Random aviation photos

a reply to: thebozeian

I hear that a lot. They may have been able to do better, but with the issues the Air Force pulled, there's no way to say they would have. They would have to make multiple changes to turn the MRTT into the KC-45.

a reply to: Zaphod58
Oh understand that sarcasm aside I dont doubt that Airbus can screw things up right royally. And I wouldn't expect the USAF to have done anything else other than to make such an undertaking very "interesting" for any contractor. Having said that AB have managed to build a very capable tanker and we must remember that the KC-46 was designed to meet the then spec the USAF wanted. So I think its not a great stretch that a quick and dirty KC-46 NG with the basics could easily and quickly meet an RFP if this Pegasus debacle continues and the threat of a new competition to supply the next batch of tankers is made good. I actually think the the KC-45 and 46 could be somewhat complimentary rather than rivals. Personally I would love to see what a 777X or A-350 could bring to the table as tankers and cargo movers, now they would be interesting.

a reply to: thebozeian

The KC-30 turned into a nice tanker once they sorted the boom. Personally I'd like to see them rebid the KC-Y and go with the KC-45. It wouldn't hurt to have some diversity.

originally posted by: Woody510
a reply to: Zaphod58

oof

it took me a second to realize what was going on in that picture

a reply to: penroc3
Either the 350 has cut the corner and not realized their wingspan while (presumably) under tow, or the 777 has been pushed back without realizing the 350 was there. End result is the taxiway centre tow line needs adjusting or tow procedures need to change

a reply to: Zaphod58
Sorry got my KC designators mixed up a little back there I think. Yes jumping straight to a KCY program might be an easier way to step around the Pegasus debacle without the inevitable legal battle that would probably ensue if you cut the KC-46 short and move to the loosing bidder. A new separate competition sidesteps it a lot.

a reply to: thebozeian

The initial plan was to kill off KC-Y, and just buy another tranche of KC-46s totaling the number of platforms planned under the program. There have bein more than a few rumblings that may not happen and they'll rebid. That would almost guarantee a mixed force, with KC-45s.

Philadelphia will see a joint Thunderbirds- Blue Angels flyover tomorrow. Rumor is that they'll be doing flyovers of multiple cities, with both teams doing joint flyovers on the east coast, before splitting up with the Thunderbirds going to the west coast, flying over LA, San Diego, and San Francisco on the 29th. The Blue Angels will take the midwest, and both teams will join up in Texas.

Will they be Social distancing while in flight though?

a reply to: Blackfinger

LOL thats a good one. Hopefully they do more than just fly over SF and head down the Penninsula. And if the stage out of KNUQ

a reply to: FredT

If tomorrow is any indication they're going to cover a lot of ground, so they may just.

Lots of mixed messages going around. PAO is saying no flight currently scheduled, but is in planning. Unofficial word is rescheduled for the 28th.

Air Force photos of the first two F-35s going to Eilson.

Flyovers will take place next week. Both teams will fly together over Washington, Baltimore, New York, Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Austin before splitting up to fly over other cities. Interestingly the Thunderbirds were caught using colored smoke today.

B-1B 85-0092 going to Wichita, where it will be scanned and turned into a digital twin to study fatigue in the airframe.

a reply to: Zaphod58
Mmmmm, nice one!

Let me guess it was either struck by something or struck something while under tow? Or somebody right royally f***ed up during engine pylon work and forgot what fuse pins are for?

Did someone forget to tighten the bolts...?!? a reply to: Zaphod58

a reply to: thebozeian

One of the mass tanker gaggles in Desert Storm. They got caught up in wake turbulence from the bird ahead and Dutch rolled. They eventually found both engines half buried in the desert.