[JD¹³]

Figured we could start a thread dedicated to military aircraft since there seems to be a fair amount of interest on the subject. Be nice to keep all the discussions in 1 spot as well.

I'll start with some old but awesome photos I don't think have been posted here before. In '07 a film crew in the back of a C130 was filming a Eurofighter for a documentary and kept asking the pilot to come closer and closer for a better shot. The pilot got frustrated and asked if this was close enough :eek5x:

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/7838/78211685.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1854/26199626.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5718/31989873.jpg
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/932/82717231.jpg

Original photos here: http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?102085-Typhoon-Up-Close-and-Personal

Other news:

PATUXENT RIVER, Md, November 9th, 2010 -- The first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, the U.S. Navy's first stealth fighter, arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2:37 p.m. The aircraft, piloted by David "Doc" Nelson, departed NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 11:31 a.m. (Eastern) and achieved successful air refuels at a maximum load of 19,800 pounds during the flight. At Patuxent River, the F-35C will conduct air-to-air refueling and performance testing.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9506/f35cpax20101109.jpg

Hi Res: http://files.air-attack.com/MIL/jsf/f35c_pax_20101109.jpg

[Jsunu]

Holy crap the eurofighter got close. You know its too close when you can see the eyes of the pilot :O

[Cman333]

Sweet photos

thanks!

[tofu1413]

Americans are pretty open when it comes to evaluation of their new aircraft......


the chinese refused the J-10's exsistance until after two years or so it went into service.. pretty bs considering everyone saw the thing fly around... :facepalm:

[JD¹³]

Americans are pretty open when it comes to evaluation of their new aircraft......


the chinese refused the J-10's exsistance until after two years or so it went into service.. pretty bs considering everyone saw the thing fly around... :facepalm:
Well it's hard to keep fighters secret these days since there are so many of them it would impossible to keep them out of the public eye and off the internet. But low-volume, top-secret aircraft definitely still exist. F117, U2, B2, SR71 were all in service for many years before the general public even knew they existed. And they only got to hear about them because they were becoming somewhat obsolete or had already been replaced by something else.

The SR71's supposed replacement, the Aurora, may or may not have been in service for the last 20 years. Noone knows what it looks like or what it's capable of. I've heard Mach 4-5 as high as Mach 10.

[fsy82]

The SR71 just like in blackops:)

[willystyle]

Well it's hard to keep fighters secret these days since there are so many of them it would impossible to keep them out of the public eye and off the internet. But low-volume, top-secret aircraft definitely still exist. F117, U2, B2, SR71 were all in service for many years before the general public even knew they existed. And they only got to hear about them because they were becoming somewhat obsolete or had already been replaced by something else.

The SR71's supposed replacement, the Aurora, may or may not have been in service for the last 20 years. Noone knows what it looks like or what it's capable of. I've heard Mach 4-5 as high as Mach 10.
I watched a video that said the Aurora is difficult to locate when it's flying above you cause the moment you hear something that generates anything remotely the sound of a sonic boom. The Aurora is already miles away from your sight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L5QB1XVyC8

[tofu1413]

Well it's hard to keep fighters secret these days since there are so many of them it would impossible to keep them out of the public eye and off the internet. But low-volume, top-secret aircraft definitely still exist. F117, U2, B2, SR71 were all in service for many years before the general public even knew they existed. And they only got to hear about them because they were becoming somewhat obsolete or had already been replaced by something else.

The SR71's supposed replacement, the Aurora, may or may not have been in service for the last 20 years. Noone knows what it looks like or what it's capable of. I've heard Mach 4-5 as high as Mach 10.

aurora -- supposedly the first hypersonic plane of its kind... read online it uses some kind of pulse emitting engine...... it causes basically mini explosions for it to create that kind of speed for that plane.. pretty nuts imo.


when the US was doing their new ATF program.. (YF22 vs YF23) it was pretty public actually... lots of media and press on the planes.

its a shame that the YF23 didnt win though... I liked the Black widow's design better. its more radical. the YF22 looked more traditional. (layout similar to the F15 Eagle)

http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/portland/971/images/fighters/yf23_05.jpg

[JD¹³]

I've heard everything from anti-gravity to liquid methane to the pulse emitting theory. Either way it's obviously remained beyond Top Secret for a reason, some unbelievable technology involved.

[tool001]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o_no4M2xEPY/SugjKQOKByI/AAAAAAAAIow/-DQ-0NtZR54/s1600/Hunting%2Bin%2Bpair.%2BAn%2BIAF%2Band%2BRAF%2BJagu ar%2Bnegotiate%2Bthe%2Brocky%2Bravines%2Bnear%2BSa lalah%2Bduring%2Bexercise%2BEastern%2BBridge%2Bat% 2BOman-736858.JPG


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o_no4M2xEPY/Roud_0Tvi6I/AAAAAAAAAfY/mrSUztcX6Gk/s1600/PHOTOGRAPH.jpg

[tofu1413]

wow @ the pic with the Tornado, Eurofighter and twin seat Flanker...


those Jaguars from India are flying damned low

[tool001]

wow @ the pic with the Tornado, Eurofighter and twin seat Flanker...




http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/9186-1/Sukhoi-Euro-005.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/9212-1/Sukhoi-Euro-018.jpg

[tofu1413]

http://www.saunalahti.fi/fta/su-27-02l.jpg

[Infiniti]

very nice

[double0seven]

I have a feeling this thread is going to be awesoooooome! :thumbsup:

[Hondaracer]

Pro Athlete/Fighter Pilot, best jobs in the world for me :D

[tofu1413]

instead of fantasy football.. becomes fantasy fighter league... haha

SU37 is quite the dog fighter..

[belka]

SU37 is quite the airshow performer..

Fixed. All those fancy maneuvers won't help avoiding an AIM-120 fired from 200 miles away. ;)

[tool001]

Fixed. All those fancy maneuvers won't help avoiding an AIM-120 fired from 200 miles away. ;)

thats why he said dogfighter,,,he is not talking about BVR, although im sure su-30 series can hold thr on, in bvr range

[belka]

thats why he said dogfighter,,,he is not talking about BVR

I know what he said.

[TheKingdom2000]

what's the point in keeping the aurora top secret?
i don't really understand.

aren't the really fast planes like this one useless in a war? cause they can't carry large bombs because it'll compromise the aerodynamics of it?

and going six times the speed of sound isn't nearly enough to head into deep space.
The next closet galaxy (Andromeda Galaxy) is 2.5 million light-years away.
So provided that we can travel at the speed of light, which is impossible. It would still take us 2.5 million years to get there. (Well less but still a long ass time)
^ hah, i actually learned something from undergrad !

[Hondaracer]

Mars etc.?

i'm no expert but generally technology that can be implemented in strictly test phases can be put forward into other areas

[tool001]

FBW for FTW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7PBHawwpeM

[GabAlmighty]

This is an awesome thread, will be following closely.

And maybe i'll update as i hand in my application to the A/F... Got a couple more weeks to hand it in.

[Gumby]

Figured we could start a thread dedicated to military aircraft since there seems to be a fair amount of interest on the subject. Be nice to keep all the discussions in 1 spot as well.
Weird - I can't thank you for starting this thread!

Thanks anyway!

The Typhoon must be flying at a low airspeed in order to hold steady behind the C130... :eek:

[GabAlmighty]

Weird - I can't thank you for starting this thread!

Thanks anyway!

The Typhoon must be flying at a low airspeed in order to hold steady behind the C130... :eek:

Assuming the C130 was straight and level the Typhoon looks like it has a pretty high angle of attack... Maybe even closing in on stall.

[alpinestars]

A-10 warthog

The aircraft has triple redundancy in its flight systems, with mechanical systems to back up double-redundant hydraulic systems. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power or part of a wing is lost.The aircraft is designed to fly with one engine, one tail, one elevator and half a wing torn off.Its self-sealing fuel tanks are protected by fire-retardant foam.[40] The A-10's main landing gear is designed so that the wheels semi-protrude from their nacelles when the gear is retracted so as to make gear-up landings (belly landing) easier to control and less damaging to the aircraft's underside. Additionally, the landing gear are all hinged toward the rear of the aircraft, so if hydraulic power is lost the pilot can drop the gear and a combination of gravity and wind resistance will open and lock the gear in place. -wikipedia

http://espacoaereo.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/a-10_damage2.jpg
http://northshorejournal.org/LinkedImages//2009/03/campbell-with-her-damaged-a-10.jpg
http://www.nefarious-240z.com/Pub/Jet-BattleDamage.jpg
http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/1002/firing-30mm-cannon-shells-a10-demotivational-poster-1265843387.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oC8TwXe4PF0/TFzWhwhgMbI/AAAAAAAABGY/8L5NLCKCcrM/s1600/IMG_1566aV-1000.jpg
http://www.visualintel.net/USAF/Weapon-Systems/A10-Thunderbolt-II/081107-F-7823A-174/658224519_MSwUk-M-1.jpg
http://www.airforcetimes.com/xml/news/2008/12/airforce_a10_repairs_120608/120708_thunderbolt_800.JPG

http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/militaryaviation1946-2006cutaways/images/11492/fairchild-a10-thunderbolt-ii-cutaway.jpg




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC4v5Rgr9JA&feature=fvw

[tofu1413]

Fixed. All those fancy maneuvers won't help avoiding an AIM-120 fired from 200 miles away. ;)


with a missle like that, its like saying a f4 phantom could beat a su37 in combat.

dogfight meaning two planes could see each other. any non us biased analyst would agree a su37 would out maneuver a f22 in a mock combat, assuming both pilots know their planes well
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[belka]

any non us biased analyst would agree a su37 would out maneuver a f22 in a mock combat, assuming both pilots know their planes well

Is there any technical data to support this claim or is it more opinions from "experts in armchair air combat"? IMO, nothing the Russians make can "out anything" made by the Americans today, when comparing similar-type role fighters. It doesn't matter what the Russians build, when it comes down to it the Americans have the lead in fighter technology, reliability and most importantly, training and flight hours.

[danizer]

what's the point in keeping the aurora top secret?
i don't really understand.


us develops amazing technology
no other nation can figure it out
scanario: international espionage to try and acquire this technology
result: nations get hostile in their attempted acquisation....ultimately war
:thumbsup:

[BoostedBB6]

A-10 is like a flying tank :P
The re-vamped A-10C is where its at tho :D

[Gumby]

A-10 is like a flying tank :P
The re-vamped A-10C is where its at tho :D
Primary purpose of the A-10 was to bust up armored vehicles - especially tanks. They practically designed the plane around the damn cannon!

