Snowbirds landing in Portage
- Portage Daily Graphic | The Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration
Team are ready to wow Portagers with an all new routine they will be
performing at Southport on June 4. There is plenty to look forward to
from the routine this year, including several new manoeuvres, said Capt.
Morgan Strachan, opposing solo who flies Snowbird 9...
Snowbirds performing in High River
- Western Wheel | High River residents will want to keep their 
Warbird Weekend fundraiser set for May 31 · General Aviation News | GRANGEVILLE, Idaho – Food and music will be part of an event set for Saturday, May 31, to help raise funds for Warbird Weekend. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Twisted Cellar on Main Street in Grangeville. Offerings will include sliders for $9, along with varying costs for beer and wine. Kim Johnson will host music bingo (participation by donation). Participants play by hearing a musical selection and marking their cards with the correct artist and song title....
Making air show fly takes volunteers - Daily Inter Lake | It takes a lot of people to make an air show happen. The volunteer corps needed for the Mountain Madness Air Show Aug. 30-31 featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is 1,000 people willing to do what it takes to make the show flow...
Red Arrows To Perform at LegenDerry Maritime Festival - Afloat | The world-famous Red Arrows will take to the skies over the North West Coast of Ireland at the end of June with their display of daredevil aerial manoeuvres, to bring a spectacular close to the 2014 LegenDerry Maritime Festival. Brought to the North West by a partnership between Donegal County Council, Limavady Borough Council and Derry City Council, the RAF Red Arrows will perform their thrilling flying display as the stunning send-off to the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race on Sunday 29th June 2014...
Steam Plant Fly-In canceled · General Aviation News | The Steam Plant Fly-In in Gallatin, Tenn., scheduled for Sumner County Regional Airport (M33) on Saturday, June 21, has been canceled.
Airshow Report – Wings Over Illawarra 2014 Airshow * Warbirds News | The annual Wings Over Illawarra air show took place on May 4th, about sixty miles south of Sydney, Australia. For the first time since 2007, the flying program was nearly blown away. Strong and nearly constant winds hung around the New South Wales southern coast all day and unfortunately affected the air show, limiting the flying program due to the heavy crosswinds. Many in...
Thirsty warbirds need juice at Wings, Wheels, Rotors & Expo 2014 - Orange County Breeze | The 13th Annual Wings, Wheels, Rotors & Expo, a popular regional event, is fast approaching. This year WWRE is on Sunday, October 26, on the flightline at Los Alamitos Army Airfield. Among the many activities, functions and displays, will be numerous vintage aircraft and military warbirds. These warbirds are classic military aircraft, mainly from the World War Two era but some from other historical flying times...
World War II bomber to land in Montrose
- Montrose Daily Press | A visitor to the Montrose Regional Airport is
making a special appearance on June 5 — the “Maid in the Shade” B-25
bomber plane restored from its World War II service, will be on display
to the public. The authentic, battle-proven plane flew 15 combat
missions over Italy, Yugoslavia and Brenner between Nov. 4 and Dec. 31,
1944. Now, having changed ownership more than a few times, the place is
in the care of the Commemorative Air Force and invites cockpit tours,
photos and even passenger flights...
Sky's no limit for Matt Hall - ABC Online | Flying must be in Matt Hall's blood - his grandfather flew in World War II, his Dad was into aviation too, so it's no surprise that from the time he was very young Matt wanted to fly. He did so in spectacular fashion becoming a fighter pilot in the Air Force, later a Fighter Combat instructor and even had stint flying with the US Air Force in Iraq - ending his career as a Wing Commander.
Oxcart * The Lexicans | In wandering down assorted internet rabbit holes, I came across a couple of historically interesting articles about the A-12/SR-71 series of aircraft. The first was from the April, 1964 issue of...
Douglas A2D-1 Skyshark * Let Let Let - Warplanes | With the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider operational shortly after the end of the Second World War, the U.S. Navy was already interested in a successor. Because the jet aircraft of that time still had an excessive fuel consumption, the turboprop engine was regarded as a very suitable alternative; in particular for flying at low altitudes....
Tucson in 100 Objects — the 'boneyard' - Arizona Daily Star * The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group operates a storage facility at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base that everybody calls the “boneyard.” Here, more than 4,400 aircraft are mothballed in latex coatings to keep their parts safe from the desert sun....
Crossing the Pond
* Voices From The DC-3 | It’s one thing to conquer the Atlantic
lounging in seat 12A on an American Airlines 777, and quite another to
shepherd a part of history (all 70+ year old, 24,000-odd pounds of her)
through a similar mission... So, congratulations to two Douglas C-47
crews (and their supporting teams) on their respective successful
transatlantic crossings this month! The crew of Whiskey 7 just reached their destination of Duxford, England, on May 23 in time for its airshow over the weekend. The crew of Union Jack Dak arrived at Coventry Airport on May 10....
CAF Dixie Wing Promo Video · Warbirds News | This is a promotional video which was conceptualized, produced and edited my Mike Schneider and Jay Bess, members of the Commemorative Air Force – Dixie Wing. The Dixie Wing was approved as the 83rd CAF unit on February 28, 1987, and has since displayed its collection of vintage World War II aircraft in numerous air shows throughout the Southeast. The wing is a non-profit, tax-exempt “flying museum” that depends on contributions of time and funds to carry out its mission....
St. Boniface students visit “Rise Above” exhibit * The Beacon | Students then toured the hanger to see the B-17 and B-25 bombers on display and learn of their role in WWII, and see and hear about the ongoing restoration of a Ford Tri-motor airplane. They then viewed the film “Rise Above” about the Tuskegee Airmen ...
Pitman students pilot tour guide program at Castle Air Museum - The Turlock Journal | Pitman High senior Ryan Hanson’s father was born on the Castle Air Force Base in Atwater so when he discovered that he could return to the site and give tours to younger students at the now Castle Air Museum through a program at his high school, he jumped at the opportunity...
