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Showing posts from February, 2022

The America's Last Gunfighter - Vought F-8 Crusader

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Via:  US Military Power The Vought F-8 Crusader feels like one of those aircraft. First flying in March 1955, the F-8 Crusader was one of the finest carried-based fighter jets to ever emerge from the United States. It earned the nickname “The Last of the Gunfighters” as it was the final American fighter built with guns as its primary weapon. The Crusader was powered by a Pratt and Whitney J57 turbojet, with an afterburner, and it became the first jet fighter in United States service to reach 1,000 mph, which was an achievement in itself. Its top speed was an impressive 1,227 mph, or Mach 1.8. It's amazing in itself that the F-8 was the last fighter built to have a gun as its primary armament. But it shows just how far weapons had evolved since the Second World War. The F-8, though, was one of the most recognizable aircraft of its era, and was effectively a poster boy for the US Navy aircraft fleet for the best part of 20 years. It proved its worth in combat on multiple occasions, a...

This Blue Angels Cockpit Video is Terrifying and Amazing

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Via:  US Military Power The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron demonstrates skill on such a high level it seems almost supernatural. To say that such aerobatics requires precision and attention to detail is an understatement of laughable proportions. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.

US Gigantic $45 Million Helicopter Lifting JLTV - CH-53E Super Stallion

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Via:  US Military Power A U.S Marine CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, performs an external lift at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. HMH-463 conducted this training with Combat Logistics Squadron 3 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 to become familiar with the lifting capabilities of the helicopter and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle while gaining the knowledge of how to perform the lift efficiently and safely. The CH-53E Super Stallion is the Marine Corps’ primary heavy lift helicopter and has been in service for over 30 years. There are currently 152 CH-53E aircraft in operation. The Super Stallion incorporates GPS, doppler radar, FLIR, and ANVIS-HUD sensors, and carries 7.62mm and 50 caliber guns (as a mission kit). 

The US Army’s New Super Helicopter is Coming

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Via:  US Military Power Purpose-built to revolutionize the reach and effectiveness of each mission while offering unmatched maneuverability, reduced downtime and elevated mission safety. With over twice the speed and range as current weapons systems, the Bell V-280 Valor is the proven long-range maneuver solution, flying more than 300 knots and achieving more than 200 flight hours. The Bell V-280 revolutionizes Army overmatch with over twice the range and speed than the current fleet. The only long-range assault solution with the ability to maneuver ground forces at ranges and speeds required for multi-domain operations. Companion to the Bell V-280 Valor, the Bell 360 Invictus is the attack reconnaissance leader for the U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift program. Together, these weapon systems deliver mission-critical lethality, reach and sustainability.

Extremely Powerful F-22 Raptor Shows Its Crazy Ability

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Via:  US Military Power The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22's airframe and weapons systems and did its final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems. The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. After a protracted development and despite operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 critical to its tactical air power, and says that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. The Raptor's combination of stealth, aer...

B-58 Hustler: America's Cold War Nuclear Bomber Blunder

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Via:  US Military Power In an era of fantastic aircraft, the B-58 Hustler was one of the most visually striking warplanes ever to fly. Its delta wing, giant engines, and remarkable performance gave rise to the myth that pilots could literally tear the wings off the bomber if they flew it too fast. The Hustler was a direct successor to the B-47 Stratojet in the medium bomber role. Medium bombers were expected to attack the Soviet Union from overseas bases. By the time the Hustler entered service, however, the distinction between the medium and the heavy bomber had narrowed, however. The advent of aerial refueling, combined with Air Force concerns about the security of forward airbases and the concerns of U.S. allies over the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons on their territory, meant that the B-58 would operate strictly from U.S. bases.