Moore County Airport’s Post

THE FIGHTER WITH A 727 ENGINE: Sweden's Saab Viggen (translation: Lightning Bolt) was one of the only fighter aircraft ever made to have a thrust reverser (many fighters have a decel parachute, instead). The purpose of the 3, dagger-shaped reverser doors was to direct exhaust forward, thereby reducing landing distance on the unprepared (roads), short & potentially slippery surfaces intended during wartime. Made in Linköping, Sweden (SW of Stockholm) the aircraft could actually come to a stop using reverser-only, and reverse on the runway & into parking positions. The only other fighter aircraft I'm aware of that has thrust reversers (clamshell type) is the Panavia Tornado. Anyone know of other types with reversers? Without external fuel tanks, the aircraft was somewhat fuel critical immediately after takeoff, especially if afterburner was used. Viggen pilot quote: "When flying without reheat, the aircraft wasn’t that impressive, even underpowered. During check flights on hot days, when take-offs were performed in dry power, the aircraft barely got airborne. The afterburner’s zone one was used to retain a speed of Mach 0.9 at low altitude when carrying a heavy load. Zone two was an increase of speed zone and a take-off zone. Zone three was where things began to happen. The word ‘accelerate’ really is insufficient — the Viggen simply runs off. When taking off using zone three, the aircraft lifts off after about 400m, with the speed by the end of the runway being around 800km/h, and Mach 0.8 being reached after about one more kilometre." Engine on the Viggen was a Volvo RM8. In 1962, the civil Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine, as used for airliners such as the Boeing 727, was chosen as the only engine available which could be modified to meet the Viggen requirements. The RM8 was a licensed-built version of the JT8D, but extensively modified for supersonic speeds, with a Swedish-designed afterburner, and was produced by Svenska Flygmotor (later known as Volvo Aero). The aircraft also had tandem landing gear, to distribute the weight evenly on unprepared surfaces (roads). A versatile machine for a serious, front-line role. Max speed: Mach 2.1. Retired in 2007. Loved by her pilots & feared by the Russians. Performance Maximum speed: 2,231 km/h (1,386 mph, 1,205 kn) at 36,100 ft (11,003 m) Maximum speed: Mach 2.1 Ferry range: 1,820 km (1,130 mi, 980 nmi) internal fuel only Service ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft) Rate of climb: 203 m/s (40,000 ft/min) Armament Guns: 1 × 30 mm Oerlikon KCA cannon with 125 rounds Hardpoints: 9 (three hardpoints under fuselage and three under each wing) with a capacity of 7,000 kg (15,000 lb), with provisions to carry combinations of: Missiles: 4 x RB99 AMRAAM (JA 37D), 2 x RB71 Skyflash (only JA37), 6 x AIM-9 Sidewinder 4 rocket pods (135 mm, 5.4 in). U95 ECM pod (JA 37D) 2 x RB 04 2 x RBS 15 2 x Rb 05

The aerodynamic design of commercial and fighter aircraft is driven by different objectives. Commercial aircraft are designed for efficiency and comfort, while fighter aircraft are designed for performance and maneuverability. The primary aerodynamic objective of a commercial aircraft is to generate enough lift to support its weight. This is achieved by the shape of the aircraft's wings, which are typically designed with a high aspect ratio to create more lift at lower speeds. Commercial aircraft also have a large wing area to provide lift for heavy loads, such as passengers and cargo. In addition to lift, commercial aircraft must also minimize drag. Drag is a force that opposes the motion of the aircraft, and it can reduce fuel efficiency and range. Commercial aircraft are designed with a smooth, streamlined shape to reduce drag. They also have retractable landing gear and flaps to reduce drag when not in use. The primary aerodynamic objective of a fighter aircraft is to achieve high performance and maneuverability. This is achieved by the shape of the aircraft's wings, which are typically designed with a low aspect ratio to create more lift at high speeds. Fighter aircraft also have a small wing area to reduce weight and increase maneuverability. In addition to lift, fighter aircraft must also be able to generate high amounts of thrust. Thrust is the force that propels the aircraft forward, and it is provided by the aircraft's engines. Fighter aircraft have powerful engines to achieve high speeds and climb rates. Photo by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗺𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, the world's leading provider of airframe aviation restraints. We design, engineer and certify innovative 9g barrier nets specifically for freighter aircraft. Read more about our nets unparalleled safety features: 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Our unique design ensures cargo is securely contained even in the event of a hard landing. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Disperses the force of impact, preventing cargo from breaching the barrier. 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄 & 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Provide a vital safety separation between the flight deck and cargo area. 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 & 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Feature a user-friendly release system for swift access when needed. 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲/𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Seamlessly integrate with smoke or fire curtains for added protection.       𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗿 Let's discuss how our 9g barrier nets can enhance the security of your freighter fleet #AmSafeBridport #AviationSafety #CargoContainment #FreighterAircraft Find out more - https://lnkd.in/gZ9sDxE