Showing posts with label Project Oxcart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Project Oxcart. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Indy Transponder 27-MAY-2014 1700z
Friday, February 11, 2011
CIA Intelligence Star for A-12 pilots
Extracted from this article, which serves as a great recap of Project OXCART at Groom Lake and its operational phase, Operation BLACKSHIELD at Kadena.
On 26 June, the A-12 operational pilots—Ken Collins, Jack Layton, Frank Murray, Dennis Sullivan, Mele Vojvodich, and Jack Weeks (posthumously)—were awarded the CIA Intelligence Star for valor. Other members of the 1129th SAS, nicknamed the Roadrunners, received awards as well. The unit’s commander, Col. Slater, and his deputy, Col. Maynard “Am” Amundson, were given the Air Force Legion of Merit, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was presented to all the detachment’s members.
The Intelligence Star is an award given by the Central Intelligence Agency for a "voluntary act or acts of courage performed under hazardous conditions or for outstanding achievements or services rendered with distinction under conditions of grave risk." The award citation is from the Director of Central Intelligence and specifically cites actions of "extraordinary heroism". This is the second highest award for valor in the Central Intelligence Agency, after the Distinguished Intelligence Cross. It is analogous to the Silver Star, the U.S. military award for extraordinary heroism. Having six members of a project receive this award is a high water mark that few, if any, of our agencies and branches of service, can match. We can be very proud of our legacy.
If you are fond of A-12 video, here's one recently released and posted on YouTube.
(Email readers, the video is embedded in this post)
Contributed by
Thornton D. (TD) Barnes
President/Webmaster
Roadrunners Internationale
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Indy Transponder 04-JAN-2010 1130z
Blue Angels land in Lincoln to kick off air show - Lincoln Journal Star | The lieutenants were here to talk about the Guardians of Freedom Air Show, which will be in Lincoln on Sept. 10-11. (JACOB HANNAH / Lincoln Journal Star) ...
Blue Angels are back – KYMA | It's that time already ... with the new year also comes the Blue Angels training season. Monday afternoon, at about 1:15 pm PST, the Blue Angels pilots ...
Blue Angels Return to Lincoln - KPTM-TV | The Navy's Blue Angels are preparing for a big return after not flying for five years. Lt. Todd Royles of the Blue Angle #8 said, "It's going to be great, ...
Red Checkers training again after troubled year - Radio New Zealand | The Royal New Zealand Air Force's aerobatics display team, the Red Checkers, are back training together after two incidents last year, one of which left a ...
Freedom Flight prepares for takeoff from General Aviation News by Janice Wood | Beginning Jan. 15, two Able Flight pilots will fly more than 1,000 miles to meet with wounded veterans in four states to tell them how they can receive an Able Flight scholarship. Heather Schultz and Sean O'Donnell were paralyzed as a result of spinal cord injuries and both earned their pilot licenses with Able Flight scholarships. Looking for a way to give back what was given to them, they created Freedom Flight 2011…
Freedom Flight 2011 Tour Schedule Announced from Aero-News Network | One Thousand Mile Tour To End At Sebring Sport Aviation Show Beginning January 15th, two Able Flight pilots will fly more than a thousand miles to meet with wounded veterans in four states to tell them how they can receive an Able Flight scholarship…
First 2011 WAC Luncheon Slated For New National Center For Aviation Training from Aero-News Network | Panel Discussion January 18 Will Feature WSU President Don Beggs, NIAR President John Tomblin, New NCAT President Tony Kinkel The Wichita Aero Club will move its first monthly luncheon of 2011 from its traditional site at the Wichita Airport Hilton to the campus of the new National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) on Tuesday, January 18…
Event Promoting is Everyone's Business from Successful Event Promoting by Linda Sparks | Paul is technically "the organizer" but he's not in charge of promotion. Promotion is someone else's job. Clearly though he has oversight for the area and a tremendous amount of interest. Let's face it, as organizer he can plan and organize a remarkable event, but if ultimately it is poorly attended, his hard work (and major investments in programming) will be underappreciated. AND without adequate ticket sales, net proceeds will be weak, and that puts next year's event into jeopardy as well…
Two skywriters use the heavens as their pulpit - MiamiHerald.com ``These are God's love letters to his children,'' explains Stevens, 68, a retired aviator who started the sky writing mission 12 years ago when living in ...
WWII B-25 'Skunkie' looking for a home - The State | It became the centerpiece of the Doolittle Raiders' 50th anniversary, held in Columbia in 1992, and subsequent reunions. The Raiders volunteered for what ...
World War II looking for new home - Myrtle Beach Sun News | The Richland County Airport Commission has turned back a request by the newly formed SC Historic Aviation Foundation to house the plane in the historic ...
A Real Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Is In The Air!
by Martt | The last time this airplane flew was July 19th, 1943. What that means is this is a 'real' German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 rather than the replicas that have surfaced in the last several years. Any Fw 190 is amazing, but to know that there is an actual example that's been faithfully restored is pretty phenomenal. The first flight actually took place about a month ago, with veteran race and warbird test pilot Steve Hinton at the controls, but since I somehow missed it when it happened, I thought you may have too…
FAA Light-Sport Aircraft Safety Seminar-2011 - AvStop Aviation News | The FAA Production Studios at Sun 'n Fun has become a well-known fixture at the popular spring airshow. Throughout the year the FAA Safety Team National ...
Why teaching the young to love flying is important | General ... by GAN Staff | One year, a brilliant teacher even brought her entire class to fly in the Ellensburg EAA Young Eagles program. It is a lot of work and expense for the pilots to spend their own money to fly the kids. Some pilots have even flown up from ...