I remember having lots of fun playing A-10 Tank Killer on the computer back in the early 90s... :D

[BoostedBB6]

Primary purpose of the A-10 was to bust up armored vehicles - especially tanks. They practically designed the plane around the damn cannon!

I remember having lots of fun playing A-10 Tank Killer on the computer back in the early 90s... :D

Yup they are a hell of a plane. There so ugly they are pretty!

Here another plane to drool over.

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/313/7/b/rafale_by_wandeclayt-d32h8go.jpg

[alpinestars]

Chinese jet fighters

http://www.sinous.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/j10.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X_0WKkini8I/TCTZBVv6UBI/AAAAAAAABPc/sIqFEHv1zZY/s1600/J-10.jpg
Wings on the nose of the craft, possibly for better stability and handling?


http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/images/stories/large/2010/03/18/1003160053581673.jpg
This one can fold down in half, minimizing storage space requirements
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31665/

[Shorn]

what's the point in keeping the aurora top secret?
i don't really understand.

aren't the really fast planes like this one useless in a war? cause they can't carry large bombs because it'll compromise the aerodynamics of it?

and going six times the speed of sound isn't nearly enough to head into deep space.
The next closet galaxy (Andromeda Galaxy) is 2.5 million light-years away.
So provided that we can travel at the speed of light, which is impossible. It would still take us 2.5 million years to get there. (Well less but still a long ass time)
^ hah, i actually learned something from undergrad !

i thought fast planes are useful in war because they're not used to bomb stuff, but for intelligence instead.. you know, like taking hi res pictures from a million miles in the air? seeing where the enemy has troops and that kind of thing. cause they can fly high as well as fast

[BoostedBB6]

Chinese jet fighters

http://www.sinous.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/j10.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X_0WKkini8I/TCTZBVv6UBI/AAAAAAAABPc/sIqFEHv1zZY/s1600/J-10.jpg
Wings on the nose of the craft, possibly for better stability and handling?


http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/images/stories/large/2010/03/18/1003160053581673.jpg
This one can fold down in half, minimizing storage space requirements
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31665/

The forward wings (canards) are used to increase maneuverability of the plane. Often seen on delta wing configurations to allow for some amazing maneuvers.

[Senna4ever]

IMO, nothing the Russians make can "out anything" made by the Americans today, when comparing similar-type role fighters. It doesn't matter what the Russians build, when it comes down to it the Americans have the lead in fighter technology, reliability and most importantly, training and flight hours.
Sounds like what "experts in armchair air combat" say. ;)

[dogeatcookie]

http://documentaryheaven.com/battle-of-the-x-planes/

Good watch!

[seakrait]

http://northshorejournal.org/LinkedImages//2009/03/campbell-with-her-damaged-a-10.jpg

that would be captain kim campbell.

the story of her surviving her flight over baghdad here (with more pictures): http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Stories1/001-100/0016_A-10-battle-damage/story0016.htm

[seakrait]

http://documentaryheaven.com/battle-of-the-x-planes/

Good watch!
always had a soft spot for boeing. but man, their entry, the x-32, looked like a guppy.

[rsx]

no homage to the p-51's?

[dogeatcookie]

Tu-160 Blackjack Strategic Bomber

http://warfare.ru/0702ey70/pictures/tu160_2.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Tu-160.jpg
http://tu160.info/tu160his/tu160_001.jpg
http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/tupolev_tu160_blackjack_l7.jpg

[seakrait]

^^^ bah. the b-1b is where it's at. ;)

http://media.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_B-1B_Extreme_Low_lg.jpg

http://www.flightsim.com/feature/b1bsim/b1tightbank.jpg

[Senna4ever]

no homage to the p-51's?

Abbotsford Airshow 2009:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Airshow/011D9298.jpg

[chouchou]

Slightly unrelated, but does anyone know what kind of training it takes to become a pilot of one of these machines?
Not interested in becoming one or anything, but how does one get into the field? Are there certain selection processes? What's the pay like?
Things like fighter-jets have always been surreal to me.. movie like..

[dogeatcookie]

^^^ bah. the b-1b is where it's at. ;)

http://media.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_B-1B_Extreme_Low_lg.jpg

http://www.flightsim.com/feature/b1bsim/b1tightbank.jpg

"Although several civil and military transport aircraft are bigger, the Tu-160 has the greatest total thrust, and the heaviest takeoff weight of any combat aircraft, and the highest top speed as well as one of the largest payloads of any current heavy bomber."
B-1B is weak shit dawg :D

[tool001]

\Wings on the nose of the craft, possibly for better stability and handling?



increased lift & deflects. allow high AoA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLU_rhz4AaY

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/767-1/AAR03-1024.jpg

[tool001]

Is there any technical data to support this claim or is it more opinions from "experts in armchair air combat"? IMO, nothing the Russians make can "out anything" made by the Americans today, when comparing similar-type role fighters. It doesn't matter what the Russians build, when it comes down to it the Americans have the lead in fighter technology, reliability and most importantly, training and flight hours.


as for technical data regarding dogfight. a plane with 3d tvc will outdo a 2dtvc in close combact, its common knowledge.


as far as other claim regaridng amercian tech goes,
do some research, thr is quite alot of data for this, ie. f35 vs pak-fa. or F22 vs. Pak-fa


source: http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-NOTAM-300309-1.html
Fights between the F-22A and the PAK-FA will be close, high, fast and lethal. The F-22A may get ‘first look’ with the APG-77, the Advanced Infra Red Search and Track (AIRST) sensor having been deleted to save money, but the PAK-FA may get ‘first look’ using its advanced infrared sensor. Then, the engagement becomes a supersonic equivalent of the Battle of Britain or air combat over North Korea. The outcome will be difficult to predict as it will depend a lot on the combat skills of the pilots and the capabilities of the missiles for end-game kills. There is no guarantee that the F-22 will prevail every time.
The fate of the F-35 Lightning II would be far worse in an air combat environment challenged by the PAK-FA. If the Mach 1.5 PAK-FA is using its infrared sensor as the primary sensor and observes radio frequency emission control (EMCON), then the first detection by the F-35’s APG-81 radar could be at ~20 nautical miles or less with a missile launched by the PAK-FA’s infrared sensors already inbound from 60 to 70 nautical miles away. The PAK-FA could easily break to a direction outside the F-35’s AIM-120 engagement zone.

[JD¹³]

Slightly unrelated, but does anyone know what kind of training it takes to become a pilot of one of these machines?
Not interested in becoming one or anything, but how does one get into the field? Are there certain selection processes? What's the pay like?
Things like fighter-jets have always been surreal to me.. movie like..
It varies from country to country but I am going through the process right now here in Canada. I tried with the US first but was denied by the USMC and USAF simply because I was a non-resident. I'll answer this in detail for you tonight.

The selection process is very indepth and well.... very selective. I think in the US Navy something like 1 in 100,000 pilot applicants actually make it to fighter training and pass.

Pay depends on a number of variables: rank, time in, certifications, postings, etc. I'm guessing that the average fighter pilot in Canada makes in the region of 85-95 thousand a year.

[JD¹³]

What are the odds of catching the sun at just the right angle through the condensation of a hard banking F22? This is a one in a million shot:

http://www.thehighdefinite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/BMalfitano_F-22-Condensation-Rainbow.jpg

[GabAlmighty]

Payscale for the Canadian Forces: http://www.forces.ca/en/page/payscales-131#officersregular-1

Pay is per month.

And to get it, basically just have to fill out all the online application forms (I've got four packages to hand in) and then hand it in and apply for the ROTP program when you get there. And either they'll make something up when you get there about them not taking anymore pilots or they'll take it and then you have to go back for testing (medical and academic) and then the process begins.

As far as being a fighter pilot, assumign you get into the program, everyone does the same thing for the first 3 years and does the regula flying. At the end of that, the top classmates, get to choose what they want; fighter, transport, helicopter.

That's what i've understood. JD, if i've got anything wrong let me know.

It varies from country to country but I am going through the process right now here in Canada. I tried with the US first but was denied by the USMC and USAF simply because I was a non-resident. I'll answer this in detail for you tonight.


I've got the application mostly filled out on my table right now. Gotta hand that thing in in the next week. Do you have any flight experience or just applying straight on?

[JD¹³]

Payscale for the Canadian Forces: http://www.forces.ca/en/page/payscales-131#officersregular-1

Pay is per month.

And to get it, basically just have to fill out all the online application forms (I've got four packages to hand in) and then hand it in and apply for the ROTP program when you get there. And either they'll make something up when you get there about them not taking anymore pilots or they'll take it and then you have to go back for testing (medical and academic) and then the process begins.

As far as being a fighter pilot, assumin you get into the program, everyone does the same thing for the first 3 years and does the regula flying. At the end of that, the top classmates, get to choose what they want; fighter, transport, helicopter.

That's what i've understood. JD, if i've got anything wrong let me know.



I've got the application mostly filled out on my table right now. Gotta hand that thing in in the next week. Do you have any flight experience or just applying straight on?
Yeah that's basically correct. Everyone follows the same path through Moose Jaw. Students study a little bit of jet, multi-engine, and rotary. Top students can put in a "request" for where they'd like to go but it is not always accepted. If they get fighters they do their first course on the Hawk jet trainer in Moose Jaw to learn jet basics, BFM, etc before being transferred to Cold Lake to train on the F18.

Shockingly, the trend these days is that pilots don't want fighters and are trying to get on multi-engine aircraft instead. The C17 is the top pick! Apparently they are desperate for fighter pilots and the Canadian Forces in general is 130 operators short at the moment.

I personally have limited flight experience, nothing outside little Cessna's but my dad is a 23 year fighter vet and is currently a private contractor assisting in the training of our Air Force and Navy. He's got more than 14,000hrs logged now I believe. So I grew up a base brat and have been surrounded by jets most of my life. I've got a picture of me at like age 6 or 7 in the cockpit of an F104 in Germany somewhere at my parents place :lol I am going in as a DEO as I already have a degree.

EDIT - Don't believe the BS the recruiting center feeds you about wait times and how you'll never get in. Just say "yep ok" and push your application in and get in the line. It's shocking how discouraging they are to would-be applicants. Perhaps it's a method of testing how dedicated applicants are. Just don't take no for an answer and make sure they take in and process your application. After being told I would be waiting for years I got a phone call within 3 months to book me in for my CFAT.

[vitaminG]

Abbotsford Airshow 2009:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Airshow/011D9298.jpg

that was an awesome airshow, the states really brought up some serious hardware that year.

[GabAlmighty]

Yeah that's basically correct. Everyone follows the same path through Moose Jaw. Students study a little bit of jet, multi-engine, and rotary. Top students can put in a "request" for where they'd like to go but it is not always accepted. If they get fighters they do their first course on the Hawk jet trainer in Moose Jaw to learn jet basics, BFM, etc before being transferred to Cold Lake to train on the F18.

