Showing posts with label F8F Bearcat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label F8F Bearcat. Show all posts

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Indy Transponder 27-OCT-2011 1000z

Soaring with the Blue Angels - San Antonio Express | The Blue Angels will perform at this weekend's Randolph Airshow 2011. William Luther flies backseat in a Blue Angels F-18 Hornet during a demonstration flight from Randolph Air Force Base on Oct. 26, 2011. San Antonio Express-News photographer William ...

Free, kid-friendly activities cap off an exhausting October - KENS 5 TV | Credit: AP Members of the US Navy Blue Angel flight demonstration squadron fly F/A-18 Hornet aircraft in diamond formation over San Francisco International Airport Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, in San Francisco. The Blue Angels will fly in a public air show ...

Manfeild fireworks up in air Voxy | The on-the-up action kicks off with back-to-back routines flown by Feilding father and son pilots Bob and Dave Monds, then tops off with a show by the Red Checkers, the Royal New Zealand Air Force's precision flying team based at nearby Ohakea. ...

Upcoming Halloween Fun Aviation and Safety Events  from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News | Another colorful weekend ripe for aerial leaf peepin' or just enjoying bright blue fall sky is on tap to celebrate this Halloween. The 4th Annual Aircraft Spruce/Tennessee Valley Air Race is on Saturday, October 29th. The premier Sport Air Racing League event will take place at Courtland, Alabama (9A4) with registration starting at 0730 and the pilot briefing starting at 10:30. In honor of the season, the Air Race is open to the public with flying activity scheduled to start around 11:00…

Haunted Airfields  from Air & Space Magazine

High-flying fun at Catalina Festival - Lakes Mail | The highlight will be a performance by the RAAF Roulettes who will perform their spectacular aerobatic routine over Lake Macquarie. If you've never been to the Catalina Festival, and always assumed that being an aeronautical aficionado was a ...

B-29, B-24 Bombers Touch Down In Hondo - KSAT San Antonio | HONDO, Texas -- The Commemorative Air Force has been restoring and displaying vintage military aircraft for almost 60 years. Two of their most prized pieces of memorabilia are in Hondo through this Friday. The only air-worthy B-29 Superfortress and one ...

A job you can sink your teeth into... - Mukilteo Beacon | The 1938 fighter plane was flown by the famed American Volunteer Group known as the "Flying Tigers." The pilots liked to paint a sharkmouth onto the nose of their planes to make them look intimidating in the air. The P-40C became part of the Flying ...

Virgin Galactic Selects First Commercial Astronaut Pilot From Competition - MarketWatch | Founded by Burt Rutan, Scaled developed SpaceShipOne, which in 2004 claimed the $10m Ansari X Prize as the world's first privately developed manned spacecraft. Virgin Galactic's new vehicles share much of the same basic design, but are being built to ...

Aluminum and Carbon Fiber  from Flight Level 390 by Captain Dave | Position: On the ramp, KLAS | Equipment: A320 V2500 A-5 engines | The first hints of twilight in the east... Above my head, a magnificent aluminum and carbon-fiber aircraft tail arching high into the lightening sky. Looking straight up, Orion the Hunter is still visible. To me, that translates to snow and ice, i.e., wintertime operations just around the corner…

A giant of Marine aviation - Middle East North Africa Financial Network | He was a pioneer in Marine Aviation who helped lay the foundation for modern Marine aviation through sheer flying skill and intimate knowledge of aircraft capabilities. "General Davis, the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, ...

Italian Navy AV-8B+ Harrier 20th anniversary  from David Cenciotti's weblog - the most visited Italian Aviation Blog by David Cenciotti | On Oct. 27, 2011, with a ceremony at Grottaglie airbase, near Taranto, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Harrier in Italian service. The AV-8B+ Harriers of the I GrupAer have recently taken part to the Operation Unified Protector in Libya, performing both DCA (Defensive Counter Air) and BAI (Battlefield Air Interdiction) out of the Garibaldi aircraft carrier…

A fiercer storm – the Hawker Tempest II, Royal Air Force Museum, London  from Shortfinals's Blog | It all comes down to the engine, in the end. So many combat aircraft were transformed or condemned by the choice of engine (sometime imposed by ‘higher authorities’ – see the disastrous enforced selection of the A.B.C. Dragonfly radial engine for many RAF fighter designs in 1918). At the other end of the spectrum, the initial conversion of three P-51 Mustangs, from Allison engines to the magical Rolls-Royce Merlin (at the Rolls-Royce airfield at Hucknall, Nottingham) proved to be a triumph…

