Archives for November, 2006
2300th C-130 Aircraft Delivered to US Marine Corps
Thursday, November 30th, 2006
Lockheed Martin delivered the 2300th C-130 Hercules built at its facility in Marietta, Georgia, in ceremonies today. The milestone aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker for the United States Marine Corps, was accepted by Maj. Gen. Samuel T. Helland, Commanding General of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Miramar, California. The C-130 production line in Marietta is the longest continuously operating military aircraft production line in history. The C-130 has been in continuous production for more than 50 years. The J model is the fifth major production variant of this versatile airlifter.
Boeing Demonstrates UAV Automated Aerial Refueling Capability
Tuesday, November 28th, 2006
The Boeing Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) program successfully completed flight tests in August that demonstrated for the first time an unmanned air vehicle’s ability to autonomously maintain a steady refueling station behind a tanker aircraft. Boeing Phantom Works conducted the flight tests with the New York Air National Guard 107th Air Refueling Wing, which provided a KC-135R refueling tanker, and Calspan Corp., which provided a Learjet equipped with a special Boeing flight control system that allowed it to fly as an unmanned air vehicle.
Volkswagen tows a Boeing 747
Friday, November 24th, 2006
VW is hoping the number of Touareg TDI owners will grow, and demonstrated the diesel ute’s mighty pulling power recently in a press event that pitted it against the standing weight of a Boeing 747. The plane used for the stunt was a decommissioned Boeing 747-200 that weighs 155 tons.
Book your flight in a B-17 Flying Fortress!
Friday, November 24th, 2006
EAA is offering historic flight experiences in its beautifully restored B-17G Flying Fortress “Aluminum Overcast.†This aircraft is an example of the American heavy bomber that helped turn the tide of battle in World War II. Fly a mission back in time and feel the might of this magnificent aircraft, just as those brave young men did more than 50 years ago.
Second C-5M Super Galaxy takes flight
Tuesday, November 21st, 2006
The second fully modernized Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy test aircraft made its first flight Nov. 17 from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. This is the second of three aircraft that will comprise the new C-5M test fleet. “The C-5M represents a true recapitalization program for a critical capability, ensuring a viable strategic airlift resource for America through the year 2040,” said George Shultz, vice president, Lockheed Martin C-5 Modernization program.
Boeing X-45A on display at USAF Museum
Thursday, November 16th, 2006
The Boeing X-45A unmanned combat air vehicle was officially inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force collection during a ceremony on Nov. 13. “The X-45A is a prime example of an air vehicle that points to the future of our Air Force,” said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf, museum director. “Unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly being used, and we are excited to show the public the giant step that has been taken with these aircraft.”