Starting today, we are starting a series in which I will explain types of aircraft wings one at a time. I'll explain their purposes in a way that will be helpful for everyone, from beginners to intermediate level Aerospacians. So, Today we will discuss delta shaped wing. You may have seen it on Concorde or some other fighter jets and you may have wondered what's it's purpose? why we are using delta shaped wings on an aircraft instead of straight wing or other type of wings. So, Let me clear your confusion. Delta-shaped wings has a triangular shape. They are sharply swept-back wings with a wide leading edge and a narrow, pointed trailing edge (rear edge of the wing, opposite the leading edge). The leading edge (front edge that meets the oncoming air as the aircraft moves forward) of the delta wing is swept backward at a significant angle, often exceeding 60 degrees or more. This shapes reduces Aerodynamic drag so that aircraft can move at higher speeds. It's shape helps in delaying the formation of shockwaves and reduces wave drag (Aerodynamic drag that occurs when an an aircraft is flying at transonic or at supersonic speeds). They are known for their exceptional Maneuverability especially at high angle of attacks (the angle between the wing's chord line and the oncoming air). They can take sharp turns and perform quick maneuvers. On delta shaped wings vortices are formed on the wing's edges. These vortices can actually stay stationary and help the wing in maintaining lift. Delta wings can generate alot of lift specially when tilted at 40-degree angle of attack,which is much better than straight wing (You can find more information about it from the research gate). They are often used on aircrafts in supersonic and transonic aircrafts due to their aerodynamic efficiency. The swept-back shape helps delay the onset of drag-inducing shockwaves. Many fighter jets, use delta wings because of their ability to handle high speeds and sharp maneuverability. In addition Delta-winged aircraft often have a large internal volume in the fuselage, which can accommodate fuel tanks, equipment, and weapons. This is advantageous for military aircraft designed for long-range missions. In the past, delta wings were used on some supersonic transport aircraft, like the Concorde. These wings allowed the Concorde to travel at speeds greater than Mach 2 while maintaining stability and control. Delta-wing design can be used for both fighter jets and supersonic bombers. But it has some Disadvantages such as →It may may provide less lift at low speeds, which can make landing and take off distances longer. →At subsonic speeds they are less maneuverable. →It has limited payload capacity. →During supersonic flight it undergoes hight structural stresses. I hope I proved helpful in explaining the shape, purpose, design, function, advantages and disadvantages of Delta-shaped wings in concise and easy manner. ♻Repost if you learnt something from this post.

