Vietnam-era AH-1 Cobra ushered in modern attack fleet
By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff Writer: Before the AH-64 Apache became the might of the skies for Army Aviation, another aircraft was paving the way for the Army’s modern attack helicopter fleet. This AH-1 G-model Cobra sits in storage at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum and sports a unique paint job, featuring a shark’s mouth, which many consider synonymous with the Cobra look. Photo by Nathan Pfau The Bell AH-1 Cobra, three of which sit in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum’s inventory, became the world’s first attack helicopter and was born out the need for a faster, more aggressive...
Learn MoreArmy consolidates Apache AH-64E upgrade testing to create efficiency
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama – The U.S. Army is realigning its Follow-On Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) of technology insertions in the AH-64E Apache helicopter to increase efficiency and effectiveness. The test is now planned to occur in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2019. FOTE II was previously scheduled for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2018. An AH-64E Apache / dvidshub.net “The realignment of the FOT&E is partially related to technical maturity but more heavily influenced by the opportunity to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and align multiple capabilities,” said Col. Joseph Hoecherl Apache Helicopter Project Manager. “Realigning FOTE II enables the...
Learn MoreCH-34 CHOCTAW
16-place cargo and light tactical transport helicopter. Sikorsky Aircraft Division, Stratford, Conn. Ch-34 Choctaw, originally the H-34 ENGINESOne Curtiss-Wright R-1B20-B4 piston engine of 1,425 hp ROTOR SYSTEMSingle four-bladed main rotof, and four-bladed metal, 9 ft. 4 in. dio. antitorque rotor. SPECIFICATIONSRotor diameter, 56 ft. Overall length, 65 ft. B in . Height, 15 ft. 10 in. Emptyweight, 7,675 lb. Gross weight, 13,000 lb. Overload gross wt, 14,000 lb. PERFORMANCEMax. speed (Slh 122 mph. Cruise speed (Slh 10B mph. Service ceiling, 649,500 ft. Hover ceiling lOGE) , 2,400 ft. Max. range, 276 st. mi. Rate of climb, 1,100 fpm. REMARKSThe Army...
Learn MoreNational Army Museum Launches Online Store Gifts and souvenirs benefit Museum construction
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Army Historical Foundation has launched the National Museum of the United States Army’s online Museum Store, offering Army apparel, souvenirs, gifts, and a line of exclusive National Army Museum products. Every purchase will support the ongoing construction of the Museum, which is expected to open in late 2019. Orders can be processed and delivered within a week, making it the ideal option for those shopping for Army gifts this holiday season. The store includes popular items such as Army hats, sweatshirts, Under Armor gear, and water bottles. The selections also feature a line of more unique...
Learn MoreEnhancing Training: Aviation Soldiers Collaborate With Artillery
By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff Writer / TRADOC News Center: FORT RUCKER, Ala. — The U.S. Army consists of multiple organizations designed to work as one when taking on world threats, and members of two Army centers of excellence came together recently to ensure seamless collaboration when it comes to working together. The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence reached out to the Fires Center of Excellence in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to provide expertise in Aviation tactics, doctrine and simulation, as well as to build relationships to better enhance training, according to Capt. Robert Kelly, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, combined...
Learn MoreThe Army is Bringing Back Pilot Retention Bonuses
By Meghann Myers / Army Times: By the numbers, the Army has 110 percent of the certified aviators it needs. The issue is keeping the right experience levels in each formation. Army AH-64E Apache helicopters land at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, Sept. 29, 2016. The Army is planning new retention bonuses to encourage experienced pilots to stay. (Army) To get at the problem, the service is eyeing a new set of retention bonuses to encourage seasoned pilots to stay in the Army.A revival of the bonus program is due later this month, the director of aviation in the Army G-3/5/7...
Learn MoreThe Artists Who Dealt Death from the Sky in Vietnam
By Rory Tingle / DailyMail.com: These never before seen pictures from the Vietnam War show the spectacular artwork that helicopter pilots painted on their choppers during the brutal conflict. Images daubed on helicopters included popular cartoon characters such as the Incredible Hulk, Road Runner and the Green Hornet. Green Hornet, D Company, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Lai Khe, 1969. Maintained by Steven Buker CE (pictured), it was named after the fictional, masked crime-fighter of comic book, radio, film, and TV fame Some of the artworks are threatening, including a white skull painted on a red background, but most are playful and innocent. Other pictures...
Learn MoreArmy Helicopters: Piecemeal Modernization For Future War
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. / breakingdefesnse.com: ARLINGTON: US Army helicopters can penetrate Russian-style anti-aircraft defenses, service leaders say, but many aircrew are likely to die trying without new technologies, upgrades that the Army can only afford for part of the force. That mismatch between military demand and budgetary supply may force an end to 14 years organizing and modernizing all Combat Aviation Brigades to a single common standard. Instead, the aviation branch is now studying creating a variety of specialized units, only some of which might get tech like cockpit automation, improved turbine engines, and active protection against incoming missiles. An AH-64 Apache gunship flies over Warsaw. “Every time...
Learn MoreOH-58D ‘Kiowa Warrior’ takes final flight
By Staff Sgt. Teresa J. Cleveland / 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs: The U.S. Army Aviation Development Directorate flew the Army’s final OH-58D “Kiowa Warrior” flight from Felker Army Airfield at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Sept. 19, 2017. John Zimmerman, Aviation Development Directorate Aviation Support Facility manager, bows the OH-58D “Kiowa Warrior” during its final flight at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Sept. 18, 2017. Zimmerman has worked with the Kiowa since 1986. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Teresa J. Cleveland) (Photo by Staff Sgt. Teresa J. Cleveland) A Vietnam War-era helicopter, the Kiowa spent 48 years in service as a...
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