#History 105

[dronescapesvideos]

F-105 Thunderchief "Thud".

➤➤ VIDEO: https://youtu.be/av8F5IPh9bI

[quiltofstars]

M105 (upper right) // Drew Evans

M105 was discovered by Méchain in 1781, just a few days after he discovered M95 and M96. However it was not added to Messier's catalog until 1947 when Helen Sawyer Hogg (1905-1993) discovered Méchain's letter with a description of it.

Briefly, Helen Hogg was a American-Canadian astronomer who pioneered research into globular clusters and variable stars. Notably, the was the first female president of several astronomical and scientific organizations, among them the National Science Foundation, the Royal Society of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Institute. She was considered a "great scientist and a gracious person" over a career of sixty years.

[yurimartyr]

history is so fun because you can like to back 105 years and learn "women are now people" and then instead go back 65 years and learn "black people are now people" and then instead go back 45 years and learn "gay people are now people" and then instead go back 21 years and learn "discrimination is now illegal" and you go. damn. my country kinda sucked back then. then you instead go back only 15 years and learn "homosexuality is now legal" and then instead go back 6 years and learn "sexual assault is now illegal" and then instead go back 4 years and learn "children are now people" and you go. hm. i have been alive longer than these laws have been in place. and then you wonder what other fucked up things are legal without you knowing it until you in a few years hear it's now illegal and go "what the fuck, that was legal? during my lifetime? why the fuck was that legal for so long." and this cycle will repeat probably forever. country seems awesome but if you go back any amount of time you'll find out it was fucking awful; this'll be true even when you in the future go back to what's currently the present.

[lonestarflight]

The complete Shuttle Fleet AU

This is just my thoughts about how things might align for Enterprise to be refitted into an operational shuttle. This comes after reading a lot of the behind the scenes decisions and abandoned plans NASA had over the last 40 years. I only listed major events.

It wasn't meant to be this long but I hyperfocused too much on it one morning. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it.

• 1972: NASA started the Space Shuttle Program.

• OV-101 Enterprise: same rollout and testing as our timeline in 1976-77

•STA-099: delivered to Lockheed for structural load tests to simulate the launch and re-entry of an operational orbiter in February 1978.

• Point of divergent: The decision to use STA-099 instead of OV-101 as the second operational orbiter came too late as the frame was already tested to 90% stress load. At this point, it would be too costly to repair and bring it back inline. It was decided to continue testing to destruction (as was originally planned in our timeline), although some parts are removed to be refurbished for OV-103.

• OV-102 Columbia completed and rolled out in March 1980. (NASA doesn't relocate Columbia to KSC in March 1979 in an attempt to speed up her tile installation, which only delayed her completion).

•STS-1 is launched in December 1980 (instead of April 1981)

• NASA gives the go ahead to add Enterprise to the fleet and have her rebuilt after Congress increases their budget, but the work would start once OV-104 is completed.

• 1981: long led items for Enterprise's rebuild are started. This includes a new crew pressure vessel and a new aft-fuselage.

• OV-103, starts earlier and it's production is accelerated with parts salvaged from STA-099 (such as the forward fuselage upper section, elevons and vertical stabilizer). Construction completed in 1982 and christened Challenger.

source

• 1983: STS-7 is Challenger's maiden mission. Onboard is Sally Ride.

• 1983: OV-104 is competed and christened Discovery.

source

• STS-12 is Discovery's first mission.

Note: NASA never uses the STS-41-D format. Where the first digit indicating the federal fiscal year, second digit indicating the launch site (1 was Kennedy Space Center and 2 was Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base), and the letter indicating scheduling sequence. This was due NASA Administrator James M. Beggs's triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). In this timeline, the assistant admins were able to talk him out of it and simply skip STS-13.

• 1983: Enterprise is returned to Palmdale for her disassembled and rebuild. As a weight saving measure her mid-fuselage is returned to Convair for a complete rebuild to bring it inline with OV-103 and OV-104.

source

• 1985: at long last, Enterprise is rolled out and joins the fleet. She weighs about the same as Columbia despite weight saving implemented during her rebuild.

• 1985: Columbia is returned to Palmdale for refurbishment and to remove testing equipment (most notable is the ejection seats). This sees her thermal protection system revised and her 32,000 tiles reduced to 24,300. Most are replaced by Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation blankets which was used on the other three orbiters.

• September 1985: STS-21 is Enterprise's first mission

• STS-25 (STS-51-L in our timeline) launches at a later date due to NASA management listening to the Engineers about icy conditions on January 26, 1986. NASA quietly orders the complete redesign of the Solid Rocket Boosters.

• May 1986: tragedy strikes OV-103 Challenger during STS-27, when the attempted launch of the Centaur carrying the Ulysses probe explodes killing all those onboard. (A real fear in our timeline.)

source

• The Shuttle fleet is grounded for a year, during the investigation. Ultimately the Investigation board concluds NASA was trying to do too much with too limited a system/funding and is used by the administration to demand a bigger budget. (It has less of an impact on the American psyche since it wasn't televised).

