At least they grounded the planes and got the inspections taken care of quickly. Thats better than some of the other airlines would have done at that time.

(Written on 2018年 11月 27日)(Permalink)

Nice touch by the pilot!

(Written on 2018年 09月 12日)(Permalink)

This is stating to sound like the DC-3. A good plane with a strong need.

(Written on 2018年 05月 17日)(Permalink)

Seems that the drogue is the major hang up for the KC-46 at this time, and that is only needed for the Navy and the Marines. The Air Force doesn't need it and that is part if not most of the delay. The Navy and the Marines didn't need or use the KC-135, so why do we need an ALL Service tanker now?

(Written on 2018年 03月 22日)(Permalink)

Was there ever a drouge version of the KC-135? I know about the boom version, flew behind it a few times. Seems that this is supposed to serve ALL services, not just the Air Force. As I remember, the Navy and Marines have their own tankers anyway.

(Written on 2018年 03月 22日)(Permalink)

It is past time to get some of the really good close air support aircraft over there. After the A10, we also need to get some of the AC-130's over there and have a real good time. We have been pussyfooting around over there for way too long. Either get it done, or get out.... quit making it look like Vietnam II.

(Written on 2018年 01月 30日)(Permalink)

I have to agree, it was an impressive aircraft. I was lucky enough to see one right after it landed one night at Oki. If you can imagine the entire leading edge of that airplane cherry red as it taxied in, that was impressive to see. Truly a great bird!

(Written on 2018年 01月 16日)(Permalink)

The air craft maintainers in Okinawa had hats that said 4.6+ and 85k+ and the front said HABU. Could have just been exaggeration but who knows for sure. I was there from Aug, 1969 to Aug, 1971. Did not fly the SR-71, nor was I part of the ground crew. Saw the hats on base in various areas.

(Written on 2018年 01月 16日)(Permalink)

Good points. Does make the idea rather redundant, doesn't it.

(Written on 2018年 01月 16日)(Permalink)

Ain't this great... The SR-71 was admitted as doing Mach 4.6, so you know it went faster, and that was in the late 60's and 70's. Now we are to be impressed with a design that in 20 to 30 years (this is Boeing) MIGHT do Mach 5. Too bad we retired the Black Bird so soon. I am sure that Lockheed will be ready much sooner, and do a better job.

(Written on 2018年 01月 16日)(Permalink)