Heyjoe

I was in jet already turning when they decided to respot 111 before the launch. We had been experiencing problems making the 90 degree turn out of that spot behind the island due to extremely slick deck and worn away nonskid. The nose would turn but get no traction. Deck was like a greasy frying pan in that area and we didn't like to even jog near there because it was so slippery. The pilot had preflighted and and climbed into cockpit when yellowshirt approached and gave hand signal to break her down (remove chains) as a towtractor was hooked up. So the pilot was involuntarily put

Here is best overview of purpose of CD II and it was written by senior WSO involved in both IF and CD II. The deployment was an Extended User Evaluation (EUE) of a survivable platform with far more survivability and capability than a Caravan or PC-12 with ability to operate in austere locations with minimal support footprint. The aircraft are currently in "sleeping beauty" mode back with NASA. Note: CD II was initiated by GEN Mattis while at CENTCOM and USAF is picking up the baton now to look at continuing to evaluate options for Light Attack. https://m.usni.org/magazines/proceed

The wing stations were removed in late 2014 and fairings installed. The ASE was upgraded to new AAR-47(v)B sensors and wingtips and tails modded for them. Some pictures res on the web show the the INMARSAT radome on top of wing/fuselage well (between the 2 Batwing SATCOM antennas. The rear cockpit got a massive 22" HD display during the late 2014 mods and a LED external selectable covert lighting configuration replaced the taxi light, anti smash and formation lights (they appear milky white to unaided eye). The 4 olive drab control heads for the PRC-117G radios reside

Although he was prone to making public statements, it was behind the scene machinations from the Kansas delegation at Senate and House level that stopped the proposed funding of Phase II of Imminent Fury (Detachment of 4 aircraft for overseas deployment) in 2010.

T-2C TA-4J T-28C T-33 TC-4C T-39D F-4J F-14A/B F-16N E-2C C-2A MH-53E MH-60 C-118 C-121 C-130 C-141 C-5 CH-46 CH-53D C-12 MZ-3A Caravan O-2C UH-1H US-3A Super Frelon (French Navy) MU-2 PAC P-750 XSTOL P-3C Stearman Plus a few other cats and dogs I might remember later

Interestingly, the RF-4 aircrew was totally dejected when drying out in sickbay when Captain of Sara (legendary Dave Frost) showed up with souvenirs (ballcaps, etc) and in attempt to cheer them up, asked if they wanted to meet the pilot who shot them down...turns out they had no clue why their aircraft departed controlled flight and they had no choice but eject when it dodn't respond to conrol inputs. In the Air Force at the time, if you lost an aircraft and (plausible) reason was unknown, you were done. So, I totally agree to above statement in that regard. Other things that haven't surfac

To add and amplify on what Collin stated, I first reached gently and carefully to lower ejection seat handle and hooked my thumb under it and put other hand on the handle above the DDD and by glareshield. The first pulse felt by cat shot pushed you forward before slamming you back so you DO have to come forward out of ejection posture or your head will get slammed back into seat ringing your clock. Look at any Fighter Fling videos and you'll see pilots and RIOs leaning forward considerably just before CAT officer receives slaute from pilot and giant slingshot fires....after that RIO watches

A few more

Some reference shots

Thanks. We've got a lot of gear salvaged from Super T after we deconfigured it and it's looking for a home. Just might see something else at Pax before long.

A few more found on spare laptop

That would be for a traditional Acquisition Program. IF is/was a Proof of Concept so Milestones do not apply. It was not tied to a particular aircraft either. We initially sought an AT-6B in 2007, but discovered after meeting with company reps that it was a proposal and fancy photoshop image we saw on cover of C4ISR Journal. We therefore utilized an available Super Tucano to install the IF Mission Kit that is truly platform agnostic and can be readily installed on anything from a Caravan to a Super T. Although we have letters from 4 star level COCOMs requesting current configuration, the Kan

More detail for the model that will surely come!

Still mining several laptops for relatively oldie, but goodies... Back from first det to Fallon in summer of 2008 First airborne image First live drop First man-camp

There were 60,000+ of them over at nearby Hawthorne that USAF declared excess so we had all we could drop...for free. Otherwise, target set in theatre doesn't need much for a kinetic finish and aircrews did the loading by hand of .50 cal, rockets and iron in remote FOB (would you rather load a 250 or 500 pound bomb when there are any jam loaders in sight?) Returning to simulated barebones remote FOB at Fallon (when USAF cadre arrived, we had them earn their load qual upfront..supervising gunners were highly amused to watch O-5s hefting iron...we also kpet them going long past 12 hours and qua

Let's see what I have still tucked away: First live Mk81 hop with flyby for the JTAC party About to taxi out of Fallon flightline on a 5 sortie day Closeup of preferred iron: the Mk81 Returning to line at Pax River "One of these is not like the other"...anyone want to guess why this is included?

You're more than welcome. I spent many an hour building and detailing models back in the day so I am sensitive to what today's perfectionists are looking for when they decide to detail a specific type/model/series/unit/specific BUNO. Now I can post some images that have been languishing in my computer, I'm more than happy to share them with those who really appreciate them. ARC in particular was a great resource in organizing a Tomcat Group Build for the Sunset events in 2006 so I'm returnign the favor-to-speak. Now, if somebody would just produce a 1/48th kit, I'd even get back in building

Here's a different view i just found showing smaller legacy VAL-4 zapper aft of large Black Pony

There's actually a straightforward explanation for BUNO that is quite amusing to most and the continued fascination on forums and in the press with it was source of great mirth to team. Meanwhile, it took forever for the same sharp-eyed "tailspotters" to notice the more prominent markings that would seemingly be of more interest to modelers (led to comments in Ready Room akin to: "ahem, what about the Big BLACK PONY on the cowling, Sherlock?") Photo by HJ

Maybe...this is my favorite HJ Photo

To clear the air, Imminent Fury (IF) Phase I concluded on June 30 when the A-29B departed Pax River and was returned to its original owner at Elizabeth City, NC and the BUNO removed. The Navy led demo (USAF did play) was never about CAS per se, it was about Persistent ISR operating from remote FOBs utilized by SPECOPS helos such as AH-6 (shared .50 cal and 2.75 rockets) to conduct "Find and Fix" operations, which may or may not have a kinetic solution. The aircrew were specially selected and trained FAC (A) aircrews with significant combat, CAS in support of SOF units and NVD time. The higher

Might be hard to see, but here is VF-84 during Desert Storm tanking over Iraq during Bong CAP mission with several other Tomcat Squadrons HJ Photo

concur...take train to Cambridge and hop on bus to Duxford (start early and check on last bus scheduled). Hendon is also a must do as is Imperial War Museum. If you're near Hyde Park, walk to Grosvenor Square that is flanked by US Embassy with Eagle Squadron monument in center. Go late in day and check out Piano Bar in Millenium Hotel and Pubs down street towards park. Look for Spy and Counter Spy stores (and MI6)

Here's some more since they were nice enough to let me prowl around with it: Hj Photos

Amazing what you find lurking in hangars at Pax or maybe not... HJ Photo