• The USAF cancels all Shuttle missions from Vandeberg Air Force Base. (Same as our timeline)

• With an increased budget, NASA agrees to Rockwell's offer to build two new orbiters for the price of one offer.

• 1986: Columbia is returned to NASA after her refurbishment. However, he is placed into storage with the rest of the fleet.

• 1987: return to flight with STS-28 with Discovery. Also first launch with the redesigned SRBs.

• 1988: NASA launches the Shuttle-C program (or Cargo Transportation System), an expendable unmanned cargo pod, using the existing shuttle hardware. The goal is to increase the number of launches by augmenting the Orbiters and reduce the risks to human lives.

•1988: STS-29 Atlantis suffers a foam strike during launch. Post flight analysis determines the foam came from the bipod connected the ET near the top to the front underside of the orbiter. The orbiter was nearly lost during re-entry if it weren't for the fact the strike happened to a tile that was over less critical areas and the missing tile was over a steel patch for an antenna, which gave extra protection to the spacecraft structure. NASA removes the foam from the bipod connection on all missions going forward.

• OV-105 is built from spares from Challenger and Discovery. Completed in 1990 and christened Atlantis. Her design is the first to include a glass cockpit and other improvements.

• 1991: STS-45 is Atlantis's first mission

• OV-106 is a complete to an slightly improved design, making her lighter and stronger than her sisters. Externally she looks the same. Completed in 1992 and is christened Endeavour.

source

- Structural spares are built to replace the ones used in Atlantis's construction and are designated OV-107.

• 1992: first launch of the Shuttle-C (CTS-1). Mission was a success, carrying a DoD payload.

Shuttle-C render by Nathan Koga for Space Flight Insider: link, link

• CTS-3: launches the Ulysses II probe

NASA image: link

• 1993: STS-59 is Endeavour's first mission

• Rockwell International merges with Lockheed to become Lockheed-Rockwell.

• December 1993: OV-101 Enterprise is retired due to being the oldest in the fleet. Endeavour takes her place in the fleet. Enterprise is given to the Smithsonian with the option of being recalled by NASA if needed.

• 1994: NASA launches the X-33 program to compliment the shuttle as an unmanned reusable launch vehicle (RLV) and replace the Shuttle-C.

• 1996: CTS-5 carries the first component of the International Space Station.

Artwork by okan170: link

•1996: the Shuttle-C program is cancelled to divert funds to the X-33 program.

• 1998: Lockheed-Rockwell design is selected over proposals from McDonnell-Douglas and Northrop-Grumman/Boeing

SDASM Archives: 08_00991

• 1998: NASA begins the X-38 CRV (Crew Return Vehicle) program. The CRV is designed to be a lifeboat for the ISS.

• 2001: X-33 RLV program is shelved due to technical challenges and budget cuts.

• 2003: STS-118, Columbia conducts her first (and only) mission to the International Space Station. While docked, it was discovered an ice strike damaged her reinforced carbon–carbon leading wing edge panel. The crew stays in the ISS a week while waiting for rescue from STS-119 Atlantis. NASA jerry-riggs an autopilot system to have Columbia re-enter the atmosphere unmanned after her leading edge was temporarily repaired. It was expected for her to burn up in the atmosphere and what remained to land in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. However, against all odds Columbia survives and lands at Edwards Air Force Base. Although her port land gear collapsed during breaking after tough down and caused additional damage to the batter shuttle.

• The crew of STS-118 ride back on STS-119 Atlantis and land in Kennedy Space Center.

• Unfortunately, the damage to Columbia is too extensive and she is retired. She is placed in storage at Palmdale, California.

• In the wake, NASA begins Project Constellation, with the goal being to complete the original space transportation system (STS) mission. Which was a reusable system to carry astronauts to the moon and beyond. NASA and the US calls on the international community to fund and build the components.

NASA ID: MSFC-70-PD-4085 B

• The ET is modified with a half shell to remove the risks of form/ice strikes and the Shuttle TPS is upgraded with the materials from the shelved X-33 program.

• OV-101 Enterprise is recalled by NASA to be the prototype of an unmanned shuttle and is given a thorough rebuild with newer and lighter wings and other components but entirely unmanned. Some joking refer to her as Enterprise-A, as a reference to Star Trek.

• NASA funds Lockheed-Rockwell to build OV-107, another uncrewed version, to augment Enterprise.

• The ISS construction continues but becomes a research/launching platform for missions to the moon and ultimately beyond

• 2004: the X-38 is launched on a liftover Shuttle-C, modified for lifting body, to the ISS (CTS-10).

source

Artwork by SpacePozzolo: link

• 2005: return to flight with STS-121 Discovery.

• 2008: first flight of Enterprise-A (CTS-11).

• 2008: the ISS is completed

Artwork by NanoRacks: link

• 2009: OV-107 construction is completed and christened Constitution. Her first flight happens later that year (CTS-16).

• 2009: NASA announces the rocket that will carry the components of the Constellation programs beyond Earth orbit will be called the SLS (Space Launch System). Boeing was selected to build the core stage. The SLS will used SSME at the end of their life's and newly constructed expendable versions. A third launch, pad 39C, will be constructed for the SLS.

