#advanced interceptors

[presswoodterryryan]

Understanding America's Iron Dome Initiative

By Mr. Fluffernutter Greetings, my fellow adventurers! It’s me, Mr. Fluffernutter, your ever-curious, ever-fluffy bunny correspondent, hopping into your hearts with yet another enthralling expedition deep into the realm of big ideas and even grander plans. Buckle up, my friends, for this time, we’re plunging headfirst into a presidential-sized topic straight from the bustling heart of…

[nelc]

1960s LTV Advanced Interceptor

[coupleofdays]

Oh hey, guess what else is to scale with my Gunpla? My X-Wing miniatures!

[pedroam-bang]

Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (2012)

“What forces shape you?”

[historyofguns]

The article discusses the development and operational history of the Lockheed F-94 Starfire, a Cold War-era Soviet bomber interceptor. Following World War II, the U.S. Air Force sought a replacement for existing fighter aircraft like the Northrop P-61 “Black Widow” to counter the Soviet Tupolev Tu-4 bomber threat. Lockheed developed the F-94 Starfire, an all-weather day/night interceptor, which was the first jet-powered fighter with an afterburner to enter combat during the Korean War. Initially derived from the T-33 “Shooting Star,” the aircraft underwent several upgrades through Models A, B, and C, incorporating advanced radar and transitioning to an all-rocket armament. Notably, the C model played a vital role in the U.S. Air Defense Command's strategy, with 855 units produced, before being replaced by more advanced aircraft like the Northrop F-89 Scorpion. The F-94 also served in various global posts and accrued notable commendations, including the first jet vs. jet nighttime aerial victory during the Korean conflict.

[mookev]

Although you have to take care and adjust your riding in winter,the benefits are fantastic. Quieter roads, beautiful views, and peaceful places.

[defencestar]

Lockheed Martin Gears Up to Meet Soaring Demand for PAC-3 Missiles

US Army awards Lockheed Martin major order for PAC-3 Missiles: Grand Prairie, TX – November 14, 2024 – In a move driven by the rapidly growing global demand for advanced missile defense systems, the U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a significant contract to increase production capacity for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE). This strategic partnership aims to deliver 650 PAC-3 MSEs…

[zomb13s]

The Prospect of Laser Weapons in Space: Bridging Science Fiction and Reality

[enriquemzn262]

The Northrop F-89 Scorpion has to be the most metal interceptor ever made! Just look at it, it uses the wingtip fuel tanks for carrying weapons, from rockets to retractable launchers for air-to-air missiles.

Plus it’s anachronism incarnate, a highly advanced combat jet that somehow decided to play it safe and keep the straight wing from the propeller-era combat aircraft of a few years prior.

[presswoodterryryan]

Understanding America's Iron Dome Initiative

By Mr. Fluffernutter Greetings, my fellow adventurers! It’s me, Mr. Fluffernutter, your ever-curious, ever-fluffy bunny correspondent, hopping into your hearts with yet another enthralling expedition deep into the realm of big ideas and even grander plans. Buckle up, my friends, for this time, we’re plunging headfirst into a presidential-sized topic straight from the bustling heart of…

[usafphantom2]

The Blackbird crew who flew 15,000 miles, in 10 hours 30 minutes non-stop to see how many times the SR-71 could refuel before the liquid nitrogen gave out

J58 engine

SR-71 liquid nitrogen

Five aerial refuellings

SR-71 liquid nitrogen Dewar’s

J58 engine

The SR-71, unofficially known as the “Blackbird,” was a long-range, advanced, strategic reconnaissance aircraft. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world’s fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet, it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth’s surface per hour.

The SR-71 aircraft (like its forerunners, the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A prototype interceptor) is powered by two 34,000 lbf (151,240 N) thrust-class J58 afterburning turbojet engines.

The J58 engine was developed in the late 1950s by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Division of United Aircraft Corp. to meet a US Navy requirement. It was designed to operate at speeds of Mach 3+ and at altitudes of more than 80,000 feet. The J58 was the first engine designed to operate for extended periods using its afterburner, and it was the first engine to be flight-qualified at Mach 3 for the US Air Force (USAF).

CLICK HERE to see The Aviation Geek Club contributor Linda Sheffield’s T-shirt designs! Linda has a personal relationship with the SR-71 because her father Butch Sheffield flew the Blackbird from test flight in 1965 until 1973. Butch’s Granddaughter’s Lisa Burroughs and Susan Miller are graphic designers. They designed most of the merchandise that is for sale on Threadless. A percentage of the profits go to Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base. This nonprofit charity is personal to the Sheffield family because they are raising money to house SR-71, #955. This was the first Blackbird that Butch Sheffield flew on Oct. 4, 1965.

