13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp main connecting rod

13 November 2011 - Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp demonstration engine

 The guys from Pratt & Whitney brought something incredibly cool with them that I’ve never seen before.  To be honest, it’s amazing that this display engine still exists.  This display was built in 1947 for use in conventions and sales functions and somehow was never scrapped.  They don’t know if the parts were new or salvaged and much of its back story has been lost, but I’m glad to have been able to see it.

One of the really unique things about this particular display is that it has a geared electric motor at the back end of the engine which turns it over so that you can see how it all works.  I never knew there is a single carburetor which feeds the atomized fuel into the supercharger, that the pushrods are actuated by a cam ring instead of a cam shaft, or that there is a planetary gear reduction drive from the crankshaft to the prop shaft.

A good animation of the basic operation and function of the radial pistons and the master connecting rod can be found here.

13 November 2011 - Commemorative Air Force Tuskegee Airmen tribute P-51 'By Request'

13 November 2011 - Commemorative Air Force Tuskegee Airmen tribute P-51 'By Request'

 I don’t know if it’s that I’m used to seeing bubble canopies on the P-51D Mustangs, but I really like the older style on this Mustang

13 November 2011 - RideNow Powersports brought some bikes to the airshow

 RideNow Powersports on Craig Road brought a few motorcycles down to the airshow.  This Yamaha Roadliner was originally $15,000 but has been marked down to $9,000!  Yes, it’s a very nice bike, but I think I’ll keep my V-Star for now

13 November 2011 - Cessna O-2A Skymaster cockpit

 I really could live with having a Skymaster like this to play with

13 November 2011 - B-1B Lancer heading out in full burner

13 November 2011 - Nose art on a B-1B Lancer

 I really like the B-1B Lancer.  Its nickname, The Bone comes from B-ONE and it always sounds fantastic with all four engines in afterburner

13 November 2011 - A-37 Dragonfly cockpit

 Remember that A-37 Dragonfly from yesterday?  I think I got a decent picture of the cockpit from way back by the wingtip

13 November 2011 - Japanese Zero flying by

 As I said before, I don’t care if it has the wrong engine – I just love seeing this Zero fly

13 November 2011 - Patriots display team jet number 4 taxiing out

 Now, why couldn’t they let me ride along in that back seat

13 November 2011 - USAF Red Horse construction troops jumping from a C-130

13 November 2011 - USAF Red Horse troops descending behind the B-2 Spirit

 The Red Horse squadrons are to the Air Force what the Seabees are to the Navy.  They’re deployable construction crews and they rock   I didn’t know until this airshow that at least some of them are actually airborne, but that just adds to the awesomeness

13 November 2011 - USAF THUNDERBIRDS

 I couldn’t let this post go by without a gratuitous pic of the T-Birds

13 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III taking off for its demo

13 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III flying by

13 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III slow pass

13 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III and the Thunderbirds

 I know how much Kath likes the C-17, so I made sure to get a few good pics of that one for her

13 November 2011 - Patriots jet demonstration team

 I swear I’m going to get some better pics of the Patriots the next time I’m at an airshow where they’re performing    They really are good 

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit approaching in the distance

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit flying overhead

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit turning in the distance

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit turning in the distance

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit turning in the distance

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit with the bomb bays coming open

13 November 2011 - B-2 Spirit with the bomb bays open

 Attendees at the Sunday edition of Aviation Nation 2011 were very lucky indeed.  Not only did we get to see a B-2 Spirit on static display, we got to see one fly as well   Be sure to click on the pics for the high resolution versions

13 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III on static display

 One more C-17 pic for Kath

13 November 2011 - A-10 Warthog maneuvering hard during its demo

13 November 2011 - A-10 Warthog

13 November 2011 - F-16 Viper

13 November 2011 - F-15E Strike Eagle AKA Mud Hen

13 November 2011 - F-15E Strike Eagles ejecting decoy flares at the start of a bomb run

13 November 2011 - MH-60 Pave Hawk coming in during an air support demo

13 November 2011 - MH-60 Pave Hawk coming in during an air support demo

13 November 2011 - MH-60 Pave Hawk coming in during an air support demo

13 November 2011 - MH-60 Pave Hawk

13 November 2011 - MH-60 Pave Hawk coming in during an air support demo

 The close air support demo was a great addition to the standard airshow I’ve come to know at Nellis AFB   They had this along with an air combat demonstration with the Fighter Weapons School’s aggressor jets playing the part of the bad guys.  Both were wonderful, but a bit difficult to capture with still photography.  I hope they do both again next year