Project Palladium: Testing Soviet Radars from Aviation Trivia of the Day by JP Santiago | When the Lockheed U-2 made its first overflight of the Soviet Union on 4 July 1956, it was common knowledge that its apparent invulnerability was time-limited as advances in Soviet air defense systems were sure to eventually bring one down. In fact, USAF analysts were in the planning stages of a replacement to the U-2 long before it even made its first flight. The first such study was for an exotic liquid hydrogen powered aircraft called Suntan from Lockheed which ended up getting canceled in 1959 at the urgings of its designer, the legendary Kelly Johnson. Running parallel to the Suntan which was an Air Force project, the CIA had two studies going for a U-2 replacement- one was a subsonic design code named Gusto and the other was a supersonic design that ultimately became Oxcart…
Today in Aviation History – January 4 from Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club by bikeal
January 5 from Cut and Paste Aviation by KenInfinite
The "Harrier" Final days PHOTO. Tribute. (Set 1 of 3)
from PPRuNe Forums by Old Photo.Fanatic | This is my Photo. tribute to the final days of the "Harrier" I covered the final days in three sessions, so follows three seperate sets of Photos. over three "posts". They are a result of sessions in the recent very cold/wet/windy/weather!!!!! The conditions did not make for best Photography, but it was a "Must do" situation. The results are mixed but overall I was pleased with them. Hope they meet with approval, observations/comment welcome. Enjoy!!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Final Flight - Willy Wuest - The Bard of Beatty
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the final flight of the Bard of Beatty.
Professor Lieutenant Colonel WILLYS D, (Bill) WUEST, President of the English Speaking Union, Norwich and Norfolk, UK died peacefully at home on October 30th at age 82 years. Bill was husband of Mary, father of Martin and Vanessa and grandad of Oliver, Natasha and Michael. Funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Hingham on Friday, November 12th at 2.30 p.m. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired, for Wymondham Rapid Response or The Windmill Surgery, Wymondham, may be left at the service or sent c/o Breckland Funeral Services, 25 Norwich Road, Watton, IP25 6DA.
Bill Wuest was born on 10 October 1928 at Evanston, Cook County Illinois, USA. He was known as a great supporter of close links between the United States and his adopted country. He was a former governor of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Trust, which safeguards the American Library at the Forum in Norwich and was also president of the Norfolk and Norwich English Speaking Union.
Willys J Wuest, always known as Bill, was posted to RAF Sculthorpe, near Fakenham, in 1951 as a meteorologist with the United States Air Force, he retired after 20 years as lieutenant colonel after serving alongside the Japanese Defense Force. For much of his career, he was involved in highly-secret postings, not least at Sculthorpe, then a home of nuclear weapons, and then later spending five years near Las Vegas attached to the USAF’s 1129th SAS at Groom Lake, where the “invisible” A-12 Blackbird plane was developed. Later, he served at Alconbury, near Huntingdon, and also at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Wuest, did a first degree at the University of Illinois before completing his masters at the University of Chicago. Then he was sent to Army Language School at Monterey, California, where he became fluent in Russian and German.
But it was his expertise in meteorology, which was to earn him rapid promotion in the USAF’s air weather service. While weather and forecasting always remained a prime interest, he went on to specialize in aeronautical topics. He was given a chair by the world’s leading aeronautical university, Embry-Riddle, of Florida and then as part of its Worldwide Campus network lectured service personnel at Air Force bases in England. He used his charm to invite leading aviation figures including former war-time RAF aces Douglas Bader and Johnnie Johnson as guest lecturers.
He married Mary in 1954, and since then they have lived at Old Buckenham for more than a dozen years and more recently at Hingham. He had bought a 1928 Swift – dating from the year of his birth – and was frequently seen driving the vintage car around the district. A member of the Anglian Balloon Club for many years, he also managed three flights on Concorde.
With his ear for language, he also had the knack of writing poetry and often composed an impromptu note of thanks or for a golden weddings. Gifted with a stentorian voice, he was also a popular master of ceremonies at annual thanksgiving reunion dinners for many years. He was also heavily involved with the Friends of the 2nd Air Division, serving on the committee, and in 2006 was invited as guest of honor to the 60th anniversary celebrations of the USAF at Mildenhall.
He leaves a widow, Mary, and son, Martin, who is a microchip engineer living in the USA, and daughter, Vanessa, and three grandchildren. His oldest grandson, Oliver, is studying aeronautical engineering at Imperial College.
Willy Wuest, aka The Bard of Beatty to his contemporaries in the OXCART program, was one of the weather officers at Groom Lake. I think the Bard would want to be remembered by the Roadrunners for his writings an quick wit while at Groom Lake. To some, his articles are humorous - to others they are sad as they depict the closure of a great era in our roadrunner careers. http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/bard.html
Major Willie Wuest holds the honor of having conducted the final weather briefing for Project OXCART as Frank Murray "Dutch 20" prepared to fly A-12 Article 131 on Mission Final Scope Barn from Groom Lake to Palmdale on the final flight ever for the A-12. The briefing was done about 0400 on the morning of 21 June 1968. Most personnel at Area 51 at this time of day were asleep, but as usual there were some working these hours to get things done, like launching the final A-12 mission. The mission was short with routing more or less over unpopulated areas, and to be flown at subsonic speeds to prevent "booming" folks along the way. Major Wuest - The Bard of Beatty wrote another of his fabulous oldies appropriate for this occasion.
In the words of the Bard himself!
"Composed and read at that tragic and historic occasion, the Final Scope Barn, 21 June 1968, in the Fifth Year of the Great Society.
The Last Briefing
With infinite skill and loving care
And a sad and heavy heart,
The weather man in the early Morn
Drew his final weather chart.
He lovingly sketched each isobar
Over land and sea and shore,
As he had done so many times
For the last eight years or more.
He entered weather symbols
Each in its proper place,
As emotion overcame him
And tears streamed down his face.
His voice so choked with sorrow
You could barely hear him say
?This briefing chart is all screwed up,
It CAVU all the way!!!?"
Bon Voyage, Willy on your final flight. It's CAVU (Ceiling and visibility unlimited) all the way.
Submitted by:
Thornton D. (TD) Barnes
President/Webmaster
Roadrunners Internationale
http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/
What did you do today for freedom?
