing bell guide fact sheet general characteristics crew pilot flight engineers crew chiefs capacity troops seated troops floor loaded internal cargo external cargo dual hook light internally ground vehicle length diameter wingspan width height overall vertical disc area wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight self deploy long runway maximum rolling takeoff weight maximum vertical takeoff weight powerplant rolls liberty performance maximum speed knots mph sea level mph cruise speed mph sea level stall speed mph airplane mode range nmi combat radius nmi ferry range nmi auxiliary internal fuel tanks service ceiling rate climb min ratio disc loading power mass armament machine gun machine gun ramp belly mounted retractable video remote control optional notable appearances media appearances fiction fictional based aircraft respectively | Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
21133_Mikoyan-GurevichI-211 | prototype high altitude soviet fighter aircraft built world war version variant fitted radial engine development prolonged successful time finished manufacturer trials early need high altitude fighter worth reducing production existing fighters convert factory development direct high altitude fighter prototype known late decision phase production engine favor engine design team created version called radial engine instead liquid cooled engine number changes order accommodate larger radial engine redesign engine failure proved slower flew july continued development prototype built improved engine improvements included aerodynamic engine cockpit moved aft oil cooler moved wing roots oil cooler moved entirely inside fuselage larger tail fitted armed cannon weighed possibly metal structure confirmed took design assembly begin december flight february reduction drag weight greatly improved performance speed mph height took minutes reach altitude originally planned build quarter manufacturer trials took unexpectedly long time complete finished quarter time little demand high altitude fighter project canceled single aircraft built nomenclature number older books called established designation reserved production version twin engine fighter enter production acronym comes long range escort fighter similarly designation intended production version radial engine reused shortly jet fighter operators soviet_union soviet air_force specifications data gordon soviet world war general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant air cooled radial engine performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling armament forward firing cannon mounted engine | Mikoyan-Gurevich I-211 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
21279_PolikarpovI-185 | soviet fighter aircraft designed flown engines developed service use production reserved fighters production program cancelled january design development designed early based development virtually new design fuselage similarly built birch integral fin considerably longer metal wing smaller thinner wing nearly thin wing root tapered wing tip wing profile skinned powered split flaps leading edge fitted outer wing panels fabric covered control surfaces framed protected imp gal gal fuel tanks mounted wing center section conventional retractable cylinder row radial engine carried steel tubes fitted spinner improve cooling air expelled gills provide additional thrust synchronized armament mounted fuselage machine guns machine guns kilogram bomb carried conditions prototype completed available example provide power prototype modified use experimental engine radial nearly powerful flight tests finally took air january decided waste development await powerful engine fortunate cancelled second prototype completed end cylinder radial engine forward fuselage redesigned accommodate engine armament revised synchronized cannon drawings engine installation passed proved useful designing fighters engine notably prototype built larger heavier radial engine flight tests versions interrupted german invasion june prototypes plus design bureau evacuated flight testing resumed early powered versions included engined prototype proved faster mph sea level mph metres speed mph altitude recommended immediate production began combat trials november aircraft assigned tightly controlled prevent loss prototypes example sorties flown soviet controlled territory required express permission 3rd staff fly pilots reports enthusiastic commander captain wrote soviet foreign aircraft level speed performs maneuvers easily rapidly vigorously best current fighter point control simplicity speed especially climb armament based glowing report air force scientific test institute early preparations began production production standard aircraft built april redesigned engine gross weight increased earlier prototypes reduction drag new significant speed increased mph meters underwent manufacturer tests june october submitted state acceptance tests november flight testing interrupted need replace engine december january new engine failed day aircraft crashed january flight tests ordered continued original prototypes range figures prototype crashed april killing pilot attempted dead stick landing work production cancelled engine required fighter reason cited fuselage production plants involve disruption production lines factor required build short supply time variants began preliminary design updated versions design february engine bubble canopy cannons rockets estimated maximum speed mph improved engine armament fuselage engine specifications general characteristics length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant radial engine performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament cannons bombs rockets | Polikarpov I-185 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
21347_IlyushinIl-20(1948) | soviet prototype heavily armored ground attack aircraft replace featured number innovative concepts including cockpit mounted engine directly propeller wing mounted adjusted ground fire level depressed allow aircraft ground targets remaining level flight slower immature engine problematic flight tests placed production test pilots called aircraft development concept meet requirement superior aircraft performance firepower heavily armored single engine metal low wing powered newly developed known liquid cooled engine developed horsepower design notable feature pilot cockpit mounted directly engine reminiscent furthermore cockpit situated directly bladed propeller maximize pilot visibility extended propeller hub provided pilot downward field view medium dive view targets directly underneath aircraft traditional ground attack aircraft load bearing armored shell protect pilot gunner engine fuel cooling systems thickness armor varied weighed total pilot canopy armored glass thick main wide variety armament considered involved wing mounted cannon mounted fuselage fixed downwards angle targets level flight version normal bomb load carried condition rockets carried instead version cannon guns wing rockets studies placed rear gunner dorsal turret separated cockpit main fuel tank study armored rear turret required longer fuselage moving wings aft maintain right place mounted fuselage cannon thought difficult aim included prototype weight savings allowed ammunition wing mounted guns increased rounds additional innovation prototype adjusted ground fire downward angle addition normal level position dorsal gunner fired gun mounted separate remotely controlled turret traverse elevated maximum cassette aerial grenades provided deter fighters approaching maximum bomb load bomb bays provided wing center section small bombs alternatively bombs carried wing racks launch rails provided rockets prototype completed november flight shortly december best speed manage mph altitude mph slower altitude possibly consequence increased drag weight penalties inherent greater fuselage cross section area result placement pilot engine new engine proved severe vibration problems problems air_force wasn satisfied armament access engine routine maintenance severely hampered placement cockpit engine concern close placement cockpit propeller believed increase risk pilot bail belly landing case bent propeller blades hit canopy issues coupled emerging jet engine technology led cancellation program specifications data russian aircraft general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant liquid cooled performance maximum speed mph range nmi service ceiling wing loading power mass climb min armament prototype flown cannon mounted turret cannon mounts main legs bombs rockets | Ilyushin Il-20 (1948) | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
21924_AradoE.381 | smallest fighter proposed parasite fighter aircraft conceived december germany luftwaffe world war carried aloft launched mother aircraft activated rocket engine propelled attack allied mainly american british bombers development cancelled lack funds official support proposed variants fuel capacity target runs pilot required power landing belly survive close pursuits designed frontal cross section possible increase chances surviving shots forced pilot lie prone position cross section square meters approximately quarter cross section development near end world war december german aircraft manufacturers submitted design proposals small jet powered aircraft intended pursuit ground attack duties proposals exploited luftwaffe concept gaining tactical advantage placing excessive stress man cockpit german pilot forces envisioned proposals feasible aircraft structures exceeded human capabilities normal sitting position designers attempted alleviate placing pilot prone position increased sustainable force limit allowed reduction fuselage size weight drag smaller cross section decreased likelihood hit enemy gunners exploited opportunity according specific design philosophy fighter designed fly close bomber formations open fire cannon point blank range began proposal parasite fighter carried underneath aircraft destroy allied bombers variants named mark iii designed version essentially armored tube provided armament walter rocket engine power aircraft carried fuel approaches target rounds fuel attack intended pilot fighter ground deploy parachute land aircraft primitive landing gear designs completed cancellation wooden single constructed provide prone position training pilots cancelled lack funds interest mother aircraft jet engined aircraft intended purpose able flight tested war end variants design mark fuselage circular cross section small round window nose pilot vision millimeter armored shell protected fuselage pilot prone position cramped cockpit cross section square meters approximately quarter cross section millimeter bullet resistant glass screen mounted pilot small located sides fuselage pilot tanks surrounded pilot tank center section pilot engine aircraft straight wings mounted aircraft dorsal area wing mounts fuselage accommodate single cannon writers rounds walter single chamber rocket engine mounted beneath aft fuselage carried twin fin parachute housing landing aircraft required extension retractable landing deployment braking parachute pilots access plane hatch cockpit pilot enter attached carrier way escape case emergency attached carrier second design similar mark aside larger having smaller fins variant planned deeper shorter fuselage high mid wing layout powered walter engine unit rated thrust quarter way nose fuselage deepened form extended tail housed single cannon rounds iii design similar mark aside larger preceding variants circular cross section previous variants triangular millimeter cannon replaced rockets unspecified type landing procedure unchanged hatch added provide simpler pilot entry exit specifications data aircraft luftwaffe illustrated history general characteristics crew pilot length meters wingspan meters height meters weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant rocket performance maximum speed kilometers hour mph armament guns millimeter cannon rockets | Arado E.381 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
22136_BravoNovember | november november original identification code painted military serial number original aircraft ordered raf service upgraded times history designated airframe seen action major operation involving raf helicopter year service life served lebanon germany northern_ireland iraq afghanistan aircraft seen pilots awarded actions whilst command november came attention general public survival april november loaded aboard container ship bound hit missile destroying vessel cargo november airborne task time managed land gaining nickname survivor heavy lift helicopter available british forces involved hostilities distinguished flying crosses came actions november associated aircraft famous popular imagination aircraft subject exhibit construction thirty ordered price million helicopters british variants united_states_army boeing final raf received february army introduced upgraded 1980s improvements including upgraded engines composite blades redesigned cockpit reduce pilot workload redundant improved electrical systems advanced flight control system improved raf designation new standard aircraft raf airframe converted november refitted upgraded numerous times service parts original aircraft survive today main fuselage manufacturer data plate cockpit raf serial number clearly rear aircraft remain present aircraft number designations career boeing construction number raf airframe number visible rear aircraft squadron code number aircraft varied squadron serves famous code november war associated career november distinguished career royal_air_force serving conflict years seen pilots awarded actions whilst controls aircraft war april november loaded aboard container ship bound helicopters second line repair maintenance support equipment stores sent british landings prior departing blades removed placed inside aircraft placed inside banana bags jackets protect whilst route having blades refitted small party technicians board 1st time feat attempted sea second undergone process attacked sunk super fired sea missile november airborne task time picking freight avoided ship destruction later landed aircraft carrier gaining nickname survivor owing rapid spread fire smoke aboard strike possible fly helicopters remained ship deck strike rendered british forces heavy lift helicopter service tools able carry troops casualties tons cargo distinguished flying cross awarded actions war night mission pilot squadron leader pilot flight lieutenant descended losing visibility thick snow shower hitting sea knots faulty impact threw spray flooded engine pilot managed helicopter air fuselage damaged antenna lost pilot door removed pilot door missing crew november unable navigate communicate forces november returned damage inspection impact caused little fuselage damage radio systems awarded bravery controls campaign iraq war years november saw service iraq british helicopter land ashore departing november landed royal marines peninsula seize oil pumping facilities iraqi troops destroy second actions controls november awarded squadron leader role operation iraq november tasked delivering marines landing sites marked special forces returning troops guns freight aircraft flown altitude restricted visibility dust clouds thrown american armoured forces afghanistan conflict june whilst serving afghanistan conflict flight lieutenant captain received exceptional courage outstanding operating night june tasked picking casualty mission successful despite difficult dangerous conditions led wilson fly aircraft low altitude hours incident helicopter called operations wilson landing helicopter despite low fuel duty hours wilson volunteered reinforcements line returning wounded soldiers actions hour period awarded november involved incident service afghanistan pilot flight lieutenant hit bullet fired fighters extraction injured soldiers fortune landed helicopter hot zone heavy fire landing aircraft hit numerous times round hit fortune helmet point smashed stayed control aircraft continued rescue wounded colleagues land damaged helicopter actions awarded fourth history aircraft november continues serve active duty legacy london forward fuselage painted represent november raf famous exhibit opened retired air chief marshal sir 25th anniversary war said november hugely significant raf raf singles individual aircraft tribute november exceptional museum fine art collection houses painting depicting completed november painting presented sir president boeing december | Bravo November | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
22159_GrummanXSBF | known company designation american scout bomber developed united_states_navy 1930s derived successful fighter aircraft developed time giving way competition aircraft proved possess inferior performance intended role enter production sole prototype went serve liaison aircraft experiments destroyed crash design development late issued specification new scout bomber torpedo bomber designs companies submitted designs response evenly split having successfully provided fighters navy scout submitted advanced development response specification request aircraft capable carrying bomb given model number aircraft received official designation navy contract single prototype issued march seat featuring enclosed cockpit fuselage metal construction wings covered largely fabric power provided twin wasp junior air cooled radial engine driving variable pitch propeller armament planned forward firing machine guns replaced prototype carried single gun single weapon fitted rear cockpit defense bomb carried launching cradle fuselage hook carried fully enclosed position bags fitted wings case aircraft forced ditch landing gear similar fighter operational history piloted test pilot flew time december following initial testing found aircraft reasonably delivered evaluation competition submitted specification great lakes unusually types possessed retractable landing gear evaluation showed design superior designs order placed type designated service august competition lost development came end sole prototype assigned tested use liaison aircraft hack addition facility work research time aircraft involved accidents accidents repaired accident resulted death pilot longer considered worth returning flight status aircraft officially stricken navy inventory july designation unusually navy world war assigned produced license operators united_states united_states navy specifications data general characteristics crew pilot observer length upper wingspan lower wingspan height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity gal powerplant twin wasp junior radial engine propellers bladed variable pitch performance maximum speed mph stall speed mph range nmi combat range nmi service ceiling armament guns machine gun machine gun rear cockpit bombs pounds | Grumman XSBF | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
22230_SukhoiSu-37 | nato reporting experimental single seat jet fighter designed development original modified generation prototypes features upgraded suite fire control system notable additions thrust prototypes converted flight test programme active controls maneuvers attained explored application thrust fighters better attributes converted eleventh maiden flight april joined second prototype program publicly demonstrated attributes numerous air shows performing maneuvers impossible complete normal flight control methods despite potential advantages enter production instead remained technology updated family aircraft export modernized design development earliest records thrust technology research began design bureau studied dimensional believed west best way controlling thrust modified twin verify feasibility kind design bureau general designer believed suitable request experiments types carried busy later renamed program comprehensive upgrade incorporate aerodynamic modifications improved armament better propulsion system designed greatly enhanced agility prototype maiden flight june changes include upgraded engines new radar digital fly wire flight control system later prototypes featured glass modified vertical construction significant use including aluminium aircraft like perform previously cobra low speed maneuvers active controls achieved flight control surfaces ineffective eleventh prototype delivered experimental workshop outfitted exclusive systems built structure increased carbon content installed thrust interim measure pending availability controlled thrust development fact hybrid version combining fitted variable pitch plus minus engine incorporates new generation resistant engine surge inverted flat spins giving better reliability angle attack fire control system improved upgraded array radar fitted capable tracking aerial targets guiding air air missiles aircraft tail sting facing radar view horizontally elevation features upgraded electronic warfare support measures package carry air air air surface weapons vast range weapons carry supplemented round cannon instead traditional instruments cockpit form multi function displays display air data navigation systems status weapons systems selection tactical situation information pilot provided head display sits seat inclined help counter effects high forces pilot stick pressure sensing grip flying control configuration designed prevent pilot losing contact controls aircraft engaged fast thrust maneuvers fixed throttle stick controller provide secure points pilot hands painted sand brown scheme aircraft given code blue later changed white maiden flight occurred april controls locked fully aft flight sixth flight tests thrust commenced joined days amassed flights operational history demonstrated press spring time designated debut general public came september year piloted test pilot big talking point performance super cobra aircraft pitched literally flying tail albeit seconds maneuver evolved following year aircraft arrived fifth day paris air perform aerial displays fourth marred minor incident emergency extension handle moved preventing gear appeared year air chile appeared enigmatic designation report second similarly converted making flight march year aircraft converted specifications weapon radar tests later serial produced planes added demo team flight tests demonstrations air shows continued outfitted engines updated fly wire flight control system december crashed ferry flight effectively bringing end program fault later traced structurally damaged right horizontal caused extensive load high post stall tight turns reach production stage introduced second generation feature similar improvements improved radar systems thrust engines data air superiority fighter characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant thrust dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed range nmi service ceiling maximum loading armament guns internal cannon rounds consisting rails wing fuselage stations capacity ordnance provisions carry combinations rockets laser guided rocket rocket rocket pods rocket pods proposed bombs kilogram bombs kilogram bombs laser guided bomb laser guided bomb buddy pod red search track system bars passive array form multi function displays | Sukhoi Su-37 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