• 2009: Lunar Transfer Vehicle (LTV, later renamed Orion) is used to transfer crews from LEO to Lunar orbit. Two components make up the vehicle. The crew section is to be built by NASA/CSA and the fuel/propulsion section built by the ESA. The SLS will be used to launch the fuel/propulsion section of the LTV.

- OV-101 and OV-107 are used to launch the crew section of the LTV. Which will rendezvous with the ISS.

- SLS Block II, an upgraded version, is use to launch the Gateway components. Gateway components will be built in the ESA and Japan.

- A Lunar space station, Gateway, launched and constructed in lunar orbit for Orion to rendezvous and house the Altair lunar lander. Three Orions are kept in orbit, one at each station in case of an emergency and a third in use.

• The first is find locations with abundant raw materials for fuel the future moonbase.

• 2010: NASA announces the X-50 SSTO Program and the Commercial Crew Program, with the goal of replacing the Shuttle (including the Enterprise and Constitution). The X-50 is the successor to the X-33.

• 2012: Lockheed-Rockwell is selected to build the X-50

• 2014: SpaceX Dragon and Sierra Space Dreamchaser are selected as part of the Commercial Crew Program.

• 2017: OV-104, OV-105 & OV-106 are retired when th Dreamchaser and SpaceX Dragon are brought online. List of each shuttle's last mission:

- STS-203 Discovery

- STS-204 Endeavour

- STS-205 Atlantis

• 2018: the maiden flight (CTS-70) of the X-50 Starlight (OV-201 Constellation)

• 2019: OV-101 is retired for the final time when the X-50 Starlight shuttles are brought online. OV-107 is kept in standby but eventually is turned over to a museum. List of their missions:

- CTS-74 Enterprise

- CTS-75 Constitution

• NASA has three operational Starlights. Spares are construction, OV-204.

-OV-201 Constellation

-OV-202 Columbia II

-OV-203 Adventure

• 2019: the first launch of the SLS was a success

Artwork by okan170: link

• 2020: the Space Shuttles are displayed in the following cities:

- OV-101 Enterprise: Space Center Houston

- OV-102 Columbia: California Science Center in Los Angeles, California (volunteers at Lockheed-Rockwell repair her enough to be put on display)

- OV-104 Discovery: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Smithsonian, in Washington DC

- OV-105 Atlantis: Kennedy Space Center, Florida

- OV-106 Endeavour: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, New York

- OV-107 Constitution: National Museum of the US Air Force in Riverside, Ohio

• 2022: the first Orion (LTV-101: Pathfinder) is launched into orbital aboard SLS-2. It conducts tests over several orbits and docks with the ISS.

• 2023: OV-202 Columbia II launches and fuels up the Pathfinder. Four crewmen board the spacecraft and depart from the moon...

Artwork by Seth Pritchard: link

[usaac-official]

An AD-6 of VA-105 refuels an FJ-3M of VF-62, 1958

[ricky-mortis]

Happy anniversary to the Great Boston Molasses flood of 1919! Thinking of you!

[worldchampionpeccobagnaia]

[plague-of-insomnia]

“ageless blogs will be blocked!”

honey if you can’t tell i’m absolutely way above 18 from a few seconds on my blog than i guess block me

i am not putting my fucking age in my bio

i’m an adult and i dont owe anyone shit

[the-wheel-of-time-begins-to-turn]

[unnecessarilygrandiose]