Professor Lieutenant Colonel WILLYS D, (Bill) WUEST, President of the English Speaking Union, Norwich and Norfolk, UK died peacefully at home on October 30th at age 82 years. Bill was husband of Mary, father of Martin and Vanessa and grandad of Oliver, Natasha and Michael. Funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Hingham on Friday, November 12th at 2.30 p.m. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired, for Wymondham Rapid Response or The Windmill Surgery, Wymondham, may be left at the service or sent c/o Breckland Funeral Services, 25 Norwich Road, Watton, IP25 6DA.
Bill Wuest was born on 10 October 1928 at Evanston, Cook County Illinois, USA. He was known as a great supporter of close links between the United States and his adopted country. He was a former governor of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Trust, which safeguards the American Library at the Forum in Norwich and was also president of the Norfolk and Norwich English Speaking Union.
Willys J Wuest, always known as Bill, was posted to RAF Sculthorpe, near Fakenham, in 1951 as a meteorologist with the United States Air Force, he retired after 20 years as lieutenant colonel after serving alongside the Japanese Defense Force. For much of his career, he was involved in highly-secret postings, not least at Sculthorpe, then a home of nuclear weapons, and then later spending five years near Las Vegas attached to the USAF’s 1129th SAS at Groom Lake, where the “invisible” A-12 Blackbird plane was developed. Later, he served at Alconbury, near Huntingdon, and also at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Wuest, did a first degree at the University of Illinois before completing his masters at the University of Chicago. Then he was sent to Army Language School at Monterey, California, where he became fluent in Russian and German.
But it was his expertise in meteorology, which was to earn him rapid promotion in the USAF’s air weather service. While weather and forecasting always remained a prime interest, he went on to specialize in aeronautical topics. He was given a chair by the world’s leading aeronautical university, Embry-Riddle, of Florida and then as part of its Worldwide Campus network lectured service personnel at Air Force bases in England. He used his charm to invite leading aviation figures including former war-time RAF aces Douglas Bader and Johnnie Johnson as guest lecturers.
He married Mary in 1954, and since then they have lived at Old Buckenham for more than a dozen years and more recently at Hingham. He had bought a 1928 Swift – dating from the year of his birth – and was frequently seen driving the vintage car around the district. A member of the Anglian Balloon Club for many years, he also managed three flights on Concorde.
With his ear for language, he also had the knack of writing poetry and often composed an impromptu note of thanks or for a golden weddings. Gifted with a stentorian voice, he was also a popular master of ceremonies at annual thanksgiving reunion dinners for many years. He was also heavily involved with the Friends of the 2nd Air Division, serving on the committee, and in 2006 was invited as guest of honor to the 60th anniversary celebrations of the USAF at Mildenhall.
He leaves a widow, Mary, and son, Martin, who is a microchip engineer living in the USA, and daughter, Vanessa, and three grandchildren. His oldest grandson, Oliver, is studying aeronautical engineering at Imperial College.
Willy Wuest, aka The Bard of Beatty to his contemporaries in the OXCART program, was one of the weather officers at Groom Lake. I think the Bard would want to be remembered by the Roadrunners for his writings an quick wit while at Groom Lake. To some, his articles are humorous - to others they are sad as they depict the closure of a great era in our roadrunner careers. http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/bard.html
Major Willie Wuest holds the honor of having conducted the final weather briefing for Project OXCART as Frank Murray "Dutch 20" prepared to fly A-12 Article 131 on Mission Final Scope Barn from Groom Lake to Palmdale on the final flight ever for the A-12. The briefing was done about 0400 on the morning of 21 June 1968. Most personnel at Area 51 at this time of day were asleep, but as usual there were some working these hours to get things done, like launching the final A-12 mission. The mission was short with routing more or less over unpopulated areas, and to be flown at subsonic speeds to prevent "booming" folks along the way. Major Wuest - The Bard of Beatty wrote another of his fabulous oldies appropriate for this occasion.
In the words of the Bard himself!
"Composed and read at that tragic and historic occasion, the Final Scope Barn, 21 June 1968, in the Fifth Year of the Great Society.
The Last Briefing
With infinite skill and loving care
And a sad and heavy heart,
The weather man in the early Morn
Drew his final weather chart.
He lovingly sketched each isobar
Over land and sea and shore,
As he had done so many times
For the last eight years or more.
He entered weather symbols
Each in its proper place,
As emotion overcame him
And tears streamed down his face.
His voice so choked with sorrow
You could barely hear him say
?This briefing chart is all screwed up,
It CAVU all the way!!!?"
Bon Voyage, Willy on your final flight. It's CAVU (Ceiling and visibility unlimited) all the way.
Submitted by:
Thornton D. (TD) Barnes
President/Webmaster
Roadrunners Internationale
http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/
What did you do today for freedom?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Final Flight - Harold Burgeson
Info provided by Roadrunners Internationale
Photo provided by Burgeson family
Monday, October 25, 2010
Indy Transponder 25-OCT-2010 1145z
Air & Space Airshow Spotter's Guide - Air & Space
You know how to tell a Viper from a Hornet, but does your airshow-newbie friend? Here are recognition tips, bite-size histories, specs and info links for the airplanes most likely to appear at airshows this year. ...
Nearly 80000 spectators attended this year's Vectren Dayton Air Show. Show officials said 2010 attendance was about the same as the 2009 show. ...
Wings Over Houston 2010 - abc13.com
Tora! re-enactment to the incredible US Air Force Thunderbirds. The crowd at Ellington Field thrilled to sky divers, the USO Jet Car, and incredible air ...
Frecce Tricolori's 50th Anniversary airshow,Red Arrows,Patrula ... by MO
Although it's not business related at this show there were a lot of European flight demo teams. Here are few more pics from my collection.
WWII planes coming to Shelby County Airport - Shelby County Reporter
1 and will feature a Boeing B-17, consolidated B-24 and dual control P-51 Mustang. Ground tours and flight experiences will be available all weekend. ...