Shockingly, the trend these days is that pilots don't want fighters and are trying to get on multi-engine aircraft instead. The C17 is the top pick! Apparently they are desperate for fighter pilots and the Canadian Forces in general is 130 operators short at the moment.

I personally have limited flight experience, nothing outside little Cessna's but my dad is a 23 year fighter vet and is currently a private contractor assisting in the training of our Air Force and Navy. He's got more than 14,000hrs logged now I believe. So I grew up a base brat and have been surrounded by jets most of my life. I've got a picture of me at like age 6 or 7 in the cockpit of an F104 in Germany somewhere at my parents place :lol I am going in as a DEO as I already have a degree.

You know I can see that because getting on the multi stuff would give you a bit of a leg up when you get out of the AirForce. The way I see it if you go fighter I believe you would have much less flight hours than the transport guys, mind you you would have godlike stick and rudder skills haha. I'm wanting to go the fighter route so that's good news for me!

I'm just worried about getting shot down at the recruitement centre. My friend was there handing is pilot application in and literally as he's filling out the forms another kid walks in and says he's here to hand in his pilot application and the recruitement officer says sorry we're not taking anymore pilots at this time. I got the same thing when I went there to get more info, except I didn't inquire about the ROTP. So here's to wishing me luck when I go in haha.

Ya I got my PPL last year and am currently working on my Commercial through Coastal Pacific so I think I have a leg up already in the application process so we'll see.

Anyways, nice to see there's someone I can fire all my questions towards haha.

EDIT - Don't believe the BS the recruiting center feeds you about wait times and how you'll never get in. Just say "yep ok" and push your application in and get in the line. It's shocking how discouraging they are to would-be applicants. Perhaps it's a method of testing how dedicated applicants are. Just don't take no for an answer and make sure they take in and process your application. After being told I would be waiting for years I got a phone call within 3 months to book me in for my CFAT
You know that's what i'm thinking. The lady wanted to put in ASOP, or something like that (the guy who monitors the radars and what not on the planes) when I was there...

[Spectre_Cdn]

Yeah that's basically correct. Everyone follows the same path through Moose Jaw. Students study a little bit of jet, multi-engine, and rotary. Top students can put in a "request" for where they'd like to go but it is not always accepted. If they get fighters they do their first course on the Hawk jet trainer in Moose Jaw to learn jet basics, BFM, etc before being transferred to Cold Lake to train on the F18.

Shockingly, the trend these days is that pilots don't want fighters and are trying to get on multi-engine aircraft instead. The C17 is the top pick! Apparently they are desperate for fighter pilots and the Canadian Forces in general is 130 operators short at the moment.

I personally have limited flight experience, nothing outside little Cessna's but my dad is a 23 year fighter vet and is currently a private contractor assisting in the training of our Air Force and Navy. He's got more than 14,000hrs logged now I believe. So I grew up a base brat and have been surrounded by jets most of my life. I've got a picture of me at like age 6 or 7 in the cockpit of an F104 in Germany somewhere at my parents place :lol I am going in as a DEO as I already have a degree.

The C17 (USAF) and the Hawk at Abbotsford this summer :) (the CC-177 arrived after the show on the first day, so I couldn't take any pics of it - the cars leaving the show had to wait for it to taxi across though):

[JD¹³]

You know that's what i'm thinking. The lady wanted to put in ASOP, or something like that (the guy who monitors the radars and what not on the planes) when I was there...
Like I said the CF is desperate for pilots. Don't take no for an answer!

They tried to push me into MARS Officer, I politely declined over and over again.

[dogeatcookie]

Ka-52 Alligator Attack Helicopter

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/images/ka-52-1.jpg
http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/ka52_hokum_b.jpg
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ka50/images/ka50_6.jpg
http://warfare.ru/0702ey70/update/september2010/4/ka52-2.jpg


Mi-28 Havoc

http://www.enemyforces.net/helicopters/mi28_2.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I7wyeOmJJf8/SfxT9VXIXoI/AAAAAAAAABE/qzpWh_cOuJ4/s320/Mi-28+Havoc.jpg
http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/mil_mi28_havoc.jpg


And one of the best all around attack helicopters in the world

Mi-24 Hind
http://www.freecomputerdesktopwallpaper.com/wallpapers/6_Mi_24_Hind_military_aviation_helicopter_wallpape r_s.jpg
http://www.isra.org/drawing_a_bead/mi24-hind-helicopter.jpg

[GabAlmighty]

http://www.zgeek.com/forum/gallery/files/1/0/6/5/8/gau8ep6.jpg

[Alphamale]

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/2010_2_12_15/y16_26311389.jpg

[roastpuff]

Just heard that the British government is going to be retiring Harriers.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1338886/Harrier-jets-skies-final-farewell.html

[tofu1413]

Is there any technical data to support this claim or is it more opinions from "experts in armchair air combat"? IMO, nothing the Russians make can "out anything" made by the Americans today, when comparing similar-type role fighters. It doesn't matter what the Russians build, when it comes down to it the Americans have the lead in fighter technology, reliability and most importantly, training and flight hours.

no point arguing. i just remembered the the SU37 isnt even a production plane.. just a technology demonstrator :p

experimental planes are pretty awesome..

F15 ACTIVE (thrust vectoring + canards)

http://media.moddb.com/images/groups/1/3/2044/F-15_active_1.jpg

[Great68]

Yeah that's basically correct. Everyone follows the same path through Moose Jaw. Students study a little bit of jet, multi-engine, and rotary. Top students can put in a "request" for where they'd like to go but it is not always accepted. If they get fighters they do their first course on the Hawk jet trainer in Moose Jaw to learn jet basics, BFM, etc before being transferred to Cold Lake to train on the F18.

S.

My boss was a Moose Jaw dropout. He said that the people in the program with him were incredibly cutthroat, competitive, and back-stabbing. Everybody is just looking out for #1.

It worked out for the better for him, he makes boatloads more money now.

[belka]

no point arguing. i just remembered the the SU37 isnt even a production plane.. just a technology demonstrator :p

experimental planes are pretty awesome..

F15 ACTIVE (thrust vectoring + canards)

http://media.moddb.com/images/groups/1/3/2044/F-15_active_1.jpg

Not arguing, discussing. :D

I think ultimately it comes down to the fighter control stick operator's experience, training and hours. One F-15 Pilot opinion. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-CRINeb9_A

Like I said the CF is desperate for pilots. Don't take no for an answer!

They aren't desperate, but they are short yes. The pilots in our squadron are extremely busy right now due to attrition. It seems that as soon as a fighter pilot gets fully combat operational, he/she gets posted out to another assignment, leaving a hole.

[GabAlmighty]

My boss was a Moose Jaw dropout. He said that the people in the program with him were incredibly cutthroat, competitive, and back-stabbing. Everybody is just looking out for #1.

It worked out for the better for him, he makes boatloads more money now.

I could totally see that. Out of curiosity what's he do now?

[tofu1413]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GdfnTLKcvM


watching this.. most people wont believe planes could fly like this..

[tool001]

Not arguing, discussing. :D

I think ultimately it comes down to the fighter control stick operator's experience, training and hours. One F-15 Pilot opinion. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-CRINeb9_A



all i will say is that: The 'Bison' radar : the USAF should be aware that the 'Bison' does not have an Israeli radar, it is Russian Phazatron Kopyo . Nor does the Su-30MKI have Tumansky engines (but the NPO-Saturn). Surprisingly the Colonel seems oblivious of such facts, yet tries to convey that he is an authority on the matter. (does this have turbo ;) )

and IAF , during all exercises , with US/RAF/FAF, didn't turn on active mode radars (its common knowledge- do research again on this), they didnt use data link. as it was requested by russians.

FOD: sure they will take 60sec, as if they dont fly to nellis AFB with spare engines, just in case an engine gets FOD damage.

turn rate: su-27 has a about the same turn rate (without tvc than su-30mki that employs tvc?) source: http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/su27.htm

amazingly he does admit that su-30mki are better than F-15/16 but not f-22,which is a 5gen AC, su-30/35 are 4.5


http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7441/iaf04il5.jpg

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/2493-1/CopeIndia35.jpg

[impactX]

So today was the last flight for the Harrier...

[Jsunu]

So today was the last flight for the Harrier...

So sad :(

http://www.bfbs.com/news/england/last-flight-harrier-42214.html

I will always remember it as from the scene from true lies.

[tool001]

harriers are still in action in other parts of the world.

http://media.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_Sea_Harriers_IN_F-18F_ATFLIR_AIM-9X_lg.jpg

[JD¹³]

Sorry for the delay in getting this up, but here is a basic breakdown of the steps for becoming a pilot in the Canadian Forces:

- Initial aptitude test, interview, security check, and medical screening done at your local Recruiting Centre
- Aircrew Selection at 8 Wing CFB Trenton (Ontario). Additional aptitude tests and 4 missions in the 'Canadian Automated Pilot Selection System'. If you pass all these you then head to Defence Research and Development Canada in Toronto for almost a week of medical testing to determine your suitability. Very indepth testing including an ultra-sound of your heart.

Assuming you pass everything and are offered a position here's what's next:

- Phase I - Primary Flying Training is conducted with 28 hours on the Grob 120A in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. This is essentially the same as getting your private license.
http://australianaviation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grob_G120A_lg.jpg

- Phase II - 90 hours on the Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. You also study basics of rotary, jet, and multi-engine. The decision of where you will go for Phase III is made during Phase II.
http://www.astraproject.ca/subdomains/www/assets/images/content/aircrafts/ct-156-harvard-2.jpg

Phase III (Fighters) - 72 hours on the BAE CT-155 Hawk remaining in Moose Jaw.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2820482270_252faa07f8_z.jpg

Upon completion of all that you will head off to the OTU 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Here you will spend even more time on the Hawk and transition from not just flying a jet but being a fighter pilot. Following that course you finally move "next door" to 410 Squadron and commence training on the F18 Hornet. There is an 8 part mini series that aired on Discovery Channel a few years ago that followed students going through their training on the F18. Definitely worth the watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcofXehQmy0

[bengy]

My boss was a Moose Jaw dropout. He said that the people in the program with him were incredibly cutthroat, competitive, and back-stabbing. Everybody is just looking out for #1.

It worked out for the better for him, he makes boatloads more money now.

Your boss just didn't have what it takes to become a fighter pilot. I doubt those guys go in it for the money.

[rsx]

love the su's!

[impactX]

FBW for FTW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7PBHawwpeM

Somehow I doubt the F22 can fly like that...