13 November 2011 - F-16 Aggressor taxiing back from the air support demo

13 November 2011 - F-16 Aggressor taxiing back from the air support demo

13 November 2011 - F-15E Strike Eagle taxiing back from the air support demo

13 November 2011 - F-16 Viper taxiing back from the air support demo

 After their demonstration flights, all the aircraft taxied back along the crowd line on their way back to the hot pits.  All the pilots waved back to the crowd and I think their smiles were almost as big as the ones the kids along the fence line had

Out of all the pics from both days at Aviation Nation 2011, I think two of my favorites are the pic of the second Aggressor F-16 taxiing back and the one with the F-15E cruising down the crowd line.  The kids waving their American flags and the pilots responses from inside the cockpit just seem to bring together and focus the feelings everyone was enjoying that day

13 November 2011 - The Phabulous F-4 Phantom!!!

13 November 2011 - USAF Heritage Flight - F-4 Phantom, A-10 Warthog, F-86 Sabre

 These two pics represent my best effort at making lemonade out of a big pile of lemons   The exposure was horrendous due to my camera not liking the lighting.  Oh well, just do what you can

13 November 2011 - C-5 Galaxy

 I just thought this C-5 Galaxy with the American flag in the hold looked rather impressive

13 November 2011 - Panorama - P-51D Mustang 'Section Eight'

 I only have three panoramas this time, but I really like ‘em   Just look at that exhaust marking on the P-51

13 November 2011 - Panorama - I still love the nose art on this Cessna Skymaster

 There’s just something humorous about Sylvester the Cat riding a pair of target marking rockets

13 November 2011 - Panorama - F/A-18 Super Hornet

 Once again, I made sure to include a bit of Naval Aviation Pr0n – The Super Hornet just looks super

That’s all for Aviation Nation 2011.  Here’s hoping you enjoyed the pics almost as much as I enjoyed the show and taking them

Have fun everyone

Oh well, whatchagonnado ?  I think I’ll get some pictures posted

12 November 2011 - Yes, I did ride my motorcycle to the air show

 One difference in 2011 from past years was taking my V-Star to the airshow.  I knew this might limit my shopping options, but I’d much rather be on the bike than in the car 99.9% of the time.  Funny thing – motorcycle riding is one of the closest experiences that I’ve found to flying that I can actually afford.  Leaning in the corners is very similar and addictive

12 November 2011 - Just off the bus and heading onto the flight line

 The first sight that greeted us as we left the bus was this C-5 Galaxy – gotta love those big planes

12 November 2011 - They were giving tours of the E-3 Sentry AWACS jet!

12 November 2011 - E-3 Sentry AWACS

12 November 2011 - View from the rear hatch of the E-3 Sentry AWACS

 I’ve often seen the doors open for tours on these E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) jets, but there’s always been too long of a line for my interest to override my dislike of standing in line.  Thankfully, there was no line during the Saturday airshow so I jumped at the chance   Sorry there are no pictures of the inside, but they don’t usually want you to take pics in the airplanes and I didn’t want to ask.  Just watch the first Transformers movie – they’ve got part of the movie filmed in this type of jet

12 November 2011 - The Cold War Air Museum brought their Mi-24 Hind!

12 November 2011 - Pilot's cockpit on the Mi-24 Hind

12 November 2011 - Gunner's cockpit on the Mi-24 Hind

 Long time readers will remember that I’ve actually sat in a helicopter like this a few years ago.  That one was at the Nellis AFB Threat Training Facility and is not in flying condition, but it was rather cool to see something from the Cold War and all so close.

This Mi-24 Hind attack and transport helicopter is a flying example and it’s in private hands   The Cold War Air Museum is also working on making another one of these fine machines airworthy as well as a MiG-23 and some other cool stuff   Be sure to go check out their website – click here

12 November 2011 - Flare dispenser aboard the Mi-24 Hind

12 November 2011 - Information about the Mi-24 Hind

 Something I wanted to point out about this aircraft were these blue sticks under the tail boom.  Those are flare launchers used to decoy heat seeking missiles – especially the shoulder fired variety.  They were fitted in a rather hasty fashion right about the time the U.S. started sending Stinger missiles to the rebels in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation.  The guys at the CWAM call them the Charlie Wilson Memorial Flare Launchers