'trouble at home' foreshadowing for the cheating storyline

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 24 of 2023

Title: One Trip Too Many: A Pilot's Memoirs of 38 Months in Combat Over Laos and Vietnam Authors: Wayne A. Warner ISBN: 9781467931557 Tags: A-1 Skyraider, A-26 Invader, B-52 Stratofortress, B-57 Canberra, C-123 Provider, C-130 Hercules, C-133 Cargomaster, C-47 Skytrain, EB-66 Destroyer, EC-121 Warning Star, F-100 Super Sabre, F-105 Thunderchief, F-111 Aardvark, F-4 Phantom II, FAC, Fast-FAC, GBR United Kingdom, JPN Itazuke, JPN Japan, JPN Okinawa, JPN Okinawa - Naha, JPN Tachikawa, JPN USA 106th General Hospital - Yokohama (Far East Burn Center) (Kishine Barracks), KC-135 Stratotanker, KOR Korea, KOR Kunsan, LAO Laos, LAO Laotian Civil War (1959-1975), LAO Lima Site 85 - Phu Pha Thi (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Barrel Roll (1964-1973) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Operation Blind Bat (1964-1970) (Laotian Civil War), LAO Operation Steel Tiger (1965-1968) (Laotian Civil War) (Vietnam War), LAO Pathet Lao, LAO Tchepone, MiG-17 Fresco, MiG-21 Fishbed, MYS Malaysia, O-2 Skymaster, OV-1 Mohawk, ParaRescuemen, PHL US USAF Clark Air Force Base, POW, PRK North Korea, SA-2 Guideline SAM, SEAD, SGP Raffles Hotel, SGP Singapore, SGP UK RAF Far East Survival School - Changi, T-33 Shooting Star, T-37 Tweet, THA Bangkok, THA Bangkok - Federal hotel, THA Nakhon Sawan, THA RTAF Royal Thai Air Force, THA RTAFB Don Muang Royal Thai Airbase, THA RTAFB Korat Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTAFB Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, THA RTNAF U-Tapao Air Field, THA Thailand, THA USAF C-130 Klong (Vietnam War), Tibet, TWN ROCAF Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, TWN ROCAF Republic of China Air Force, TWN Tainan, TWN Taipei, TWN Taiwan, UK RAF Royal Air Force, US AL Alabama, US CA California, US CA San Francisco, US CIA Central Intelligence Agency, US CRM Civil Rights Movement, US CRM Selma to Montgomery Marches (1965), US Lee Harvey Oswald, US MATS Military Air Transport Service, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, US President John F. Kennedy, US USA 101st Airborne Division - 1st Brigade, US USA 101st Airborne Division - Screaming Eagles, US USA 173rd Airborne Brigade - Sky Soldiers, US USA 1st Cavalry Division, US USA 1st ID - Big Red One, US USA 23rd ID - Americal, US USA 46th Infantry Regiment, US USA 7th Cavalry Regiment, US USA Fort Benning GA, US USA Fort Rucker AL, US USA Fort Rucker AL - Cairns Army Airfield, US USA Fort Sam Houston TX, US USA Fort Sam Houston TX - Brooke General Hospital, US USA United States Army, US USAF 1st Special Operations Sqd - Hobo, US USAF 21st Special Operations Sqd - Dusty, US USAF 21st Special Operations Sqd - Knife, US USAF 21st Troop Carrier Sqd, US USAF 22nd Special Operations Sqd - Zorro, US USAF 313th Air Division, US USAF 315th Air Division, US USAF 354th TFS - Bison, US USAF 355th TFW, US USAF 357th TFS - Dragons, US USAF 357th TFS - Wildcat, US USAF 3615th Pilot Training Wing, US USAF 3617th Pilot Training Sqd, US USAF 3635th Flying Training Wing, US USAF 388th TFW, US USAF 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Sqd - Crown/King, US USAF 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Sqd - Jolly Green Giant, US USAF 416th TFS - Det 1 - Misty FAC, US USAF 41st Tactical Airlift Sqd, US USAF 428th TFS, US USAF 428th TFS - Det 1, US USAF 433rd TFS, US USAF 4410th Combat Crew Training Wing, US USAF 4442nd Combat Crew Training Wing, US USAF 4520th Training Wing, US USAF 4524th Training Sqd, US USAF 4526th Combat Crew Training Sqd - Cobras, US USAF 552nd AEWCW - Ethan, US USAF 56th Air Commando Wing, US USAF 56th Special Operations Wing, US USAF 602nd Special Operations Sqd - Firefly, US USAF 606th Special Operations Sqd - Candlestick, US USAF 609th Air Commando Sqd - Nimrod, US USAF 609th Special Operations Sqd - Nimrod, US USAF 620th Tactical Control Sqd - Waterboy, US USAF 6315th Operations Group, US USAF 6th Special Operations Sqd, US USAF 7th ABCCC Airborne Command and Control Sqd - Hillsboro, US USAF 7th Air Force, US USAF 8th TFW, US USAF Air Force Academy, US USAF Captain Gene Basel, US USAF Colonel Jerry Driscoll (POW), US USAF Colonel William "Bill" Ivey, US USAF Columbus Air Force Base MS, US USAF Craig Air Force Base AL, US USAF Edwards Air Force Base - Air Force Flight Test Center, US USAF Edwards Air Force Base CA, US USAF General Curtis LeMay, US USAF General John Charles Giraudo, US USAF General Robin Olds, US USAF General William Momyer, US USAF Homestead Air Force Base FL, US USAF Hurlburt Field FL, US USAF JEST Jungle Environment Survival Training, US USAF Kadena Air Base JPN, US USAF LCol John Robert "Bob" Pardo, US USAF March Air Force Base CA, US USAF Naha Air Base JPN, US USAF Nellis Air Force Base NV, US USAF Selma Field AL, US USAF Sewart Air Force Base TN, US USAF Stead Air Force Base NV, US USAF Tinker Air Force Base OK, US USAF United States Air Force, US USAF Wright-Patterson Air Force Base OH, US USCG United States Coast Guard, US USCGC Point Welcome (WPB-82329), US USMC 3rd MarDiv, US USMC 9th MEB, US USMC United States Marine Corps, US USN NAS Memphis TN, US USN NAS Naval Air Station, US USN United States Navy, US USN USS Mauna Kea (AE-22), US USN USS Pueblo (AGER 2), US USN USS Twining (DD-540), VNM 1968 Tet Offensive (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Bac Mai, VNM Battle of Khe Sanh (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Bien Hoa Air Base (Vietnam War), VNM Cam Ranh Bay, VNM Canal Des Rapides Bridge, VNM Catecka Tea Plantation, VNM Chao Hao, VNM Cheo Reo, VNM Chu Lai, VNM Da Nang, VNM Dak To, VNM Dong Ha, VNM Dong Hoi, VNM DRV NVA North Vietnamese Army, VNM DRV NVAF North Vietnamese Air Force, VNM DRV Route Pack I, VNM DRV VC Viet Cong, VNM Gia Thuong Storage Facility (Vietnam War), VNM Ham Rong (Dragons Jaw) Bridge, VNM Hanoi, VNM Hill 621 (Son Tra Mountain) (Monkey Mountain), VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail (Vietnam War), VNM Huong Hoa District, VNM I Corps (Vietnam War), VNM Ia Drang Valley, VNM Kep Airfield, VNM Kham Duc, VNM Lang Gia Rail Yard, VNM Little Thud Ridge, VNM Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge, VNM Mu Gia Pass, VNM National Highway 14, VNM Nhon Ko, VNM Operation Arc Light (1965-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Barrel Roll (1964-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Birmingham (1966) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Bolo (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Carolina Moon (1966) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Combat Lancer (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Combat Skyspot (1965-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation King Cobra (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Linebacker I (1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Linebacker II (1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Niagra (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Ranch Hand (1962-1971) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Rolling Thunder (1965-1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Steel Tiger (1965-1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Tally Ho (1966-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Phan Thiet, VNM Phuc Yen Airfield, VNM Pleiku, VNM Quang Tin Province, VNM Qui Nhon, VNM Red River, VNM Red River Valley, VNM Route 9, VNM Route Pack V (Vietnam War), VNM Route Pack VI (Vietnam War), VNM Route Pack VIA (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN ARVN CIDG Civilian Irregular Defense Group, VNM Saigon, VNM Saigon - Mai Loan Hotel (Vietnam War), VNM Song Ma, VNM Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VNM Tay Ninh, VNM Than Hoa Bridge, VNM Thud Ridge, VNM Tonkin Gulf, VNM US Agent Orange (Vietnam War), VNM US USN NAF Naval Air Facility Cam Ranh (Vietnam War), VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Vinh Airfield, VNM Yen Bai Airfield, Wild Weasels Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars) Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Aviation.USAF.Fighters, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Aviation.USAF.Transports, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Laotian Civil War.Aviation.USAF.Fighters