22398_SuttonWickaircrash | air crash air crash occurred march heavy transport aircraft serial number crashed england following shut engine partial loss power engine shut measure whilst final approach engine failed respond throttle struck cables trees minutes lifting passengers crew aboard killed accident people ground killed investigation found non return valve fuel system installed backwards causing engines fuel technician found responsible fitting valve charged air force act following accident non return valve designed installed incorrectly raf officers took rescue crash highly praised refusing hope finding survivors wreckage flight history secretary state air described crash house_of_commons took near thames bound cyprus carrying cargo relief crew raf police dog police dogs low cloud feet visibility feet easterly wind knots aircraft climbed engine port wing developed fuel leak flight crew responded shutting engine propeller flight crew declared emergency requested blind approach controller alerted emergency services ground short time later cockpit instruments alerted flight crew large loss fuel fuel tank second tanks port wing effort stop leak crew activated fuel tank left tank turned final approach raf crew attempted increase power remaining engines engine port wing failed respond began lose speed height knowing reach airfield captain tried land field aircraft struck number high tension cables group trees tore port wing fuselage impact ground aircraft destroyed house crashing upside garden described witnessed plane came flying low wing hit tree ground immediately crashed ordinary brick house pre slid ground yards burst flames flames terrific hot near help inside occupants plane thrown clear plane wing hit tree cleared buildings landed fields reached airfield aircraft crashed minutes near miles south year old lived house eyewitness said swept away killed year old houses read electricity meter killed tail section aircraft crashed farmhouse near main wreckage trapping seriously injuring kitchen house later freed emergency workers plane carrying large fuel flight cyprus instantly caught fire newspaper reported wreckage scattered quarters mile force explosion sent main giant plane fuselage tearing field carrying petrol debris emergency workers worked hours free survivors bodies fuselage civilians building ground crew passengers number raf police dogs killed initial impact ensuing fire crew passengers raf police dog survived rescue local scene hay realised aircraft crash ran help joined working tractor yards crash site richards helped rescue survivors wreckage said hear pilot shouting help richards climbed burning wreckage rescued pilot warned police dogs plane dangerous loose rear plane pilot asked richards help men tail aircraft richards told local newspaper mass flames near richards found dog alive cage released found suffering burns hiding inspector later arrived took injured dog badly injured dog dogs later found dead wreckage fire engines station fought blaze fire engines raced scene sprayed foam wreckage soon cool assisted policemen raf men began search half hour recovered bodies took injured survivors crash oxford raf men aircraft civilian trapped house man rescued alive died way hospital force deployed officers clear traffic help reach later day described men dangerously ill chaplain medical officer flying officer joined rescue hour half crash rescued surviving dog continued rescue work hours removed bodies wreckage raf document states stage gas cylinder bottle exploded near officers fire began gain ground continued search wreckage clear survivors investigation investigated crash found caused loss power nos engines mounted port wing told house_of_commons fuel tanks port feed collector box port engines fed available evidence including aircraft fuel system clear non return valve port tank collector box fitted reverse fuel supply nos port tanks switched flight ward continued saying loss power caused shut measure fuel starvation engine caused incorrectly fitted non return valve supply line fuel tank fuel tank isolated smaller fuel tanks port wing selected flight fitted valve supervisor prosecuted charged technician court punished board noted fuel available smaller tanks flight captain bear responsibility tanks ward said owing nature flight fuel smaller tanks large assumed captain reason believe port engines operate main port tanks individually captain killed accident charges brought crew aftermath response disaster non return valve redesigned error impossible aviation author wrote crash design standards changed threads end manufactured totally different items like non return valve simply assembled wrong sense perry wrote amazed people tried seven years realising mistake looking manual quietly gone impossible awards parts rescue harrison awarded medal heroism raf praised courage high order refusing hope finding survivors wreckage praised investigators praised efforts monuments march memorial bench plaques installed plaques museum hangar number memorials installation arranged dog fort july memorial installed surviving aircraft fort east yorkshire march unveiled temporary monument crash site green researcher working display crash placed fort visited site weeks anniversary noted lack local memorial site charity memorial rapidly ordered efforts locate survivors families involved sent local branches thames valley police despite short notice people attended including raf police representing dogs flight sergeant air dog unit kent played post dogs present joined post attended memorial events short service began unveiling plaque verses read names killed injured read laid behalf 1st heath scouts helped research leader dog event local resident raf member offered create permanent memorial featuring names lost details incident march oak pyramid inscribed names dead installed permanent monument carved resident served raf plans 60th anniversary crash end profit group called memorial mob working | Sutton Wick air crash | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
22905_BoeingAH-64Apache | boeing american blade twin attack helicopter type landing gear arrangement tandem cockpit man crew features nose mounted suite target acquisition night vision systems armed chain gun carried main landing gear aircraft forward fuselage mounted wing typically carrying mixture missiles rocket pods large systems improve combat originally started model developed united_states_army advanced attack helicopter program replace cobra prototype flown september selected bell later approved production purchasing continued production development helicopter introduced service april production upgraded variant delivered army march production continued produced date primary operator primary attack helicopter multiple nations including greece japan israel netherlands singapore produced license united_kingdom american served conflicts panama afghanistan iraq israel military conflicts lebanon british seen deployments afghanistan iraq development advanced attack helicopter following cancellation favor projects like united_states_army sought aircraft fill anti armor attack role army command key west agreement forbade army owning combat fixed wing aircraft army wanted aircraft better cobra firepower performance range terrain following earth flying end issued advanced attack helicopter november sign importance project september army designated important projects big included proposals submitted bell team hughes lockheed july selected finalists bell later began phase competition company built prototype helicopters went flight test program hughes model prototype flew september bell model prototype flew october evaluating test results army selected hughes bell reasons selecting included damage tolerant blade main instability landing gear arrangement entered phase program pre production built additionally flight prototypes ground test unit upgraded standard weapons systems integrated tested time including laser guided missile development missile begun originally known fire forget missile shortened acronym purpose helicopter platforms effective anti tank missile production pre production handed army testing successful afterward decided upgrade powerful version engine rated shp named late keeping army traditional use american indian tribal names helicopters approved scale production production helicopter rolled facility arizona purchased million helicopter unit later merger boeing august cost average unit cost approximately based total costs 1980s studied featuring updated cockpit new fire control system upgrades funding approved multi stage upgrade program improve weapon systems technological advance led program cancellation favor ambitious changes august development approved prototype flew april prototype testing ended april testing helicopters pitted numerically superior group helicopters results demonstrated seven times increase times increase compared october scale production approved billion year contract signed august rebuild standard march production flew delivered march portions produced firms produced number components international market british_army sole manufacturer fuselage fuselage production previously performed transfer fuselage production led prolonged legal dispute boeing program cost total april boeing awarded fixed price contract existing configuration july contracts issued upgraded variant nations operating older urged undertake modernization programs boeing plans terminate support variants near future design overview blade main blade tail crew sits tandem pilot sitting gunner crew members capable flying aircraft performing methods weapon engagements independently powered engines high mounted fuselage models engines british service use engines began producing powerful engines rated shp crew compartment crew member survive hits compartment blades designed sustain hit rounds airframe includes protection self sealing fuel system protect projectiles aircraft designed meet requirements minimum requirement crash impact energy minimize crew injuries fatalities achieved incorporation increased structural strength landing gear seats fuel system standard day temperatures vertical rate climb feet minute service ceiling feet hot day temperatures vertical rate climb reduced service ceiling reduced feet dense air targeting revolutionary features helmet mounted display display sighting system capabilities pilot gunner slave helicopter automatic chain gun helmet making gun track head movements point look alternatively fixed locked forward firing position controlled designation system modern replaced targeting system engagement training performed aerial weapons scoring system integration live rocket ammunition simulated missiles data ground station gunnery evaluation standard performance aerial gunnery achieve hit shots fired wheeled vehicle range designed perform line environments operate night day adverse weather conditions sensors onboard allows perform conditions systems include designation system pilot night vision system passive infrared gps equipped locate targets simultaneously august equipped targets ground based weapons fire sources light conditions visual field consists pods working sensors camera precisely muzzle flashes announced new targeting surveillance sensors development provide high resolution color imagery crews replacing older low definition black white imaging systems lockheed received contract january upgrading turret provide higher resolution color imaging longer ranges wider field view adapting increased maritime performance pentagon pacific additional improvements includes extended range radar capable detecting small ships environments software handle maritime targets adding link data links better communications friendly assets armaments configurations numerous different roles context close combat attack addition chain gun carries range external stores weapons wing typically mixture missiles general purpose rockets aircraft battalion equipped missiles capable destroying tanks missile outfitted designated intended use ground forces urban warfare operations use enhanced blast weapons point controversy october ordered batch guided rockets starting 1980s air air missiles anti radiation missile evaluated use initially selected considering air air missile external fuel tanks carried wings increase range mission time wing mounting points maintenance access secure externally personnel emergency transportation missiles non foreign forces air superiority aircraft control skies initially lacked ability use room self defense equipment capability added following south korean demand ability control aerial vehicles perform aerial scouting missions previously performed request control shadow ground control stations safely scout communications levels indirectly receives data receives data direct communication armaments takes flight control search enemies equipped laser target friendly aircraft boeing suggested fitted directed energy weapon company developed small laser weapon initially designed engage small uses high resolution direct beam diameter penny range nmi laser destroy enemy communications radio equipment july reported successfully completed testing anti armor missile operational history united_states_army early service formally accepted production january training pilots began later year operational unit began training april fort hood texas operational units deployed europe september took large military exercises fielding capabilities extensive night operations clear capable operating forward line troops previous attack helicopters normally restricted discovered coincidentally fitted quick radio system allowing inter service coordination joint operations joint air attack teams operated extensively close air support aircraft acting target conserve munitions combat invasion panama participated hours combat attacking targets night general commander operation commented fire missile window miles away night gulf war balkans nearly half deployed saudi_arabia following iraq invasion kuwait operation january guided low destroyed iraq radar network operation attack allowing aircraft evade detection carried load rockets auxiliary fuel tank hour ground war total took destroying tanks numerous armored personnel carriers iraqi vehicles lost war rocket propelled grenade rpg hit close range crashed crew survived effective combat presented logistical complications findings reported stated maintenance units unexpectedly high work load provide spare parts combat operations unofficially grounded worldwide theater flew fifth planned flight hours problems evident gulf war played roles balkans separate conflicts bosnia 1990s task force hawk deployed land base albania combat required tons equipment transported flights cost million deployments encountered problems deficiencies training night vision equipment fuel tanks april crashed training albania failure tail causing fleet balkans grounded december major general commanding officer wrote strongly memo chief staff training equipment failures pilots qualified fly night vision preventing nighttime operations washington_post printed page article failures commenting helicopters came wrong army enters 21st century inability quickly resistance change obsession casualties post cold war identity crisis combat missions took place fears casualties afghanistan iraq served operation enduring freedom afghanistan army platform capable providing accurate duties regularly taking fire intense early fighting typically repaired quickly typically flew afghanistan iraq absence armored threats december pair attacked british held base friendly fire incident killing british soldier noted fought small teams little autonomy react threats opportunities requiring lengthy dialogue command structures effort centrally unit participated invasion iraq operation iraqi freedom march damaged shot captured unsuccessful attack armored brigade near iraqi tank crews set trap terrain effectively employed guns iraqi officials claimed farmer rifle shot farmer denied involvement helicopter came intact pilot pilot captured destroyed air strike following day end military operations iraq december helicopters shot enemy fire lost accidents downed soviet iraq despite typically able avoid missiles helicopters destroyed ground mortar fire web published photographs taken soldiers lost accidents afghanistan took heavy damage able continue missions return safely recent service fleet accumulated million flight hours prototype flew released found boeing significantly multiple occasions ranging percent percent routine spare parts helicopters like february joint base lewis unit field guardian total received november achieved initial operating capability march deployed afghanistan type combat deployment april september combat maintained percent readiness rate unit deployment ended november accumulating flight hours helicopter averaging hours month flies mph faster cutting response time percent better fuel efficiency increasing time station hours hours forces familiar based tactics accordingly surprised arriving attacking sooner longer periods worked medium large aerial vehicles find targets maintain positive conducting percent unit direct fire engagements conjunction guardian pilots controlled accessed video feeds use greater operating altitudes endurance ranges army implementing plan national_guard active army serve scout helicopters replace scout expensive upgrades purchasing new scout helicopter control like grey eagle perform aerial scouting missions study found teaming cost effective alternative new helicopter meet percent reconnaissance requirements compared percent existing percent upgraded national_guard units lose attack helicopters criticized proposal march heavy attack reconnaissance unit formed comprising attack reconnaissance shadow july pentagon announced dispatched baghdad protect embassy personnel islamic state militant attacks october began performing missions operation inherent resolve islamic state ground forces october air_force fighters participated air strikes units northeast june support offensive israel received total fleet controversy air_force choice purchase upgrading existing cobra attack helicopters israel interested acquiring reluctance share software source code complicated prospect april boeing delivered government allegedly investigating supplied military equipment palestinian leaders facilities arranged sale reportedly blocked pending review concerns helicopters pose threat civilian service named hebrew cobra named hebrew fiery winged 1990s israeli frequently attacked outposts lebanon april operation wrath fired missiles ambulance lebanon killing civilians kill senior figures privately owned registered flew israeli intercepted shot missile killing pilot march israeli missile kill leader killing played prominent role lebanon war launching strikes lebanon targeting forces accidents involving helicopter israeli service lebanon war helicopters collided killing pilot critically wounding incident conflict crashed malfunction main killing crew late purchases deliveries hold investigation aircraft performance envelope israeli officials praised role recent years israeli patrol skies strike operations insurgents helicopters frequent occurrence recent orders new blocked israel pursued upgrades fleet june israel decided upgrade configuration funding constraints lack cooperation december examining adoption new missile system cheaper lightweight complement missile american canadian israeli receiving comprehensive upgrade electrical systems upgraded configuration near standard united_kingdom currently operates modified version initially called designated british_army built license boeing following competition tiger british_army new attack helicopter important variants include changing powerful rolls engines addition folding blade assembly use naval ships july confirmed billion order built arizona purchase foreign military sales agreement government maintain current fleet long term plan companies work new fleet deal includes initial support contract maintenance new helicopters spare parts training pilots helicopters production line early begin entering service british_army guarantee value money systems current fleet reused incorporated new helicopters possible approval manufacture fleet standard given august aircraft engine current fleet shelf purchase engine netherlands dutch government initially showed interest acquiring helicopters late 1980s stated purchase competition held tiger bell led ordering deliveries began ended equipped self protection system counter infrared missile threats deployment africa deployed alongside support nato forces dutch deployed netherlands contribution multinational force iraq support dutch ground forces performed close combat support display force missions providing reconnaissance information ground forces february netherlands contribution nato forces afghanistan increased troops sent support shortly deployed netherlands contribution april pair dutch came light gunfire close capital december flew night flying exercise netherlands forcing emergency landing causing lengthy region march crashed training mission pilots died ministry defence opened investigation cause crash saudi_arabia following gulf war operated bases territory saudi_arabia purchased speculated purchase motivated israel august arabian government began negotiations upgrades worth possibly configuration september approved purchase requested saudi_arabia october saudi_arabia requested possible massive arms deal november military effort kingdom border started operation earth involved launching air strikes rebels operating inside neighboring january rebels claimed shot denied military late january leader rebels announced withdrawal territory announcement followed key battle january forces reportedly took control border village egypt placed order helicopters delivered advanced fleet time exception localized radio equipment boeing announced order egypt existing fleet configuration notably upgrade include radar supply refused government egypt requested block foreign military sale august undertook large scale military operation regain control armed air cover operation provided helicopters reportedly destroyed vehicles killed egyptian temporarily stationed following agreement egypt israel september egyptian attacked group foreign tourists egyptian killing people injuring mistaken stated group restricted area users purchased helicopters upgrading specification kuwait purchased helicopters greece received ordered september singapore purchased aircraft october training suspended following forced crash landing japan ordered built license designated helicopter delivered early taiwan republic china reached agreement purchase weapons associated equipment june november taiwan received april crashed story building training flight bad weather conditions airframe loss investigation ruled mechanical failure concluded human error responsible pilots descended fast clouds low altitude checking flight panels maintain adequate height army responded stepping training pilots october fifth final batch delivered taiwan completing order south_korea showed interest acquiring related plans withdraw south_korea september notified possible purchase associated equipment armament competed april south_korea announced purchase delivered delivered early future possible users released tender attack helicopters submissions bell tiger october boeing bell withdrew competition restarted december india requested possible sale associated equipment october chief confirmed selection sought control proposed air combat missions argued better army operations april decided receive requested requirement approved august india september september contract formally signed helicopter expected delivered india years august indonesia million deal iraq requested sale april january sale including helicopters associated parts maintenance training cleared congress proposal accepted iraqi government expired august july requested sale block iii helicopters associated equipment training support sale approved march july placed order programme instead upgrading built variants original production attack helicopter crew sit tandem armored compartment powered engines model equipped engine version engines switched powerful version converted service taken service july conversion boeing facility arizona september boeing received contract version forecast completed december operation proposed upgrade upgrade included new blades gps improved navigation systems new radios congress approved begin upgrade program canceled radio navigation gps modifications later installed model upgrades additional funding congress late resulted program upgrade version funding changed plan upgrade upgrade include changes included mast mounted radar newer engine versions designation dropped receiving newer engine difference model radar equipped model radar moved aircraft decision simply designate versions equipped glass cockpit advanced sensors noticeable millimeter wave fire control radar target acquisition system radar frequency housed dome located main raised position enables target detection helicopter obstacles terrain trees buildings capable simultaneously tracking targets engaging attack initiated seconds radio integrated suite allows data shared ground units allowing fire targets detected single helicopter aircraft powered pair engines forward fuselage expanded accommodate new systems improve navigation tactical internet communications capabilities february block delivered featuring digital communications upgrades japanese variant based equipped air air missiles self defense known redesignated guardian represent increased capabilities features improved digital powerful engines upgraded face gear transmission accommodate power capability control aerial vehicle capability improved landing gear new composite blades successfully completed testing increase cruise speed climb rate capacity deliveries began november rate production approved october upgraded standard production new build start changes production lots shall include decision aiding system new self abilities updated radar capacity potentially enabling naval strikes radar consideration model fit maritime operations army expressed desire add extended range fuel tanks increase range endurance installed place previous counterparts communicating frequency bands transmit receive data video army lots equipped link data links boeing upgrade prior introduction anticipated attack version future vertical lift aircraft forecast replace conceptual greater speed new shp engine improved turbine engine program retractable landing gear wings lift main cruise tail articulate degrees provide forward thrust sea 1980s naval versions navy examined multiple concepts studied altered landing gear arrangements improved weapons interested conducted week evaluation september including operation tests funding naval version provided marine_corps continued use examined naval deployed royal_navy landing platform helicopter testing interest trials military intervention libya british_army extensively 36th tested variety ships export models derived export british built assembled kits purchased boeing based block different systems including powerful engines folding blades modifications operation royal_navy vessels block modification major change design role cause type change example helicopters subject block modification block modification combining equipment changes blocks modification work orders modifications block called block package helicopter time operators egypt egyptian air force india indian air force order order japan japan ground self defense force kuwait kuwait air force netherlands saudi_arabia singapore air force republic order taiwan republic china united kingdom specifications data characteristics crew pilot pilot gunner length turning diameter height disc area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant shp upgraded shp fuselage length systems blade main blade tail non alignment performance exceed speed knots mph maximum speed knots mph cruise speed knots mph range nmi radar mast combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling minimum loaded rate climb min disc loading power mass armament guns chain gun rounds stations wings station twin missile pack rockets air ground rockets missiles typically variants carried lockheed fire control radar note mounted notable appearances media | Boeing AH-64 Apache | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
