The Airplane Thread

[Llarry]

Considering that the Boeing 737-based AEW (AWACS) aircraft is being purchased by more users, the attached -- though hard to read in detail -- may be of interest to some.

[Llarry]

Speaking of airborne early warning and control, the U.S. Navy has been operating the Grumman (now Northrop Grumman) E-2 Hawkeye now for almost sixty years. The most recent variant, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, is now rolling off the line with a refueling probe to allow the E-2D additional time in the air. The Navy plans to retrofit older E-2Ds with probes over the coming years.

All E-2s, including the latest versions, use the Grumman sto-wing folding mechanism pioneered in 1941 and used on many Grumman carrier aircraft over the years to minimize space needed on the crowded carrier decks.

The original version was the E-2A, the first gas turbine-powered AEW aircraft in the Navy. The improved E-2B and E-2C versions followed and the E-2C -- modified with 8-bladed props -- is still in service today, though being replaced by E-2Ds as they are delivered. There are ten E-2 squadrons (VAWs) in the active Navy: Nine are attached to carrier air wings and deploy on aircraft carriers and the tenth, VAW-120, is a training unit. The two remaining E-2C squadrons have four aircraft each; the E-2D VAWs have five aircraft each.

The E-2D is manned by a crew of five: two pilots up front and three Naval Flight Officers seated sideways in the "tube" as it is known. One of the special characteristics of the E-2 is the necessity of making flat, rather than banking turns, so as not to disturb the radar "picture."

A number of other countries have bought E-2s and they are operated by Egypt, France, Japan and Taiwan. Mexico operates former Israeli E-2s. India has expressed an interest in buying the E-2D and China is testing an E-2 copy. The latest E-2D variant is already in use by Japan and France has ordered E-2Ds to operate from their aircraft carrier.

[Llarry]

While the E-2C and E-2D AEW aircraft of the Navy are unarmed, they are a key force multiplier for the carrier strike group, giving the Navy the big picture and warning of enemy attack on the fleet.

Another interesting, but small squadron on the carrier is the electronic attack squadron (VAQ) flying the EA-18G Growler. The EA-18G has both electronic capabilities and armament in the form of radar-homing HARM missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles for self-defense. Like the E-2 VAWs, the VAQ squadrons have only five aircraft assigned.

The EA-18G is based on the F/A-18F two-seat strike fighter but with extensive modifications for the electronic warfare/attack mission. The back-seater is an electronic warfare officer. The F/A-18s 20mm Vulcan cannon is replaced with electronic equipment and the wingtip missile rails are replaced with passive electronic antennas, making the EA-18G easy to visually identify.

For jamming missions, the EA-18G can carry up to five ALQ-99 jamming pods, although a more typical load is three jamming pods and two external fuel tanks. The ALQ-99 has been around for many years and was used by the predecessor EA-6B Prowler EW aircraft, though the pods have been updated through the years. A new ALQ-249 next-generation jamming pod is in development and has begun testing.

While each carrier air wing has a VAQ with five EA-18Gs attached, there are also five expeditionary VAQs in the force and these are deployed to land bases for EW and electronic attack. Due to the hostilities in Ukraine, a VAQ with six EA-18Gs is currently deployed to Poland for NATO missions. An expeditionary VAQ is also often deployed to Korea.

In addition to the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force has a squadron of EA-18Gs and the RAAF is participating in the development of the next-generation jamming pod as well.

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Another interesting, but small squadron on the carrier is the electronic attack squadron (VAQ) flying the EA-18G Growler.

What is the purpose of the small propellers at the tip of the pods. Self generating hydro?

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

What is the purpose of the small propellers at the tip of the pods. Self generating hydro?

It takes a LOT of electrical power to run the jammers; more than the aircraft can provide by itself. The props run electrical generators.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

What is the purpose of the small propellers at the tip of the pods. Self generating hydro?

In addition to the electrical requirements, the ALQ-99 pods' electronics generate a lot of heat; there are heat radiators (dark areas) on both sides to dissipate the heat in the airstream.

[freakystyly]

Is that where the jam is stored?

Curious, just how effective are the E warfare pods? Do they conceal or scramble in a radius, just a single plane, or targeted towards areas?

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Is that where the jam is stored?

Curious, just how effective are the E warfare pods? Do they conceal or scramble in a radius, just a single plane, or targeted towards areas?

Sorry. No EWO background here; don't know if they can be aimed or not.

[Llarry]

The ALQ-99 jamming pod is actually several different pods optimized for various frequencies of radar signals. The ALQ-249 pod will be the same; the pod will come in three different sizes for low- mid- and high-band signals. The mid-band is in test; the others will be along in the coming years. As far as the question on directionality, it turns out that yes, it is somewhat directional: Take a look at the antennas under the radomes. The jamming energy tends to be directed to the front and back of the EA-18G.

[Lady Jane]

An oddity: 1919 Blackburn Sidecar. No records if it ever flew.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Sidecar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Aircraft

[Lady Jane]

Bloch MB-81 medical transport.

[Llarry]

That MB.81 reminded me that the U.S. Navy bought 100 Piper Cub ambulance planes in 1942 to transport a single stretcher plus the pilot. They were designated HE-1 (H = hospital, E = Piper) and then a year later when the first helicopters appeared they were redesignated AE-1 (A = Ambulance.)

They also bought 230 other Piper Cubs as training/utility planes; they were designated NE-1 (N = trainer.)

[Lady Jane]

Found the video of the MB-81.

[Lady Jane]

1944 Consolidated R2Y "Liberator Liner.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_R2Y

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Llarry

An F-15D of the 173rd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, suffered a mishap recently. No tail markings, leading to speculation that it had been recently repainted, possibly due to being transferred in from the base in Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. Given the state of the force of F-15Cs and F-15Ds -- old and tired -- I suspect it's a total loss. Bummer.

Hopefully the 173rd will start getting factory-fresh F-15EXs soon.

The Dept of Defense has announced that the 173rd will become a training unit for F-35As. I suspect the smallish town of Klamath Falls, Oregon, is in for a surprise when those louder jets show up.

[Lady Jane]

1997 CMC Leopard.

http://machdiamonds.com/leopard.html

[Lady Jane]

Gulfstream American Hustler.(400 and 500 series.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulfst...erican_Hustler

[Romo]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

1997 CMC Leopard.

http://machdiamonds.com/leopard.html

Attachment 3190528

What a magnificent design !!!

It looks and feels like your private jet fighter.

I love it

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

An oddity: 1919 Blackburn Sidecar. No records if it ever flew.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Sidecar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Aircraft

Attachment 3188282

The propeller turns backwards. No way it could've flown.

[Llarry]

The Dassault Mercure was a Boeing 737 competitor that first flew in 1971. Only 12 were built and it was withdrawn from service in 1995.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Mercure

[Llarry]

Last year the California Air National Guard unit at Fresno painted up one of their F-15C Eagles in a flag/eagle theme. Very distinctive! Fresno is scheduled to get the successor F-15EX.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

An oddity: 1919 Blackburn Sidecar. No records if it ever flew.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Sidecar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Aircraft

Attachment 3188282

It looks like an early prototype for the F-117