Description: One Trip Too Many, A Pilot’s Memoirs of 38 Months in Combat over Laos and Vietnam, is an autobiography about my life as a pilot in Southeast Asia during the conflict in Vietnam. It is primarily a story to share with family and friends about my personal involvement in the conflict and the turbulent decade of the 60s and does not attempt to question the politics of the era. It begins with a brief description of my quest to gain admittance to the United States Air Force Academy, my four years at the Academy, and the subsequent year of pilot training. I flew three different types of aircraft in combat and the book provides insight into the training that took place for the C-130 Hercules, the F-105 Thunderchief, and the A-1 Skyraider. Each of the three tours in combat over Laos and Vietnam is described with emphasis on the more memorable flights including a bailout in the A-1 and the final crash on takeoff that ended my active duty Air Force career. My time in various hospitals is described at the end of the book and the epilogue tells briefly of my life after retirement from the United States Air Force. The book has been described as a combination of Band of Brothers, Top Gun, and Forrest Gump. ** ### About the Author Wayne A. Warner graduated in 1963 from the United States Air Force Academy. After receiving his wings at Craig AFB, Alabama in 1964 he flew combat missions over Southeast Asia in the C-130 Hercules, the F-105 Thunderchief, and the A-1 Skyraider. In March 1969 he crashed on takeoff in an A-1H and was critically burned. Following medical retirement from the United States Air Force in September 1969, he graduated from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 1974. He then worked as a weapon systems acquisition attorney in the Federal Civil Service for the United States Air Force at Eglin AFB, Florida until his retirement in 2004.

[dronescapesvideos]

Two Supersonic YF-105 Thunderchief Fighter-Bombers. A YF-105A Refuels A YF-105B, 1955.

➤➤ F-105 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/AwbExUPrJoU

[vlvte]

character tagsss part one bc part 2 isn't ready lol

[aelenavelaryon]

Daemon Targaryen x Targaryen Reader

Summary: Daemon finally finds love

Aella Targaryen was nothing like the rest of her family. She couldn't be. Many would often said she was a sweet girl whose only mistake was to have Valyrian blood cursing through her veins. House Targaryen had been on the Iron Throne for over a hundred years, she could remember the throne, it was rather beautiful she would admit. But, House Targaryen was a cursed lineage. Aella thought it was because they were all related. Brothers married sisters, uncles married nieces, cousins married cousins.