22933_RyanFRFireball | ryan mixed power jet powered fighter aircraft designed united_states_navy world war navy aircraft jet engine aircraft built japan surrendered august equipped single squadron end war combat aircraft ultimately proved lack structural strength required operations aboard aircraft carriers withdrawn design development design began proposal instigated admiral mixed powered fighter early jet engines sluggish acceleration considered unsafe unsuitable carrier operations ryan received contract prototypes static test airframe february prototypes delivered months contract placed aircraft december later contract january increased total order single seat low wing landing gear horsepower cyclone radial engine mounted fighter nose lbf general later redesignated mounted rear fuselage fed wing root meant wing relatively thick house outward main landing gear fuel system engines grade self sealing fuel tanks housed fuselage gallons imp gal gallons imp gal cockpit positioned forward leading edge wing pilot provided bubble canopy gave excellent visibility flow navy carrier aircraft armed machine guns rounds gun mounted center section wing immediately air jet engine inch rockets carried outer wing panel provided center section bombs gal imp gal drop tanks armor plates provided pilot seat oil cooler flight june jet engine installed shortly afterward second prototype flew september test flights confirmed wind tunnel tests revealed lack longitudinal stability center gravity addition circular rear fuselage gave stability slab style fuselage model stability calculations new tail enlarged vertical horizontal designed prototypes original douglas double flaps proved unsatisfactory flight testing prototypes production aircraft built replaced single prototype lost crash october investigation showed wing structure strong resist effects cured doubling number outer wing panels second prototype crashed march pilot failed recover dive feet probably effects prototype crashed april canopy blew high speed pass operational testing naval air station river included carrier tests revealed additional problems engine tended electrically operated flaps installed catapult hooks moved shock lengthened inches carrier tests began aboard escort carrier early january aircraft successfully catapult engine engines problems reported landing aboard carrier developed utilized wright place single airframe converted configuration prototypes built proposed variant projects canceled end war fastest approximately mph faster air moved wing roots fuselage wing covered electrically powered doors drag aircraft flying engine fuselage lengthened inches accommodate larger engine leading edge extension wing root housed air removed intended serve installation dark shark final variant engine replaced general_electric prototype built december orders production placed follow order additional fighters january contracts contingent aircraft successfully completing carrier trials completed november orders canceled day operational history squadron received march saw combat squadron aircraft aboard carrier ranger attempt qualify seven pilots fighters damaged landing missed arresting gear hit crash barrier aircraft nose gear collapsed following month pilots qualified pre leave japanese surrendered squadron decommissioned october pilots aircraft transferred november aircraft land jet power aircraft carrier albeit unintentionally radial engine failed final approach escort carrier pilot managed start jet engine land barely catching wire hitting ship crash barrier squadron attempting qualify pilots carrier operations time pilots required landings number accidents occurred nose gear failed landing pilots partly responsible nose gear deck landing main gear squadron qualified escort carrier march nose gear problems persisted cut cruise short ryan installed steel fork revealed evidence partial wing failures aircraft limited maneuvers exceed suffered fatal accidents redesignated november ensign collided target banner gunnery practice spun water months later squadron commander performing barrel roll wing broke struck killing pilots conducted carrier qualification march aboard escort carrier pilots successfully qualified proving fragile endure repeated carrier landings brief deployment june aboard aircraft broke hard landing subsequent squadron aircraft showed signs structural failure withdrawn august withdrawal type service examples retained modifications testing scrapped variants designation prototype model aircraft built fighter aircraft built conversion wright replacing earlier engine aircraft modified proposed variant replacing earlier jet engine built built final variant replacing engine built operators united_states united_states navy squadron known names march october october august redesignated november survivors single example survives deployed aircraft served airframe technical school acquired california 1960s restoration static display condition rolled june specifications data united_states navy aircraft general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant lbf wright cyclone radial engine performance maximum speed mph mph engine cruise speed mph engine range drop tanks service ceiling rate climb engine drop tank armament machine gun rpg bombs inch rockets wings | Ryan FR Fireball | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23180_SukhoiSu-9(1946) | russian aircraft designation type early jet fighter built soviet_union shortly world war design began intended use soviet designed engines design heavily influenced captured german jet fighters subsequently redesigned use soviet copy german slower competing soviet aircraft cancelled result modified version different engines revised wing enter production proposal engine aircraft soviet copies modify night fighting proposal accepted design development design bureau began designing twin engined fighter powered known internally item product ultimate design probably influenced captured copy german aircraft oval cross section metal stressed skin fuselage housed single cockpit pilot protected armor plates armored seat bubble canopy provided seat copied aircraft carried total kilograms fuel tanks ahead pilot low mounted straight wing single slight outer flaps split act air brakes soviet aircraft use hydraulic powered controls soviet copy known hung wing streamlined aircraft retracted fuselage designed high wing loading increased aircraft speed reduced dimensions consequently increased landing speeds equipped provision bottles lbf thrust seconds mounted sides fuselage reduced distance nearly percent braking parachute fitted reduce landing distance nose housed armament millimeter millimeter replaced millimeter aircraft carried rounds rounds kilogram high explosive bombs carried underneath forward fuselage engines originally intended ready flight testing late suggested pair engines approved december scale found acceptable february issued order february manufacturer flight testing begin november goal met heavily committed projects like trainer version bomber inexperience units late delivery engines prototype completed mid october flight november test pilots found aircraft easy fly control forces high speed lacked directional stability vertical cured problem hydraulic fitted control system aircraft revealed general public august moscow airfield aircraft began state acceptance trials days later flight testing completed flights completed demonstrated speed kilometers hour mph altitude meters endurance hour minutes handling qualities engine aircraft recommended production significantly slower government declined program terminated seat trainer version planned cancelled cockpit student positioned ahead instructor cockpit separate canopy armament reduced pair millimeters rounds ammunition armor removed save weight prototype begun aircraft intended use designed version engine wind tunnel testing september revealed drag reduced engine mounted wing underneath wing tips redesigned use different significantly reduced changes required entire wing redesigned wing bent inverted accommodate engines flaps replaced simple flaps previously given engine exhaust prototype finished ordered use originally intended aircraft designated called developed lbf thrust lbf required aircraft flight participated august maximum speed mph sea level flight testing revealed lacked longitudinal stability high speeds modifications wing engine failed cure problems coupled mature engines problems caused program cancelled final attempt increase performance basic design wing sections reduced thickness chord ratio swept aircraft fitted pair copies engines lbf thrust armament changed cannon drop tanks fitted underneath night fighter version radar proposed required major structural changes accommodate radar version drawing board operators soviet_union soviet air_force variants planned seat trainer version built modified new wings engines prototype built engines night fighter version proposed version built specifications data early soviet general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity powerplant lbf thrust speed mph range nmi service ceiling armament cannon rounds fitted instead cannon rpg bombs | Sukhoi Su-9 (1946) | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23322_PetlyakovPe-3 | long range night fighter version successful high speed bomber soviet_union world war design use followed comparable path taken soviets realized need night fighter night bombing moscow operation selected modification suitable aircraft available initially daylight ground attack missions proved costly aircraft armor additional guns existing aircraft effective evacuation sole factory building october limited number aircraft available units soviet flying disbanded converted aircraft production stopped restarted times aircraft remained service world war later production runs given reconnaissance units development crash development program began july german night bombing moscow field night fighter heavy armament long endurance aircraft currently production satisfy extremely tight deadline selected modification russian fastest twin engined aircraft service order authorized days modify aircraft fuel armament radio systems deadline met modified aircraft flight august passed manufacturer trials following day additional fuel tanks capacity imp gal gal fitted prototype fuselage bomb bay replaced ventral gunner position nose armament reinforced additional millimeter machine gun rounds fixed millimeter machine gun rounds added tail cone removal fuselage bomb racks reduced maximum bomb load kilograms kilogram bomb fuselage racks kilogram engine electric bomb release system removed bombs dropped mechanical system initially designed emergency system dive brakes wings removed radio exchanged model commonly single seat fighters radio direction removed save weight prototype weighed normal weight slightly heavier version production testing demonstrated maximum speed mph meters service ceiling meters maximum range considered adequate factory russian moscow ordered august build pre production aircraft delivery august process proved difficult drawings new parts fitted hand slowing production rate slightly extensive testing pre production aircraft russian august september confirmed initial performance figures tests revealed problems lower nose windows cracked lower machine gun fired problem initially cured replacing skin proved weak later replaced steel panel pre production testing revealed links large caliber weapons damaged skin wings entered cause extensive damage shape help collected nose pre production testing identified specific weaknesses corrected production line offensive firepower weak millimeter cannon added firepower dorsal machine gun considered inadequate production line replaced machine gun protect crew production line added frontal armor extended existing armor rear protect navigator production line replaced radio model greater range added camera reconnaissance role initial aircraft delivered adaptations modified field factory teams issued high speed bomber regiment regiment experiences aircraft revealed problems firing guns night pilot destroyed night vision lower nose blinded pilot crews complained lack frontal armor vulnerable defensive fire german bombers flash installed guns covering windows cured problems lack armor immediately aircraft fitted launchers rockets ground attack missions common addition aerial grenades mounted tail design bureau addressed concerns september tested prototype september october armament upgraded rounds provided machine guns cannon rounds mounted nose machine gun rounds boxes replaced dorsal position frontal armor installed navigator seat armor total weight automatic leading edge fitted nitrogen fuel tank system replaced gases engine exhaust crash moved forward centimeters cockpit canopy shortened changes aircraft production resumed april combat use revealed additional problems addressed second prototype began state acceptance tests nose guns proved time consuming taking minutes night firing port continued blind pilot problems prompted transfer guns wing center section installed compartment drop allow easier access guns ammunition starboard gun given rounds port gun rounds change reduced capacity fuel tank imp gal gal bulkhead added protect tank heat generated guns changes meant cartridge cases cannon collected making skin lower fuselage vulnerable reinforced steel sheets minimize damage inflicted large caliber cases original mounting dorsal machine gun provided excellent field fire lack aerodynamic balance prevented gunner navigator use range pressure exerted prevented gunner traversing centerline twin proved ineffective crash removed gunner working space ammunition box small rounds took minute boxes deleted given round belt electric drive help prevent feed problems anti system added propellers pilot nose replaced entirely crew armor increased total weight changes moved aircraft center gravity forward landing gear lengthened moving wheels forward helped reduce chance aircraft production built august including prototype september october factory evacuated late october production restarted april total built year models completed evacuation thirteen built production canceled favor bombers final production batch built early lightly armed earlier versions single cannon wing center section nose bomb racks engine eliminated entirely fixed machine gun tail grenade launchers fitted rear fuselage grenades operational history issued high speed bomber aviation regiment august initially committed ground attack escort roles september redesignated september assigned 6th fighter aviation corps defending moscow days later escorted carrying british military delegation flying moscow successfully defended german attacks transports german troop columns approached moscow operation typhoon october total seven attacked german airfield claiming thirty german aircraft destroyed loss soviet aircraft pilots including commander major 9th 40th 54th received september performed similar missions approximately aircraft lost months combat aircraft produced far high loss rate number units began conduct risky reconnaissance missions minimize casualties issued 1st 2nd october production terminated october evacuation factory number available sustain units began convert aircraft roles 40th fast bomber aviation regiment designated 40th separate long range december mustered january 9th bomber aviation regiment directly assigned chief staff air_force end november received additional task leading groups fighters attack aircraft targets pilots navigate aircraft led targets manner regiment converted roles 54th bomber aviation regiment appears disbanded short range bomber regiment lost aircraft transferred surviving pilots aircraft mid january reformed february based lost strength german air raid disbanded late march lack aircraft transferred march air_force performed convoy escort ground attack reconnaissance missions support fleet operated late end crews picked new aircraft diverted participate production aircraft given 2nd 4th 40th separate long range reconnaissance regiments single captured forced landing ground near november relatively undamaged recovered repaired placed service served converted photo reconnaissance aircraft destroyed soviet bombing raid airfield july flown hours finnish service airborne radar evaluated beginning july sent moscow combat trials late round trials conducted aircraft 2nd february approved service month appear deployed fitted variants initial production model built version production aircraft built designation associated production aircraft operators operated captured aircraft listing fighter aviation regiment fighter aviation regiment 9th bomber aviation regiment 40th fast bomber aviation regiment later 40th separate long range reconnaissance regiment 54th bomber aviation regiment high speed bomber aviation regiment later fighter aviation regiment short range bomber regiment later fighter aviation regiment bomber aviation regiment 1st separate reconnaissance regiment 2nd separate long range reconnaissance regiment 3rd separate reconnaissance regiment 4th separate long range reconnaissance regiment 40th separate long range reconnaissance regiment note regiments changed branches data gordon soviet world war general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight powerplant liquid cooled engines propellers bladed performance maximum speed mph meters range nmi service ceiling time altitude minutes meters armament guns cannon nose rounds machine guns fuselage rounds machine gun dorsal turret rounds machine gun tail cone rounds later removed bombs | Petlyakov Pe-3 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23376_YakovlevYak-15 | russian nato reporting feather designation type generation soviet fighter developed design bureau immediately world war reverse engineered german engine swedish jets successfully converted powered aircraft enter production aircraft built nominally fighter mainly qualify engine experienced pilots fly jets design development description april ordered develop single seat jet fighter equipped single german engine save time based new design known latest version successful engined fighter engine removed jet engine mounted underneath forward fuselage exhaust exited underneath middle fuselage protect fuselage steel added deeper forward fuselage gave aircraft pod boom configuration changes metal fuselage aircraft nose accommodate armament millimeter additional fuel tank engine engine changes wings elimination air oil cooler bending wing inverted shape clear engine vertical slightly enlarged tail plane conventional landing gear tail wheel steel leaf springs shock carried total kilograms fuel taxi tests began october proved short heat engine exhaust melted skin rear fuselage rubber tire modifications problems took late december time second prototype completed solid steel enlarged tests transferred scale testing lasted february 26th month issued requirements aircraft maximum speed mph sea level speed mph altitude meters able climb altitude half minutes range kilometers maximum speed prototypes ready flight testing september according aviation historians representatives tossed coin april determine aircraft soviet jet fly lost circuit airfield landing manufacturer flight testing aircraft completed june early success caused issue new requirement april aircraft powered soviet built engine known aside new engine requirement differed previous range kilometers cruise speed reduction maximum ceiling meters prototypes ordered available flight testing september able adapt existing prototypes little trouble aircraft participated august day aerial display summoned office ordered build aircraft participate november parade red square commemorating anniversary october revolution factory chosen build new aircraft building conventional easily switch jet fighter aircraft built deadline lacked armor provided enlarged fuel tank lieu armament incomplete outfit parade canceled aircraft modified single cannon began state acceptance trials lasted april tests revealed number problems thick wing inherited limited speed aircraft engine exhaust damaged surface airfield cockpit filled smoke oil engine aircraft short ranged despite problems proved easy fly pilots accustomed engined fighters caused accept fighter conversion trainer state acceptance trials completed ordered aircraft production december aircraft built january april equally split single seat aircraft seat trainers armed single cannon trainer ran development difficulties aircraft batch single participated day moscow total produced end year exclusive prototypes aircraft distributed small numbers fighter aviation regiments based ussr poland romania hungary use conversion trainers aircraft led number informal display teams late 1940s single prototype seat trainer aircraft production batch built factory fall prototype begin manufacturer flight testing april primary differences single seat version limited redesigned forward fuselage accommodated additional cockpit armament common sideways opening canopy trainer initially designated eventually designated documents refer work trainer cancelled success trainer version test prototype aerial system installation fighter bomber tanker test procedures fit april days flights ordered begin design new aircraft similar engine improved generally resembled original