12 November 2011 - A6M2 Zero and B-25 from the CAF firing up the engines

12 November 2011 - T-33 'Ace Maker' returned to thrill the crowds

 One of the things I love about Aviation Nation at Nellis AFB is that they make every effort to have as many planes available for close inspection as possible.  One of the ways they do this is by having the “hot pits” with most of the airplanes which will be flying open to the public while they aren’t actually being flown or run.   Here we have the B-25 Mitchell bomber “Heavenly Body” firing up the engines and the T-33 Shooting Star “Ace Maker.”  I think the pic of Heavenly Body shows nicely how good the vantage points are even when you’re not in the enclosure with the aircraft

12 November 2011 - A military skydiver brings in the Colors during the National Anthem

 The National Anthem was performed by the cast of the Las Vegas show “Jersey Boys” and was a spectacular performance as well!  Having this skydiver bring in the Colors was a great sight as well

12 November 2011 - Lots of great airplanes at Aviation Nation 2011

 Now, there’s something you don’t see every day – A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber on the ground and the Thunderbirds all in one picture

12 November 2011 - WWII AT-6 Texan flying by

12 November 2011 - B-25 Mitchell on a bomb run over the airfield

12 November 2011 - Twin beech screaming down the runway

 The weather was beautiful and the backdrop wonderful as well as the first of the demonstrations got underway with the WWII aircraft taking turns “attacking” the runway for our enjoyment.

12 November 2011 - F-86 Sabre from Planes of Fame

12 November 2011 - MiG-15 from Planes of Fame

 The two best known rivals from the Korean War were in attendance as well.  Once again, the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA sent over a communist MiG-15 (this time in North Korean markings!) and a gorgeous F-86 Sabre.  Both are superb examples in lovely condition and they flew beautifully as well

12 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III on takeoff

12 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III flyby during its demo

12 November 2011 - C-17 Globemaster III over the B-52 Stratofortress

 At least one of my readers is a big fan of the C-17 Globemaster III so I made sure to take some pictures of that aircraft during its demonstration.  Hope you like these, Kath

12 November 2011 - Cessna A-37 Dragonfly

12 November 2011 - Info on the Cessna A-37 Dragonfly

 I’ve known about the A-37 Dragonfly for quite a few years and talked with a few who’ve flown them in combat.  They’re great jets in many ways and it’s a shame there’s not more of them in private hands.

12 November 2011 - Tuskegee Airmen memorial P-51 Mustang and exhibit

 The Commemorative Air Force has a very nice P-51 all done up in the colors of the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.  As most people know, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first black pilots to fly into combat in the United States Army Air Corps and they had a stellar record.  White bomber crews initially shunned these pilots, but their aerial combat feats eventually led to their being requested.  That’s how this particular airplane got it’s name – it’s known as “By Request”

12 November 2011 - USAF Heritage Flight

 I managed to meet up with my good friends Connie May, T.D. Barnes, and his lovely wife Doris a bit later in the day.  It was good to see them all again and we enjoyed the afternoon immensely   I wasn’t in the perfect place to take pics all the time, but I think this one came out pretty nice

12 November 2011 - USAF Thunderbirds diamond 2011

12 November 2011 - USAF Thunderbirds solo over the Thunderbirds T-38

12 November 2011 - USAF Thunderbirds

I didn’t get too many pics of the Thunderbirds, but I did get a few that I’m happy to post

12 November 2011 - The mighty F-16 Viper on static display

 Another thing I love about Nellis AFB is the backdrop afforded by Sunrise Mountain.  It works rather well with jets like this F-16, don’t you think?

12 November 2011 - Yours truly with a B-2 Spirit

 Who wouldn’t be happy to have their picture taken with a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber

12 November 2011 - Mitsubishi A6M Zero

12 November 2011 - Mitsubishi A6M Zero

 I’ve seen many rare aircraft at Aviation Nation over the years and this Zero has been a repeated visitor.  It’s the real deal, but has an American engine.  The only one flying with the correct Japanese engine is at the Planes of Fame museum in Chino, CA and they don’t fly it very often due to wear and tear.  Even with an “incorrect” engine, I’m glad to see this one out flying for the crowd

12 November 2011 - B-25 Mitchell tail guns

 These tail guns on the B-25 Mitchell “Heavenly Body” aren’t real, but something tells me that installing the right ones wouldn’t take much time and would provide some very fun times

12 November 2011 - Cool NASA helmet on the canopy rail of a NASA T-38 Talon

 NASA jets have visited Aviation Nation several times in past years, but this one had the canopy open and a seriously über-cool NASA helmet on the rail and I couldn’t pass up taking a pic

12 November 2011 - Planes of Fame F-86 Sabre

 I wanted to get this picture right and I did!  I just love the way the canopy bends the light and shows both Sunrise Mountain and the sky

12 November 2011 - Awesome nose art on this B-52 Stratofortress!

 Wagering that this particular jet has put warheads on foreheads in repayment for the events of September 11, 2001 would likely be a very safe bet.

