SNAFU!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

C-5M first flight.

Thank God this program is finally going. We shouldn't have to rely on the Russians for outsized cargo. Via Lockheed Martin.

The above photo is from the Air Combat Command and a recent exercise where B-52's and F-15's dropped everything from GBU-28's to Small Diameter Bombs.

Really basic stuff that is done everyday.

What I need help with is the pod hanging between (I believe) the 1st and 2nd engines on the above photo.

What is it?

BAE is promoting Band Tracks.

While doing my usual weekend surfing I ran across a slight change in the BAE list of offerings.

Its seems that they're now promoting Band Tracks and have them listed separately under the Combat Vehicle section. According to BAE, Band Tracks offer...

Band track is a high-performance, low-maintenance alternative for the segmented metal track traditionally used for tracked combat vehicles. Lightweight rubber composite, band track travels smoothly around suspension components with minimal vibration and noise.

With the wheeled combat vehicles having shown their limitations in moderate combat (I know the silliness of that designation but currently high intensity combat would mean operations against a technological capable enemy...the Taliban and Insurgents just don't qualify) the after market for this type of track might be large.

The only question I would have is...how do you fix it if you throw one when you're out in the boonies???

What exactly is the UH-72 for anyway????

First we were told that it was a light weight utility helicopter that the US Army and National Guard needed for homeland security missions.

Now we're seeing it upgraded with what I consider to be almost combat kit. Will someone tell me again what the UH-72 is for again.

This is from EADS.

The first flight of the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) equipped with the Security and Support Battalion (S&S Battalion) Mission Equipment Package (MEP) occurred in June at the company’s American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Miss.
The S&S Battalion MEP will greatly expand the Lakota’s use for reconnaissance, command and control and air movement operations in support of U.S. homeland defense and security missions with the U.S. Army National Guard.
The maiden flight with this mission package on a UH-72A version represents another milestone in the Lakota’s highly successful development for the U.S. Army and also demonstrates EADS North America’s ability to evolve complex systems to meet warfighters’ mission needs.
“This is a very significant milestone in the maturation of the UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army and National Guard user,” said EADS North America COO David R. Oliver. “The fleet of Lakota aircraft is approaching 40,000 flight hours and as the Army continues to fly Lakotas they’re realizing the versatility and reliability of the aircraft. The S&S Battalion first flight illustrates the continued expansion and validation of the Lakota’s capabilities.”

Excuse me. But I have seen multi-million dollar command and control vehicles with the FBI, ATF, State and Local Police Agencies, FEMA and practically the whole host of alphabet soup departments in the US government. Now the Army and National Guard need additional recon and Command and Control assets?

Ok, enough of the non-sense, what's going on with this program.