The birth of the C-130J in April 1996 was the beginning of a major over haul of the legacy C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin Corporation (C-130 History, n.d.). The major change from the C-130H to the new C-130J Super Hercules was the enormous amount of computer technology and software encompassed into the design and operation of this new cargo aircraft. The advancement in technology allowed engineers to redesign this workhorse to flying demanding missions with only two crew positions compared to its predecessor the C-130H with five aircrew positions. The technology and software capability allows two pilots and one loadmaster to accomplish some of the most demanding missions in the harshest of locations.
Analysis
The C-130J Super Hercules has been outfitted with more computers and computer software than all other C-130 predecessors. The most prevalent advancement to this aircraft is the pilot’s heads up display. The duel heads up display systems provides the pilot’s aircraft flight path, acceleration, enhanced situational awareness, improved energy management, approach stability, and touchdown precision (Rockwell, n.d.). Furthermore, this aircraft operates two mission computers, back up mission computer, advanced auto pilot systems, digital communications system, multifunctional computer displays, advanced radar systems, and upgraded air traffic control systems. One can easily see how computers and design software has impacted the C-130J from design concept to operational with a computer dependency.
The duel heads up display system built by Rockwell provides present flight information in the pilot’s forward field of view, eliminating the need to continually transition from head-down instruments to head-u...
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...n is flying, and even though I’m not a pilot, performing my Loadmasters duties in the skies above is enjoyable nonetheless. Being a Loadmaster allows me to escape my offices duties and trade my desk for the blue skies a couple times a week. This passion drives me to stay up to date on the latest technologies impacting aviation. I started out flying the C-130E Hercules in 1997 up until the Congressional Mandate required all C-130E Hercules be sent to the long term storage in 2012. Then I transitioned to the C-130H Hercules for three years, before beginning my career as a C-130J Super Hercules Loadmaster. After being a C-130J Loadmaster for over a year I can clearly see how much computer software is major contributor to the operation of this aircraft. I for enthusiasm I have for this aircraft I wanted to brag about my aircraft that I get the pleasure out of flying on.
In 2008 I served as an AH-64D Maintenance Test Pilot /Battalion Maintenance Officer in Delta Company 4-227TH Aviation Regiment in Camp Taji, Iraq. Delta Company was responsible for supervising Dyna Corp. Contractors at Camp Taji were conducting all AH-64 scheduled phase maintenance in theater. While there, the company ran into challenges meeting phase deadlines assigned by the Brigade Aviation Maintenance Officer due to the amount of flight time being flown and manpower assigned to complete phases.
The Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) is a network of select aircraft from several commercial airlines that are all committed in various amounts to the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide airlift resources when the capability of U.S. military aircraft is exceeded. This system is designed so that these carriers can provide military cargo movement and troop transportation to anywhere in the world on short notice in the event of a military conflict. In order for airlines to join the CRAF, they must commit at least 30 percent of their long-range passenger fleet and 15 percent of their long-range cargo planes (Fact Sheet, 2004). These aircraft must also be U.S. registered, capable of over water operations, and have at least four complete crews assigned for each aircraft (Fact Sheet, 2004). Airlines that participate in CRAF have provided vital support to our military since the Korean War (Graham, David, 2003). The Persian Gulf War was the first official activation of the CRAF, where two thirds of the troops and one quarter of the air cargo was moved by commercial airplanes (Graham, 2003). Though not officially activated, the CRAF is currently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing nearly double the amount of aircraft that the DoD has estimated for its most demanding war strategies. This paper will provide a brief explanation of the purpose of the CRAF, its history, the effectiveness of the program, and a quick look towards the future of the CRAF.