[Great68]

Your boss just didn't have what it takes to become a fighter pilot. I doubt those guys go in it for the money.

What he told me is absolutely believable. When you have so many people competing for such little available flight time, teamwork and comraderie takes a bit of a back seat.

Maybe he didn't have what it takes, if what it takes is to be a bit of an asshole, which he isn't, which is rare to say about a boss :p

[Great68]

I could totally see that. Out of curiosity what's he do now?

PEng, Division Manager, Project Manger/Estimator HVAC controls.

[RRxtar]

this thread needs more badass

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/3/8/1/1300183.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/1/1/9/1296911.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/9/1/2/1262219.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/7/7/6/1215677.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/6/5/1198564.jpg
http://acidcow.com/pics/20100604/military_aircraft_53.jpg

[JD¹³]

B2's are so awesome, especially in person. I remember looking at it and thinking "how the F does this thing even fly?" The answer is a massive number of computers. When the computers have problems, the B2 falls from the sky in a 2 billion dollar fail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdNCurcRVg

[belka]

Pic from a few years ago but still cool. Would love to see something like that under the lions gate bridge.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/1/4/9/1775941.jpg

[Senna4ever]

Pic from a few years ago but still cool. Would love to see something like that under the lions gate bridge.

Lions Gate Bridge isn't tall enough for a modern aircraft carrier to fit under. :(

[Gumby]

Lions Gate Bridge isn't tall enough for a modern aircraft carrier to fit under. :(
Are you sure? According to Wikipedia, Lions Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge have clearances of 200 and 220 ft, respectively. If a cruise ship can fit, then an aircraft carrier should fit too, no?

[Senna4ever]

A number of years ago a US aircraft carrier (USS Enterprise? I'm sure it was a Nimitz Class vessel) visited Vancouver, and it had to be anchored in English Bay because it was too tall to fit under the bridge. I also remember something about Vancouver's ban on nuclear devices may have had something to do with it too...Greenpeace hippies were going crazy.

The clearances also depend on the tides, and you also have to consider the water depth at the bridges' mid-points. The water under the Lions Gate isn't very deep - IIRC it was a combination of the two which prevented the ship from docking at Canada Place.

[jaguar604]

^The Enterprise is its own class.

[CharlieH]

A number of years ago a US aircraft carrier (USS Enterprise? I'm sure it was a Nimitz Class vessel) visited Vancouver, and it had to be anchored in English Bay because it was too tall to fit under the bridge. I also remember something about Vancouver's ban on nuclear devices may have had something to do with it too...Greenpeace hippies were going crazy.

The clearances also depend on the tides, and you also have to consider the water depth at the bridges' mid-points. The water under the Lions Gate isn't very deep - IIRC it was a combination of the two which prevented the ship from docking at Canada Place.

fucking hippies.

[Senna4ever]

^The Enterprise is its own class.

Yes, you're right...forgot about that. I should have wrote that it was either the Enterprise or a Nimitz Class vessel. Either way, it was a (in the voice of Pavel Chekov) "nu-klee-are wessel."

[Senna4ever]

fucking hippies.

Yep.

I also remember all of the hookers on Seymour St were quite busy when the sailors were on shore leave. :lol

[RRxtar]

wow! that woulda been something to see! any pics of it in english harbor?

[Senna4ever]

wow! that woulda been something to see! any pics of it in english harbor?
English Bay.

No, I couldn't make it down to see it unfortunately.

[tofu1413]

i remember an IOWA class battle ship visited vancouver a while back... i think it was early 90's late 80's... i remember my dad taking a pic from stanley park.

that thing is massive.

bought dad this kit today..:

http://www.cybermodeler.net/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_2841_title.jpg

[belka]

English Bay.

No, I couldn't make it down to see it unfortunately.

I found a news story from a few years back of a Nimitz class carrier docking near Victoria. Haven't found anything re: Vancouver.

[seekerbeta]

Lions Gate Bridge isn't tall enough for a modern aircraft carrier to fit under. :(

http://vancouver.ca/Parks/video/index.htm

scroll halfway down to see the USS Coral Sea go under the bridge and if you say she isn't modern, than you will have to check her Wiki Page, in which she was only decommissioned in the 90s

also check that she draws 11.0M of water and the USS Nimitz only draws 11.3M of water, they both stand the same height from waterline to top of navigation mast. so i would assume this actually has to do more with the nuclear thing than the actual restrictions of the Lions Gate Bridge or the First Narrows of Vancouver Harbour

[JD¹³]

The USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class nuclear carrier, was just in Victoria in June for the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

EDIT - If you haven't seen it, check out the PBS 10 part series 'Carrier'. A crew documents a 6 month deployment of the USS Nimitz in '05 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and it is very interesting. You can find it on various torrent sites.

[Great68]

The USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class nuclear carrier, was just in Victoria in June for the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy.


I was there, wish I had a better camera:

http://www3.telus.net/bryster/IMG_5438.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/bryster/IMG_5501.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/bryster/IMG_5518.jpg

[riccof]

C-17's a beast!!

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/8/8/0/1197088.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/2/3/0/1148032.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/6/2/1132263.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/0/9/0802905.jpg

[Senna4ever]

The USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class nuclear carrier, was just in Victoria in June for the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

EDIT - If you haven't seen it, check out the PBS 10 part series 'Carrier'. A crew documents a 6 month deployment of the USS Nimitz in '05 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and it is very interesting. You can find it on various torrent sites.

http://documentaryheaven.com/carrier/

[tool001]

awesome mirage 2000 video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEe3xfWfkG8&feature=player_embedded#!

[GabAlmighty]

Ah, yes. That's a good video, gives me goosebumps every time.

[tofu1413]

funny how nobody seemed to have noticed the russians have a 5th gen fighter out..

http://www.sawf.org/Newsphotos/Blogphotos/Sukhoi_T_50_PAK_FA_Fifth_Generation_Fighter_D.jpg


speaking of mirages... this video was pretty nuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nltc_dq_VXI

[tool001]

underbelly of il-76
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/7818-2/060920-F-2034C-924.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/7816-2/060920-F-2034C-020.jpg

il-76
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/1817-2/K2663-01.jpg

[Noir]

I'm a big fan of the f-18s then and f-22 now but this bad boy is what got me into airplanes.

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq117/Noir-82/F14.jpg

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq117/Noir-82/f-14-gul-sunrise2.jpg

Even in retirement, they're still so sexy in their own way

[hud 91gt]

Too much technology in this thread, let's bring it back to Canada's level.

C-130 fogged right in - Resolute Bay, Nunavut
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jft8cHtyPSs/TRYghXuw0GI/AAAAAAAAABY/j9lNIpHhJmo/s720/IMG_1046.jpg


I forget which country these (trainers maybe?) came from, but they were flying them over from overseas. Taken in our hanger in Iqaluit NU. I beleive they were from some middle eastern country.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jft8cHtyPSs/TRYghvc65JI/AAAAAAAAABc/G974i_F-0R4/s720/IMG_1521.jpg

[Lomac]

I know this has been posted before, but I love this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3xhxyIAC_M&feature=player_embedded

[Senna4ever]

I'm a big fan of the f-18s then and f-22 now but this bad boy is what got me into airplanes.

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq117/Noir-82/F14.jpg

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq117/Noir-82/f-14-gul-sunrise2.jpg

Even in retirement, they're still so sexy in their own way
I love the F-14 too. I think Top Gun did a lot to popularize fighter jets.

Too much technology in this thread, let's bring it back to Canada's level.

C-130 fogged right in - Resolute Bay, Nunavut
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jft8cHtyPSs/TRYghXuw0GI/AAAAAAAAABY/j9lNIpHhJmo/s720/IMG_1046.jpg
That's a beautiful shot. Did you take it?

[Lomac]

I've always been a big fan of a lot of the WW2 planes. Some of my favourites:

P38 Lightning
http://www.threedonia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/p-38-lighting-showdown-air-combat-1280.jpg

P51 Mustang
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/articlemanager/uploads/1/p51.jpg

A6M Zero
http://www.aviation-history.com/mitsubishi/a6m-7a.jpg

Supermarine Spitifre
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Supermarine_Spitfire_Mk_XVI_edit4.jpg

[supman7]

awesome mirage 2000 video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEe3xfWfkG8&feature=player_embedded#!


does anyone know where I find the torrent for the full film?

[tofu1413]

http://www.cozygirrrl.com/images/canard_mystique/shinden4.jpg

[124Y]

I've always been a big fan of a lot of the WW2 planes. Some of my favourites:

A6M Zero
http://www.aviation-history.com/mitsubishi/a6m-7a.jpg




I love the Zeros! I have this kit sitting at home that I started building like 5 years ago, but never got around to finishing it:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4177/proddet404.jpg

[nack]

http://cssbl.com/aire/2gm/alemania/stuka-5.jpg

[Lomac]

http://cssbl.com/aire/2gm/alemania/stuka-5.jpg

That a ju-87? Wicked dive bomber, but shitty at everything else. And fucking ugly as hell too. :lol

[roastpuff]

awesome mirage 2000 video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEe3xfWfkG8&feature=player_embedded#!

God, the French make fantastically beautiful planes. Delta wings are sexy!

I just love the way the Rafale and the Mirage series looks. :D

[nack]

That a ju-87? Wicked dive bomber, but shitty at everything else. And fucking ugly as hell too. :lol

dive bombing = A+
everything else = FAIL

[A.Finch]

does anyone know where I find the torrent for the full film?

Go on piratebay, search "Les chevaliers du ciel".

[hud 91gt]

That's a beautiful shot. Did you take it?
Yup, here's another from the same day. Summer '09

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jft8cHtyPSs/TRbfO3wht-I/AAAAAAAAABo/OkEhrxqiQ3Y/s912/IMG_1049.jpg

[Senna4ever]

Yup, here's another from the same day. Summer '09

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jft8cHtyPSs/TRbfO3wht-I/AAAAAAAAABo/OkEhrxqiQ3Y/s912/IMG_1049.jpg

This one's better than the first! Would make a great wallpaper.

[GabAlmighty]

Yup, here's another from the same day. Summer '09


You got high res. Those are some sweet pics man.

[RRxtar]

canada has modernized from the hurc

http://media.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_CC-177_Inuvik_Airport_lg.jpg

[GabAlmighty]

Damn, that just got me wet^^ We got those from time to time sitting at yyx

edit: and where was that pic taken?

[A.Finch]

im just glad we're getting rid of the sea kings....2013 can't come any sooner.

[belka]

Damn, that just got me wet^^ We got those from time to time sitting at yyx

edit: and where was that pic taken?

Inuvik.