When Aella was brought to court she was nothing but a babe. Only one perhaps two moons old. Daughter of Saera Targaryen and her brother Rhaegar Targaryen. Rhaegar and Saera had both been wild and untamable. The two ran away after Saera escaped Old Town and they were never seen again until now. Aella Targaryen was born in the year 105. Rhaegar brought his daughter to court, to present among the realm. Saera had died in her birthing chamber. Viserys, who had lost his wife a nearly two years prior welcomed them both. Aella grew up beside Alicent’s children and Rhaenyra's children.

Aella although growing up with her cousins she preferred to be alone, sitting in the gardens or her room and reading a history book. Her father wondered where she had gotten all of that, she was not like her mother or him. But, there were things he did like singing, poems and song writing much like his daughter. Aella had the basic training, in case she had to protect herself but the young girl no matter the circumstances could never and would never bring herself to hurt anyone. It wasn't in her blood no matter how much her father tried. But Rhaegar would protect his daughter no matter the cost. She rode Meraxes, queen Rhaenys dragon, the princess died that day but her dragon lived.

As the years passed, Aella Targaryen grew into a beautiful maiden. "The Realm's Angel" or "The Realm's Desire" surpassing her cousin Rhaenyra in beauty and everything else. Aella had reached her ten and five name day and was yet to be unmarried. Her father was the reason for that, although he was no king he saw that no one was fit to marry his only child. No one would ever be good enough. Alicent thought it would be a good idea to marry her to Aegon or Aemond if she wished. Rhaenyra thought she would be a great match for Jacaerys or Lucerys. Rhaegar Targaryen refused, once again. But, a few moons later he passed from a swollen belly, leaving his only child at the mercy of her family.

Aella didn't know who to choose as her family had given her the choice to marry who she wanted between the four boys. She was dutiful, whoever her uncle had chosen she would have married but she did not want to disappoint anyone by choosing wrong. The council knew that Aella marrying either of her nephews was a tragedy waiting to happen, so the young girl offered a marriage between another house but Rhaenyra, Alicent and the king denied her. Daemon who had recently lost his wife asked her to marry him, to unite themselves and protect each other. Aella was young, only fifteen summers old what did she know about love. She knew more about duty than love.

So, to stop any family issues or more drama she agreed and secretly married Daemon, consummating their marriage, now it could not be broken. The news reached King's Landing the morning after, creating chaos in the court. The king was fragile in health so he did nothing, besides they were married and they had consummated there was no breaking anything. Rhaenyra stayed in King's Landing, while Daemon, his wife and two daughters remained in Dragonstone. Nearly a year after their wedding Baelon Targaryen and Rhaegar Targaryen were born. Strong boys. On their second named day, their sisters Rhaella and Visenya had been born. When the boys were five, their sisters three Aemma and Viserys were born.

Baela and Rhaena quickly accepted Aella as she had this motherly warmth the girls loved and she had glady taken the role as their mother, not that she would try to replace the girls mother but she did her best to love and care for them as she did for her own children. Aella with Daemon's approval let the girls ride their dragons to Driftmark to visit their grandparents. Rhaenys and Corlys were grateful that the young girl allowed them to visit their mother's family as much and as often as they could. The six children had been kept a secret through out the years. Aella was near her one and twenty name day. As a result, the king had invited her and her family to celebrate as a family.

Her arrival had been expected, Aegon was now married to Helaena and had two children, twins. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Aemond was unmarried but as far as she knew he was bethroted to a Baratheon girl. Jacaerys was to marry soon but his mother and father were looking for a suitable match. When she arrived, Daemon and the girls were waiting as her and the children had sailed there due to the young kids. Rhaenys and Corlys who were there watched their granddaughters run to their new mother. They saw the love the two girls had for her. King Viserys recovered and went back to being the peaceful king he was. He waited with his family as he watched Daemon help his wife.

She had turned into a beautiful woman, everyone could agree. She seemed happy with Daemon. And she was, he treated her good and with respect. "My king, my queen" she  greeted with a nod. "Princess Rhaenyra, Laenor" she said with a smile. She greeted everyone. "Now, may we present our children?" she asked and everyone turned to her. They were surprised. The king nodded and Daemon signaled the maids to bring them. "Baelon and Rhaegar, our oldest. Visenya and Rhaella out second oldest. Viserys and Aemma our youngest" Daemon introduced as the four oldest made their bows to the king and queen. The youngest were only one.

"May I?" the king asked as he took Aemma, she had her eyes. Rhaenys took Viserys. "Baelon looks like our father, and Rhaegar looks like Aemon" Rhaenys nodded in agreement. Everyone cooed over the Aella'a children and all she did was smile. During the feast for her nameday, Daemon and his wife could see the tension between Alicent and Rhaenyra. "I would like to propose an alliance between our families" Aella began. She had spoken with Corlys and Rhaenys, and of course her husband. "A bethrotal between Jacaerys and Baela. And Rhaena with prince Lucerys" she said with a smile. Rhaenyra smiled. "I think that is a great idea" Daemon held her hand and nodded. "In addition, if Aegon and Helaena agree Jaehaera could marry Baelon and Vinseya Jaehaerys" the table was quiet but Alicent smiled. "I think that is magnificent idea" the king nodded in agreement. "Our house will be united" she smiled happy with the outcome.