12 November 2011 - B-1B Lancer AKA 'The Bone' in the evening light

 You always get the best lighting on the static displays when the sun gets down toward the horizon.

12 November 2011 - SBD Dauntless WWII Navy dive bomber

12 November 2011 - T-45 Goshawk

 Y’all didn’t think I’d leave the Navy out of this post, did ya

12 November 2011 - Wonderful light at the end of the evening

Just look at the light on the mountains in the distance and those wonderful airplanes

12 November 2011 - NASA T-38 Talon

 Gotta love the way this T-38 looked in the encroaching darkness

And now it’s on to the panoramas   I decided to keep them separate for convenience sake – it’s easier than trying to get them to fit into the order of the rest of the pictures.

12 November 2011 - Panorama - B-2 Spirit

12 November 2011 - Panorama - I got artistic with the B-2

12 November 2011 - Panorama - B-2 Spirit enjoying the limelight

 I know I keep gushing over the B-2, but it’s just so rare to have one on static display and it is so very photogenic   The artsy pic was the result of having a truly horrific picture that I thought provided an opportunity to play around with.  What do you think?

12 November 2011 - Panorama - The Patriots civilian jet demonstration team

 The Patriots jet demonstration team is a civilian endeavour which is sponsored by Fry’s electronics and they really are very good.  They normally perform with six jets but for some reason only five made it to Aviation Nation this year.  I’m just glad I got to see them fly

12 November 2011 - Panorama - Planes of Fame F-86 Sabre in the evening light

12 November 2011 - Panorama - T-33 'Ace Maker'

12 November 2011 - Panorama - The mighty F-4 Phantom II

12 November 2011 - Panorama - F-4 Phantom cockpit detail

12 November 2011 - Panorama - B-25 Mitchell 'Heavenly Body' nose art

 The evening light proved great as always back down at the hot pits   I had a great day all around with very few exceptions and was happy I took the time to go as always

That’s all for this post, but this is only the pics from Saturday – there’s more from Sunday that I’m working on posting as well   Have a great day and I’ll see y’all again soon

What happened the other day was a terrible tragedy. So far nine dead and sixty injured, some of those seriously.

I never made it to the National Air Races. I would have loved it. For airplane junkies, it is almost as much of a pilgrimage as Air Venture in Oshkosh, Paris, or any of the Navy Centennial events this year.

I watched Hannity on Thursday evening. During the All American Panel segment the accident was discussed. The subject of severe restrictions was broached. Sean even wondered why this event is even allowed. But to his credit, NASCAR was referenced. That was possibly due to airplanes not being viewed as “red neck” but the oval racers are. Who knows? I did not know any of the panel members but the liberal was all for shutting this event down…….permanently and grounding all warbirds, midget racers, sportsman racers and the jets that are part of it. Sean did tell this fellow that is a free country. Credit to him. Freedom.

Everyone at the Air Races was there because he or she WANTED to be there. I believe all understood that there was some risk involved.

I have seen on Facebook visceral comments about this accident. That modified P-51 was one of the most meticulously maintained aircraft on the planet. But sometimes bad things will happen. One of my Facebook friends, a lady from NYC of Sicilian descent said it is simply Karma.  That is part of her belief system. She was very sympathetic to the families and friends of the victims.

But for those who said things like…….they got what they deserved………need to take a long hard look at their life priorities. Because something is amiss with those folks.

But I have no doubt that some member of congress and the administration are already thinking about how to over regulate air racing. Isn’t the FAA enough?

My two cents.

ORPO1 Out.

This one is nothing but military aircraft. Fighters, Bombers, Attack, Electronic Warfare, Tankers and Transports. From around the world. I think all can enjoy this one.

http://www.airfighters.com/page.php?id=107

A formation of AV-8B Harriers fly by the early rising moon over San Diego Bay during the Centennial of Naval Aviation Open House and Parade of Flight at Naval Air Station North Island, Feb. 12, 2011. The Navy is observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of nationwide events celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Welsh

Thanks as always to The Strategy Page!