Long-Legged Black Hawk
U.S. Army Major Rick Walker, together with Sikorsky test pilot Gary Kohler, recently showcased the long range capability of the UH-60A Black Hawk. With their mount outfitted with an extended range kit, the pair completed a continuous 6.9 hour flight, one of the longest ever flown by an Army helicopter; and, which saw the overflight of four states, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. This flight proved the Black Hawk’s ability for long-legged operations; of particular importance for requirements in Europe and the Middle East. For brought forth on pages 14 and 15 of the February-March 1979 edition of...
Learn More28 Years Ago, 1988
Dr. Howard K. Butler, in his The Army Ground Forces (AGF)–Army Field Forces (AFF) and the Helicopter, 1945-1950, elaborated on the issue of maintenance per the YR-13 helicopter versus the L-5 Stinson. Dr. Butler noted that the YR-13 vibrated noticeably, which occasionally resulted in cracks. And he draws attention to the gearbox. Two processes were available to effect repairs: one being Magnaflux and the other, Xyglo. Unfortunately the equipment to effect repairs was unavailable at bases like Fort Bragg. Rather, damaged parts had to be sent to the Material Area at Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. Dr. Butler...
Learn MoreGerman Unification
On the eve of German unification, a ceremony was held at Templehof Central Airport, Berlin. September 28, 1990, marked the end of the Berlin Brigade Aviation Detachment. For 29 years, this unit conducted helicopter and fixed wing flights versus the Soviets, with the last 21 years of commitment “accident free.” Pictured left to right: LTC Doug Powell; Commander and Checkpoint Charlie Chapter President, MW4 Darrel Pope; GS-13 Lester Feutz and CW4 Dan Shaw.
Learn MoreBriefings – 1991
February 1991: A $3.8 million contract was awarded to Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation (AHC) from the Light Helicopter Turbine Company (LHTEC). Aim was to re-engine a single U.S. Coast Guard HH-65A Dolphin helicopter. New power plant was the U.S. Army’s T800 engine. And on November 30, 1990, the first engine start occurred. With systems testing concluded, the Dolphin is to be sent to LHTEC’s facility in Phoenix, AZ. Ground and flight testing is scheduled for April 1991.
Learn MoreMarch-April 1966, Medal Ceremony
LTG Nguyen Van Thieu is shown pinning the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, onto LTC William J. Maddox, Jr. Maddox is receiving the honor on behalf of his unit, the 13th Aviation Battalion. The 13th was chosen as the “Outstanding Aviation Unit” for 1964-1965 at the AAAA Annual Meeting. The RVN medal is for gallantry in combat.
Learn MoreSnowed
February 1966: Vietnamese air cadets attending the Primary Helicopter School, Fort Wolters, Texas, take in a snowfall on January 21, just as they were celebrating their Lunar New Year. Major Glen Cannon (center), describes the snow to the cadets, who from left to right are: Nguyen Van Thao, Vo Thanh Luong, Mai Vhi Cho and Nguyen Van Tan.
Learn MoreMid-Air Refueling
Early February 1966: An Army Mohawk was refueled inflight by a Marine Corps KC-130F tanker. This first ever aerial pit stop by an OV-1B occurred over Cherry Point, NC. Modification of the Mohawk for inflight refueling can save time and money from engaging in the tedious process of disassembling the aircraft for shipping overseas; followed by reassembly upon reaching its destination.
Learn MoreDesert Storm Notebook
February 1991: According to an article appearing in the fall issue of Army Families, the possibility of long-term troop deployments for OPERATION DESERT STORM, has prompted the Army’s top personnel officer to take a hard look at single-parent soldiers’ and dual-service couples’ Family Care Plans. Soldiers’ Family Care Plans should include such items as: 1) Powers-of-attorney for their children’s guardians; 2) Notarized certificates of acceptance from guardians; 3) Applications for the children’s military identification cards; and 4) Allotment of forms or proof of financial provisions for the children.
Learn MoreComanche Contract
April 5, 1991: St. Louis, April 5, 1991, in the midst of the AAAA Annual Convention, a contract was signed. Beneficiary of the agreement was the First Team, comprising Boeing Helicopters and Sikorsky Aircraft Division of UTC, for delivery of the RAH-66 Comanche; known previously as the Light Helicopter (LH). Prototypes will be produced for the first scheduled flight for August 1994. Production is scheduled for October 1996, 1,292 machines. Source: See page 45, “Briefings,” Army Aviation, May 31, 1991 issue. Photo: RAH-66 Comanche helicopter
Learn MoreMohawks Again. . .
February 28,1966: A pair of Mohawks from the 1st Cavalry Division in flight. Among the uses of the aircraft was that of an integrated surveillance system to assist ground commanders with a readily available and highly responsive intelligence-gathering capability. The OV-1B in the background, equipped with the torpedo-shaped tube underslung the fuselage, incorporates the side-looking radar (SLAR) system. The OV-1C in the foreground is equipped with an infrared system. “. . . yesterday’s radicals inevitably are tomorrow’s reactionaries. . .” LTG George P. Seneff
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