*chuckle* The embedded video is both informative AND entertaining! #USNavy #HuntingtonIngallsIndustries #HII #NewportNewsShipbuilding #USSJohnFKennedy #CVN79 #ElectroMagneticAircraftLaunchSystem #EMALS "A new video from a shipbuilder captures catapult testing on the US Navy's next supercarrier and shows heavy carlike vehicles being launched into the James River in Virginia. The testing is designed to evaluate the onboard catapults and ensure that the aircraft carrier is ready to launch actual fixed-wing aircraft, from fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornets to early-warning planes including the E-2 Hawkeye. The video, published last week by Huntington Ingalls Industries, shows the company's Newport News Shipbuilding division conducting "dead-load" testing on the USS John F. Kennedy's electromagnetic aircraft launch system. This phase, the shipbuilder said, involves launching "large, wheeled, car-like structures of graduated weights up to 80,000 pounds to simulate the weight of actual aircraft" off the top side of the Kennedy and into the water below. Advertisement The vehicles travel more than 300 feet down the track at more than 150 mph, simulating an aircraft's launch. But unlike a plane, they hit the water, sometimes with a skip, like a smooth stone on a river. The cars are then retrieved from the water and relaunched until the conclusion of the tests, which "ensure the catapults are ready for their primary intended purpose: to launch all carrier-based fixed wing aircraft flown by the US Navy," HII said in a statement. During this testing process, the wheeled vehicles launched were covered in messages of encouragement and congratulations from the families of the shipbuilders. The recent catapult testing, a key part of getting a carrier ready, is a significant step in the Kennedy's progress. The Kennedy, the second Ford-class supercarrier, was named after a one-of-a-kind carrier. It was launched in 2019 after more than a decade of design, development, and construction, and it cost over $11 billion, notably less than the Ford's substantial $13 billion price tag. After the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Kennedy is only the second US Navy aircraft carrier to feature the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system, a more efficient mechanism for launching fixed-wing aircraft more effectively than its steam-powered predecessors aboard Nimitz-class carriers. Problems with this system, along with some other new technologies aboard Ford-class carriers, contributed to inflated costs and delayed developments with the first ship. While the new capabilities make Ford-class supercarriers the crown jewels of the US Navy's carriers, the service branch has acknowledged missteps in their development, while emphasizing that it has learned from those mistakes. ..."

Legacy of Boeing Military Aircraft Company - Wichita, Kansas From Stearman through Sale to Onex This is a working in progress. Please comment. 1927 – September 27 – Engineer and stunt pilot Lloyd C. Stearman founds Stearman Aircraft Co. in Wichita, Kansas. 1930 – June 10 – Stearman Aircraft Co., part of the United Aircraft and Transportation Corp., starts building a new plant in Wichita, Kansas. 1941 – June 24 – Boeing breaks ground for Plant II at the Stearman facility in Wichita, Kansas, where B-29s will be built. 1943 – April 15 – The first production model Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber rolls out of the Wichita, Kansas, plant. 1944 – March 10 – The Boeing “Battle of Kansas” begins. To make 175 B-29 bombers ready for military service on time, 600 workers at the Wichita plant will work around the clock for four weeks during bitter winter weather. 1948 –June 17 – Boeing Plant II in Wichita, Kansas, is reactivated to modify B-29 and B-50 bombers for in-flight refueling. 1953 – January 30 – The Boeing B-47E jet bomber makes its first flight in Wichita, Kansas. 1954 – December 17 – The 1,000th Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber built in Wichita, Kansas, is delivered to the U.S. Strategic Air Command. 1955 - The first B-52 bomber was produced in the Boeing facility in Wichita. The production of the B-52 bombers continued in Wichita until 1962. By the end of its original production run, over 700 of the planes had been built, the majority of them at the Boeing facility in Wichita. 1956 – October 24 – The last Boeing-produced B-47 Stratojet bomber is delivered to the U.S. Air Force from Wichita, Kansas. 1961 – May 1961 – The first B-52 bomber was delivered to the U.S. Air Force from Wichita, Kansas. By the end of its production run in 1962, over 700 B-52 bombers had been built, the majority of them at the Boeing facility in Wichita. 1975 – November 18 – Boeing Wichita delivers its first modified B-52D bomber to the U.S. Strategic Air Command. 2005 – February 22 – Boeing and Onex Corp. announce an agreement under which Onex will acquire the Wichita/Tulsa Division of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The sale will be completed on June 16. Please like, comment, share. #PoynterSpiritSale

