Another Longbow?
At the battle of Crecy, August 26, 1346, British longbowmen determined the English victory. English archers overwhelmed Genoese crossbowmen employed by the French, firing five shafts to every one. Repeated charges by French heavy cavalry were decimated by showers of English arrows. Today, another Longbow may provide a like equalizer in the face of the mass Soviet tank armies in Eastern Europe… the AH-64 Apache.
Learn MoreToday’s Changing Threat Environment
By COL Thomas E. Reinkober Despite the euphoria surrounding the demise of the Soviet Union, the misplaced confidence in a peaceful world was clearly evident with Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait; fueling apprehension in the oil markets, while at the same time underscoring the reality which exists in the international community. In this environment of the changing nature of a tumultuous world, Army Aviation must remain at the forefront of training and equipment to be ready to defend this Nation’s interests.
Learn MoreI and the nation are proud of you
Army Aviator, Michael J. Novosel, actually joined the U.S. Army Air Corps on February 7, 1941. He flew bombers in World War II, applied for active duty status for the Korean conflict and in 1963, was in Atlanta employed by Southern Airways. It was then, out of a deep-seated strain of patriotism, that he gave up his Air Force Reserve rank of lieutenant colonel and joined the Army. His intent was to instruct new Army Aviators; instead, the Army sent him to Vietnam as a Dustoff pilot. He would eventually log two tours, 2,038 combat flight hours, 2,543 missions which...
Learn MoreConversion
The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey has successfully made the transition from helicopter mode to airplane while in flight. The aircraft flew at an altitude of 6,000 feet while making the transition into airplane mode. Top speed was held at 155 knots.
Learn MoreAvoiding Traffic Congestion
During World War II, one of the biggest boosters of Army Aviation was General Mark Clark; to the extent of frequently flying about in Cubs, or as he referred to them, “Puddle Jumpers.” On October 4, 1943, General Clark needed to get to Naples. Road congestion urged him to forego a ride in a Jeep; instead, he flew to the Italian port in a Cub. His pilot, Captain Eugene P. Gillespie, over flew Naples’ airport. Gillespie, though, could not land, since the runway needed to be cleared of mines. Astonished Neapolitans watched Captain Gillespie land Clark’s L-4 on the Boulevard...
Learn MoreFirst Flight
July 16, 1965, the new North American OV-10A lifted off for flight trials. An evaluation panel, including Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine test pilots, was slated to put the Bronco through its paces. Projected missions for the light, multi-purpose, counter-insurgency aircraft included visual and photo reconnaissance, helicopter escort, close air support, liaison duties and transport for personnel and light cargo. The first production contracts were consummated in October 1966, with deliveries beginning in early 1968. The Air Force procured 152 OV-10As for forward air control and ground support duties. The Marine Corps accepted 96 aircraft, of which 18 were...
Learn MoreRecord Lift
Three platoons of combat-equipped troops form at a staging area at Fort Bragg, N.C., prior to boarding an Army CH-54A Skycrane for an airlift record on April 29. The 90-man lift (87 troops plus a flight crew of three) was the largest number of persons ever transported at one time by a helicopter. The largest previously known lift was 70 paratroopers reported hoisted in a Russian MI-6 helicopter.
Learn MoreMilestone
August 14, Mesa, Arizona: A special ceremony was convened by McDonnel Douglas to commemorate a landmark for the world’s ranking multi-role helicopter. The 600th AH-64 Apache rolled off the production lines. And there is more to come, as the Apache—like any other weapons system—continues to evolve. In August 1989, McDonnel Douglas received a contract amounting to $194.5 million. These monies will see to the conversion of four AH-64s into the LONGBOW type. Present production schedules call for the modification of 227 Apaches into the LONGBOW configuration, with deliveries set to commence in 1994.
Learn MoreNew Heights
Major T.J. Clark (right) and CWO Ulysses V. Brown set three altitude records with the U.S. Army CH-54A Flying Crane at the Stratford, Ct. plant of the Sikorsky Aircraft Division on April 24. Clark and Brown attained heights of 21,500, 27,550 and 29,300 feet respectively, with loads at 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 kilograms respectively.
Learn MoreFaces in the News
BG Robert R. Williams, Assistant Division Commander of 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, will be reassigned. On or about June 5, BG Williams will be on his way to Korea. He will assume the duties of Assistant Division Commander of 1st Cavalry Division. Prior to his 2nd Division assignment, General Williams served as commander of the U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Group involved in testing the 11th AAD.
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