[Gumby]

Wow the C-17 makes the other two planes in the foreground look like toys! :D

[RRxtar]

CC117 is still pretty small compared to the antonov that landed in kelowna last fall, and that was just the small antonov

http://media.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_AN-124_and_C-17_lg.jpg
http://www.wingweb.co.uk/wingweb/img/450-An-124_and_An-225_Silhouettes.png
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/7/8/8/1353887.jpg

[Lomac]

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/7/8/8/1353887.jpg

That is one fucking sexy ass.

[RRxtar]

fuck ya, i found a small shit version of it and then spent the next 15 minutes looking for a high res to post up here for you guys.


youre welcome.

[dangonay]

On the SU-37 and performing moves like the Cobra, perhaps someone knows the answer to this.

I remember reading (don't know where) that the SU-37 doing the Cobra had a specific amount of fuel on-board to allow it to perform the move (something to do with weight/distribution).

Don't know if it's fact or a rumor, but it would seem pretty useless to me to have a plane that could only perform its most aggressive manuevers if you had the right amount of gas in the tank. ;)

[Senna4ever]

fuck ya, i found a small shit version of it and then spent the next 15 minutes looking for a high res to post up here for you guys.


youre welcome.

Where's the hi-res version?

[A.Finch]

On the SU-37 and performing moves like the Cobra, perhaps someone knows the answer to this.

I remember reading (don't know where) that the SU-37 doing the Cobra had a specific amount of fuel on-board to allow it to perform the move (something to do with weight/distribution).

Don't know if it's fact or a rumor, but it would seem pretty useless to me to have a plane that could only perform its most aggressive manuevers if you had the right amount of gas in the tank. ;)

I don't know if what you said is a fact or a rumor, but regardless, I just don't see how a Cobra maneuver would ever be used. Maybe it worked in the 60s but it certainly won't work on the more advanced fighters. If the opponent fighter is equipped with a HMD, and can actually see the SU-37 (assuming they can since the cobra requires a hella slow speed) the opponent pilot can just deliver an ASRAAM and finish the job...done deal!

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

Where's the hi-res version?

yeah... haha

[dangonay]

I don't know if what you said is a fact or a rumor, but regardless, I just don't see how a Cobra maneuver would ever be used. Maybe it worked in the 60s but it certainly won't work on the more advanced fighters. If the opponent fighter is equipped with a HMD, and can actually see the SU-37 (assuming they can since the cobra requires a hella slow speed) the opponent pilot can just deliver an ASRAAM and finish the job...done deal!
I used the Cobra as an example, not stating it's a useful move in combat. It's a fact that an airplanes ability to manuever would change based on how much fuel load or payload is still on board. So if the Russians specifically "loaded" up the SU-37 to do their demonstration, then it doesn't really mean anything as it's not a true indicator of the planes capabilities under all possible conditions. Most people who argue about the SU-37's dogfight capabilities point to the SU-37 airshow video where it does the Cobra (among other things).

[tool001]

high res. pak-fa

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_04.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_05.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_06.jpg

[tool001]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_119.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_E3J9ye0fv2s/TRiIwVM_hhI/AAAAAAAACPE/h7pHYMtt02w/s1600-h/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_089%5B2%5D.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_058.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_041.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_E3J9ye0fv2s/TRiHJaKsYLI/AAAAAAAACKI/SC2451-IRT8/s1600-h/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_040%5B2%5D.jpg


source: http://www.aame.in/2010/12/hi-res-pictures-of-pak-fa-t-50-fifth.html

[JD¹³]

Wow the PAK looks awesome painted up! Nice posts tool!

Thought I'd share some photos I took at the Abbostford Airshow this year:

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7737/92edit.jpg
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/9543/93edit.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7817/97edit.jpg
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8194/98edit.jpg
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/6103/104edit.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7818/105edit.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4726/129edit.jpg

[JD¹³]

Round 2:

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/6606/186edit.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1788/206edit.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3408/273edit.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9162/275edit.jpg
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8633/314edit.jpg
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1999/315edit.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/8947/323edit.jpg

[tool001]

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/8832-2/DSC_0035.JPG
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/8848-1/Sukhoi-Line-Up.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/2449-1/CopeIndia14.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/1369-3/MiG-29y.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/1440-2/Su-30w.jpg


http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/1060-2/Su-30i.jpgl

[belka]

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7817/97edit.jpg

More from our CF-18's.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd151/pushok85/fishy.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd151/pushok85/socal042006_019__small_.jpg

[Bouncing Bettys]

http://qalabist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/800px-cv-22_osprey_in_flight.jpg
http://www.visualintel.net/Marines/Systems/USMC-Systems-MV-22-Osprey/080202-N-9643K-008/467337180_Q5H5d-M.jpg
http://www.visualintel.net/Marines/Systems/USMC-Systems-MV-22-Osprey/071110-M-7404B-036/467336635_qctFn-M.jpg

[chun]

More from our CF-18's.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd151/pushok85/fishy.jpg

http://attach.high-g.net/attachments/socal042006_019__small_.jpg

Could somebody please explain these markings? TIA :)

[belka]

Could somebody please explain these markings? TIA :)

Well first one has a fish in it. :D Second one is refueling probe kill count, this particular tail number has been castrated twice.

[Hondaracer]

it was pretty disapointing at this years air-show that you couldnt get within 100 feet of a CF-18

[JD¹³]

it was pretty disapointing at this years air-show that you couldnt get within 100 feet of a CF-18
Huh? There was one on static with stairs up to the cockpit for all to see.

LOL at the fish ordinance and castration markings. What's the story behind the fish?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[FiveDime]

China's Stealth Striker


http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/9/1/d9382d54-6099-4a2b-b174-02387a5012d8.Large.jpg
http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/7/13/c75108f0-507f-442b-8da6-aa77338dc41c.Large.jpg

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3Acaf36660-d425-4fbc-a284-008017b2b444&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

[belka]

Huh? There was one on static with stairs up to the cockpit for all to see.

LOL at the fish ordinance and castration markings. What's the story behind the fish?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

AFAIK, a pilot bought some in Alaska and threw it into the luggage pod, which happened to depart the aircraft during flight.

[Noir]

^ awesome, fish in the luggage pod.

[fa48]

Interesting colors...
http://i54.tinypic.com/2eceohc.jpg

Not Military but one of the best ever made....

http://i56.tinypic.com/10o0fmo.jpg

[A.Finch]

that is one butt ugly herc.

[impactX]

More pix of the Chengdu J-20:

http://www.warisboring.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/j20_16.jpg
http://www.warisboring.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/j20_17.jpg

Kinda explains why China didn't join the Pak Fa program like India.

[liu13]

anyone know much about flying saucers?

invented by the Germans in the 40s, US also manufactures them

apparently they have a cloaking device powered by an electromagnet or something of that nature

they were suppose to be Hitler's proclaimed "secret weapon"

[belka]

anyone know much about flying saucers?

invented by the Germans in the 40s, US also manufactures them

apparently they have a cloaking device powered by an electromagnet or something of that nature

they were suppose to be Hitler's proclaimed "secret weapon"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn4DW1uvsAE

[tool001]

^
reminds me of

http://jackasscritics.com/images/movies/sky_captain_02.jpg

[Boostslut]

Awesome thread! Loving all the pictures and conversation about awesomeness!

Don't know if anyone has seen it, but if you like Military Aircraft, check out Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag. It's really sweet! Download the HD version and sit back.

[A.Finch]

Awesome thread! Loving all the pictures and conversation about awesomeness!

Don't know if anyone has seen it, but if you like Military Aircraft, check out Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag. It's really sweet! Download the HD version and sit back.

part 1/5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVXLY-u-SdA&feature=related
part 2/5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a170RUJJQFE&feature=related
part 3/5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_hoeVVbJrY&feature=related
part 4/5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jclgSRGOl6c&feature=related
part 5/5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8SM0C8oMwQ&feature=related

Full screen for HD. :thumbsup:
If it says embedding disabled, just click the "Watch on Youtube" button and it'll direct you to the video on the site, and you can watch it from there.

[Bouncing Bettys]

Not Military but one of the best ever made....
The Shuttle's often forgot competition, the Russian Buran shuttle program.

http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/1.jpg
http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/shuttle.gif
http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/2.jpg
http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/5.jpg
http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/10.jpg

[JD¹³]

Operation Red Flag is ok. Some good cinemetography but way too much CGI. Almost all the onboard shots show fake aircraft, Top Gun had better footage more than 20 years ago and that's kind of embarrassing for the IMAX producers IMO. They also make Red Flag seem very casual and like a game. That's not how it is in reality.

This is much better onboard stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4KzzfwXJVg

[belka]

Ya, that Red Flag production was horrible.

Vid put together a few years ago by a CF pilot. Probably seen it before but still cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsSS5jD3CcQ

[JD¹³]

Vid put together a few years ago by a CF pilot. Probably seen it before but still cool.
That was one of the best F-18 videos I've seen! It was new to me! Was the pilots callsign actually Squish? My dad wants to know, thinks he knows him.

[belka]

Was the pilots callsign actually Squish?

Yup, funny guy.

[cococly]

The Shuttle's often forgot competition, the Russian Buran shuttle program.

http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/shuttle.gif
http://www.englishrussia.com/images/buran/10.jpg

high res. pak-fa

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_04.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_05.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/308484/FGFA%20PAK-FA%20T-50/20101225_India_Russia_PAKFA_FGFA_06.jpg


Got to be honest, the USSR and (present day Russia) had some really great aviation engineering achievements. :thumbsup:

[seakrait]

^^^ i know it's probably convergent engineering evolution (similar mission parameters determining similar designs) but really, don't you think quite a bit of spywork went into their designs?

i mean, it's like a military version of this:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c44/seakrait/bentleywallpapergeelyge.jpg

[tofu1413]

well, that and not surprised if some engineers get hired overseas....


look at china's new stealth fighter.. lots of characteristics from the PAK-FA.. not surprised some Russian engineers are behind it.. i bet the chinese pay those guys more than the Sukhoi does..

[JD¹³]

Photo sequence of the F-18 crash at Lethbridge this summer:

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8974/hornetcrashlethbridge23.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/381/hornet20104739046.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8781/hornet20104739047.jpg
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8711/hornet20104739190.jpg
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/3316237.bin?size=620x400
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/3316236.bin?size=620x400

[Hondaracer]

must be a pretty jarring experiance to be ejected lol

[RRxtar]

look at his neck/head in the eject picture.

fuck i would be so scared of actually landing in the wreckage fire

[JD¹³]

The sneak pass is my favorite part of a fighters routine at airshows. But a couple years ago the Blue Angels lead solo took sneak passes to a new level...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7rAUu8djZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnaT4ESKaOo

[RRxtar]

i see your low pass and lower you a raise pa... i mean raise you a lower pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IwplA7_4lU


love the comment below "The reason the third pilot was flying so low is because his balls were weighing him down."