Aella Targaryen was a woman many remembered, she had given her family peace but that peace nearly broke when Otto Hightower deemed her dangerous, sending for someone to kill the princess. The princess perished on top of her dragon as a scorpion hit the beast right in the neck, killing it instantly. She received the same fate as queen Rhaenys. The lady didn't survive the fall. Daemon Targaryen never remarried but once he found out who killed her, the Hightowers, more importantly Otto, he was killed soon after. Alicent was pardoned as she didn't know anything. Rhaenyra was crown queen and the princess match's were honored as Baela married Jacaerys, Rhaena Lucerys, and once older Baelon and Visenya married Aegon's children.

The Sweet Summer Child died but her memory remained throughout the years. Aella Targaryen iii married her brother Rhaegar, giving him the heirs he needed. House Targaryen didn't end with Daenerys Targaryen, it went on. It prospered. From Aella Targaryen the first, came the prince that was promised and the realm lived in peace.

[memecucker]

one of the things thats interesting about George Lucas saying the Rebel Alliance was inspired by the Vietcong is that during the Vietnam War something thats pretty interesting was the success of the Vietnam People's Air Force (which yeah wasnt part of the Vietcong but whatever) in its ability to combat the US Air Force despite being heavily outmanned, outgunned and flying older model aircraft they were able to heavily punch above their weight in a way that even US military sources admit ultimately came down to that the Vietnamese just had the better pilots tactics for much of the war (eg; in December 1966 the Vietnamese airforce was able to down 14 F-105 fighter-bombers with no loses of their own) which interestingly kinda emulates the typical dynamic with Rebel Alliance ships fighting the Empire

i wonder if that was also intentional in anyway bc otoh its kind of a deep cut especially in the 70s but otoh Lucas is confirmed to have the history of air warfare basically be a special interest of his so

[simpforsoap]

Monsterous Lovers- Part Two

Part 1 and Part 3

Hybrids weren’t uncommon. They appeared sometime during the 1300’s. No one was really sure where they originated from, not even the hybrids seemed to know, but as time went on their population started to grow. At first humans and hybrids lived amongst each other, those were known as the pre-war times. By 1401, there was an attack. The story has been told and reshaped over the years to fit the narrative of who tells it, humans saying that hybrids attacked their village while hybrids saying that humans attacked their kind first. No one knows what happened exact, but the war broke out in the spring of 1401, lasting nearly 105 years. For the time period, humans were unable to defend themselves against the hybrids that attacked and as a result the human population dropped significantly, into the low millions. Hybrids were not in any better of shape, their own population having dwindled due to the war and lack of neccesities that were needed for them to strive. In 1506 the Living Peace Treaty was signed, an agreement for hybrids and humans to stop attacking one another and allow their populations to regrow. There was a tense period of time after the treaty where humans and hybrids seemed to be at one anothers throats, but there was no more wars. 

As time went on, history notes there was always a separation between humans and hybrids, but the lined seemed to blur the more time carried on. During the 1920’s, when humans seemed to be at war with one another, hybrids took a stand and joined forces with humans alike. Lives were lost between both species but there was a mutual agreement that humans and hybrids could coexist with one another in peace. By the turn of the 21st century, you could walk the streets and see humans and hybrids living amongst each other, even some in relationships and whatnot.

Price and them were no strangers to the judgmental comments and borderline xenophobic tendencies some humans still had towards them. They had worked their way up in the military, creating their own little pack with one another throughout their years of working together. Despite their differences from one another, they worked like a well oiled machine. Perhaps it was all the endless deadly missions that never seemed to stop the killing of both humans and hybrids alike, or perhaps it was the lack of comfort they found when coming back to the base after those missions, but the four of them each longed for a sense of normality. To come back from a mission, not to the base where they couldn’t separate work from living, but rather a place where they could truly call it home.

That’s what Price believed as he stood in the driveway of your home; that this was a potential home to him and his boys. The entire drive to the property, Soap couldn’t stop ranting and raving about the photos he seen online with the ad you had posted and even though they were each wanting him to be quiet in their own way, it was a good thing Soap had seemed to love it so much just based on photos. Because in person? This home was immaculate and seemed like it was exactly what Price had pictured as their home. 

The house was ranch styled, a large porch with a covered entry way. A porch swing snestled to the right of the door, Price feeling like it was an idea spot to sit and enjoy a cigar while overlooking the front of the property. The 20 acres of woods surrounding the house were thick, Soap wanting nothing more than to shift into his wolf and take off into the woods for a run. The house was a little more secluded than they had thought, but it was perfect. And they hadn’t even seen the inside of it! 

As they toured the outside of the house first, Ghost insisting to ensure it was secure as he told you, Price felt more relaxed. There was a little garden on the south side of the home, something he could clearly picture you kneeling in and tending to during the summer months. You lead them around the house, showing off the small gazebo in the back yard, little lantern lights hanging around the inside. The four of them followed as you walked the small stone path to the back patio, Price taking note of the lack of patio furniture before leading them inside. 