In Fort Lauderdale, rides available on vintage bomber - Sun-Sentinel
Want to see what it's like to fly in a World War II-era B-17 Flying Fortress? For $430, you can take a 30-minute hop in the ...
Iconic British aircraft Avro Vulcan XH558 may be grounded - Scotland Courier
The crowd at this year's Leuchars Airshow may have been among the last in Britain to see an iconic bomber fly. By Cheryl Peebles Some 40000 people flocked ...
World War I aviation art highlights auction from General Aviation News
Seldom seen examples of original World War I aviation art come to auction at Bonhams & Butterfields in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 15, when the international auctioneer presents its Antique Arms & Armor sale. ...
Oxcart. Habu. Blackbird. from The Mach 1 Blog
Perhaps the sleekest looking and most enigmatic of all military aircraft, the Oxcart platform was borne out of a specific need to defeat (i.e. outrun & outfly) the defense systems of its day while on missions to gather hard visual intelligence about other nations activities. ...
Dogfights are forms of aerial combat between fighter aircraft or a manoeuvrings combat at short range, where each side is aware of the others presence. Dogfighting first appeared during World War I, shortly after the invention of airplanes, and has since become a component in every major war. However it was believed that after World War II, high tech combat aircraft with greater speed and longer range weapons would make dogfighting obsolete. ...
Gray Creech of NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center can remember August 2, 1985, as if it was yesterday.
On that day 25 years ago the public affairs specialist was a young U.S. Air Force airman heading home on leave to North Carolina, flying out of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. ...
On This Day in History: October 25 Birth Anniversaries of Two Heroes - Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Designated a naval aviator in 1918, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander. In 1925 he commanded the naval air unit of the expedition to ...
October 25 from Cut and Paste Aviation
“Disney “La-Haut” (“Up”) balloon... from x planes
Year In Review - Odd Shots 2010 from The Aero Experience
Sun N Fun Airshow 2010 by thebluesideup
Here are great pictures from the Sun N Fun airshow 2010 in Lakeland Florida.
Movie Monday - October 25 - KIRO7 looks at Boeing and Beyond from Flightblogger
KIRO-Player_560.jpg/>This week will mark two years since Boeing and its largest union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) agreed to end the strike that crippled jetliner production for nearly two months. The four year contract is now at the half way point and a year from now negotiations will be getting underway once again between Boeing management and the IAM. ...
Marathon Aviation Day set Nov. 13 - Palm Beach Post
Marathon Aviation Day will feature a pre-registration signup booth for the Young Eagles flying program, which offers free flights for children ages 8 ...
Free EAA Student Membership Maintains Young Eagles' Connection ...
EAA Young Eagles can now stay connected to the aviation world and enjoy a variety of benefits at no cost through the EAA Student Membership supported by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The EAA Student Membership, available free of ...
Jetting toward space from The Original Rocket Dungeon
New start-up, NanoLauncher, plans to use 'recycled' military jets to launch rockets with
suborbital/orbital payloads. The general idea is not new, but I was not aware of a commercial company proposing it. More on Space.com.Caption Contest #40 - Ends Wednesday 10.27.10 At 9PM EDT from AirPigz
It’s time for more of your clever caption wit and all-around avgeek fun with Caption Contest #40. There were ...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Indy Transponder 29-SEP-10 1030z
The Miramar Air Show Takes Flight Friday - NBC San Diego | The air show includes demonstrations by the world-famous Blue Angels, and the Canadian Snowbirds on Saturday, followed by four hour Twilight Show, ...
Oxcart Legacy: Day 6 - Today the Oxcart Legacy tour went up the Hill...Capitol Hill. The group consisted of Ken and Sandra Collins, TD Barnes, Dennis Nordquist, Roger Anderson, Linda Cady, Bob and Mary Jane Murphy, Peter DeForth, Connie Pardew, Annie Jacobsen, Dr. David Robarge and his wife Cheryl. The group was led to the Capitol Hill Club right down the street from the Capitol Dome…
Artist Bob Morgan unveils "Amelia Earhart in Helena" - KXLH Helena News | Famed aviator Amelia Earhart landed at the Helena airport to survey a route for Northwest Airlines 77 years ago. Helena artist Bob Morgan attended the 1933 ...
"Gathering of Eagles" Celebration at Alberta Aviation Museum from Aviation.ca News | On Tuesday, October 5, the Alberta Aviation Museum is holding a fund-raising "Gathering of Eagles" dinner to celebrate aviation. Special guests at the head table will include representatives of various periods of our aviation history and presentations will illustrate our...
Travis Air Museum hosting mustangs, planes and more event at Nut Tree Airport ... - TheReporter.com | Travis Air Museum's 2nd Annual Mustang Days Wings and Wheels will be held from 9 am to 3 pm Oct. 9 at the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville. ...
WW2 Women's Pilots Group Holds Reunion in Palm Desert - KPSP Local 2 | On Wednesday, the WASPS were holding a ceremony in which a Gold Congressional Medal would honor famed aviatrix Jackie Cochran. A member of the Coachella ...Discovery Centre caters for young high-fliers - Hills Shire Times | Discovery Centre volunteer and aviatrix captain Judy Rainsford will also be on board to tell budding aviators stories about how things fly. ...
Aero-TV: Terrafugia In Transition -- Update To The Proof Of Concept Vehicle from Aero-News Network | Wings Or Wheels -- Terrafugia Has It Covered Visitors to this year's Oshkosh extravaganza were provided an update on the progress of the Transition Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car" and the unveiling of a scalable model of the Beta Prototype (stage 2) next generation design…
An American Astronaut Saves the A300 and Airbus from Aviation Trivia of the Day by JP Santiago | The first several years of Airbus' existence after the first flight of the A300 were miserable ones as orders slowly trickled in while the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar were racking up order after order from the world's airlines. Between the end of 1975 and May of 1977, Airbus failed to get even a single order for the A300…
Episode 116 – Roving Reporters from Airplane Geeks Podcast by thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com (Airplane Geeks) David, Rob, Dan, and Max discuss the week's aviation news. We also have Kimon's report of a zero-G flight experience, David's interviews with the MS760 team and The Fighter Factory from the Oceana Airshow, and Max's interview with Carl Dietrich, co-Founder and CEO of Terrafugia, developers of a "flying car." Pieter Johnson came in with another Across the Pond, and Steve and Grant from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast have their Australia Desk report…-For the latest News @ Full Throttle and additional features visit www.IndyTransponder.com
-Subscribe for daily automatic E-mail delivery directly to your Inbox!