[JD¹³]

Alright I'll raise you a flypast so low the pilot dips below the press boxes in a stadium before a college football game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ufA8j3XAhc

[seakrait]

must be a pretty jarring experiance to be ejected lol

lol. understatement.

especially for that CF-18 pilot, there was the initial shock of the ejection, the sudden jerk of the parachute when it inflated, and then the inevitable crash into the ground from having ejected at too low a height, too low for the parachute to sufficiently slow his descent for a landing without some sort of injury.

[GabAlmighty]

must be a pretty jarring experiance to be ejected lol

Guy on my other forum flew for the USAF. Had to eject while rotating (needed 200' minimum). Destroyed his back and left the AF. Funny part is, he was taking off/leaving for scheduled R&R.

[Hondaracer]

must get a pretty sweet pension if you injure yourself like that

although i'm sure for a pilot he'd rather be in the air than sitting on a couch collecting a check

[seakrait]

i forget, did they come to some conclusion as to why that cf-18 crashed?

EDIT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anz4bBsZ2WM&feature=related

[gars]

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2011/01/500x_france-dassault-rafaele.jpg


Off Gizmodo today.

[GabAlmighty]

must get a pretty sweet pension if you injure yourself like that

although i'm sure for a pilot he'd rather be in the air than sitting on a couch collecting a check

Couldn't tell ya, i'm assuming so. Doesn't seem like he works anymore:P He owns a small air strip in the middle of nowhere USA.

He still flies Cessnas and what not, but ya. I'm sure he wishes he could be back on a fighter.

[A.Finch]

i forget, did they come to some conclusion as to why that cf-18 crashed?

EDIT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anz4bBsZ2WM&feature=related

There is still an on going investigation but here's (http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/dfs-dsv/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=11159) an initial report from "From the Investigator" about the crash.

[JD¹³]

Just by looking at the engines you can see something is wrong. The left engine is wide open which means it's under full power, the right engine is half closed which means it's basically idle. Pilot says he gave it full power to climb away and the jet yawed hard right. Looks like a right engine failure to me.
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[A.Finch]

Yeah, but the mystery is; "why did the right hand engine fail"? Keep checking the From the Investigator reports, they usually solve the accidents and publish their reports when they are solved.

[tofu1413]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ej5kQwZWlzM/TRyX62DEC0I/AAAAAAAABX8/fJWIjwC6UcI/s1600/J_20_Chinese_Fifth_generation_Fighter_jet_6.jpg

http://www.comhaha.com/img/upload/china-j20.jpg

so soon china..???

[FiveDime]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QcrhF5ZlpQ

[belka]

Yeah, but the mystery is; "why did the right hand engine fail"? Keep checking the From the Investigator reports, they usually solve the accidents and publish their reports when they are solved.

Word on the street, is the engine flamed out, but the pilot didn't get the caution until he was already in the maneuver. It takes about 10 seconds from flameout until the caution is illuminated. Unfortunately, the engine data is stored on a small "flash drive" card in the cockpit, which was destroyed.

[JD¹³]

Who needs some wallpaper? :D

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5341/sflightdemonstrationtea.jpg

[GabAlmighty]

Thank you sir!

On another note; handed in my application. Didn't have to force it through or anything. Guy was pretty nice, just gotta wait for a phone call now hopefully.

[JD¹³]

Thank you sir!

On another note; handed in my application. Didn't have to force it through or anything. Guy was pretty nice, just gotta wait for a phone call now hopefully.
Recruiting centre's will be getting their "numbers" for position openings around the end of the month. If there are slots open for pilot in the route that you're hoping to take only then will they begin processing your application. If you get processed expect a call around March to book you in for the aptitude test. If you want info on that let me know and I'll tell you exactly what you need to know. I went in based on what they gave me in the mock exam and I ended up writing it almost blind, the real thing is nothing like the mock exam they give you.

[GabAlmighty]

Recruiting centre's will be getting their "numbers" for position openings around the end of the month. If there are slots open for pilot in the route that you're hoping to take only then will they begin processing your application. If you get processed expect a call around March to book you in for the aptitude test. If you want info on that let me know and I'll tell you exactly what you need to know. I went in based on what they gave me in the mock exam and I ended up writing it almost blind, the real thing is nothing like the mock exam they give you.

My friend's already done his aptitude tests and everything. His file just got sent off to Ottawa for further review. And the recruiter said to call him round Jan 17th or so to check up and see if I've been processed :e-shrug:

But, I'll definitely ask you about the aptitude test when it comes time. I was told it's fairly difficult and completely random.

[A.Finch]

Good luck man...I tried to go the ROTP route but failed hard....I might try DEO someday.

[tofu1413]

Good luck Gab.

keep us posted lolol

[JD¹³]

Video of Col. Mark Tillman, former pilot of Air Force One, talking about his experiences as the pilot of the President. His story about protecting the President during 9/11 is pretty interesting.

http://premierespeakers.com/mark_tillman/video/14296

[A.Finch]

Damn that was a cool interview. Col. Mark Tillman number 10's got character for sure!

[tool001]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUfqAGwEcRg&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIxr4PDT544&feature=player_embedded#!

[JD¹³]

A video describing some of the F35's capabilities. The 180 degree turning fire and forget missile capability is pretty cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1NrFZddihQ

[A.Finch]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOGBuPRxozQ

beastly landing and takeoff

[GabAlmighty]

Damn, where was that? Looks like a wicked little runway.

[belka]

Those Russian jets sure look good in advertisements flying fancy maneuvers, but I'm still waiting to see them prove themselves in real-world operations. I'm sure they have great potential but until then, they are nothing more than expensive airshow demonstrations.

[tool001]

Those Russian jets sure look good in advertisements flying fancy maneuvers, but I'm still waiting to see them prove themselves in real-world operations. I'm sure they have great potential but until then, they are nothing more than expensive airshow demonstrations.

yeh, similiar to f-22, eurofighter. rafael. none of these planes have gone against other jets in "real world" situation.

[JD¹³]

F22 has done plenty of simmed air-to-air combat and has destroyed pretty much everything. In one test shortly before it entered service it took out fifteen F15's without any of the F15's able to get a lock and kill shot.

[dangonay]

A video describing some of the F35's capabilities. The 180 degree turning fire and forget missile capability is pretty cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1NrFZddihQ

Yeah, I wonder what all those people who said that whoever can make the turn to get behind the other pilot the fastest wins. Well what if the other guy (F35) doesn't even need to turn around? ROFL
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[tool001]

taxi trial? heard the cleared airspace for 2 hour span.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y67wWQ_B9PI



lol at behind the bushes Propaganda

[JD¹³]

That J20 is HUGE! Reminds me of the Avro Arrow.

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/resrc/images/hst/l-g/arrow5.jpg

[JD¹³]

Great ejection photo:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Crash.arp.600pix.jpg

[A.Finch]

holy eff, that's gonna be PAINNN! what're the details here?

[tofu1413]

taxi trial? heard the cleared airspace for 2 hour span.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y67wWQ_B9PI



lol at behind the bushes Propaganda

it actually made its official first flight two days ago...

[alpinestars]

Great ejection photo:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Crash.arp.600pix.jpg

why did he eject? was that part of the show? does the aircraft have an automated way of landing?

[JD¹³]

was that part of the show? does the aircraft have an automated way of landing?
Please tell me you're kidding.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[GabAlmighty]

holy eff, that's gonna be PAINNN! what're the details here?
Ya, he only looks to be a couple hundred feet up. Hope his chute opens... Doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the blame. I mean, it's flying straight and level haha.
Please tell me you're kidding.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

Do you know how cool that would be? Think of the entrance you could make...

[Senna4ever]

why did he eject? was that part of the show? does the aircraft have an automated way of landing?

Of course it's part of the show. The US Airforce has enough money in its reserves to afford to crash a $20 million fighter jet at each airshow they attend. For instance, this at the Abbotsford Airshow 2010.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Airshow/IMG_0541.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Airshow/IMG_0559.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Airshow/EZ2C1542.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Airshow/EZ2C1339.jpg


:p

[Gumby]

^
:lol

[bengy]

why did he eject? was that part of the show? does the aircraft have an automated way of landing?

Seems like the landing gear didn't come out?

[belka]

So there is a big rumor going around right now that 410 Squadron will be shut down by the end of this year. There will be no more newbie CF-18 fighter pilot training or courses after then, so bad news for you fighter pilot wannabes. Good news is, training will transition to the JSF for both the flight and ground crews, in what capacity, we don't know yet.

[JD¹³]

That seems a bit early! I wasn't expecting that so soon but with all the initial JSF training being outsourced to the US that rumour wouldn't surprise me. I've heard it's a 2 year course for the pilots and ground crew in Florida (versus the 9 months currently for the F-18). With Canada starting to receive their 65 jets in 2016 they have to have people ready to fly and service them immediately so it will be an interesting transition. Belka have you heard anything about 409? My rumour mill says the gun squadrons in Cold Lake and Bagottville are going to double in size initially until the F-18 is completely phased out.
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[belka]

That seems a bit early! I wasn't expecting that so soon but with all the initial JSF training being outsourced to the US that rumour wouldn't surprise me. I've heard it's a 2 year course for the pilots and ground crew in Florida (versus the 9 months currently for the F-18). With Canada starting to receive their 65 jets in 2016 they have to have people ready to fly and service them immediately so it will be an interesting transition. Belka have you heard anything about 409? My rumour mill says the gun squadrons in Cold Lake and Bagottville are going to double in size initially until the F-18 is completely phased out.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

Yes it does seem early, but I guess someone thought that we have enough CF-18 pilots until the JSF comes online. Don't know how it will be for pilots, but for the ground crew all the training will be done in Canada on the fighter Wings. We've already sent down representatives to California to begin training on the JSF, they will come back and stand up a training squadron or school in each Wing.

I've also heard that there will be 4 fighter squadrons again, this is almost certain. This is a much better idea than having one massive squadron on each coast like it is now. NORAD and QRA duties can be split and the workload can be managed more effectively, this way flight and ground crews won't be over tasked and worked like we are now. 409 will be split (thank fucking god) into 428 Ghost Squadron and 441 Silver Fox Squadron. Don't know what 425 will turn into.

[GabAlmighty]

So would that mean I would essentially be shipped down to the states to learn how to fly the F-35 then?

Cuz by the time I got to the stage of either doing helicopter, transport, or fighter it won't be for some time. Especially if they make me do 4yrs at RMC.