SR-71 liquid nitrogen

An engineering marvel, the J58 had a single-shaft rotor design with a novel compressor bleed bypass when in extreme high-speed operation. What made this engine so unique is the six bypass tubes, which directed airflow from the compressor stage directly into the afterburner. This allowed the Blackbird to operate at a much higher fuel efficiency than other afterburning jet engines when in full afterburner (AB).

On Apr. 26, 1971, pilot Lt. Col. Thomas Estes and RSO Lt. Col. Dewain Vick (he and his family were one of my neighbors at Beale AFB) flew SR-71 #968 15,000 miles in 10 hours 30 minutes non-stop on a grueling marathon mission to test the endurance of the J58 engines and the Blackbird airframe, but mostly to see how many times they could refuel before the liquid nitrogen gave out. At Blackbird speeds and temperatures, oxygen becomes explosive and can spontaneously ignite in the tanks and fuel lines. In order to prevent this, all 6 fuel tanks are purged with pure nitrogen before being filled.

The Blackbird also carries 260 liters of liquid nitrogen in 3 dewars [for this flight the SR-71 only had 2 – 106 liter liquid nitrogen dewars. The 3rd 50 liter dewar was added in the mid 1980’s]. This nitrogen expands into its gaseous form as it is pumped into the fuel tanks to top them off as fuel is consumed. Without the nitrogen, the empty fuel tanks would cavitate from the increased pressure when returning to lower altitudes to refuel.*

Five aerial refuellings

Taking off from Beale AFB in California, they flew 2 laps around the continental United States via Missoula, Montana; east to Bismark, ND; southeast to Peoria, IL; east to Columbus, OH; southeast to Cape Hatteras, NC; southwest to Gainsville, FL; south to Tampa, FL; west to San Antonio, TX; northwest to El Paso, TX; west to El Centro, CA; then back to Beale AFB. Once the second lap was complete, they entered the third lap and turned south at Bismark, for Santa Fe, NM; then west to Las Vegas, NV; then finally back to Beale (flight plan via Ron Kloetzli). This 15,000 mile, 10.5 hour flight required five aerial refuellings. After the flight the aircraft was thoroughly examined and found to be none the worse for the experience. The SR-71 remains to this day the only aircraft rated to run in full continuous afterburner.

I interviewed Colonel Shelton about his 13-hour flight during the Yom Kippur war. And he said that after a long flight like this his adrenaline was hyped up so high that he was unable to sleep even though he was exhausted.

To help with his adrenaline being on overdrive he would go for a long walk to settle down.

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. Dawn at 80.000ft – SR-71 Blackbird

SR-71 liquid nitrogen Dewar’s

On Sep. 20, 1971, Estes and Vick were awarded the 1972 Harmon International Trophy by President Richard Nixon for their accomplishment. They were also awarded the 1971 Mackay Trophy for the same flight.

*Crew Chief Floyd Jones explains: ‘The SR-71 does have three LN2 Dewar’s, two in nose wheel and the third in the left chine are just outboard of K bay. The LN2 goes from the Dewar’s to coils (heat exchange) in tanks 1 and 3 that turns the Liquid into gasses of nitrogen. The wing tanks are the ones that have the worse leaks. Reason being that during the in-flight refueling tanks 3 & 6 are empty during the refueling the excess Hot tanks and the very Cold Fuel cause the Tank Sealant to fracture (crack) causing leaks.’

Be sure to check out Linda Sheffield Miller (Col Richard (Butch) Sheffield’s daughter, Col. Sheffield was an SR-71 Reconnaissance Systems Officer) Twitter X Page Habubrats SR-71, Instagram Page SR71Habubrats and Facebook Page Born into the Wilde Blue Yonder Habubrats for awesome Blackbird’s photos and stories.

Source www.Habu.org

@Habubrats71 via X

[responsivethoughts]

The F-14 Tomcat

The F-14 Tomcat, an iconic American supersonic fighter jet, gained fame for its swing-wing design and role as a carrier-based interceptor. Developed by Grumman for the US Navy, it entered service in 1974 and was retired in 2006.

The F-14 Tomcat garnered notable performance records during its illustrious service. In 1974, an F-14A set a world speed record, reaching 1,606.342 miles per hour (2,585.086 kilometers per hour) over a 500-kilometer closed-circuit course. Its remarkable speed capabilities were underscored by its ability to exceed Mach 2.

In combat, the F-14 demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, participating in pivotal military operations such as the Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom. Its swing-wing design and Pratt & Whitney TF30 turbofan engines endowed it with agility and versatility, enabling precise maneuvering and long-range engagements.

Armed with radar-guided missiles and a powerful radar system, it was designed for air superiority and fleet defense. The Tomcat played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the Gulf War. Its advanced avionics and long-range capabilities made it a formidable adversary.