-Also join us on: ---Facebook ---Twitter
-Send Notices > Releases > Updates > Be a Contributor > Contact: IndyTransponder@gmail.com
Oxcart Legacy: Day 6
Today the Oxcart Legacy tour went up the Hill...Capitol Hill. The group consisted of Ken and Sandra Collins, TD Barnes, Dennis Nordquist, Roger Anderson, Linda Cady, Bob and Mary Jane Murphy, Peter DeForth, Connie Pardew, Annie Jacobsen, Dr. David Robarge and his wife Cheryl. The group was led to the Capitol Hill Club right down the street from the Capitol Dome.
It was a VIP tour from beginning to end as these aviation pioneers were personally escorted by former Congressman Jim Longley who is now Executive Director of the Advanced Technical Intelligence Association (ATIA).
They watched opening session of Congress, were taken to a number of points of interest that the Capitol has including the old Senate room, the gallery and the rotunda. It was followed by a luncheon hosted by the ATIA at the Capitol Hill Club for Oxcart members and interested congressional members and staff.
Dr. David Robarge, Chief Historian for the Central Intelligence Agency introduced Oxcart members and each gave a brief talk about their experiences with the still ahead of it's time program. Robarge who wrote the Oxcart History for the CIA said it was an honor to be part of this tour and presentations around the Washington DC area. "I have learned so much more from our A-12 veterans," he said
Bob Murphy, who was the Industrial Manager at Lockheed Skunkworks spoke about the cohesiveness and 'hands-on aspect of working for aerospace genius Kelly Johnson. "It was a privilege to work for Kelly and on the Oxcart program," he said. "And it was a very patriotic group."
Dennis Nordquist who helped design the J-58 engines for the A-12 started in his early 20's with Pratt and Whitney. "My time on the Oxcart program and the J-58's helped me to be success later in my career," he said. "They had a 'can-do' attitude."
Col. Ken Collins (Ret) was one of the six mission pilots for the A-12 and said it was a great experience working so closely with the engineers and other personnel on the program. Collins flew six missions in the A-12 over Vietnam.
The United States Air Air Force played a key role in supporting the Oxcart program while they tested at the Nevada desert and set up operations for the A-12's Blackshield missions at Kadena AFB in Okinawa.
USAF's Roger Anderson was there today to talk about his role as Operations Officer"It was a great program," he said. "I was so glad to be a part of it."
TD Barnes president of Roadrunners Internationale and Director of the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame (NVAHOF) explained his duties as hypersonic flight support specialist and foreign radar and aircraft expert. for the A-12 program. Barnes who along with Robarge and tour coordinator Peter DeForth were given special recognition plaques from the ATIA. Barnes also spoke about the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame and the mission to continue the state's rich aviation legacy.
Later some members of the group met with Nevada Senator John Ensign where they discussed the goals of the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame.
Nevada Congresswoman, Shelly Berkley expressed a desire to meet with the NVAHOF team, but encountered scheduling conflicts.
"Our aviation legacy is important to the country," said Barnes. "People need to be educated on the rich history we have and the technologies that have fostered what we have today."
Submitted by Connie Pardew
Photos by Mike Schmitz
They watched opening session of Congress, were taken to a number of points of interest that the Capitol has including the old Senate room, the gallery and the rotunda. It was followed by a luncheon hosted by the ATIA at the Capitol Hill Club for Oxcart members and interested congressional members and staff.
"Thank you for what you have done for our country," said Barbara Sanderson, secretary/treasurer of ATIA. 'Your innovations in aerospace, technology and flight have set the standard-we can't loose your history."Plaques of appreciation presented by Advanced Technical Association during presentations and ceremony at Capitol Hill Club to Roadrunner President and Director of Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame Thornton D. "TD" Barnes, Peter Deforth, Chief Historian at the Central Intelligence Agency Dr. Robert Robarge by former congressman and ATIA Executive Director Jim Longley on the left, and ATIA Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Sanderson on the right. Joining them on the right is Roger Andersen, 1129th SAS Operations Officer during Project Oxcart at Groom Lake and Operation Black Shield at Kadena.
Dr. David Robarge, Chief Historian for the Central Intelligence Agency introduced Oxcart members and each gave a brief talk about their experiences with the still ahead of it's time program. Robarge who wrote the Oxcart History for the CIA said it was an honor to be part of this tour and presentations around the Washington DC area. "I have learned so much more from our A-12 veterans," he said
Bob Murphy, who was the Industrial Manager at Lockheed Skunkworks spoke about the cohesiveness and 'hands-on aspect of working for aerospace genius Kelly Johnson. "It was a privilege to work for Kelly and on the Oxcart program," he said. "And it was a very patriotic group."
Dennis Nordquist who helped design the J-58 engines for the A-12 started in his early 20's with Pratt and Whitney. "My time on the Oxcart program and the J-58's helped me to be success later in my career," he said. "They had a 'can-do' attitude."
Col. Ken Collins (Ret) was one of the six mission pilots for the A-12 and said it was a great experience working so closely with the engineers and other personnel on the program. Collins flew six missions in the A-12 over Vietnam.
The United States Air Air Force played a key role in supporting the Oxcart program while they tested at the Nevada desert and set up operations for the A-12's Blackshield missions at Kadena AFB in Okinawa.
USAF's Roger Anderson was there today to talk about his role as Operations Officer"It was a great program," he said. "I was so glad to be a part of it."