aircraft wings entirely redesigned flow tail structure enlarged seat fitted seat armoured pilot protected bullet proof entire canopy redesigned accommodate new landing gear housed thin wings redesigned fuselage low high wing loading wing versions considered low wing loading square meter wings chosen prototype altitude meters new fighter designated expected speed mph significant improvement production aircraft completed september ground tests lasted september flew ordered production conventional landing gear deemed obsolete survivors known surviving aircraft yellow outside moscow variants data family prototypes series powered captured engines referred initial designation prototypes early production aircraft powered soviet built engines copies reduced armament production aircraft armament seat training version built proceeded success trainer version trainer alternative designation alternative designation family improved improved drop tanks prototype proper relation earlier seat trainer version long greenhouse canopy tandem fighter trainer production seat trainers production fighters alternative designation relation earlier similar unrelated aircraft experimental aircraft similar appearance aircraft actually largely new incorporating improved seat protection pilot sole prototype remained development cancelled september taxi tests carried users soviet_union specifications data history aircraft general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity powerplant lbf thrust performance maximum speed mph combat range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading armament guns cannon rounds | Yakovlev Yak-15 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23655_PolikarpovVIT-1 | russian flying tank destroyer soviet twin engined multi purpose aircraft developed world war prototype built extremely heavy armament ground attack duties example built decided revise design powerful engines development design bureau ordered begin development fast twin engined aircraft ground attack duties heavy fighter delivered ground attack version following year evaluation modified necessary roles reasonably successful decided powerful engines modify structure improved aircraft designated low winged twin engined aircraft mixed structure fuselage halves birch wing tail structures built mix steel tubes skin metal skinned control surfaces ussr main legs conventional landing gear retracted aft engine fixed nose extensively navigator good visibility armed cannon vertical travel rear gunner radio operator sat pilot manually operated turret armed machine gun cannon mounted wing roots prominent barrels bombs carried internally fuselage pair bombs carried wings pair engines driving bladed propellers specifications data gordon soviet world war general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight powerplant liquid cooled engines propellers bladed performance maximum speed mph metres range nmi service ceiling armament guns cannon cannon machine gun bombs total | Polikarpov VIT-1 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23864_McDonnellDouglasF-4PhantomIIinUKservice | service united_kingdom operated phantom principal combat aircraft 1960s early 1990s export customer phantom ordered context political economic difficulties indigenous british designs roles eventually purchased undertake phantom serve fleet air arm royal_air_force roles including air defence close air support low level strike tactical reconnaissance assembled united_states special batch built separately containing significant british technology means pressure domestic industry wake major project individual variants eventually built variant designed outset air defence operated royal_navy aircraft carriers version raf serve tactical strike reconnaissance roles mid-1980s phantom variant obtained quantity second hand aircraft purchased augment air defences following war phantom entered service fleet air arm raf royal_navy secondary strike role addition primary use fleet air defence raf soon replaced strike role aircraft designed specifically strike close air support missions mid-1970s transferred principal role continued late 1980s background late 1950s began process replacing early second generation jet combat aircraft service royal_air_force fleet air arm time british industry major source equipment designs different companies service roles defence white paper brought significant change working practices government compelling major manufacturers large groups formed merger bristol hunting formed merger intention industry cut costs government offering incentives amalgamation promises contracts new aircraft orders armed forces time raf looking replace english light bomber long range role close air support role royal_navy sought aircraft assume fleet air defence role subsidiary begun developing new high performance strike aircraft intended undertake long range low level strike missions conventional tactical nuclear weapons conduct tactical reconnaissance developing new aircraft based proposed version marketed raf royal_navy number roles close air support air superiority fleet air defence early 1960s aircraft development increasingly expensive result major projects political economic concerns development saw increasing cost combined presence potentially cheaper alternative development united_states subject ongoing inter service rivalry royal_navy raf led wildly differing specifications submitted aircraft impossible fit single airframe royal_navy withdrew project instead moves new fleet air defence eventually selected phantom service navy primary air defence aircraft intended operated existing new built aircraft carriers better suited royal_navy phantom engines providing event engine failure cheaper immediately available left wholly raf project later year brought labour_party power new government undertook defence review led defence white paper cancelled projects including consequence government forced order new aircraft replace canberra hunter raf eventually chose types replace canberra long range role intended selected plans redesigned variant roles undertaken hunter undertaken purchase phantom developed primarily fleet air defence royal_navy happy choice aircraft replacement given type operational role navy whilst aircraft successfully undertaken touch landings hms victorious raf enthusiastic phantom primarily designed operate air defence close air support role selected hunter replacement way decreasing unit cost overall order partly means employment british industry agreement reached significant amounts structure built domestically variant primary version service navy taken basis aircraft major redesign significant change larger powerful rolls allow operations royal_navy carriers received major upgrades smaller carriers powered operated accommodate larger engines redesigned built entire rear fuselage section radar carried built licence aircraft raf overall changes aircraft led variants given separate series letters version designated raf version initially intention aircraft royal_navy raf development cost associated changes specified accommodate meant unit price eventually ended times price government policy negotiating fixed price contracts costs large production run left total order variants prototypes ordered total prototypes pair pre production aircraft phantom prototype designated flew june plant second flight august pre production aircraft constructed alongside prototypes initially fit check trials systems fitted catapult deck landing trials second primarily testing radar missile systems delivered continued use testing work armament experimental establishment pre production examples subsequently delivered raf operational use lost prototype designated flew february fit check work delivery operators united_kingdom phantom royal_navy total new build ordered fleet air arm serve royal_navy primary fleet air defence aircraft combined secondary strike capability replace service role intention operate decks brand new aircraft carriers time royal_navy carrier force consisted primarily fleet light fleet carriers differing sizes ages service eagle displacing approximately tons big accommodate phantom sufficient numbers plans place rebuild ships enable operation aircraft time plans place construct new aircraft carriers new design termed requirements intended force carriers meant squadrons planned purchased defence white paper government decided cancel led reductions total order royal_navy initially ordered went finally options seven intention form pair line squadrons aircraft operate remaining heavily fleet carriers remainder fleet reserve training royal_navy received received british designation april assigned serve completion successful flight trials commissioned january training squadron followed end march commissioned royal_navy operational phantom unit intended embark year refit completed time fleet air arm receiving aircraft armament experimental establishment delivered squadron flight deck trials aboard eagle sets trials successfully carried march june set set approaches touch landings second set trials involved catapult launch arrested recovery result ship jet blast instead steel plate fixed deck absorb heat engines building launch fire needed launch prevent melting entered refit accommodate phantom involved major reconstruction number elements undertaken allow ship operate aircraft flight deck increased area fully angled arresting gear replaced new water spray system allow phantom higher weight landing speed water cooled fitted work complete eagle scheduled undergo similar modernization planned refit eagle cancelled options seven additional taken consequence decided reduce phantom fleet aircraft remaining aircraft allocated royal_air_force embarked total aircraft air group time operational use royal_navy come embarked training aircraft carrier uss mediterranean undertaken air defence missions alongside ship deployment showed necessity modifications fitted heat combined increased resulting initial launches caused deck plates leading subsequent catapult launches undertaken reduced weight use heat year commission initially somerset home base moved periods embarked undertook quick reaction alert duties alongside raf squadron phantom served fleet air arm finally withdrawn service leaving ship left royal_navy capable operating type final catapult launch phantom november air group following ship final deployment squadron aircraft delivered raf wales handed raf type service royal_navy total total fleet lost royal_air_force following cancellation planned refit allow operate phantom total originally ordered fleet air arm diverted royal_air_force serve air defence role time raf primary suffered badly terms range time weapons fit hampered effectiveness especially long soviet naval aviation bombers reconnaissance aircraft north_sea north_atlantic new phantom squadron formed northerly air defence base time advantage improvements phantom provided lightning carry fuel fly longer fitted powerful radar carry missiles compared lightning september squadron formed operating northern zone alongside squadron withdrawal turned raf form second squadron time squadron stationed operating version phantom having save costs resulting differences squadron converted navy aircraft existing phantom units squadrons retained converted new tornado following standing operational squadrons final withdrawal type service bulk raf scrapped raf lost total crashes type year service operators armament experimental establishment royal navy naval air squadron naval air squadron naval squadron squadron squadron gallery phantom close air support following cancellation programmes raf left requirement replace canberra hunter long range strike close air support reconnaissance roles resulted aircraft intended long range roles carried canberra close air support role undertaken hunter cancelled year ordered order went ahead alongside phantom order royal_navy final units order eventually cancelled given designation broadly similar naval version minor variations terms engines structure related use land based carrier based aircraft unit operational conversion unit stood august phantom entered operational service squadron formed tactical strike role squadron formed september year squadron came tactical reconnaissance unit squadrons formed phantom roles squadrons formed squadrons assigned addition conventional strike role tactical nuclear strike role weapons supplied united_states initial work squadron moved operated tactical reconnaissance role aircraft assigned tactical reconnaissance units fitted pod containing optical cameras infrared sideways looking radar 1970s raf process developing new aircraft specifically tactical strike reconnaissance missions eventually introduced service led think use phantom time limitations lightning apparent conversion raf squadrons operate jaguar combined use purchased assume strike roles intended meant possible begin transferring operate purely air defence role air defence october squadron converted lightning unit operate type air defence role notwithstanding squadron version delivered enabling strike squadrons germany convert released enabling existing lightning squadrons converted squadron squadron forward deployed air defence units germany converted respectively time moving closest raf base east german border taking advantage phantom superior range lightning based squadrons converted squadron unit use converted version following transfer royal_navy remaining raf phantom subsequently served raf primary decade introduction service delivered squadrons remained grey green camouflage colour scheme associated strike close air support missions undertaken late 1970s raf began experimenting new colours air defence units squadron tasked proposed new schemes october squadron painted new air superiority grey colour combined small low visibility markings remained low visibility colours individual squadron markings eventually returned sizes colours squadron forward deployed provide air cover raf operations replacing squadron war zone august following end conflict reconstruction runway squadron detached number aircraft provide air defence late following year squadron took role remaining stationed october replaced flight loss entire squadron air defence region raf second hand previously navy aircraft operated squadron replaced released squadrons following conversion tornado initially intended serve alongside total tornado ordered raf convert squadrons insufficient completely convert air defence squadron squadrons converted phantom tornado alongside conversion final remaining lightning squadrons intention retain pair based phantom squadrons alongside pair tornado units provide air defence cover southern half air defence region squadrons stationed germany end cold war led rapid withdrawal phantom units originally planned defence review phantom withdrawn service germany based units disbanded gradual run raf presence reduction number air defence squadrons leading based units disbanded late prior final withdrawal phantom recalled operationally result participation gulf war total aircraft squadrons forward deployed provide air defence cover replace originally deployed exercise subsequently sent gulf region following final withdrawal service exceptions bulk raf fleet scrapped service life lost crashes operators royal_air_force gallery following end war government began programme upgrading defences guard potential aggression argentina measures taken deployment squadron islands squadron forming october time air defence variant tornado development meaning phantom primary air defence aircraft supported remaining squadrons removal squadron left gap air defences immediately available fill given tornado years entering service consequence government decided purchase additional squadron aircraft service raf special production batch built specifications possible obtain identical aircraft total second hand best navy stored davis air force base arizona naval air facility chosen variant raf developed closest available british aircraft selected extensively refurbished brought standard equivalent variant service navy differences absence leading edge helmet gun sight major difference absence instead aircraft fitted produced power british engine faster light giving better performance high altitude expense slightly poorer acceleration low level high altitude performance helped reduced drag smaller air initially delivered capable carrying air air missiles soon compatible gun pod bringing line rest raf spite modifications allow operate rest fleet retained vast bulk equipment originally fitted led crews requiring american flying helmets new assigned british designation generally referred assigned squadron stood october months flight aircraft remained service transition tornado began entering service thanks conversion squadrons tornado raf able transfer best remaining squadron meant able withdrawn january couple exceptions raf broken scrap lost crash killing crew members operators royal_air_force squadron gallery variations phantom built similar fitted broadly engines cases minor differences fitted mark version mark fundamentally modified control system allowed light faster enable power applied quickly event small decks royal_navy aircraft carriers variants fitted licence built version package fitted differed primarily having nose able fold backwards aircraft fuselage allow storage hangar aircraft carrier system designed integrated missile required fitted featured better ground mapping mode account strike role type originally allied navigation attack system removed type converted air defence role able control gun pod royal_navy fitted british minor differences types phantom built significant ones built united_states obvious shorter length wider diameter meant redesigned higher making larger consequent increase drag fuselage widened position meant rear fuselage deeper addition auxiliary intake doors fitted rear fuselage estimates performance engined phantom opposed american equivalent aircraft requiring shorter distance faster climb altitude higher speed longer range certainly efficient lower altitudes better acceleration low speed giving british better range acceleration shown deployment mediterranean aboard uss repeatedly quicker deck americans efficient higher altitudes lacking speed compared powered versions owing increased drag designed fuselage apparent obtained regarded best variants serve raf small size aircraft carriers eagle royal_navy intended operate compared navy carriers period meant version required significant structural changes compared descended performed similar role addition folding nose allow storage smaller british ships significantly strengthened account higher landing weight british policy bring unused ordnance extended inches provide increased attitude extension phantom attitude shorter powerful enlarged leading edge flaps increased leading edge blowing improve lift handling characteristics operation smaller carriers royal_navy phantom continued service changes notably addition radar warning receiver installation mounted vertical phantom variants fitted installation fitted mid-1970s fitted derived began delivered units concurrently phantom variants eventually fitted operate versions compared list aircraft batch produced received range total production models prototypes pre production models given serial numbers bulk specially built delivered cancelled sets received numbers second hand examples obtained received range phantom locations raf operated phantom number bases germany operational service royal_navy initially based phantom units main air station following disbanding dedicated training squadron sole operational phantom squadron subsequently moved residence raf base basic specifications phantom proposals phantom ordered variants eventually constructed offered conducting studies possibility royal_navy phantom carriers concluded need power provided order operate smaller decks british carriers company talking rolls development use fitted aircraft approached raf model number later modifications including installation company continued studies engines proposed trials fitted took place aboard uss model proposed identical variant fitted version engine proposal came order finalized result need aircraft perform tactical reconnaissance role offered options standard fitted reconnaissance pod place centerline fuel tank modified airframe designated reconnaissance equipment carried internally advantages discounted cost greater consequently fewer aircraft purchased modified able undertake reconnaissance mission ultimately raf chose standard external pod allowed aircraft perform designated roles idea proposed variation carrier based phantom goal improving catapult performance lower approach speeds longer fuselage wingspan sweep increased area air auxiliary blow doors increase low speeds event proposal taken forward replacement early 1970s raf issued development new intended replace phantom lightning initial proposal plan introduced variable geometry wing phantom rejected raf owing fact little apparent improvement performance existing phantom affect development idea concept eventually evolved role ruled engines low level mission partners project displayed enthusiasm idea developing air defence version tornado began process came known tornado issued march aircraft development initial plan tornado replace remaining squadrons seven squadrons tornado development raf looked interim measures replace phantom service decade beginning suffer fatigue issues proposal looked possibility purchasing quantity equip squadrons units stationed germany suggestions replace phantom lightning squadrons service cancel tornado entirely purchase adaptations specifically fitted radar developed tornado capable carrying air air missile ultimately option seriously considered felt time cost savings plan tornado subsequent came decision tornado entered service equip phantom squadrons retained germany eventually tornado accounted squadrons squadrons plus units squadron squadron squadrons remaining phantom royal_navy withdrawal conventional aircraft carrier envisaged end fixed wing aviation sea policy black capital letter aircraft believed final fixed wing squadron commissioned 1970s royal_navy developing known deck cruiser ton ship length flight deck intended embark squadron large anti submarine warfare helicopters soon ship hms invincible ordered additional specification added design helicopters small squadron aircraft form air group act long range reconnaissance aircraft end version developed design process given addition air defence role responsibility reconnaissance maritime strike missions march months naval air squadron decommissioned turned raf naval air squadron formed operational squadron aircraft replaced replacing phantom sir chief designer years said british aircraft considered success able match capabilities phantom phantom versatility raf royal_navy direct replacement squadron service total different aircraft types separate variants turn phantom replaced service major roles required separate aircraft table aircraft display phantom aircraft display entered service royal_air_force royal_navy remaining aircraft lost crashes scrapped following withdrawal prototype somerset england airfield suffolk england public display northern_ireland scotland somerset england stored display raf lincolnshire england czech_republic suffolk england public display airfield suffolk england suffolk england airfield suffolk england airport england defence fire training development centre airport public display northumberland england england raf cyprus stored public display england airfield suffolk england england painted united_states_navy markings defence fire training development centre airport public display data general characteristics crew length wingspan height weight max takeoff weight powerplant rolls low bypass lbf dry thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph ferry range service ceiling armament air defence fuselage plus wing vulcan barrel cannon gun pod strike rockets free fall bombs tactical nuclear weapons multi mode radar radar warning receiver computer bearing distance navigation system reconnaissance pod containing forward facing camera oblique facing camera red emi band sideways looking reconnaissance radar | McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in UK service | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23896_NorthAmericanXF-108Rapier | north american north american proposed long range high speed aircraft designed north american aviation intended defend united_states soviet strategic bombers aircraft cruised speeds mph combat radius nautical miles equipped radar missiles offering engagement ranges miles bomber sized targets limit development costs program shared engine development strategic bomber program number elements earlier projects program progressed far construction single wooden cancelled shortage funds soviets adoption missiles primary means nuclear attack flown heaviest fighter era development early 1950s proposed high performance long range july formal development known experimental approved planned delta dagger delta replacement specification laid october calling fly speed mph range miles man crew engines consideration integrated fire control system fitted allowing interception bomber nmi targets destroyed single mission interested companies contracts preliminary studies issued lockheed october days specification release paper designs north american proposal dubbed promising shared similarities obvious differences additions horizontal political budgetary difficulties led cancellation program considerable confusion program reinstated april north american awarded contract prototypes designation issued known weapon system north american company designation basically identical time anticipated order aircraft resulting design went considerable evolution owing cutting edge technology continual requirements early revisions prominently featured span wing sweep aircraft configuration maximum takeoff weight feet operational ceiling addition role north american proposed escort fighter bomber prototype bomber included escape capsule engines role considered gap system great speed square miles km2 hour september substantial engineering design changes implemented sac lost interest escort fighter concept accompany way target initial concept best marginal range december aircraft order reduced test aircraft test flight delayed february april eventual design built sized displayed air_force officials january project given following contest asking airmen suggestions cancellation program progressing signs ultimately lead eventual cancellation unconfirmed soviet bomber threats overwhelming trend offensive defensive nuclear missiles late 1950s early 1960s rising costs contributed termination cancellation announced september north american continued design hopes program revived despite extra money time spent wholly vain reconnaissance bomber developed retained fuselage weapon package systems design ways seen successful application design principles design continue development advanced fire control system missile development radar missiles continued system eventually lockheed program final configuration rear cockpit looked similar incorporated displays controls required hughes fire control system design initial configuration featured large delta wing fixed ventral wings mounted mid span tall moving vertical supplemented ventral extended landing gear retracted earlier versions design separate forward abandoned final design large fuselage wing fuel tanks respectively giving estimated combat radius nautical miles speed estimated miles hour feet aircraft powered general_electric engines north american bomber fuselage intended carry hughes radar pulse radar set look shoot capability track target time radar paired red search tracking system wing leading edges radar guide hughes later redesignated air air missile carried internal weapons bay large long range weapon radar set terminal intended fly range miles target design high speed aerial target use testing weapons system proposed requested designation target design request denied early stage development program cancelled work undertaken specifications data characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph range nmi combat ferry range nmi service ceiling wing loading thrust weight armament guns cannon missiles hughes air air missiles weapons bay bombs | North American XF-108 Rapier | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
23912_McDonnellDouglasA-12AvengerII | proposed american attack aircraft weather carrier based stealth bomber replacement united_states navy marine_corps taken world war development troubled cost delays causing questions program ability deliver objectives doubts led development program canceled manner cancellation contested litigation settlement reached january design development program united_states_navy began program program develop field replacement stealth technology developed united_states_air_force heavily program concept design contracts awarded industry teams november teams awarded contracts concept development team selected winner january rival team led surprisingly failed submit final bid team awarded development contract aircraft designated flight initially planned december named homage world war era navy torpedo bomber navy initially sought buy marines wanted addition air_force briefly considered ordering derivative promoted possible replacement air_force united_kingdom tornado fighter bombers craft flying wing design shape triangle cockpit situated near apex triangle gained nickname flying aircraft powered general_electric engines producing pounds force thrust designed carry precision guided weapons internally air air missiles harm air ground missiles complement air ground ordnance including precision guided bombs carried internal weapons bay claimed capable delivering nuclear weapons held internal weapons bay weapons load pounds beginning early revealed delays projected cost increases complications composite materials aircraft weight increased design specification airplane needed operate efficiently effectively aircraft carrier technical difficulties complexity radar system caused costs increase estimate consume navy budget aircraft delays critical design review successfully completed october maiden flight rescheduled early december plans navy aircraft carriers equipped wing government report released november documented problems development program december secretary defense told navy justify program deliver reasons canceled response given navy contractors failed persuade secretary defense canceled program following month january breach contract government felt contractors complete program instructed repay billion spent development disputed court reasons causes cancellation debated remain issue controversy suggestions political action aftermath cancellation navy elected purchase super went replace uses engine modified variant upgraded version developed size revealed public naval air station joint reserve base june cancellation seen major losses 1990s weakened led merger rival boeing years storage facility texas transported adjacent airport north june park later renamed manner program canceled led years litigation contractors breach contract june ruled justified contract ruling required contractors repay government billion plus interest charges billion boeing merged vowed appeal ruling september said hear companies arguments government canceled project use state secrets claim prevented mounting effective defense supreme_court set aside decision returned case federal circuit court january case settled boeing agreeing pay million lockheed martin lightning development carrier capable fighter featuring stealth technology oriented ground attack operations effect successor role industrial origins comparisons drawn role future aircraft sub sonic bombers designed carry comparable bomb loads fly similar ranges specifications data stealth general characteristics crew length wingspan folded height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant non lbf maximum fuel capacity pounds internal performance maximum speed knots mph range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight armament capability pounds internal weapons bay including air air missiles harm air ground missiles precision guided bombs | McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24048_SukhoiSu-33 | russian nato reporting weather carrier based twin engine air superiority fighter designed manufactured aircraft production association derived initially known compared strengthened structure folding wings carrier operations wings larger increased lift upgraded engines twin nose wheel air operations aboard carrier admiral fighter officially entered service august time designation following break soviet_union subsequent aircraft produced attempted sales china india fell plans retire reach end service life ordered replacement development background origins 1970s operational carrier based fixed wing combat aircraft found unable undertake role limited range severely hampered capability project carriers decided develop bigger potent carrier capable operating aircraft assessment period number carriers studied project carrier able operate abandoned budget constraints design efforts concentrated project carrier accommodated proposed sufficient funding secured navy looked possibility fifth larger project carrier modified allow operations prepare operations rival board new carrier work proceeded development steam catapult arresting gear optical radio landing systems pilots trained new establishment named aviation research soviet government ordered abandonment catapult system overall carriers included fifth project carrier takeoff ramp installed complex executed ensure able operate carriers modified prototypes takeoff ramp simulated ramp tests undertaken august flight tests indicated need change ramp design modified ski jump profile conceptual designs commenced april soviet government instructed develop air defence fighter ordered build lighter fighter scale design soon started guidance appointed design bureau chief test pilot programme november conceptual design passed critical design review detailed design finalised prototypes constructed conjunction testing prototype piloted maiden flight august facility second followed december flight tests continued demonstrated feasibility ski jump operations pilots practised landings making actual landing carrier deck years subsequently renamed admiral left shipyard second russian conventionally land aboard aircraft carrier november found carrier jet blast close engine raised angle improvised solution held aircraft longer maximum seconds shield water pipes exploded pilot reduced engine throttle accidentally causing blocks aircraft accelerating fighter forwards aircraft quickly stopped later took use blast search rescue helicopter flown close carrier event accident following week period sorties amassed deck landings flight testing continued september naval pilots began testing successfully passed seven production aircraft rolled developments known versions twin seat flight april aircraft piloted flew minutes near airport initially named carrier combat trainer planned trainer potential fill roles notable improvements included revised forward fuselage leading edge bigger wings developed updated version flight trials began october compete potential chinese indigenous version original encourage orders major upgrades aircraft included powerful lbf engines larger weapons carriage upgrades radar weapons possible time funding constraints according military author speculated modifications new production batch include phased array radar thrust long range anti ship missiles design adapt original naval operations incorporated reinforced structure withstand great stress experienced landing particularly quick non landings landings aircraft float slow decent rate prior touchdown leading edge control surfaces enlarged provide increased lift low speeds wingspan remains unchanged wings feature double flaps total wing area wings modified folding number aircraft carrier accommodate allow ease movement deck aircraft outfitted powerful engines increase thrust weight ratio flight probe sports distance improve required leading edge root extensions rear shortened prevent striking deck high alpha angle attack landings compared rival maximum takeoff weight higher fuel capacity double allowing fly altitude sea level spend time station external fuel tanks limits ordnance capacity fly speeds low mph comparison needs maintain minimum mph effective control carries air ground munitions expensive physically larger limiting numbers able deployed aircraft carrier carries guided missiles supplemented round carry assortment rockets bombs cluster bombs secondary air ground missions aircraft night day operations sea radar slot speculated poor multi target tracking making reliant radar platforms airborne warning control system aircraft like early warning helicopter missiles capability intercept anti ship missiles red search track system placed provide better downward visibility operational history soviet_union russia entered service mid-1990s december march admiral set sail mediterranean_sea carrying aircraft officially entered service august naval fighter regiment northern fleet based time officially designated currently operates long term need replaced break soviet_union dramatically programmes stopped commissioned total production built early airborne warning proceed instead abandoned examples built time sold china announced order replace delivered commander navy announced second fighter regiment formed augment current force intention new unit existing refurbished use failed bids internationally people republic china identified possible export customer russia state weapons previously negotiating order aircraft totalling billion china initially acquired aircraft worth million testing options acquire additional aircraft fighters intended fledgling chinese aircraft carrier programme soviet carrier sixth late lieutenant general publicly confirmed news conference china approached russia possible purchase negotiations start november published information military website china planned introduce china previously obtained manufacturing license production working advanced version development integrate advanced technologies fighters older airframe worries chinese intentions emerged reported china acquired prototype ukraine potentially study reverse engineer domestic version aircraft alleged originated partially photos aircraft designers posing carrier based fighter prototype strongly suggest directly related negotiations sought reduce russian content aircraft wanted ensure level income future upgrades modifications india viewed potential operator planned acquire aircraft carrier ins refurbished soviet admiral sold india end rival opted outdated size reportedly led concerns potential difficulties operating indian carriers shared smaller operators russia russian navy russian naval aviation notable accidents july russian navy crashed air russia region pilot died crash september russian navy arresting cable broke landing high speed pilot ejected recovered plane initially planned destroyed depth charges prevent recovery classified equipment place aircraft carry sensitive equipment crash captured video specifications data gordon williams general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf wingspan wings folded performance maximum speed mph altitude stall speed range service ceiling rate climb min wing loading thrust weight maximum load landing speed mph armament cannon rounds munitions external including air air missile anti ship missile bombs rockets electronic pods | Sukhoi Su-33 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24276_PetlyakovPe-8 | soviet heavy bomber designed world war engine bomber ussr built war produced limited numbers bomb berlin august called morale raids designed raise spirit soviet people exposing axis primary mission attack german airfields rail yards rear area facilities night fly people foreign affairs foreign minister moscow united_states originally designated aircraft renamed primary designer died plane crash supply problems complicated aircraft production engine problems soviet morale high value targets luftwaffe fighter pilots loss rate aircraft mechanical failure friendly fire combat doubled end war surviving aircraft withdrawn combat units war modified transports important officials soviet testing programs supported operations late 1950s design development development began july issued requirements aircraft replace obsolete heavy bomber requirements specified bomber carry bombs speed greater mph altitude metres figures twice range speed service ceiling task assigned handed work team led project received internal bureau designation resulting aircraft engined mid wing initially designated russian heavy bomber owed streamlined design block like design bomber built mainly steel wings fabric covered pear shaped fuselage required pilots sit tandem offset left prototype space fifth engine auxiliary reserved inside fuselage wing pilots intended drive supplied air engines installation designated russian subsequent models omitted internal engine provided seating flight engineer radio operator pilots sat nose manned turret armed millimeter cannon covered cone ahead prominent chin nicknamed beard beneath nose dorsal gunner sat rear sliding hood covering millimeter machine gun mounted ventral hatch tail gunner powered turret unusually manually operated cannon mounted rear inner engine crewmen access positions wing upper wing surface large internal bomb bay racks held bombs external racks held single kilogram high explosive bomb bomb wing maiden flight unarmed prototype piloted installation occurred december successful initial trials system installed state acceptance trials august engines fitted tests reported rudder ineffective outer engines subsequent wind tunnel testing identified problem solve problem outer engines moved deep inner rudder enlarged redesigned smooth skin construction second prototype began april incorporating lessons aircraft feedback designers widened fuselage beard widened tail section modified resistance improve rudder function control system included engineers redesigned portions electrical system engines changed powerful redesigned fitted airframe additional fuel tanks increased craft range defensive offensive armament revised bomber weaponry expanded twin guns nose tail turrets dorsal turret design eliminated ventral gun bomb bay modified allow single kilogram bomb carried provisions added carry poison gas wings arrests october great purge disrupted program second prototype flight july prototype served basis series aircraft modifications armament new weaponry included retractable dorsal turret tail turret millimeter machine gun barbette inner engine fuel tank increased range beard removed entirely replaced streamlined nose authorization production slow reasons including great purge resources shortage workers production facilities ready early order begin given manufacture supply problems engine supply problems complicated construction aircraft production organized systematic way equipped factory shut production line beginning alternative engines evaluated massive soviet chain command decision proceed engine installation required design change modification allowed commander radio operator carried place compound problem production engines ended second half equipped eighteen aircraft produced end fitted engines aircraft engines fitted engines officials evaluated aircraft diesel engines fitted diesel engines entirely satisfactory despite greatly increasing range aircraft surviving engined end production continued slowly factory factory resources devoted higher priority successful light bomber time aircraft designated killed crash january built production engines radial engine proposed replacement alleviate shortage engines modification went production late exhaust arrangements compatible gun turrets rear engine guns removed reducing aircraft defensive capability end nose turret deleted favor manually operated machine gun streamlined nose version aircraft proved range diesel engined versions reliability greatly improved production totaled completed russian special mission engines base vertical special transports seating capacity cargo capacity kilograms sources disagree armament removed partly entirely operational history wartime use began june 2nd squadron 14th heavy bomber regiment russian based equipped ready combat destroyed german air strikes shortly war began withdrawn reach german bombers ordered squadron reformed regiment strike targets deep inside german territory theoretically tactic boost soviet morale demonstrating vulnerability enemy squadron designated june began training long range missions july renamed time evening august accompanied long range bomber aviation regiment attempted bomb berlin near heavily loaded crashed immediately lost engine managed reach berlin outskirts returned base landed crash landed finland estonia aircraft commander long range bomber division regiments belonged attacked mistakenly baltic_sea lost engine later reach berlin german fuel tank crash landed aircraft southern estonia lost operation largely seven lost month august rendering regiment ineffective period surviving aircraft equipped gave shorter range reliable engine october regiment mustered fourteen having new aircraft factory spent rest year conducting night raids berlin danzig german occupied cities soviet_union regiment designated separate long range aviation regiment russian december aircraft reported hand days later designation strength march winter regiment assigned destruction railroad bridge near april aircraft flew diplomatic personnel mail non stop flight moscow great_britain test run flight carrying soviet foreign minister delegation moscow london washington negotiations open second nazi_germany june flight crossed german controlled return trip incident august regiment flew sorties dropped tonnes long tons short tons bombs course missions lost bombers combat rest engine malfunction regiment received replacements sixteen aircraft hand number increased seventeen months later regiment losing aircraft fast replaced long range aviation regiment russian formed june regiments bomb german held transportation centers pace activity increased regiments flew missions august months war eve soviet counterattack november regiments fourteen hand command 45th long range bomber aviation division russian participate air attacks division primary airfield southeast moscow regiments bombed transportation centers airfields troop concentrations railroad yard favorite target regiment dropped approximately tonnes long tons short tons bombs february september clear sorties combination aircraft addition regiment dropped bomb april continuing pin attacks targets deep german rear efforts shifted disrupt german concentration forces sortie bombers 45th struck rail junction evening reported destruction rail wagons ammunition trains july regiment deployment early phase long range aviation units continued attack targets german rear areas night supporting soviet ground offensive called began july germans transferred wing flying mix aircraft counter soviet raids near area initially night fighters ineffective soviet raids deployment ground radar eyes germans use radar night july soviet losses increased sharply germans flew fourteen sorties night claimed kills night july captain commander shot exhaust engine contributing factor engines lacked flame making visible distance despite losses designated 25th long range guards aviation regiment september recognition achievements removal combat loss causes mechanical combat friendly fire steadily increased aircraft flights sorties despite losses production kept pace need number aircraft belonging 45th continued rise hand january june flew sorties targets aviation historian maintains flew mission night august claim showing assigned 45th january hand period 45th regiments primary aircraft 45th use primary combat aircraft began fly spring designated december formed early received regiments returned spring regiment began convert lend lease post war use war extensively trials involving soviet derivatives german flying bomb designated prototype engine trials mother ship experimental rocket engined received surviving polar exploration military equipment removed additional fuel tanks installed painted orange engines upgraded landed helped monitor drift ice stations late 1950s operators soviet_union soviet specifications data gordon soviet world war general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant liquid cooled engine performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament guns millimeter cannons dorsal tail turrets millimeter machine guns engine millimeter machine guns nose turret bombs | Petlyakov Pe-8 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24416_LockheedMartinVH-71Kestrel | lockheed lockheed martin variant built replace marine presidential transport fleet developed built led team february president barack_obama asked secretary defense placing project hold high cost billion planned helicopters june terminated contract spending billion taking delivery helicopters sold canada million use spare parts fleet search rescue helicopters development competition designated originally developed produced joint venture italian companies merged july signed year agreement jointly market produce support medium lift helicopter derivative designated united_states companies envisaged aircraft performing major roles combat search rescue search rescue executive transport signed agreement undertake final assembly pact produce main blades main fuselage sections facility company produce components including gearbox italy facility represents work share remaining work share split december issued supply helicopters replace squadron performs role presidential helicopter transportation requirement given designation companies responded proposed variant partnership january announced selected winner speculated engines decisive factor twin engined team awarded billion contract phase july given designation program problems delays delays engineering issues plagued development estimated cost developing modifying aircraft risen billion passed billion expected production fleet march program cost risen projected cost total billion million helicopter dialogue offering stated program performance unsatisfactory march report lockheed protests boeing mentioned received little confidence rating past performance unsatisfactory performance current contract presidential helicopter evaluated highly relevant stated reliably meet important schedule requirements difficulty systems engineering flow downs lockheed responded government insistence extensive modifications source cost report concluded development allowed flexibility trade offs considered customer december officials met discuss program future pentagon apparently wanted terminate setbacks budget issues design problems white_house overruled decision cancel program effectively placed hold options considered july called reach operating capability second phase development expected start entering service october commenting defense programs likely cut following change government logistics stated high list rising cost program contrasted poorly president barack_obama stance government spending white_house gathering february president obama commented process gone going fix additionally stated helicopter perfectly adequate march projected total cost planned billion april proposed defense budget announced defense secretary included funding june announced contract officially canceled remaining funds upgrades existing fleet helicopters completed time cancellation aircraft cancellation provoked commentators speak impact future acquisition contracts european businesses failure acquisition process demonstrated scare away potential partners march coalition encouraged administration continue variation program letter issued members congress urged president support program july approved million operational options restructuring estimated shutting production upgrading existing fleet later implementing successor program cost billion reported new fleet available point existing helicopters remained service years old terminating existing program waste billion sunk costs following president decision terminate program variety law makers think tanks media outlets publicly concluded cost effective time consuming continue variation existing program proposed options option continue program versions additional cost estimated billion entry service date option program provide aircraft additional cost billion operational option provide aircraft replace current fleet additional cost option estimated billion entry service option upgrade extend life current fleet cost billion meet standards required future presidential helicopters require replacement sooner addition cost new program industry officials stated merely extend operating life current fleet risky choice secure costly maintain sides aisle including senator representative outspoken critics pentagon matter recently claiming conversation outside partnership regret analyst stated believe story secretary gates convincing case terminating program alternative helicopter satisfy range requirements landing white_house lawn december president obama signed joint house senate defense appropriation bill includes million funding marine program million technologies developed program million navy initial studies new program february navy issued request information aviation industry april announced team offering instead june boeing announced considering licensed version renewed program bell boeing boeing june purchased million canada use spare parts fleet search rescue helicopter based transferred stripped sensitive parts total seven remained condition media reports stated canada studying certified operational use manufacturer openly stated support regeneration initiative testing test test vehicle initial flight july facility designated initial testing united_states tests included landing lawn white_house production maiden flight september air_force transported helicopter iii naval air station river maryland testing production joined test program beginning ground testing early december variants initial production aircraft presidential helicopter replacement program designed meet urgent need new helicopters provide operational helicopters increased range upgraded navigation communications systems fulfill white_house requirements maintain continuity government allow president carry duties office competitions competing contracts aircraft rescue replacement project originally won november subject second competition aircraft common vertical lift support program operators united_states_of_america united states marine_corps proposed marine fleet specifications specifications specifically data jane world aircraft general characteristics crew capacity seated troops length diameter height disc area weight max takeoff weight powerplant shp power performance exceed speed knots mph cruise speed knots mph range service ceiling rate climb min disc loading power mass shp | Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24550_AgustaWestlandApache | licence built version attack helicopter british_army helicopters built boeing remaining assembled somerset england boeing supplied kits changes include rolls engines new electronic defensive aids suite folding blade mechanism allowing british version operate ships helicopter initially designated later designated shortened valued form close air support conflict afghanistan deployed region object controversy fitting munitions cluster bombs weapons naval trials temporary deployments sea proven aircraft able platform operate decks ships unique application operators british served nato military intervention libya operating royal_navy ships development requirement new attack helicopter identified british government early 1990s bid issued bids received included tiger boeing tiger cobra variant derided requiring development risk combat proven performance gulf war criticised competitors selected july contract helicopters signed september produced prototype licence boeing authorised service director january final handed british_army july helicopter fleet cost billion total acquisition cost billion reliability questioned operations entire fleet balkans grounded tail failures radar development ran problems weight impact overall agility data transfer abilities problems key aircraft components fleet high cost led calls cancellation requirement early 1990s military doctrine assumed large conventional armoured assault britain main threat following collapse break soviet_union concepts flexibility rapid response took precedence called undertake amphibious attack missions operating helicopter carrier invincible class aircraft carriers successors queen elizabeth class aircraft carriers possibly amphibious assault vessels squadron equipped operational aircraft experienced delays entering service complications modifications british service prior entering service development problems noted including lack ability communicate helicopters risk damage tail airframe firing missiles problem debris generated firing missiles rockets strike body aircraft cause damage resolving issue created delay training programmes problems corrected prior entering service secure communications suite installed missiles routinely fired government sources stated operational capability set achieved service date forecast army looking capability programme extend life thought updates necessary army withdraw support block british based budget problems pushed decision taken extent britain adopt upgrades options range abandoning capability altogether buying brand new helicopters boeing believe likely britain putting existing engines new august requested upgrade standard july placed order programme instead upgrading built continue lead support existing retired service design standard design exported countries major difference use pair rolls engines replacing original general_electric engines engine produces engine compared helicopters coalition forces afghanistan required modification serve region special filters incorporated design change folding blade mechanism helicopters confined spaces blades anti ice protection allow operations arctic environments changes craft secure communications system interact british military units significant fitted system aircraft prior entering service redesigned composite components eye safe training laser allow function target installed instead american rocket pods carry rockets uses high explosive semi armour piercing attacks targets energy contains explosive attacks armoured targets type controversial weapon classified cluster bomb rocket contained senior officers general spoke british plans weapon month britain participating nations agreed ban cluster bombs humanitarian grounds britain destroyed july like carries fire control radar radar frequency providing integrated surveillance attack system radar unit hub assembly radar placement allows cover scanning targets radar unit exposed additionally radar monitor traffic radar surveillance terrain radar systems relay information aircraft allows fire targets identified single helicopter upgrades britain fleet million contract awarded equip helicopters system upgrade completed announced integrating new external fuel tanks protection internal fuel tanks removed afghanistan removed allow extra ammunition cannon fitted suggested advanced blades additional controls improve agility aircraft fitted mid life update fleet proposal upgrade guardian standard operational history overview equipped regiment achieved operational status replaced british_army tactical attack helicopter currently operated regiments brigade intended operate armed reconnaissance attack roles similar usage gulf war unlike versions partially serves aboard royal_navy ships addition land based role achieved maritime certification december aboard november aircraft carrier land appeared combat afghanistan august intense usage afghanistan led british commanders admitting weapons spare parts far greater rate subsequently greater cost anticipated november reported half british service grounded fallen level considered fit purpose november situation declined aircraft available combat operations awarded contract support services components radar following months senior officers noted support change resulted higher availability june civilian airfield threatened industrial action pay dispute october announced prince harry begun process qualifying pilot terrorist organisation threatened prince piloted afghanistan april promoted captain following completion conversion training june sections media reported prince harry deploy afghanistan pilot subsequently deployed afghanistan squadron september afghanistan operational tour afghanistan deployed afghanistan february drawn squadron squadron based unlike american counterparts afghanistan deployed enable pilot better manage traffic initially pilots fly hours time low number theatre typically stationed afghanistan weeks returning britain roughly weeks maintenance operating afghanistan province missile destroy abandoned french vehicle protect sensitive equipment quickly highly valued tool insurgents able escort ground air forces rapidly respond forces ground major second command stated impressed effective beast noted forces refer aircraft january strong british force led launched operation attack major base southern hours intense fighting marines discovered commando royal marines missing rescue mission launched volunteers royal engineer wings helicopters travel mph ensure safety extra passengers landed fire inside compound recovered body ford body flown manner soldiers arrived providing fire injured recovery mission later hailed bravery june british forces conducted aimed disrupting activities south key portion major night time helicopter raid rapidly deploying members parachute regiment town june fired missile controversial usage weapons approved extensive legal ethical june leader cell members killed missile launched friendly fire incident july fired position thought held enemy forces instead hit members british patrol time british aircraft involved blue blue incident afghanistan targets insurgents november british lost enemy fire september seriously damaged crash shortly takeoff province loss life occurred airframe written early bomb making facilities raided british forces supported april reported intercept suicide bombing attack province summer integral component aimed pushing insurgents civilian areas elections major offensive routinely flew alongside cobra helicopters provide air support soldiers 3rd battalion black watch conducting ground operations summer operations senior leader killed precision strike launched october newspapers reported maintenance workers accidentally sent live missile regular mail camp mistake missed times missile discovered sparked evacuation later changed procedure regards incident july announced combat operation district province children injured flown camp medical treatment april helicopters flew hours afghanistan representing flying naval operations libya announced fleet reached hours flying time describing vital battlefield tool afghanistan recognised having established limited maritime strike capability deploying vessels tested missiles sea targets time missiles fired success rate media speculation suggested speed establishing maritime presence withdrawal replacement military officials announced deployed ongoing military intervention libya helicopters operated flight deck conjunction french tiger helicopters assist operation unified protector enforcement fly zone libya june reports british preparation evacuate emerged involving helicopters operating vessels coast june struck targets libya time destroying radar site armed near town precision strikes launched typical targets mobile air defenses occasionally engaged fire ground troops early june conducted attacks loyalists assaulting town june destroyed boats cannon fire believed engaging destroying multiple vehicles coastline including anti aircraft system june coordination strikes attacked loyalist infantry vehicles airfield july reportedly involved fierce battle town july destroyed tanks bunker military camp near august participated rebel push town reported june government claimed successfully shot dozens aircraft including nato denied claims losses acknowledged date july released information month combat operations libya noting engaged targets libya occasions operations libya heavily influenced supported nato reconnaissance flights intelligence missions information continually relayed update target information assess threat surface air missiles sam presence civilians enabling real time changes mission profiles august struck military communications facility troops typhoon withdrawn operations september operational demands decreased operators united_kingdom squadron squadron squadron operational squadron operator squadron squadron squadron training squadron squadron training squadron data page jane characteristics crew length turning diameter height disc area weight loaded weight max takeoff weight powerplant rolls performance exceed speed knots mph maximum speed knots mph cruise speed knots mph range nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min armament guns chain gun rounds proposed rockets | AgustaWestland Apache | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24652_PolikarpovITP | russian heavy cannon fighter soviet fighter prototype designed world war development prolonged evacuation design bureau forced german advance moscow fall time second prototype finished soviets fighters equivalent better performance production program cancelled development november proposed heavy cannon armed fighter bomber escort duties ground attack missions new designed engines armament configurations planned consisted millimetre cannon firing propeller hub synchronized millimetre cannon mounted fuselage nose cannon provided rounds rounds second configuration substituted additional rounds cannon racks rockets underneath wings low wing mixed construction wooden fuselage birch metal wing built sections automatic leading edge engine built wing center section wing roots oil cooler located engine curved piece lacked flat panel gave pilot distorted view conventional including fully retractable carried litres imp gal gal fuel tanks wing center section rear fuselage cockpit tail resembled prototype completed october horsepower engine german attacks aircraft evacuated flight february engine proved unreliable changed late gun deleted exchange gun mounted fuselage flight testing completed airframe ground static testing estimated maximum speed metres mph time metres minutes second prototype built fitted engine proved unreliable replaced december flew november manufacturer flight tests completed june aircraft level performance available placed production specifications data gordon soviet world war general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight powerplant liquid cooled propellers bladed performance range nmi service ceiling time altitude minutes metres wing loading armament guns cannons rpg rockets | Polikarpov ITP | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24726_AvroCanadaVZ-9Avrocar | aircraft developed canada secret military project carried early years cold war intended exploit effect provide lift thrust single blowing exhaust rim disk shaped aircraft provide anticipated like performance air resembled flying originally designed fighter like aircraft capable high speeds altitudes project repeatedly scaled time eventually abandoned development taken tactical combat aircraft requirement sort high performance helicopter flight testing proved unresolved thrust stability problems limited degraded low performance flight envelope subsequently project cancelled september history program project referred number different names referred efforts individual vehicles known project later funded referred project joined efforts took final designation projects series design development origins ultimate result series blue skies research projects designer jack frost joined june working british firms worked vampire jet fighter swallow aircraft chief designer research project worked creating research team known special projects group frost surrounded collection like minded engineers arranged work site initially nickname executive wing administration building subsequently relocated second world war era structure company headquarters building secured security guards locked doors special pass cards times operated shared space project teams time frost particularly interested jet engine design ways improve efficiency sacrificing simplicity turbine engine found reverse flow design complex interested ways clean layout led design new type engine layout flame cans lying directly outside outer rim pointed like wheel power drawn new type turbine similar fan opposed typical like design conventional engines turbine drove shaft resulting engine arranged form large disk referred engine jet thrust exited entire rim engine presented problems trying adapt design typical aircraft project time aircraft industry increasingly interested aircraft expected future european war start nuclear exchange destroy aircraft need operate limited roads unprepared fields considerable research effort solutions securing second strike capability solutions included rocket launched aircraft like zero length launch concept companies started work aircraft appropriate long term solution frost felt excellent performance new engine natural fit aircraft high expected power weight ratio problem use thrust drive aircraft forward problem fitting large engine suitable airframe frost suggested series thrust flowing engine rear order pipes short possible design ported thrust leading edge essentially thick delta wing engine disk shaped triangular delta shape pushed near met engine disk producing shape roughly like playing card reason design referred ace likely reference engine disk shaped intake positioned middle meant engine air located near middle wing ace design located centre aircraft cockpit positioned main bearing spine ran cockpit area rear edge aircraft versions basic layout studied including disk like cut away rear portions delta wing operations aircraft expected sit pointed supported long landing legs extended spine landing accomplished high angle making visibility approach difficult number experiments era attempted solutions problem including rotating pilots seats proved effective problem experiments stability difficult arrange entirely unexpected solution problem require thrust directed downward larger area helicopter lift supplied entire area disk designers turned bleeding air engine directing pipes arranged aircraft frost engine design large number arrangement easy build design advanced funded effort contract wooden mock project completed images remain appears project considered costly military establishment time involved extremely expensive air defense projects february story project leaked toronto star images design apparently order gain funding strategy widely employed time known policy press release days later minister defense production informed house_of_commons working mock model flying capable flying miles hour climbing vertically funding forthcoming project flat project continued frost interested effect fluid flows follow strongly convex shapes unexpected frost felt effect engine design produce practical aircraft exhaust flowing outward upper surface aircraft directed downward like arrangement produce lift force entire edge aircraft allowing land flat produced number small experimental designs compressed air place engine order select suitable airframe shape eventually decided disk best solution continued experiments found thrust direction system intended operations worked forward flight case disk shape good lifting surface neutral terms lift direction fly sideways readily fly forward modifying application small jet thrust overall craft dramatically altered creating sort virtual needed configuration instance directing small jet thrust large mass air pulled upper surface wing dramatically augment flow wing creating lift appeared offer solution problems era designing aircraft effective speeds lift created wing following lift generated shock waves points critical single design offer high performance regimes blown disk attack problem laid performance jet thrust modify normal wing resulting design tuned high performance reasonable performance offer single design project late group defence experts visited view new fighter jet way frost opted tour rerouted special projects area proceeded project mock models drawings seen senior company officials completely circular disk shaped aircraft known project agreed funding contract followed management interested commit million