The F-14's advanced radar systems, including the Hughes AN/AWG-9 and later the AN/APG-71, facilitated multi-target tracking and engagement, particularly with the AIM-54 Phoenix missile system.

Beyond its performance in flight, the F-14 left an indelible mark on popular culture, immortalized in the film "Top Gun." Its enduring legacy as a symbol of American military power and aviation excellence continues to captivate enthusiasts and historians alike.

Though retired, its legacy endures as a symbol of naval aviation prowess and technological innovation.

[dangerousthingobservation]

F-4J (UK) Phantom F.3

The British had adopted the F-4 Phantom in the late 1960s with the F-4K (FG.1) for the Navy and the F-4M (FGR.2) for the RAF. By the late 1970s a more advanced interceptor was needed to replace the

[mookev]

Overtaking, is the one thing you don't have to do, however, if done in a planned legal and safe way, it is very satisfying.

[girlactionfigure]

🟤DEAL TROUBLES, IRAN CLAIMS - Real time from Israel  

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

( PHOTO - Sunset yesterday, throughout central Israel up to the Judean Hills we could view the INTERCEPTOR MISSILE TRAIL from the interceptor fired at the Houthi Ballistic Missile that morning. )

🎗️GAZA / HOSTAGE DEAL NEWS.. Fin. Min. Smotrich: “We are at a crucial and fateful time for the security, future and existence of the State of Israel. What stands before me is only one thing, and I am concerned with it with all my heart and soul, and that is how to achieve the full goals of the war - complete victory, the complete destruction of Hamas militarily and civilianly, and the return of all our hostages home.”

.. TROUBLE.. Political source:  Hamas has made a false claim that Israel added new conditions in the negotiations - to avoid carrying out the deal.

.. RELATED.. Sources told the Al-Akhbar newspaper that Hamas has informed the mediators of its verbal agreement to the ceasefire and release of the hostages, but has not yet signed the necessary documents. This is because the terrorist organization claims that Israel may shirk its commitments to withdraw.

.. HAMAS NOW CLAIMS.. Lebanese Al-Mayadeen, affiliated with the "Resistance Axis", from a "Palestinian source" on the issue of negotiations for an agreement: 

“The behavior of the Israeli occupation so far is delaying the agreement.

The occupation did not present the withdrawal maps from the Gaza Strip nor the details regarding the management of the Rafah Crossing and the entry of trucks.

The occupation did not provide details regarding the prisoner exchange mechanism and did not clarify how the wounded were taken out for treatment.

The general agreement on the part of the occupation exists, but the above-mentioned necessary details are delaying the signing of the agreement and the beginning of its implementation.”

.. NEW ISSUE.. A real crisis: Hamas backs off on the commitment to release wounded men under 50.

▪️ANTI-DRAFT PROTEST.. a group of charedi extremists had an illegal demonstration this morning by the IDF recruitment office in Kiryat Ono.  Despite the police declaring the demonstration illegal, the demonstrators blocked roads and began rioting.

▪️IDF NORTHERN GENERAL SAYS.. "We are looking ahead in the context of our action against Hezbollah. We will continue to enforce and we are enforcing all the time today, yesterday, and the day before yesterday. Since the beginning of the agreement, we have had more than 49 Hezbollah operatives killed. We are responsible for security within the area, we are responsible for ensuring that neither infrastructure construction nor the accumulation of weapons, nor Hezbollah operational activity at all within the area, will take place here."

▪️STRANGE BOAST.. the IDF is boasting about capturing a fair supply of weapons abandoned by the former Syrian Army, including 1,500 RPGs, 2 tanks, 70 grenades, 165 rockets, 20 anti-tank missiles, and various intelligence and military equipment.  (( As an enemy army, of course they had supplies of military equipment.  Boast about “collected and kept from terrorists.” ))

RELATED.. the condition of the equipment (from photos shown) is adequate to poor and aged - MUCH worse condition than the mass equipment captured from Hezbollah, which was new-in-box, modern, advanced.  Much of the Syrian equipment - Chinese.  Much of the Hezbollah equipment - Russian.

🔹IRAN.. Iran's vice president claimed in an interview that Israel had planted explosives in centrifuge technology purchased for Iran's nuclear program and said that explosives had been found planted in centrifuge components purchased by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and that they had been successfully detected and disposed of.

♦️GAZA - IDF: Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes on over 50 targets in the Gaza Strip, the military says, including against groups of operatives from the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups.

[automotivealchemy]

Chevrolet Caprice PPV Phantom Edition Police Concept

This uniquely built street interceptor has an integrated crash bar front, supercharged V8 Motor, all wheel drive, with every electronic advancement known to a force. While it is hefty in size and weight it doesn't stop it from being a literal tank that can run down anything on the road, well almost anything.