[nack]

Especially if they make me do 4yrs at RMC.

woah...best of luck with that!

[JD¹³]

So would that mean I would essentially be shipped down to the states to learn how to fly the F-35 then?

Cuz by the time I got to the stage of either doing helicopter, transport, or fighter it won't be for some time. Especially if they make me do 4yrs at RMC.
Unless someone has been selected and is already on their way to Cold Lake to fly with 419 and 410 then by the sounds of it noone else will be trained with those squadrons. I'm sure the two courses of students they cycle through a year have already been chosen, and they will be the last to fly the CF-18 and will probably do so until 2018-2019 while everyone coming after them will go to the F35.

Con: The F35 course is 2.5 times longer than the CF-18 course
Pro: That time will be spent in the Southern US instead of freezing Cold Lake :fullofwin:

[GabAlmighty]

Unless someone has been selected and is already on their way to Cold Lake to fly with 419 and 410 then by the sounds of it noone else will be trained with those squadrons. I'm sure the two courses of students they cycle through a year have already been chosen, and they will be the last to fly the CF-18 and will probably do so until 2018-2019 while everyone coming after them will go to the F35.

Con: The F35 course is 2.5 times longer than the CF-18 course
Pro: That time will be spent in the Southern US instead of freezing Cold Lake :fullofwin:

Yeeeeeeeepie. Would you be in that boat too?

[RRxtar]

Unless someone has been selected and is already on their way to Cold Lake to fly with 419 and 410 then by the sounds of it noone else will be trained with those squadrons. I'm sure the two courses of students they cycle through a year have already been chosen, and they will be the last to fly the CF-18 and will probably do so until 2018-2019 while everyone coming after them will go to the F35.

Con: The F35 course is 2.5 times longer than the CF-18 course
Pro: That time will be spent in the Southern US instead of freezing Cold Lake :fullofwin:
what happens to the current and training CF18 pilots in 5-10 years? the plane is being completely phased out once delivery of the JSF is complete, correct? from what Im gathering, since no new CF18 students will be accepted, all future pilot students will go to JSF. so with like 7 years of JSF trained pilots entering the system in the time until the CF18 is phased out, wont they fill the demand with the new pilots trained on the new plane? what happens to the current pilots once their CF18s are parked?

[JD¹³]

Yeeeeeeeepie. Would you be in that boat too?
I already have a degree so I'm at least 4 years ahead of you but I haven't even done BOTC yet so yes, sounds like I will never get to fly the CF-18. Disappointing in a way actually. Having grown up around 3rd and 4th Gen fighters it will be strange never getting to fly them.

The last active fighter my dad flew was the CF-5 with 419 in Cold Lake. He was just about to go on the CF-18 course and take a command posting but opted to get out of the military instead. Would have been cool to fly the same stuff he did, and now the CF-18 guys are chasing him around in his Lear jet in training so he knows all the tactics. If I make it to the F35 I can't cheat and pick his brain :lol

EDIT - RRxtar: 8-10 years is the average length of a fighter pilots active duty. By the time the F35 is all Canada is flying more than 50% of the CF-18 pilots will have moved on to other duties within the Forces. The others will probably transfer over. I believe a posting is 3 years, so some CF-18 guys may do 1-2 postings before transferring. Depending on their age some may be considered too old to transfer, only time will tell. I'm just speculating.

EDIT - Did not edit RR's name before he noticed, dammit! :haha:

[RRxtar]

ah i see.


ps: thanks to you guys who are in the forces and/or training or thinking about it. i love hearing and reading the things you guys post. i like learning about what goes on. i was a cadet and always dreamed of what it would be like in the forces, but its not in my cards.


oh ya, and all that serving your country stuff too. thanks for that :p

[GabAlmighty]

True true, hopefully they pay for me to finish my current degree. Only 2 more years.

I hear ya on being a bit dissapointed, such a prominent and popular fighter. Although i'm sure they will keep them around for Air Shows and what not.

edit: Thanks RRxtar, got a long ways to go before I even have to make the final decision if i'm going to go that route or not. Still have a fair few elimination process' to go through. I have a list of medical papers to get filled out now haha.

[RRxtar]

so far you guys are 0 for 2 on getting my fuckin name right haha

[JD¹³]

Just reread Belka's post.... they're bringing back 441? Stalk And Kill baby!

http://www.rcaf.com/cmsAdmin/uploads/441squadron.jpg

[A.Finch]

JD, what part of the application process are you on?

GabAlmighty, just so you know, RMC is for people without a degree. If you have your bachelor's, they're not going to send you to RMC, you'll be considered "Direct Entry Officer Plan".

[GabAlmighty]

JD, what part of the application process are you on?

GabAlmighty, just so you know, RMC is for people without a degree. If you have your bachelor's, they're not going to send you to RMC, you'll be considered "Direct Entry Officer Plan".

I'm in the middle of my degree. Two more years after this semester. I was talking to a friend who's a few steps ahead of me, he said they'll most likely just pay for my University to finish my current degree and then go DEO. We shall see. It makes more sense, they would save money that way.

[JD¹³]

JD, what part of the application process are you on.
Waiting on Aircrew Selection. I hope to swear in as soon as possible and go OJT at CFB Cold Lake once I've passed all my tests and am determined to be eligible for fighters.

Dad happened to be at CFB Cold Lake lastnight, says the rumour of 410 shutting down this early is highly unlikely as they wouldn't have enough guys to fly the F18 through until the end of it's service (2018-2020ish). It's likely that 410 may go away for a couple years during the transition phase to the F35 but it will be back. Only the first batch of pilots on the F35 will be trained in the US and the rest will be done here.

The Americans will train our guys and their own but they cannot handle all the pilots from other nations that buy into the F35. Canada may take on this responsibility! Word is that massive changes to the entire base will be taking place, a complete overhaul of the entire infrastructure.

[tofu1413]

Just reread Belka's post.... they're bringing back 441? Stalk And Kill baby!

http://www.rcaf.com/cmsAdmin/uploads/441squadron.jpg

someone is bound to put pedo bear on it...


"lure and trap"

[GabAlmighty]

Waiting on Aircrew Selection. I hope to swear in as soon as possible and go OJT at CFB Cold Lake once I've passed all my tests and am determined to be eligible for fighters.


So have you already completed phase 1 and 2?:S

[A.Finch]

So have you already completed phase 1 and 2?:S

aircrew selection is before everything, most people go through aircrew selection at the same time as their CFAT.

[JD¹³]

So have you already completed phase 1 and 2?:S
No I haven't even been accepted as a pilot yet. I still have to go to CFB Trenton for simulator testing and a major medical before I'm offered a job. Then I will swear in, do BOTC (Basic Officer Training Course), begin pilot training. I hope that will all take place this year.

[GabAlmighty]

aircrew selection is before everything, most people go through aircrew selection at the same time as their CFAT.

No I haven't even been accepted as a pilot yet. I still have to go to CFB Trenton for simulator testing and a major medical before I'm offered a job. Then I will swear in, do BOTC (Basic Officer Training Course), begin pilot training. I hope that will all take place this year.

So Aircrew selection they basically tell you what you're eligible to do? Ie, transport, helicopter, or fighter? Or all I guess?

Ah, icic. My friend is at the same step. Waiting to do that simulator thing and medical... I got some catching up to do haha. Pissed because I have to get a bunch of things filled out because I had laser surgery and my Optometrist isn't available for 2 weeks grrr.

[JD¹³]

Aircrew Selection is never done at the same time as the CFAT. Two totally separate steps. At selection they determine your basic ability to fly i.e. hand eye coordination, spacial awareness, ability to handle stress, ability to fly in the sim etc. During the medical portion they measure every aspect of your body to determine which aircraft you actually fit into from fighters to transport helicopters. That way you know what you actually could fly before you swear in and sign up for a minimum 8 years of your life. At 6'3" I will be within an inch or so on my hip to knee length. Any longer and my legs hit the instrument panel and I can't push the rudder pedals.

In the legacy CF-18 I don't fit, I sat in Donor's demo last year. But the new seats slide back farther and I JUST make it. F35 is apparently a much more spacious cockpit (thank god).

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2569/wias2009829hf0025.jpg

[GabAlmighty]

Interesting, thanks for the info. Learn something new everytime I open this thread haha. I'm at 5'11 so we'll see what I can fit.


edit... Aaaaaaaaaaaand we need more blackbird. You wouldn't by chance happen to have a copy of Sledgedriver would you...?
http://www.vfp62.com/IMAGES_9/SR-71.jpg

[A.Finch]

i had my aircrew selection scheduled a few weeks after i had my CFAT, but that's because i was an ROTP applicant, so things might've been different.

[JD¹³]

i had my aircrew selection scheduled a few weeks after i had my CFAT, but that's because i was an ROTP applicant, so things might've been different.
How long ago did you write your CFAT? As a DEO there are much fewer spots open so I've been waiting a longggggg time :(

[A.Finch]

This happened last fall. ROTP has a lot of slots open for pilots (in comparison to other entry methods) and such since applicants are not going to be going for their licenses or training until at least 4 years after their application date seeing as how they have to get their degrees at RMC first. I read somewhere that ROTP pilot candidates have priority over DEO applicants which is why the road to becoming a pilot through DEO is so hard and long (har har har).

[JD¹³]

I read somewhere that ROTP pilot candidates have priority over DEO applicants which is why the road to becoming a pilot through DEO is so hard and long (har har har).
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7826/dammitr.jpg

[belka]

Word is that massive changes to the entire base will be taking place, a complete overhaul of the entire infrastructure.

I hope it happens fast, because the hangars are starting to fall apart - literally.

[tool001]

http://www.key.aero/central/images/features/76.jpg

[hal0g0dv2]

that is a sick pic

[tool001]

http://www.globalnational.com/story.html?id=4072444

[A.Finch]

^ hahaha the reporter guy looked kinda sick during the flight.

[tool001]

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/10169-4/l2009020821965.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/9577-4/l2008082219058.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/9336-4/JM254JM258-01.jpg
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/9338-4/JM254JM258-02.jpg

[JD¹³]

AIAC comments on Official Opposition's fundamental lack of understanding of the importance of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to the Canadian Aerospace industry

OTTAWA, Jan. 21 /CNW/ -- The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) today deplored a fundamental lack of understanding of the strategic importance of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program to the Canadian Aerospace Industry as demonstrated in television ads posted on the Web this morning.