build private venture prototype march air_force added additional funding aircraft wide variety designs studied fighter aircraft revolved disk shape leading project involving large disk fighter aircraft concept proceeded wind tunnel testing variety scale models featured raised section middle engine intake covered series closed forward flight frost performance estimates concept potential altitudes debate concept groups attempting gain funding pet projects like nuclear powered bombers repeat earlier release extensive article appeared look magazine claims speculated current ufo sightings soviet built article went describe aircraft clearly influenced design testing purposes new engine consisting armstrong jet engines blowing outer rim designed stood private venture stop gap design built bunker like building facility intended test project concepts provide test data viability concept original plan initially test engine rig continued free flight testing unfortunately testing smooth test model suffered hazardous oil leaks resulting fires eventually got point staff afraid machine safely booth constructed bullet proof glass quarter inch thick steel final disastrous nearly lethal engine test involved jet engine running wild convinced frost dangerous test vehicle necessary genesis gather flight data basic concept engine development continued frost proposed building smaller proof concept test vehicle called point involved wide variety experiments smaller aircraft act flying interested concept frost pitched smaller design prototype vehicle suitable army needs aerodynamic initial performance requirements minute capability ground effect mile range new plan appeared everybody happy million joint services contract managed air_force awarded build test army referred standing unusual departure normal nomenclature latest series aircraft army interest program apparently high recalls trip washington late 1950s request additional funding study helicopter drag reduction funding approved remark helicopter army buy helicopter replaced funding approximately program moved project march additional million contract received second prototype projected performance far excess requirement knots maximum speed feet ceiling mile range ground effect maximum takeoff weight transition forward flight ground effect calculated maximum weight transition ground effect working test models manufactured disaster struck canadian government cancelled arrow program black friday february ensuing result lay employees including days following announcement arrow cancellation special projects employees wasn business usual team included people teams moved main building nearly company brass involved group operations devoted projects recommended related work including cancelled stop work order came frost forced try rescue project elaborate effort frost case continuation military funding late authorized continue flying programs design disk shaped aircraft basic shape upper surface disk fairly curved disk feet diameter feet thick main structural large triangle components attached blade sat center triangle thrust directed straight opening lower surface power control system running outer rim disk power provided jet engines attached engine fuel oil tanks support systems expected future models majority airframe aluminum weight pounds pilot control entirely single mounted control stick pitch roll controlled conventional fore aft motions controlled twisting stick mechanical stick instead controlled flow high pressure air craft directly attached control surfaces indirectly local cable replace controls intended cable like throttle controls engines attitude thrust control system consisted large ring situated outside main disk shaped roughly like rounded triangle flat surface inside viewing craft control invisible appearing neutral position blend profile pilot controls moved ring relation rest craft affecting moving outward center craft vertical lift increased moving entire ring produce upper surface bend surface ground ring resulted thrust directional control discovered craft inherently unstable forward flight aerodynamic center pressure forward center gravity included mechanical stability control system independent pilot controls fairly large angular momentum intended act powerful providing normal direction flight control cables attached base pulled craft moved relation control surfaces counteract motion vehicle manned crew positioned separate areas airframe practice pilot usually board testing number flights observer second cockpit control problems completely solved test pilots acquired touch extremely sensitive control eventually able demonstrate hands flight nonetheless test pilot project pilot nasa chief test pilot fred iii flew considered tricky vehicle fly likened flight balancing beach ball rudimentary small wheels mounted shafts set substituted later testing normally fitted operational history testing rolled factory june october tested static rig unfortunately hot gas exhaust found mix reducing engine thrust addition fan generated lift small area surface lowering overall thrust available proved higher losses expected series modifications able solve problem large degree problems reduced maximum lift higher altitudes ground effect weight aircraft meant aircraft incapable ground effect following tests vehicle sent nasa wind tunnel testing second completed august september attempt ground vehicle airborne roll pitch coupled started forced wheels ground turn pilot immediately shut engines changes stability system provide control authority new investigated improve ability control sorts problems testing continued clear problem inherent design engineers started referring effect named appeared similar spun ground investigations effect revealed causing problem ground effect high pressure air craft trapped filling entire area providing stable base craft rose ground effect air formed single narrow column described frost tree intermediate altitudes craft momentarily transition regime time vehicle entirely supported support disappearing led strong pitching motion soon occurred approach ground establish supporting air raised limit process repeat craft rolling modifications carried order try solve problem eventually series holes vehicle located feet center provide central jet stabilize ground modifications complete apparently working completely free flight occurred november test proved control system unacceptable intended direct air forward flight idea positioned order provide control lift lowered raised lift lowered sadly lift improve control input resulted loss altitude flights testing temporarily halted december time logged hours test time total completely new design installed winter original removed replaced single ring ring shifted relation craft control input sealing gap opening tests continued january appeared work better new control system improved qualities craft unstable higher speeds knots similarly modified april tested wind tunnel problem clear ring blocked overall engine thrust overall power greatly reduced craft sped underside reduced reducing lift upper surface somewhat unexpected considered bad thing loss engine thrust positive effects lift appear appreciated end order maintain lift higher forward speeds craft pitched end control capability convinced concept proposed new program major propulsion control system instead single triangular later ring control new system included separate control systems forward flight combined single series transition doors opened blocking directing flow downward aircraft control regime provided moving outer portion focus flow higher speeds doors closed allowing air flow edge aircraft series simple like controls located new control system covered rear aircraft outer section featured controls modifications completed model testing resumed april new design demonstrated better control considerably improved lift vehicle able travel knots great improvement knots previously reached remained unstable pitch exhibited strong nose trim nasa engineers attempted modify tail proved sit help frost team considered new designs large vertical tail wing tip mounted designs lbf thrust increased diameter june second nasa flight evaluation conducted similarly modified second prototype facility tests vehicle reached maximum speed knots showed ability traverse ditch feet inches deep flight critical altitude proved dangerous nearly impossible inherent instability flight test report identified range control problems cancellation modifications achieved funding ran march frost proposals modified design accepted related programs officially cancelled december military company executives encouraged additional research projects exploring new configurations married disk platform lift jet version interest resulted canadian sources cap end special program number later proposals including fighter concept derived submitted fulfill nato competition tactical strike fighter needs filled general terms interest faded widely believed nuclear strike start european war second logged flight hours end flight testing judged performance failure couldn lift safely feet ground design limiting high speed performance accompanied heat screaming exhaust noise impractical military considered technical failure design rubber skirt shy world taking company designer applied number patents canada established pivotal role related experimental vehicles world latest developments dead end design according curator technological innovations intrigued designers design elements embodied use fans led experimental programs canadian worked young engineer based initial series experimental vehicles technology utilizing buried fan series looked remarkably like miniature flying successful tests designs time publicized abandoned latest project flying car appearance story end termination program produced military paid work reverted ownership end program second example utilized flight testing returned canada briefly display montreal man world exhibition lengthy period outdoor display restoration virginia marked testing wind tunnel test model nasa remained storage donated maryland continued gathering dust years museum finally scheduled restoration display newly constructed instead loaned ohio arriving november restoration included missing bubbles display june museum cold war gallery moved scale replica prepared production secrets past resides exhibit canada specifications data canada flying world worst aircraft pioneering failures dollar disasters general characteristics crew capacity observer engineer diameter height wing area weight max takeoff weight powerplant engines lbf thrust speed mph estimated mph actual range nmi estimated actual service ceiling estimated actual | Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24799_LavochkinLa-7 | russian engined soviet fighter developed world war development family aircraft begun flight early entered service soviet later year small batch given following year exported armed cannon speed kilometers hour mph felt pilots equal german engined fighter shot jet fighter phased served design development soviet head designer engineers russian felt improved refined earlier studies aerodynamic improvements airframe modified evaluate changes included complete sealing engine wing center section accommodate oil cooler relocation engine air intake improve pilot view aircraft evaluated december february proved exceptional performance engine standard speed kilometers hour mph height meters kilometers hour mph faster production took minutes climb meters faster low medium altitudes powerful prototype engine monitoring improvements began construction january improved version incorporated lighter stronger metal wing save weight predecessors built wood conserve strategic materials aircraft soviet confident supplies unlikely problem able replace wooden parts components addition number changes differed engine air intake moved engine wing roots wing fuselage streamlined engine cylinder provided exhaust pipe engine covers reduced number added cockpit longer shock fitted main landing gear tail wheel shortened improved installed new propeller fitted prototype mounted engine firing propeller standard russian modified aircraft designated test flights february march testing suspended engine failures quickly proved near equal kilograms lighter earlier aircraft allowed aircraft minutes minutes climb meters kilometres hour mph slower sea level kilometers hour mph slower meters flight tests modifications ordered production designation cannon ready production production retained cannon armament built march factory russian moscow accepted air_force month moscow factory fastest complete transition production built considerably slower change exhaust stock wooden wings october quality early production aircraft significantly issues engine incomplete sealing fuselage propellers aircraft tested problems fixed russian proved kilometers hour mph slower altitude aircraft factories evaluated september russian problems persisted aircraft reach kilometers hour mph height meters time altitude minutes meters combat trials began mid september generally positive aircraft lost engine failures engines suffered numerous lesser problems despite satisfactory service cause lower position engine air wing roots caused engine sand dust batch flawed wings built caused accidents fatal october caused fighter grounded cause determined defect wing production aircraft fitted cannon began january delivered aircraft kilograms heavier aircraft guns level speed slightly improved original aircraft time climb meters increased tenths second older model aircraft delivered war end total aircraft built production ended early operational history 63rd guard fighter aviation corps began combat trials mid september support 1st baltic thirty aircraft provided trials lasted month time new fighters individual sorties claimed aerial victories losing aircraft combat lost non combat causes related engine problems total pilots killed trials causes regimental commander colonel hero soviet_union commented exhibited advantages german aircraft multiple air addition fighter tasks photo reconnaissance bombing undertaken success aircraft speed especially landing characteristics requires changes armament urgent fixing engine twin armament inherited longer powerful bring later heavily armored german fighters especially single burst soviet pilots opened fire ranges meters 4th unit receive october point month fourteen aircraft simultaneously engine failures january line service increased aircraft invasion japanese assigned august flown soviet ace war nicknamed terrible time hero soviet_union scored air victories numbered preserved outskirts moscow german aircraft shot sergeant german frankfurt der february fighter regiment 1st composite aviation division later equipped participating august october total aircraft delivered equipped 1st 2nd fighter regiments bulk aircraft delivered saw combat war remained service designated postwar aircraft survives despite reports contrary sold transferred north_korea reports arose western pilots given countries british test pilot given chance fly test site baltic coast shortly german surrender described handling performance superb armament sights par wooden construction little combat punishment instrumentation basic production amounted aircraft plus trainers aircraft service end war given nato reporting fin follow model despite outward similarity completely new design tactical significance ended superiority vertical previously enjoyed soviet fighters furthermore fast low altitudes catch albeit difficulties fighter bombers attacked soviet units immediately returned german controlled speed engine lacked large margin speed overtake german raiders lost air combat half number variants aircraft evaluate july hopes improving high altitude performance destroyed flight tail mounted liquid rocket engine rocket rated kilograms force lbf thrust fuel imp gal gal imp gal gal red acid expected half minutes rocket firing increased fighter speed kilometers hour mph aircraft flying qualities deteriorated flights quarter rocket exploded ground aircraft repaired later explosion flight pilot managed land safely details later flights unknown displayed august rocket firing engines aircraft expected reach speed kilometers hour mph height metres exceed kilometers hour mph high drag aircraft fitted trials engine ready service program cancelled seat trainer version armament reduced single gun oil cooler relocated underneath engine fitted radio compass gun camera considerably heavier fighter kilograms retained flying characteristics single seat aircraft built delivered survivors aircraft number moscow monument moscow operators soviet specifications production model data world war general characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area gross weight powerplant cylinder row air cooled radial propellers bladed performance maximum speed mph meters range nmi model service ceiling rate climb min time altitude minutes meters armament guns mounted cannons rounds gun mounted cannons rounds gun bombs bombs | Lavochkin La-7 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24893_GeneralDynamicsF-111C | nicknamed pig variant medium range tactical strike aircraft developed meet australian requirements design based model included longer wings strengthened australian government ordered equip royal_australian_air_force raaf aircraft delivered long running technical problems aircraft converted reconnaissance variant united states air force purchased australia converted standard replace destroyed accidents australia operated mainly conversion training raaf retired remaining december gave raaf powerful strike capability combat aircraft went programs 1980s 1990s raaf acquired improved weapons maintain ability penetrate hostile despite 2000s outdated expensive maintain leading decision retire originally planned replaced boeing pending delivery lightning development development background june united_states_air_force issued requirement replacement began program develop new air defence fighter use large aircraft carriers february newly appointed united_states secretary defense formally directed services study development single aircraft satisfy requirements requirements based largely air_force needs request proposals provided industry october rounds proposals selected boeing signed contract december navy variants airframe structural components engines featured crew seating escape capsule required navy conflict air_force navy requirements precedence intervened declaring air_force desires suggestions navy variant flew december texas followed flew development continued stall issues arose certain parts flight regime addressed modifying engine inlet ending triple triple designs cancelled navy weight performance deficiencies improved models subsequently developed strategic bomber electronic warfare versions later developed production ended total variants built prediction replacing canberra government publicly discussed need replacing year raaf began receiving bomber non canberra lacked radar electronic based korean war experience raaf believed needed new strategic bomber fulfill nation obligations malaysia air staff requirement year mandated weather attack aircraft capable delivering variety bombs missiles study recommended british bombers prime minister minister defence decided million expensive chief air staff stated april australia needed replacement canberra government decided replace canberra indonesia increasingly aggressive statements malaysia soon caused australia decision reported october soviet bombers reach sydney australian city light bomb load fly weather range miles insufficient reach opposition led report criticize government denied reach sydney minister air acknowledged weakest link present moment stated available foreign bombers unsuitable raaf american boeing example large existing australian suitable aircraft american later soon available said study announced million increase defence spending years proposed send team led overseas evaluate canberra replacements early candidates north american phantom june august team visited france britain united_states evaluate competitors determined aircraft best suited role insufficient range million price expensive immediately available expensive need air air reach indonesia australia schedule budget expensive million aircraft british government support program uncertain controversial united_states promised performance specifications aircraft cost superior expect available recommended buying aircraft million counteract perceived imminent threat indonesia government reluctant choose interim replacement deployed cost million waiting pose great risk considering findings september wanted able offer substantial response criticism defence strategy british american governments competed behalf nations bombers believed export sales increase domestic support aircraft government viewed british promise deploy squadron bombers australia interim defense ready unacceptable technical political reasons cost royal_air_force ordered chief defence staff lord opposed advised australians buying aircraft raaf feared customer decision government determined need ahead immediate replacement canberra preferred original choice long term solution leading government announcement october ordering million squadrons announcement came campaigning general election labor party october reiterated pre campaign promise replace soon formed government government announcement consequent improvement chances labor likely benefited united_states purchase helped american critics kennedy administration preferred defence policies opposition contract signed following year british government cancellation april showed australia decision order correct delays renaming offered squadrons free lease pending delivery australia declined offer june despite aircraft having demonstrated country election interim canberra replacement likely sign american preference offer significant improvements canberra like bombers require longer immensely complex ambitious design construction process forced australian government quickly adopt sophisticated american project management methods australia originally planned buy american design raaf liaison officers requested country specific changes long distance radio melbourne participated intake redesign provided metal fatigue expertise australian test pilot evaluated australian version longer wings performance tropical conditions differences caused designated delivery officially delivered finally giving australia aircraft fly drop bombs return raaf acquired air air possibly avoid causing difficulties asian countries increasing great range training began raaf personnel seeing terrain following radar sophisticated equipment time development delays structural problems delayed acceptance aircraft raaf issues mainly wing attach points redesign engine completion contractual requirements satisfaction australia took time damaging morale hundreds trained raaf personnel little program costs grew rate estimates start program placed million april risen million initial price million aircraft capped million labor costs rising price unexplained losses vietnam month deployment british orders caused controversy australia accumulated flight hours best safety record contemporary aircraft excellent record aircraft modified reconnaissance configuration retaining strike capability carried reconnaissance pack cameras infrared unit refitted standard delivered australia attrition replacements equipped carry laser pods mid-1980s underwent extensive program upgraded digital included twin mission computers modern digital digital weapon management system new terrain following radar new attack radar twin ring laser ins late wing fatigue problems discovered fleet result decision replace wings taken stored short span wings underwent refurbishment australia included extending span effect making wings models following australian received weapons system upgrades design weather attack aircraft capable low level penetration enemy defences deliver ordnance target featured variable geometry wings internal weapons bay cockpit seating cockpit formed escape crew capsule point arrangement wheel nose gear single wheel main variants included terrain following radar system connected aircraft powered engines internal weapons bay carry bombs cannon auxiliary fuel tanks equipped carry targeting system