The P-51 Mustang is regarded by many sources as the greatest fighter plane ever created. With the technological advancements this plane achieved, to it’s service record, to it’s importance in winning World War Two, the Mustang is truly one of the greats. The Mustang played a key role in long range bomber support and saved countless bomber crew’s lives, and pilots loved to fly it. The P-51 had the most aerial victories of any American fighter in World War Two and it was flown by some of America’s top aces. The P-51 was a beast of a fighter plane
The development of the B-2 Spirit has become one of the giant leaps in aviation history. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the aircraft became known as one of the best-kept secrets in history. The B-2 Spirit has stealth capabilities that help it become invisible to enemy radar. The Bomber was also the first aircraft to use JDAM capabilities. It became successful in the war in Kosovo. Using its potential and proving itself as an advanced strategic bomber. The Spirit is a very expensive aircraft, one that has stirred controversy amongst politicians and the general public. This aircraft is the grandfather of technologically advanced aircraft that will soon fill the sky above us.
In the 1900's, transportation and weapons became important for the different wars that the United States were involved in. Planes were one of the most significant inventions in the 20th century. Being able to fly from place to place was a new lifestyle for America's military. In World War II, military planes were a huge part of the war, and without them, many things that happened, would not have happened. As America was getting involved with Japan, they needed a more powerful plane. That plane that they needed was known as the B-29 Superfortress. The B-29 had a greater impact on Japan than any other plane because of the amount of destroyed resources in Japan, the most destructive firebomb in history, and the dropping of the first atomic bomb.
In 1968, the United States Army activated the 123rd Aviation Battalion, creating a remarkable unit that was comprised of several Army assets. The design of the battalion revolutionized how assets could be combined to complete many missions by mixing infantry, signal, aviation, and support units. The 123rd’s mission ranged from was to collect intelligence, deliver supplies, insert and extract infantrymen, and provide air support. In addition to their primary mission they also participated in medical evacuation, an invaluable asset on the battlefields of Vietnam.
Christensen, C. M. (2006). Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A). Case Study, 5, 8.
However, it is evident that the implementation of these specialized aviation units has enabled Delta Force to execute its missions with much more accuracy. America’s ability to reach out and touch someone has come a long way since the failed mission of Operation Eagle Claw. Ignoring the political side of things, it is very comforting to know that such a precision instrument exists. “You guys are the meanest and ugliest fuckers I’ve met in my life. But I love you. You guys saved my life and I’m eternally, eternally grateful…So long, guys.” (Kurt Muse)
Wise, J. (2006, June 05). Introducing the airplane of the future. Popular Mechanics. Retrieved from http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/news/2932316
- - -, dir. “Tactical Air Control Party Specialist (TACP).” U.S. Air Force. U.S. Air Force, n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012. .
With the Army gearing its forces towards an expeditionary force, it is important to remember what Technical Escort Units bring to the fight. They can operate in a small group with such expertise that they truly are a force multiplier. These units will continue to evolve and provide this nations Army with unmatched CBRN capabilities. They will continue to be the longest active surviving CBRN unit in the nation.
Several military robotic automation systems already operate at the level where the human is still in charge and responsible for the deployment of lethal force, but not in a directly supervisory manner. The Phalanx system for Aegis-class cruisers in the Navy is designed to be the last line of defense against anti-ship missiles. The gun mount moves with rapid precision. The system takes a low amount of input from the ship, making it capable of functioning despite potential damage to the ship. There are several settings for the Phalanx system, with the final fail safe setting of “casualty” that will defend the ship from air attacks without human selection of targets. The MK 69 encapsulated torpedo (CAPTOR) sea mine system was the U.S. Navy's standard anti-submarine mine during the Cold War, having enough computer power t...
A helpful feature that the Army Battle Command System has is a touch screen monitor which allows the officer to place icons on the map and have it appear on screens throughout the system which makes them able to show enemy position, possible ambush locations, fugitive hide outs and locations of newly found roadside bombs.
Tice, Brian P. (1991). Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – The Force Multiplier of the 1990s. Airpower Journal.
How would pilots ever get around so easily without the help of navigation aides? Navigational aides have been around for almost as long as aircraft have been flying in the skies above us. The first navigation system was composted of just a high intensity-flashing beacon. These beacons were placed on the flight routes that were popularly flown in the mid 1920’s. With more time more of these technologies that help us navigate the world will be even simpler than today. This paper will explain how some navigational aides work and how some of them came into existence.