TD Barnes president of Roadrunners Internationale and Director of the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame (NVAHOF) explained his duties as hypersonic flight support specialist and foreign radar and aircraft expert. for the A-12 program. Barnes who along with Robarge and tour coordinator Peter DeForth were given special recognition plaques from the ATIA. Barnes also spoke about the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame and the mission to continue the state's rich aviation legacy.
Later some members of the group met with Nevada Senator John Ensign where they discussed the goals of the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame.
Nevada Congresswoman, Shelly Berkley expressed a desire to meet with the NVAHOF team, but encountered scheduling conflicts.
"Our aviation legacy is important to the country," said Barnes. "People need to be educated on the rich history we have and the technologies that have fostered what we have today."
Submitted by Connie Pardew
Photos by Mike Schmitz
.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Indy Transponder 28-SEP-10 1030z
Miramar Air Show tops Fleet Week – OCRegister | The final event is the Miramar Air Show, one of the most attended free events in the country. Members of the US Navy Blue Angels precision flying team in a ...
Amigo Airsho to feature famed Thunderbirds - El Paso Times by By Luis Hernandez \ El Paso Times | The US Air Force Thunderbirds -- with their precision aerial acrobatics -- will headline this year s edition of the Amigo Airsho next month…
Planes, pilots showcased at air show - The Orion | The Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed at the Chico Air Show last, a nine-person team of aerobatic stunt pilots flying CT-114 Tutors. ...
Will the Snowbirds return to Brantford?
from Aviation.ca News | The Rotary Brantford Charity Airshow is in jeopardy for the 2011 season. Canada's Snowbird Demo team says they are unable to perform at the Brantford Municipal Airport until some upgrades are made to the tarmac…
from Aviation.ca News | The Rotary Brantford Charity Airshow is in jeopardy for the 2011 season. Canada's Snowbird Demo team says they are unable to perform at the Brantford Municipal Airport until some upgrades are made to the tarmac…
BBC News - One British team left in Gordon Bennett balloon race
from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ Two British teams taking part in the Gordon Bennett 2010 international gas balloon race have been forced to land. At about 0913 BST, Janet Folkes and Ann Rich were reported to have descended after flying 1037.74km (644.82 miles). Colin Butter and Paul Spellward came down after flying 916.39km (569.42 miles). Twenty teams launched their balloons near Bristol late on Saturday. The race aim is to see who can travel the farthest…
from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ Two British teams taking part in the Gordon Bennett 2010 international gas balloon race have been forced to land. At about 0913 BST, Janet Folkes and Ann Rich were reported to have descended after flying 1037.74km (644.82 miles). Colin Butter and Paul Spellward came down after flying 916.39km (569.42 miles). Twenty teams launched their balloons near Bristol late on Saturday. The race aim is to see who can travel the farthest…
Peoria's "Danger Dan" of 104.9 The Wolf Flies With Rob | Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows from http://www.ultimateairshows.com/ Rob and the Window World Airshows team had a great time at the Prairie Air Show from July 23-25 in Peoria, IL. Before the show, Radio personality "Danger Dan" from Peoria's 104.9 "The Wolf" got the opportunity to fly along with Rob Holland in the Window World MX2 to learn a little about "how Rob does it!" and posted a great video to prove it!
El Sausal Vice Principal chosen to Fly with Thunderbirds - KIONrightnow.com | New information on the Salinas air show which is just days away, coming to town this Saturday and Sunday. One lucky Central Coast man will get a ride of a ...
Blue Angels At Kaneohe Bay 2010 – DallasNagata.com – Photography ... - This past Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Blue Angels' airshow rehearsal day, ahead of the major crowds and epic traffic jam. I was also granted a media pass, allowing for front-row seating within the media section…
Malta International Airshow 2010 FB Photos
Oxcart Legacy: Day 5 - The Oxcart Legacy tour did double duty as they visited the massive Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) located at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington D.C. and later gave a presentation to the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, the Advanced Technical Intelligence Assoc and the Association of Old Crows.
FiFi to Take Part in 2010 CAF Airsho - NewsWest9.com | MIDLAND - Just in time for the 2010 Airsho, the Commemorative Air Force's biggest star is ready to take flight. After an extensive re-engine project, ...
American Heros Airshow ,Lake Havasu City 2010 <Photo Thread> from azaerophoto.com Restoring the last surviving Wellington Bomber to its former glory
from Military Photos by NovocastrianUK | Work is underway to preserve an important piece of British military history that played a vital role in the Second World War - the last surviving Wellington Bomber. It was taken to pieces for the 145 mile road journey from London to the RAF Museum's conservation centre in Shropshire, where specialists are now working to return it to its former glory. After nearly seventy years, the biggest threat to the Wellington is corrosion of the metal frame. The team at the RAF Museum conservation centre are working to remove it, and prevent it spreading. The structure underneath shows little sign of its age, good news for the team who hope to conserve as much of the original build as possible…
Aero-TV Redux: AAA's New Generation – Antique Aircraft Inspires Young Pilots from Aero-News Network | Colorado Youth Find Mentorship in Antique Aviation Community ANN E-I-C Note: In light of the tone of some recent efforts to to look to the future of aviation, I thought it might make sense to see how one amazing effort is paying off in inspiring young people to seek a future that includes aviation... enjoy! -- Jim Campbell, ANN Editor-In-Chief. Founded in August of 1953 by Robert L. Taylor, the Antique Aircraft Association is the world's oldest organization specifically devoted to antique and classic aircraft. Yet as airfield accessibility continues to diminish and the general aviation community continues to grey, there is growing concern among antique aircraft enthusiasts: how can we appeal to youth in order to grow and support the next generation of pilots?...
Eurocopter's X3 unveiled - part plane part copter.from Black Horizon by Steve Douglass | Eurocopter has revealed its hand in the race for high-speed rotary-wing flight, unveiling the extraordinary-looking X³ high-speed prototype on 27 September…
Virgin Galactic: Branson makes space travel his next frontier - International Business Times AU | With fare starting at $200000, Virgin Galactic's unique spacecraft created by Burt Rutan will likely take passengers into a into suborbital space. ...