F8F Bearcat – Grumman’s Bad Ass Fighter! from Moose Peterson Aviation Photography » Moose Peterson Aviation Photography by Moose | The US started WWII in the Pacific with noble fighters with talented pilots. They went up against the Zero which in the beginning didn’t go so well for the US. The Navy sought a carrier based fighter and two were brought into the conflict about half way into the conflict, the Vought F4U-1 Corsair and the Grumman F8F Bearcat. Thought of as a “Hot Rod,” the Bearcat was the first Navy fighter with the full “bubble” canopy providing the pilot with amazing visibility. The first variant F8F-1, 654 were produced all with the R-2800-34W engine…

Aviation Journalist Insight  from Vintage Aeroplane Writer by Vintage Aero Writer | You may have wondered what it is like to be an aviation journalist, and interview a well known or respected aircraft engineer or restorer…

Recap of How Hard Can It Be's "homemade rocket" episode  from The Original Rocket Dungeon by Dick | This post is mostly real-time notes taken while watching....spoilers ahead!  It was a fun show and I recommend you watch it.  If you can't or already have, read on!  The stated goal goal was to build and launch a rocket to space in three weeks.  They started by demonstrating  propulsion with a fire hose and moved on to sport rockets on Estes and AeroTech motors.  Last up was a ~4" rocket on 5 motors using BP 'flashpan' ignition.  The rocket rocket burns up, but doesn't launch…

Recap: Rocket City Rednecks "Double Barreled Rocket"  from The Original Rocket Dungeon by Dick | Another spoiler-laden post based on my notes.  A laptop and the ability to pause and rewind shows in real-time  are key to compiling info while watching!  Thanks to the World Series, my regular Wednesday night shows were either preempted or are reruns. So, I decided to watch the new Rocket City Rednecks episode instead of taping it.  As a bonus, the following episode was a rerun of "Double Barreled Rocket." In this episode, the boys build a rocket based on an old water tank (among other junk)…

Today in Aviation History – October 27  from Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club by bikeal

Thursday, May 19, 2011

LARGEST COLLECTION OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT SPANNING ALL ERAS MARKS CENTENNIAL AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 #OSH11

Unique flying warbirds, special programs will honor legacy of naval aviation all week

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 19, 2011) — Celebrating 100 years in one week, the largest collection of naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled in one location is coming together for EAA AirVenture 2011 during its week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation commemoration.

      The 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, will feature special attractions, appearances, and forums as part of its Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy for the year-long centennial festivities.

      From unique restorations and replicas to today’s modern fighters, the legacy of naval aviation will be on display and in action all week at AirVenture 2011. Flying examples will be featured on ConocoPhillips Plaza, as well as a special parking area dubbed “NAS Oshkosh” located just east of Scotts Warbird Alley.

      Among the dozens of unique aircraft anticipated are several World War II and Korean War-era naval warbirds, including the only flying SB2C Helldiver Navy dive bomber in the world, one of two airworthy PV-2 Harpoons, OY1/L-5B USMC Observation aircraft that saw combat during the Battle of Iwo Jima, a rare Temco Pinto jet trainer, TBM Navy torpedo bomber featuring the paint scheme of the aircraft flown by President George H.W. Bush, an award-winning SNJ Navy trainer, F8F Bearcat in a Blue Angels paint scheme, Grumman J2F Duck Navy amphibian, F4U Corsairs, FM2 Wildcat, and F7F Tigercat. 

      Vietnam War-era will be represented by a Douglas R4D, Douglas AD Skyraider, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and North American T-2 Buckeye, with more to be added. Bookending the centennial attractions are a replica of the Curtiss-Ely Pusher that made the first carrier landing on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania in 1911 and more than 25 current naval aircraft repainted in colors from previous eras.

      A listing of aircraft confirmed is available at www.airventure.org/attractions/aircraft.html, with more to be added in the upcoming weeks.

      “There is no other place where you can see a gathering of aircraft of this magnitude representing all eras of naval aviation over the past 100 years,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “This epic event will not only honor the heritage of these legendary warbirds, as well as the brave men and women who served and sacrificed in them. You’ll hear their stories and see their beloved aircraft come to life.”

      Several forums and special programs, including the always popular Warbirds in Review, highlight activities each day, along with afternoon air show showcases, and a naval-focused Living History Encampment featuring wartime reenactors. To mark its 25th anniversary, the naval aviation classic film “Top Gun” is scheduled to be shown at the EAA Fly-In Theater. The Fly-In Theater is presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches.