"The Government of Canada has participated in the JSF initiative for almost 15 years and an acquisition decision to acquire 65 aircraft to replace our aging CF-18 fleet was finally made earlier this year. Moreover, many of our members are now pursuing JSF contract opportunities with the determination and confidence that defines our industry," said Dr. Claude Lajeunesse, CEO of the AIAC. "And the doubt and dithering signals that internal political debates send to the world will only result in the loss of opportunities and much-needed high-skill, high-value-added, and long-term jobs for Canadians from coast to coast."

As a member of the nine-nation partnership, Canada has access to an unprecedented commercial opportunity on the JSF program. The next 24 months are critical as Canadian aerospace companies compete for and secure substantive contracts on the supply-chain both as first and second sources, as well as on the sustainment of the F-35 which represents billions of dollars in contracts opportunities to serve the global JSF fleet estimated to eventually exceed 3500 aircraft.

"As several CEOs noted last September, the current climate of instability that clouds this procurement decision is harmful for investments, harmful for the industry, and harmful for the creation of high-value-added jobs across Canada," added Dr. Lajeunesse. "The support of Canadians and elected officials is a factor which will either contribute to -- or detract from -- the optimization of the benefits that the JSF program will bring to Canadian aerospace workers and their communities", concluded Dr. Lajeunesse.

The AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world's fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector generated over $22 billion and employed nearly 80,000 Canadians in 2009 and more than 150,000 including indirect and induced employment. Seventy-eight per cent of Canadian aerospace products were exported. AIAC represents the interests of 400 aerospace companies across Canada.

http://www.codeonemagazine.com/images/news/2010_07_16_News_Canada_F_35A_1269967624_3009.jpg

[tool001]

lineup Su-30mki, EF2000, Mirage-2000

[JD¹³]

These ones are for you tool since you're a big Sukhoi lover!

http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/data/3274/Su-35-Russian-airforce-fighter23.jpg
http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/data/3274/Su-35-Russian-airforce-fighter25.jpg
http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/data/3274/Su-35-Russian-airforce-fighter21.jpg
http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/data/3274/Su-35-Russian-airforce-fighter20.jpg

[JD¹³]

But the F22 is still the king... for now :D

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_4GnCTp578/TSqaqAlAkwI/AAAAAAAABaA/4KiT6YLncmE/s1600/F22_Raptor_Awe1.jpg

Plus some B1 badassery!

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/2/7/1482726.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/3/1/9/0893913.jpg

[JD¹³]

Probably the best raw footage I've ever seen: Ice Hornet - A Roof Over Switzerland. If anyone finds an HD version of this streaming or as a torrent please let me know. I'd love to have it in 1080p on my big screen with the volume at "severely piss off the neighbours".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fSdJU5vpIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7WFcoIZPOM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufELoHKJR0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCEWMnv-0Jo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98ZIAxhfPTQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52uMlXjBQeM

[tool001]

miss canada, i mean Equadorian AF - HAL ALH

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mZl6cqifgHA/TIuwYzcnr8I/AAAAAAAARxs/fLEohtSTtMY/s1600/canada.jpg

[JD¹³]

True or not I still chuckled. Send up those F4's and F14's!!

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1064/marinesc.jpg

[nack]

^THANK BUTTON CLICKED

[GabAlmighty]

Bahaha, JD that's a good one.

There's also one from the states where a c172 called in a ground speed check, then a faster plane, then a faster plane, then a F18 called in for a ground speed check......



















Then a Blackbird called in for a groundspeed check. Hahah.

In other news, I have my interview on Monday and my friend is getting shipped out in two weeks for aircrew selection.

[RRxtar]

^

"
One day, high above Arizona , we were monitoring the radio traffic of all the mortal airplanes below us. First, a Cessna pilot asked the air traffic controllers to check his ground speed. ‘Ninety knots,’ ATC replied. A twin Bonanza soon made the same request. ‘One-twenty on the ground,’ was the reply. To our surprise, a navy F-18 came over the radio with a ground speed check. I knew exactly what he was doing. Of course, he had a ground speed indicator in his cockpit, but he wanted to let all the bug-smashers in the valley know what real speed was ‘Dusty 52, we show you at 620 on the ground,’ ATC responded. The situation was too ripe. I heard the click of Walter’s mike button in the rear seat. In his most innocent voice, Walter startled the controller by asking for a ground speed check from 81,000 feet, clearly above controlled airspace. In a cool, professional voice, the controller replied, ‘ Aspen 20, I show you at 1,982 knots on the ground.’ We did not hear another transmis sion on that frequency all the way to the coast.
"

[JD¹³]

In other news, I have my interview on Monday and my friend is getting shipped out in two weeks for aircrew selection.
Nice! Good luck to both of you.

[JD¹³]

Another Squish video, bit older but still some great footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOHTx_LPCmA

[Gumby]

Full story of the "Aspen 20 Ground Speed Check" (worth a read, about 5 mins):

There were a lot of things we couldn't do in an SR-71 Blackbird (The Air Force/NASA super fast, highest flying reconnaissance jet, nicknamed, "The Sled"), but we were the fastest guys on the block and loved reminding our fellow aviators of this fact. People often asked us if, because of this fact, it was fun to fly the jet. Fun would not be the first word I would use to describe flying this plane - intense, maybe, even cerebral. But there was one day in our Sled experience when we would have to say that it was pure fun to be the fastest guys out there, at least for a moment.

It occurred when Walt and I were flying our final training sortie. We needed 100 hours in the jet to complete our training and attain Mission Ready status. Somewhere over Colorado we had passed the century mark. We had made the turn in Arizona and the jet was performing flawlessly. My gauges were wired in the front seat and we were starting to feel pretty good about ourselves, not only because we would soon be flying real missions but because we had gained a great deal of confidence in the plane in the past ten months. Ripping across the barren deserts 80,000 feet below us, I could already see the coast of California from the Arizona border. I was, finally, after many humbling months of simulators and study, ahead of the jet. I was beginning to feel a bit sorry for Walter in the back seat.

There he was, with no really good view of the incredible sights before us, tasked with monitoring four different radios. This was good practice for him for when we began flying real missions, when a priority transmission from headquarters could be vital. It had been difficult, too, for me to relinquish control of the radios, as during my entire flying career I had controlled my own transmissions. But it was part of the division of duties in this plane and I had adjusted to it. I still insisted on talking on the radio while we were on the ground, however. Walt was so good at many things, but he couldn't match my expertise at sounding smooth on the radios, a skill that had been honed sharply with years in fighter squadrons where the slightest radio miscue was grounds for beheading. He understood that and allowed me that luxury. Just to get a sense of what Walt had to contend with, I pulled the radio toggle switches and monitored the frequencies along with him.

The predominant radio chatter was from Los Angeles Center, far below us, controlling daily traffic in their sector. While they had us on their scope (albeit briefly), we were in uncontrolled airspace and normally would not talk to them unless we needed to descend into their airspace. We listened as the shaky voice of a lone Cessna pilot who asked Center for a read-out of his ground speed. Center replied: “November Charlie 175, I'm showing you at ninety knots on the ground.”

Now the thing to understand about Center controllers was that whether they were talking to a rookie pilot in a Cessna or to Air Force One, they always spoke in the exact same, calm, deep, professional tone that made one feel important. I referred to it as the "Houston Center voice." I have always felt that after years of seeing documentaries on this country's space program and listening to the calm and distinct voice of the Houston controllers, that all other controllers since then wanted to sound like that and that they basically did. And it didn't matter what sector of the country we would be flying in, it always seemed like the same guy was talking. Over the years that tone of voice had become somewhat of a comforting sound to pilots everywhere. Conversely, over the years, pilots always wanted to ensure that, when transmitting, they sounded like Chuck Yeager, or at least like John Wayne. Better to die than sound bad on the radios. Just moments after the Cessna's inquiry, a Twin Beech piped up on frequency, in a rather superior tone, asking for his ground speed in Beech. “I have you at one hundred and twenty-five knots of ground speed.”

Boy, I thought, the Beechcraft really must think he is dazzling his Cessna brethren. Then out of the blue, a navy F-18 pilot out of NAS Lemoore came up on frequency. You knew right away it was a Navy jock because he sounded very cool on the radios. “Center, Dusty 52 ground speed check.” Before Center could reply, I'm thinking to myself, hey, Dusty 52 has a ground speed indicator in that million-dollar cockpit, so why is he asking Center for a read-out? Then I got it, ol' Dusty here is making sure that every bug smasher from Mount Whitney to the Mojave knows what true speed is. He's the fastest dude in the valley today, and he just wants everyone to know how much fun he is having in his new Hornet. And the reply, always with that same, calm, voice, with more distinct alliteration than emotion: “Dusty 52, Center, we have you at 620 on the ground.”

And I thought to myself, is this a ripe situation, or what? As my hand instinctively reached for the mic button, I had to remind myself that Walt was in control of the radios. Still, I thought, it must be done - in mere seconds we'll be out of the sector and the opportunity will be lost. That Hornet must die, and die now. I thought about all of our Sim training and how important it was that we developed well as a crew and knew that to jump in on the radios now would destroy the integrity of all that we had worked toward becoming. I was torn. Somewhere, 13 miles above Arizona, there was a pilot screaming inside his space helmet. Then, I heard it - the click of the mic button from the back seat. That was the very moment that I knew Walter and I had become a crew. Very professionally, and with no emotion, Walter spoke: “Los Angeles Center, Aspen 20, can you give us a ground speed check?” There was no hesitation, and the replay came as if was an everyday request. “Aspen 20, I show you at one thousand eight hundred and forty-two knots, across the ground.”

I think it was the forty-two knots that I liked the best, so accurate and proud was Center to deliver that information without hesitation, and you just knew he was smiling. But the precise point at which I knew that Walt and I were going to be really good friends for a long time was when he keyed the mic once again to say, in his most fighter-pilot-like voice: “Ah, Center, much thanks, we're showing closer to nineteen hundred on the money.” For a moment Walter was a god. And we finally heard a little crack in the armor of the Houston Center voice, when L.A. came back with, “Roger that Aspen. Your equipment is probably more accurate than ours. You boys have a good one.”

It all had lasted for just moments, but in that short, memorable sprint across the southwest, the Navy had been flamed, all mortal airplanes on freq were forced to bow before the King of Speed, and more importantly, Walter and I had crossed the threshold of being a crew. A fine day's work. We never heard another transmission on that frequency all the way to the coast. For just one day, it truly was fun being the fastest guys out there.

[GabAlmighty]

Just read that^^^ I chuckled a few times reading it. JD your father wouldn't happen to have a copy of Sledge driver would he?

Well, update. Passed my interview, got the go ahead for air crew selection. I'm HOPING to leave this Sunday for a week as it's my midterm break and the only time I can go without missing any school but we'll see. It's also when my buddies going so would be fun.

[JD¹³]

.