Are Fighter Jets Faster Than Concorde? The Concorde was a spectacular aircraft. The aircraft was one of the biggest engineering milestones the aviation has ever seen. It was an iconic, a beauty and stylish aircraft designed by British and French manufacturers. It was the first supersonic commercial aircraft and it could reach speeds of more than Mach 2 (around 1300 mph!). This speed is only matched by other Fighter Jets or rockets. This raises the question, could the Concorde be faster than Fighter Jets? There are a handful of Fighter Jets that on full throttle and afterburner would be faster than the Concorde. But, by using the afterburners, the aircraft would lose a lot of fuel and would be hard for them to intercept or follow a Concorde already flying over the Atlantic as they would need to refuel. The Concorde was designed specifically to be a supersonic aircraft to travel as fast as possible over the Atlantic ocean. Its design constraints were quite “straightforward”: fly a commercial plane as high as possible as fast as possible. The Fighter Jets on the other hand have to take into account different design restrictions. Yes, speed is part of it, but you also need to take into account that a Fighter Jet has to be maneouravble and stealthy. This meant serious G-Forces acting over the aircraft that constrict the design envelope. Table of Contents Toggle Is Concorde still the fastest plane? What is Faster than the Concorde? What is the Fastest Fighter Jet in the World? Is Concorde still the fastest plane? The iconic Concorde had an operational working point of speed of Mach 2.0. It allowed the aircraft to be able to fly over the Atlantic from London to New York in, sometimes, less than 3 hours! In fact, the record is held by a British Airways flight on 7th February 1996: a flight from NY to London Heathrow in 2h 52 minutes and 59 seconds! See also   Best Aviation Headlamp: Illuminate Your Way in the Skies! The Concorde is still the fastest commercial aircraft that as ever been put into operation. From its last flight on a cold 23rd November 2003, no other commercial aircraft has ever flown at Mach 2. This aircraft is so iconic that there is only 1 single photograph of the aircraft flying in supersonic speeds! And it had to slow down in-flight so the fighter jet pilots could take the photograph. Supersonic flight had its drawbacks though, it could only fly in transatlantic flights because of the enormous speed it could affect the population in ground. Nevertheless, there are some aircraft in production that are trying to revive supersonic travel. For example, the Boom Supersonic designed and in production by Boom Technology. This aircraft would be smaller than the Concorde and only fly around with 65 to 88 passengers with a range of 4250 nmi flying at a Mach of 1.7. This could result in flying from NY to London in around 3h 15minutes or Miami to Buenos Aires in 3h 48 minutes. Transpacific...

How the Shark got its mouth: October 15th 1938, Curtiss test pilot Edward Elliott flew the prototype Curtiss XP-40, on its maiden flight. What later came to be known as the famed P-40, this prototype was powered by a newly installed liquid-cooled, supercharged Allison V-1710 V-12 engine. The original design of the XP-40 initially placed the glycol coolant radiator in an underbelly position on the fighter, just aft of the wing's trailing edge. On subsequent test flights, USAAC Fighter Projects Officer Lieutenant Benjamin S. Kelsey flew her at a less than stellar, 315 miles per hour. Speed was an issue for this new fighter design. Curtiss engineers focused on improving the XP-40's speed by moving the radiator forward in steps. Each successive move offering little gain in additional speed. Kelsey ordered the aircraft to be evaluated in a NACA wind tunnel to identify solutions for better aerodynamic qualities. After extensive research, Based on the data obtained, Curtiss moved the glycol coolant radiator forward to the chin; its new air scoop also accommodated the oil cooler air intake, and allowed Kelsey to bring the XP-40 to speeds in excess of 366MPH. It was this very unique forward position of the radiator, and large intake area that provided the metallic canvas for the famed Sharks Mouth paint scheme to work so very well! The P-40 is perhaps best known by her service with the Flying Tigers 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG), of the Chinese Air Force, whom were American pilots who flew under civilian status with P-40Bs sporting with Chinese markings, and the famed Tiger mouth. The Flying Tigers consisted of the "Adam & Eves", the "Panda Bears" and the "Hell's Angels". P-40B's strengths were that it was sturdy, well armed, and faster in a dive, as well as an excellent rate of roll. While the P-40s could not match the maneuverability of the Japanese Army air arm's Nakajima Ki-27s and Ki-43s, nor the much more famous Zero naval fighter in a slow speed turning dogfight, at higher speeds the P-40s were more than a match. Claire Chennault, leader of the Tigers, trained his pilots to utilize the P-40's particular performance characteristics to their own advantage. With higher dive speed than any Japanese fighter aircraft of the early war years, the AVG pilots utilized "boom-and-zoom" tactics. The Flying Tigers were so highly successful, that their feats were widely published, to boost sagging public morale at home. According to their official records, in just 6 1/2 months, the Flying Tigers destroyed 115 enemy aircraft for the loss of just four of their own in air-to-air combat.