-For the latest News @ Full Throttle and additional features visit www.IndyTransponder.com
-Subscribe for daily automatic E-mail delivery directly to your Inbox!
-Also join us on: ---Facebook ---Twitter
-Send Notices > Releases > Updates > Be a Contributor > Contact: IndyTransponder@gmail.com
Oxcart Legacy: Day 5
The Oxcart Legacy tour did double duty as they visited the massive Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) located at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington D.C. and later gave a presentation to the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, the Advanced Technical Intelligence Assoc and the Association of Old Crows.
Another highly secure venue (no cameras allowed) at the DIA-panelists were greeted by DIA Director LT Gen. Ronald I. Burgess Jr. and each was presented a commemorative DIA coin "It is a privilege and and honor to host these pioneers of high speed, high altitude surveillance flight," said Burgess. "You were at the forefront of reconnaissance with the A-12 and set the tone to face the challenges of today."
The presentation to DIA staff and military personnel included a stirring slide show chronicling the Oxcart program and ended with the "Letters to Kelly" video tribute.
Later the group travelled to Herndon, Virginia to speak in front of the U.S.Geospatial Intelligence Foundation.
Photo of crowd at USGIF presentation
Moderator, Dr. David Robarge, Chief Historian for the Central Intelligence Agency said the Oxcart personnel are true heroes in the aerospace community. "They were on the cutting edge," he said. "It was a complete package." The A-12 reached altitudes of 90,000 feet and was able to reach Mach 3.29. It set the bar for it's successor, the SR-71 is still the highest and fastest manned, air breathing platform in aviation history.
The panelists discussed the challenges and triumphs of the project and fielded questions from the audiences.
On Tuesday, the tour will be guests of Congress at Capitol Hill.
Submitted by Connie Pardew
Photo by TD Barnes
Monday, September 27, 2010
Indy Transponder 27-SEP-10 1030z
Georgetown Airfest 2010 - SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 – GEORGETOWN, TX Central Texas residents had beautiful weather for the Georgetown Airfest. This was mostly an open house for the community to check out some beautiful planes, new and old, learn more about the local flight schools, and see some flying as well…
St. Louis Regional Airport Fly-In Attracts Wide Range of Aircraft from The Aero Experience by Carmelo Turdo…
Oxcart Legacy Tour: Paying Tribute - Saturday, the Roadrunners were honored and paid tribute to fallen A-12 pilots at CIA headquarters-- Today a visit was made to the final resting places of two A-12 program personnel at Arlington National Cemetery-Major General Douglas Nelson and Col. Ray Schrecengost…
Injured Indonesian pilot dies - The Hindu | AP A Super Decathlon flies too low before being crashed during an air show in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, Friday, September 24, 2010…
Warbirds salute veterans in Millville - Vineland Daily Journal | Some warbirds were parked for attendees to gawk at, take pictures beside and even climb into, while many other planes could be seen in flight. ...
World War II veterans get a free sentimental journey - Lehigh Acres News Star | Ken Boggs, commander of the Disabled American Veterans Bradenton chapter, said his group didn't hesitate to donate $6000 for the trip. ...
WWII aircraft tour soars above North Shore - Boston Globe | From Saturday through Monday, approximately 2000 spectators and riders got an up-close look at two heavy bombers: "Nine O Nine,'' a Boeing B-17 Flying ...
Inhabitat's Week in Green: fly like a bird, bend batteries in half, and spray clothing from a can from Engadget by Inhabitat - This week saw several amazing feats of aeronautics as we showcased the world's first continuous flight of a human-powered ornithopter and the sun-powered Solar Impulse plane embarked upon an incredible voyage across Switzerland…VIDEO: Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race takes off from Bristol, UK from Flight International by Barbara Cockburn - The Gordon Bennett Cup, the oldest (gas) hot air balloon race was launched this weekend for the first time in the UK. September 2010, weather permitting. Unlike a normal hot air balloon race the balloons are filled with hydrogen and so 20 took off from a site in Bristol on The gas balloons are controlled by releasing gas to go down and throwing out sand to go up…
Virgin to launch space tourism in 18 months: Branson – AFP | The project's SpaceshipTwo, an aircraft built by aviation engineer Burt Rutan and designed to carry paying customers into suborbital space, had its maiden ...
ROCKETS Magazine releases ThunderStruck 2010 DVD set from Rocketry Planet | GAITHERSBURG, Maryland USA — ThunderStruck 2010 was Tripoli Indiana's first journey into the uncharted territory of running a regional launch. The launch site as Ash Grove near West Lafayette is big, LDRS-capable big. The launch took place during the weekend of April 10 and 11, 2010. The launch site is a working farm where the remnants of the last corn crop were clearly evident, with over a thousand acres still covered in dry, brown corn stalks. The corn was scheduled to be disked under to make way for this year's crop of soybeans, but Mother Nature made sure the ground stayed wet and muddy right up until the launch window opened…
The Boeing 247 Flying Laboratory of United Air Lines from Aviation Trivia of the Day by JP Santiago | United Air Lines' legendary president William "Pat" Patterson listed his corporate goals in what he called his "Rule of Five"- safety, passenger comfort, dependability, honesty, and sincerity. To Pat Patterson, the goal of safety was the most important that he asked each and everyone one of his employees to strive for above all else…
360 degree cockpit views from Wright Squawks by Roger Chua | Ever dreamed of piloting a fighter bomber? Getting behind the controls of a Comet? Or a Jaguar or a Vulcan bomber? Or chilling out on board Concorde? Now you step into the cockpits and cabins of these famous planes and view them in stunning 360° panoramas! click here to go to National Museums Scotland website for these fantastic panoramas. Wish al lthe world's aircraft were featured this way…
-Subscribe for daily automatic E-mail delivery directly to your Inbox!
-Also join us on: ---Facebook ---Twitter
-Send Notices > Releases > Updates > Be a Contributor > Contact: IndyTransponder@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