rotating carriage kept pod protected weapons bay use laser rangefinder allowed designate targets drop laser guided bombs carried sensors cameras reconnaissance use equipped launch anti ship missile stand missile operational history entry service australian government ordered aircraft replace raaf bombing tactical strike role aircraft officially handed september structural issues delayed entry service phantom leased interim measure delivered september october wing queensland years raaf service lost june remaining returned like seat multi role aircraft sophisticated canberra capable air air air ground attack roles navigation gun radar experience likely contributed raaf success raaf proposed keeping government decided cost great entered australian service technical problems resolved accepted march march formed california mission australia unit commanded group captain later served chief air staff raaf arrived july subsequent groups arrived july september december allocated squadron squadron control wing squadron raaf strike squadron maintained nominal strength squadron mainly served operational conversion unit operated aircraft times serve strike role required raaf service maintenance undertaken squadron conducted intermediate maintenance aircraft heavy maintenance responsibility squadron operated raaf flight onwards performed maintenance contract australian government entering service proved highly successful saw combat fastest longest range combat aircraft southeast_asia aviation historian written weapons system service provided australia genuine independent strike capability book lincoln canberra described success providing australia potent strike capability aircraft quarter century flight remains second indonesian defense minister told counterpart upset australia cabinet meetings told realise australians bomber bomb window table gulf war late early australian government considered deploying expand australian contribution gulf war mainly comprised task group preferred option government decided expand australia commitment deploy aircraft need electronic warfare equipment upgraded operate war zone small size force loss aircraft combat inflicted heavy blow australia reconnaissance capability second preference advice government deploy squadron defence support event government decided expand australian force result contribution war limited conducting intensive exercises naval ships sailed australian waters route australian led intervention september marked closest australia came combat squadrons deployed august support international forces remained december maximum effort wing available squadron commitment peaked aircraft personnel squadron maintained home base support needed september began arrive maintained high level readiness conduct reconnaissance flights air strikes situation deteriorated role armed concrete filled bombs fitted precision guidance kits kept available times encounter significant resistance operations limited reconnaissance missions conducted november sorties gaining approval indonesian government normally focused bridges communications installations flight took place december war games achieving complete success strike necessary indonesian military headquarters near capital roles controversies royal_australian_air_force fleet times controversial long delay delivery aircraft significant political issue late 1960s early 1970s occurred time massive delays cost making headlines prompting commentators dub flying opera house government tasked surveillance photos project tasmania use raaf aircraft spy territory led minister responsible senator earning nickname famous hero pilot number books captain aspect drew criticism poor work conditions ground crew involved sealing sealing fuel tanks resulted class action lawsuit australian government paying million damages health issues chemical exposure included permanent brain damage number ground crew conditions improved number aircraft delivered australia attrition replacements fleet aircraft modified standard delivered government bought supplement delivered additional stored reserved spare parts sources australian military aviation circles known pig long snout terrain following ability seven destroyed accidents service raaf accidents took lives air crew accidents occurred chosen north korean ship involved australia largest drug recorded history ship sitting government considered fate decided march scuttled air attack sunk march laser guided bombs retirement australia decided retire raaf raaf fleet began retirement models operated squadron late reasons given retirement required average hours maintenance flight hour march review new labor government confirmed purchase interim measure delivery government signed acquisition contract final conversion took place pilots qualifying raaf retired december final flight aircraft squadron southern queensland australia currently partner development lockheed martin lightning stealth fighter plans country examples replace november raaf selected preservation buried site outside raaf considered scrapping aircraft concluded cheaper bury remaining raaf placed display variants export version australia combining design longer wings strengthened aircraft modified reconnaissance configuration aircraft met raaf requirement aircraft photographic reconnaissance capacity original order specified strike variants reconnaissance variants raaf later agreed accept strike aircraft later reconnaissance dropped plans fit reconnaissance aircraft sold design reconnaissance australia million time raaf decided fit aircraft reconnaissance contains cameras infrared unit fitted weapons bay retained strike capability selected conversion variant modified plant texas october april months test flights aircraft returned australia august conducted tropical weather trials darwin aircraft modified raaf raaf base kits purchased variant proved highly successful considered best tactical reconnaissance aircraft world remained raaf service aircraft retired suffering damage landing belly main wheels separated aircraft judged worthwhile impending retirement entire fleet raaf aircraft intelligence surveillance reconnaissance capabilities retired operators wing raaf base squadron squadron aircraft research development unit raaf trials aircraft display retained heritage assets placed display raaf bases gate guard october restored aircraft unveiled display private aviation museums ownership retained australian government aircraft undergo continual maintenance non destructive testing loaned darwin evans head memorial heritage aviation association new south wales fighter world historical aircraft restoration society regional airport queensland air museum airport south australian aviation museum australian flying corps receive crew module crew held display september specifications data wilson characteristics crew pilot weapons system operator length metres wingspan spread metres swept metres height metres wing area spread swept root tip weight kilograms loaded weight kilograms max takeoff weight kilograms powerplant dry thrust lbf thrust lbf zero lift drag drag area aspect ratio spread swept performance maximum speed mph combat radius nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min wing loading spread swept thrust weight lift drag ratio armament guns vulcan cannon rounds seldom fitted total wing engines armament capacity ordnance mounted externally internally fuselage weapons bay | General Dynamics F-111C | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24954_AlekseyevI-212 | twin engined jet fighter designed ussr experimental design bureau seat variant fighter designed response requirement long range fighter issued intended escort fighter designed use night fighter reconnaissance aircraft sources unclear prototype built known aircraft flew development working right hand man world war appointed chief designer directed develop jet fighters powerful engines captured german examples soviet built copies tasked design single seat jet fighter meet demanding specification maximum speed mph range drop tanks responded planned built variants development variant began twin engined metal seat jet fighter round streamlined fuselage reduce drag house considerable equipment fuel required mid mounted straight flow wings engine mounted middle wing wing continued rings engines tail unit swept save weight main load bearing structures airframe constructed aluminum high strength steel components aircraft main wheels fuselage air brakes fitted rear fuselage pilot gunner radio operator sat tandem single cockpit protected armour plates rear seated seats aircraft intended use engines derivative engine development substituted instead aircraft carried radar use gunner radio operator armament mounted nose remote controlled tail barbette variations cannon man cannon remote controlled barbette man cannon man cannon man nose aircraft single wing carry single bomb drop tank carrying fuel prototype reportedly began tests june evidence flew time unclear prototype actually built training version designated planned aircraft gone production variant versions forward swept wings proceed drawing board variants version built proposed version tail barbette replaced facing radar heavier forward facing armament project forward swept wings proposed training variant specifications engines data russian aircraft early soviet general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area gross weight max takeoff weight powerplant lbf thrust speed mph range nmi ferry range nmi service ceiling rate climb min armament guns man cannon rpg cannon remote controlled tail barbette man cannon man cannon cannon remote controlled tail barbette man cannon rpg man cannon rpg man cannon remote controlled barbette provisions carry combinations bombs bombs capacity drop tanks radar navigation aids radios | Alekseyev I-212 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24962_LavochkinLa-150 | known aircraft article designation type designed design bureau response order build single seat jet fighter single german time americans british germans flown jet fighters single soviet jet engine development ready production design completed quickly construction flying prototypes protracted factory inexperience building metal aircraft aircraft flight september proved require extensive modifications meet soviet requirements took long test aircraft essentially obsolete time completed variant powerful engine inferior aircraft development work terminated design development ordered design fighter single flow february like rivals chose pod boom layout new fighter based advice design shoulder mounted wing wings metal aircraft fixed leading edges flaps cockpit forward giving pilot good visibility protected armored shaped canopy armored millimetre mounted lower fuselage rounds gun landing gear retracted fuselage gave narrow track soviet derivative engine rated kilograms force lbf mounted cockpit steel heat shield protected rear fuselage engine exhaust air supplied intake aircraft nose split cockpit reaching engine seven tanks fuselage wing carried total kilograms fuel construction scale completed june factory order prototypes given factory factory fully committed programs manufacturing drawings delivered factory end august prototypes delayed plant experience building metal aircraft lacked necessary end year factory managed complete single airframe static load testing showed rear fuselage wings tail needed reinforced opportunity taken vertical tests modifications required months work flying prototype completed july manufacturer testing prototype began august ground testing required replacing engine twice flight september following day ordered small batch jets participate november parade commemorating october revolution tight deadline components incomplete prototypes turned factory new headquarters assembly factory factory joined program aircraft built record time support factory constructed days aircraft completed week half testing evaluation aircraft complete november tested ensure readiness participate parade later given unofficial service designation considered risky fly aircraft moscow wings meant moscow special wheeled trailers built aircraft driven moscow cancelled bad weather tests conducted preparation parade revealed number flaws design including poor directional stability cramped cockpit heating ventilation poor access engine inadequate fuel capacity compounded lack fuel gauge poor elevator control forces aircraft modified correct issues resuming factory testing late modifications entirely successful lateral stability great elevator forces remained weak engine problems plagued tests prototype required engine changes conclusion manufacturer trials april aircraft returned factory extensive modifications wing tips angled downward reduce lateral stability wing redesigned fuselage aerodynamic balancing elevators reduced fuel capacity increased kilograms cockpit widened centimeters fitted seat fore aft armor plates fitted protect pilot new radio aerial mast installed changes added kilograms weight increased drag reduced aircraft speed mph slowed time meters minutes comparison aircraft given higher performance design aircraft submitted state acceptance trials decided continue development meantime developing versions effort increase engine power successful model millimeters longer weighed additional kilograms original engine power increased additional kilograms force lbf thrust engine designated bureau fitted aircraft prototype july designated additional power increased aircraft speed mph sea level mph altitude meters second fastest soviet fighter period powered engines decided submit state acceptance trials fundamental design flaws airframe resolved operators soviet_union soviet air_force variants prototype modified wider cockpit extra fuel prototype modified engine specifications aircraft data early soviet general characteristics crew pilot length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight powerplant lbf performance maximum speed mph range service ceiling rate climb wing loading thrust weight armament rpg | Lavochkin La-150 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
24982_GrummanXTSF | proposed twin engine torpedo scout aircraft designed end world war based design fighter enlarged addition bomb bay deemed large carrier operations project cancelled aircraft built instead navy chose order single engine successful guardian design development determined development navy large practically safely operate aircraft carriers new midway class aircraft carriers known battle carriers largest aircraft carriers built nation point difficulty operating massive aircraft size medium bomber result late june submitted design review design following month revised design submitted august existing contract modified instead order aircraft based seat twin engined fighter bomber prototype intended conversion airframe mid wing metal double wasp radial engines mounted streamlined wing intended carry crew members tandem seats featured internal bomb bay radar set radar later replaced design set second seat added radar operator outer wing lengthened feet compared size horizontal increased inches vertical enlarged aircraft weight increased thousand pounds wings folded upwards aboard aircraft carriers hook operated gun armament planned caliber machine guns alternatively cannon bomb bay based installed fuselage stretched inches cancellation cockpit center fuselage wing center section built inspected fall contract prototype terminated january variety factors including navy belief engineers factory capacity producing large practical operations escort carriers believed built better prospect addition proving difficult operations aircraft carriers navy design sources erroneously state case aircraft designated torpedo scout category designation superseded incorporated bomber torpedo scout bomber new attack series specifications data general characteristics crew pilot radar operator length wingspan folded span feet height wing area weight gross weight fuel capacity gallons imp gal powerplant double wasp radial engines propellers bladed diameter performance maximum speed mph feet stall speed mph range nmi internal fuel miles hour combat range nmi radius gallons imp gal drop tanks service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament guns calibre machine guns pounds capacity bombs internal bomb bay capacity mark torpedo pounds bomb naval pounds smaller bombs pounds depth charges | Grumman XTSF | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
25120_HawkerSiddeleyP.1127 | experimental development aircraft led vertical short landing jet fighter bomber development began taking advantage choice invest creation thrust engine testing began july end year aircraft achieved vertical horizontal flight test program explored possibility use aircraft carriers landing aircraft crashed testing paris air improvements future development aircraft swept wings powerful engines led development evaluated military pilots britain united_states west_germany later flights conducted military nasa related work aircraft cancelled result raf variant closely based ordered production year named originally intended served nations carrier based aircraft design development background informed project combine jet engines produce fan jet original idea engine named based came french aviation consultant enhancements bristol reduce size weight original concept took planned engine basis plane meet current nato specification light tactical support fighter replace prior project working replacement hunter cancelled shortly defence white paper advocated policy shift away manned aircraft missiles end barely eighteen months start project main features developed exception reaction control system resolved april developed time deep defense cuts seek commercial funding significant engine development funding came wind tunnel tests conducted sub scale model showed acceptable flight characteristics test pilot went nasa request fly bell march company board directors decided privately fund prototypes late contracted prototypes prototype strike aircraft serial delivered july static engine testing october flight engine available prior asked suppose going conventional flying sydney replied said know sure nice control replied beautiful wrong going bother vertical time flight took place october free flight achieved november publicity photos released second prototype conventionally july aircraft proceeded close gap vertical flight achieved september prototypes ordered period improved engines developed capable lbf thrust apart aircraft similar fifth introduced taller fin later seen fourth machine production test pilots carrier vertical landing performed prototype introduced swept wing eventually fitted lbf functioned prototype crashed second development prototype crashed paris air caused dirt air feed lines control motor causing engine stick aircraft fully repaired resumed development flying pilots involved survived evaluation aircraft ordered improved version flying march fully swept wings larger tail early fuselage modified larger lbf engine prototype interest germany tri evaluation squadron formed october staffed military test pilots britain united_states west_germany flight march equipped formed norfolk march evaluation pilots developed typical sortie routine conducting short offs returning base vertical landings manner operation judged optimal practice operating rough nearby raf aircraft proved adept traversing ground taking variety temporary ground testing aircraft lost pilot tried rolling parking brake finalised november surviving evaluation aircraft allocated plus allocated germany transferred evaluation army air_force navy evaluation passed evaluation edwards air force base assigned nasa remaining british based attached went modification engine addition strengthening alterations air intake series featured lip smooth intake aircraft stationary concerns service life devices replaced conventional relief doors experience gained naval testing board commando carrier convinced project officers materials substituted uses airframe prototypes production aircraft prototype pre production raf nato requirement specified aircraft performance aircraft phantom capability drafted meet winner nato competition prototype construction underway point cancellation french government withdrew shortly selection raf began looking simple upgrade issued ground attack jet known raf late raf ordered pre production raf aircraft raf flew august order production aircraft formally received early time aircraft received designation successful aircraft british service exported nations seeing usage carrier based aircraft variants fighter prototypes development aircraft evaluation squadron built later transferred united_states designated raf development ground attack reconnaissance fighter built pre production evaluation aircraft type ordered production aircraft flew august united_states military designation transferred designation development aircraft delivered operators armament experimental establishment trials evaluation evaluation squadron known aircraft allocated evaluation aircraft lost accident aircraft later passed united_states_army trials trials evaluation participated american tri service evaluation team aircraft allocated evaluation acquired allocated germany later transferred united_states_air_force united_states_air_force participated american tri service evaluation team aircraft allocated evaluation united_states_army aircraft operated trials united_states_navy participated american tri service evaluation team aircraft allocated evaluation nasa operated west_germany luftwaffe participated allocated aircraft delivered passed united_states_army aircraft display display london england fitted wing display england temporarily fitted earlier wing display surrey england display england raf display scotland raf display germany display ohio united_states nasa display virginia air space center virginia united_states held storage alabama united_states nasa display virginia united_states specifications data mason general characteristics crew length wingspan height weight approximately loaded weight max takeoff weight approximately powerplant thrust lbf performance maximum speed mph sea level service ceiling service approximately rate climb approximately min thrust weight | Hawker Siddeley P.1127 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
25313_RadioplaneRP-77 | small target missile constructed largely plastic materials produced division successfully tested united_states_army decision aircraft design development development began similar outline earlier prototypes constructed powered cylinder engine powered cylinder engine results flight testing insufficient interest proposal improved powered boeing resulted contract construction aircraft design extensive use glass plastic materials launched rocket assisted system consisting rockets fitted radio control apparatus assistance radar tracking allowed operated considerable distance launching point addition equipment typically carried target equipped reconnaissance meteorological sensors air sampling equipment utilised tracking system developed audio frequency tones control tip tanks allowed carriage additional fuel extend aircraft range recovery end flight parachute improved version projected provision launching target missiles operational history following maiden flight march evaluation took place remainder year nearly test flights conducted test results generally satisfactory determined performance aircraft insufficient improvement existing types service aircraft ordered production project cancelled improved dedicated reconnaissance variant following termination army evaluation private venture conducted improvement program fitting aircraft larger wing modifications improved performance improvements insufficient produce renewed interest army variants prototype model powered engine built prototype model powered engine built proposed version turbo engine built version turbo engine built production prototype boeing built evaluation proposed reconnaissance version built specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan height gross weight powerplant boeing shp propellers bladed performance maximum speed mph endurance hour feet service ceiling | Radioplane RP-77 | Warfare | Military aircraft | Military aircraft |
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