What Fighter Jets Can A Civilian Buy? Ultimate Guide & Recommendations Fighter jets have always captivated the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike. The sleek, powerful machines that dominate the skies in times of conflict are a symbol of speed, agility, and technological prowess. But can civilians actually buy fighter jets? In this article, we will explore the world of fighter jets available for civilian purchase, ranging from popular models to historical gems and even rare and unique options. So fasten your seatbelts as we take off into the world of civilian-owned fighter jets. Table of Contents Toggle Overview of Fighter Jets Available for Civilian Purchase Rare and Unique Fighter Jets Sold to Civilians Notable Trainer Fighter Jets Sold to Civilians Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Fighter Jets Sold to Civilians Conclusion Overview of Fighter Jets Available for Civilian Purchase When it comes to purchasing a fighter jet, there are several options available in the market. Popular choices include the Sukhoi SU-27, known for its maneuverability and aerobatic displays; the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, an iconic jet with outstanding speed; the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, a widely produced supersonic aircraft; the Hawker Hunter, a versatile British jet with elegant design; and the affordable Aero L-39 Albatros, a Czechoslovakian trainer. For those interested in historical aircraft, options include the North American P-51 Mustang and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk from World War II, as well as the Boeing B-29 Superfortress with air-to-air combat capabilities. The Northrop F-5 offers affordability and agility, while some versions of the Bell UH-1 Huey provide a glimpse into Vietnam War history. These choices allow civilians to own a piece of aviation history or experience the thrill of flying legendary military aircraft. Rare and Unique Fighter Jets Sold to Civilians For aviation enthusiasts seeking something truly extraordinary to add to their collection, there is a world of rare and unique fighter jets available. These aircraft not only capture attention but also offer an unmatched flying experience due to their exceptional features and historical significance. See also   Are Fighter Jets Faster than Concorde? One such gem is the Holland Gnat, a compact British jet trainer renowned for its exceptional maneuverability. With only a handful of these aircraft remaining in existence, owning a Holland Gnat presents a rare opportunity to possess a piece of aviation history that will undoubtedly turn heads wherever it goes. Another remarkable option is the Saab 35 Draken, a Swedish interceptor famous for its distinctive double-delta wing design. While finding one available for purchase may be challenging, owning a Draken would provide an unparalleled thrill in the skies, thanks to its unique design features. The Panavia Tornado is yet another fighter jet that captivates both collectors and aviation enthusi...

The benefits of a freighter nose cargo door are overstated 📦 🚪 Since earlier this year there is, with the end of B747 Freighter production, no option to buy a new freighter with a nose cargo door.  In twenty to thirty years, when the last of the Boeing new build 747 freighters retire, there will be no nose door freighters flying. One can search beyond western-built civil aircraft for options.  Antonov every few years propose a new version of their nose door-equipped Antonov 124.  These plans, including options with western engines, have never moved off the drawing board and now, with the Ukraine war, development capability has been lost.  Occasionally the rear loading door of primarily military transport aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin Hercules may be useful. The real answer is that the loss of nose cargo door equipped aircraft is not a big issue.  If you look out at the cargo apron of any major freight hub you hardly ever see 747s with their nose door open.  It is far easier to load through the side cargo door, and where the dimensions are larger.  Even the latest generation of wide fan engines can be loaded through the side door, sometimes with the fan split from the core.  The nose door is only, and rarely, used for outsized long cargo, such as oil drilling equipment. The majority of Boeing 747s are flying around the world with the significant excess weight for a rarely used nose door.  Boeing should have offered at least the option to take the aircraft without. The iconic 747 nose cargo door, on the face of it an asset, is somewhat of a weight millstone.