      On Wednesday, July 27, a themed “Navy Day” will feature a full day of activities surrounding the centennial, including dedicated forums on ConocoPhillips Plaza and Warbirds in Review, a special tribute during the afternoon air show, an “Honor Flight” featuring approximately 80 World War II naval veterans departing AirVenture for Washington, D.C., on a Southwest Airlines 737, and a special evening program featuring very notable naval aviation figures and guests at Theater in the Woods, whose programs are supported by M&Ms.

      More details surrounding “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27, will be announced next week.

      Additionally, Navy veterans will lead the “Salute to Veterans” parade from Scotts Warbird Alley to ConocoPhillips Plaza on Friday, July 29, as part of that day’s salute activities.

      AirVenture 2011 is filled with must-see features and attractions all week, including tribute days dedicated to aviation legends Burt Rutan (Thursday, July 28) and Bob Hoover (Tuesday, July 26) as well as several attractions and events commemorating the 100th anniversary of air mail service.

      Entertainment lasts well into the evening each day, including a couple premier concerts that all ages will enjoy. REO Speedwagon will get AirVenture 2011 off to a rocking start with the Opening Day Concert presented by the Ford Motor Company on Monday, July 25. Highlighting the weekend is “Super Saturday” presented by Southwest Airlines on Saturday, July 30, which will feature country star Aaron Tippin in concert leading into the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks.

      Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets

      EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

2010 NAS Oceana Air Show Review, Virginia Beach

Review by http://www.airshowsreview.com/


Location: NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Admission: Free -- see report about this.
Parking: Free
Value: Excellent


The 2010 Oceana Naval Air Station air show took place on September 17, 18 & 19. It kicked off on Friday. The public was allowed through the gates of the base at 5 PM for a spectacular evening. The Twilight Air Show is a tradition at Oceana. It is a chance to see aircraft flying in a different environment. The sunset light affords stunning views of the aircraft both on the ground and in the air. USAF Viper West Demonstration Team F-16 went up first and was later joined by Warbirds Over Long Island P-51 Glamorous Gal for a US Air Force Heritage Flight. Later before the sun went down the Navy heritage flight was also flying. The F-18C from VFA-106 flew together with the F4U Corsair from the Collings foundation. This weekend the Horseman Flight Team traded in their 3 P-51s for 2 Grumman F8F Bearcats and a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair performing a beautiful flying display. Before the main event on Friday, there were also performances of the Blue Angels C-130 Fat Albert and Team MS760 flying two Paris jets. Once the skies were dark the public was presented with rarely seeing performances by aircraft that we usually only see during daylight at air shows. The power of an F-18 take-off and fly by with afterburners on can be fully appreciated at night. The evening also brought very special performances of Bill Leff’s T-6, Roger Buis’ Otto The Helicopter and Bob Carlton’s Super Salto jet sailplane. Their planes had special lights and pyrotechnics for the evening’s show.

The weather this weekend was sunny and not very hot, a sharp contrast with last year cold and rainy show weekend. Saturday and Sunday brought thousands of spectators to the air base. One the highlights of the weekend was the awesome performance of the F-22. On Saturday it had some technical problems and it had to go back to Langley Air Force base right after its display started.

The layout of the show was excellent. The flight line ran south west to north east so that flight demos were backlit or side-lit for most of the time. If someone was willing to pay for upgraded seats, or stands, it provided very good to excellent viewing of the flight line activities. And, in essence this was also the major problem with the show. There was little or no spectator viewing areas that were free. Flight line seating costs ranged from metal bleachers for $5.00 to VIP for $60.00 per day which included some food and beverages.

For most performances a lens with a 200-400mm range worked well. Even with such limited performances it was possible to take a few interesting images.

The media pit was adequate. Media treatment was good and well organized. There were no media flights offered.

Food service was plentiful and not overly expensive. Sanitation facilities were adequate.

NAS Oceana air show is a perfect venue to bring the entire family, with many attractions for kids. For those who want to have a place to seat and eat can get special VIP tickets or just tickets for the bleachers.

Warbirds that were airborne were:

  • Blue Angels F-18 Hornet
  • C-130 Hercules Fat Albert
  • F-16 Viper West Demo Team
  • F-22 Raptor
  • Navy Legacy Flight
  • USAF Heritage Flight
  • E-2C Hawkeye
  • P-51D Mustang
  • T-6G
  • Grumman F8F Bearcat
  • F4U Corsair
  • Shockwave Jet Truck
  • British Red Devils
  • Otto the Helicopter
  • and many more

Rating: 8.5 out of 10