“I know it’s kind of messy right now, I was in the process of cleaning up the house to make room when I had to leave.” You gave them a small smile, pushing some empty boxes against the wall so they wouldn’t trip on them. 

Soap just smiled with a small laugh, naturally throwing an arm around your shoulders, ignoring the glare Price gave him, “nah, it’s fine lassie. Though, I gotta ask, you really live here alone?”

You took a tiny breath through your nose, needing to steady yourself for the question you knew you’d have to answer, “yes, I do. I did have…someone living with me before but there was a..um..accident of sorts and I took over the house.” 

Ghost could pick up the anxious look in your eye from a mile away, the mask hiding his facial expressions from you, but you could see the way his eyes narrowed at your words, “anyways, the house itself is a 5 bed 5 bath home. Allows you some space to do what you please with. Shared living room and kitchen of course, but I can designate some spots in the kitchen for the each of you so you can have your own spot to put stuff in. The rooms are upstairs, do you want me to show you?”

“Yes, please love.” Gaz gave a smile at you, easing the tension from your shoulders a bit. You could tell both Gaz and Soap seemed to give you the natural ability to find a sense of familiarity in them. 

You showed them the upstairs of the home, the four of them taking their time in examining each room, taking mental notes on where the each of them could fit in and what they wanted to do with the space. You ended the tour in the kitchen, standing with your hands in your hoodie pocket. 

“Well, what do you think? I know it’s probably not super luxurious, but it’s a comfortable home and I’m not one to get into much of your business.” You give them a smile, watching the way the four of them seemed to have having a silent conversation with one another through their eyes. 

Right as you were beginning to worry they would decline the offer, Price spoke up, “we believe this is exactly what we are looking for. Would you like rent from all of us or just the overall 2500?”

“Oh heavens no, just the 2500. I know it’s a bit on the pricey side but--” before you could say more, Price cut you off with a smal wave of his hand. 

“Nonsense, we make more than enough to cover that. Now, we are active military as Soap here told you in the messages so we are in and out of the house a lot for missions, but we will always communicate with you on the duration of our leave will be.” Price crossed his arms, your eyes flicking to the way his scaled forearms seemed to glint in the light. 

You took a small breath to steady yourself before nodding, “of course. I have the lease written for a year at the moment, but we can extend it if you’d like to after that.” 

Price nodded, “of course. Now, I suppose I shall bring it up first. We are hybrids, each of us are our own beings. I, myself, am a dragon. Soap here is a werewolf, Gaz is a Harpy and Ghost is a wraith. Is that something you are absolutely sure you’re comfortable with? There’s no offense if you’re not, we understand there can be a bit of..troubles sometimes.”

You give a small smile nodding, “yes, I am completely fine with that. I do want to finish cleaning things up around here, but tomorrow morning if you’d like you can move your stuff into the rooms.”

You took a mental note of what Price said, wanting to search it up later so you knew just what exactly you were getting yourself into.

“Perfect. We will be here at 9:00 sharp then, love.” Price smiled and you shook his hand your hand feeling hot at his touch. 

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As Price drove back to the base, the car ride was mostly silent. Soap was practically buzzing in his seat, desperate to say something to fill the silence. Price glanced at him through the rearview mirror before letting a breath out, “speak your mind, Johnny.”

Soap wasted no time, leaning forward in his seat with a large smile on his face, “we just hit the jackpot! She’s absolutely stunning and that house? Perfect for us in every way…even with the scent of strawberries and mint..she smells devine.”

Gaz shook his head at Soap’s words, though the smile and slight ruffle to his feathers gave it away, “you’re hopeless, Soap.” 

“What? I’m not wrong, and you know it! The lass smells delicious…nearly want to sink my teeth into her and make her mine.” Soaps words make Price shift in his seat, glaring at him through the mirror.

“Soap. Watch it. You will do no such thing to her unless she gives approval. We will be within her home we are to respect that.” Price’s tone was firm, his eyes narrowed as he focused back on the road. 

Ghost was silent in the passenger seat, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed, but Soap’s words seemed to spark something in his mind, “for a human she’s awfully trusting of us…seems stupid if you ask me…inviting a pack of hybrids into your home without asking anything regarding that nature.”

Gaz immediately moved on the defense, his feathers ruffled a bit, “hey now. I think she’s a sweetheart..Seems to be one of the humans that doesn’t seem to mind the fact we’re hybrids…maybe she thought it was rude to ask anything on it.”

Ghost looked out the window of the car, silent as he thought over Gaz’s words. It took a few moments before he spoke up, voice a tad softer than it was before, “There’s something off about her…I think we should look into her background when we get back to base.”

The other three were silent for a moment. They couldn’t deny you had a strange story as to why you were suddenly renting the rooms out, but they felt it was something of your story to tell. Price spoke up after a moment, “we can look into a background, only to ensure there is no danger into this house. But it is her story to tell us, I will not look further than is required to.”

They seemed to be in an agreement, to find out a tiny bit about your background and make sure you truly were who you said you were, but they would wait until you were comfortable to tell your story to them on why you lived alone so suddenly.

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