The tilt-rotor helicopter flew in relatively quietly, hovered, kicked up a little dust and then landed smoothly.

To some, the low-key landing would seem anticlimactic and disappointing; to Combat Center planners, onlookers and Navy medical personnel, it was about as motivating as it could get. Successfully landing the Osprey has great medical implications, said Navy Capt. Michael Moeller, the executive officer of the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital, who is from “just a stone’s-throw away from Camp Lejeune” in Emerald Isle, N.C.

Since the Ospreys were already training in the area conducting combined aerial landings, reduced-visual landings and low-altitude tactics, Combat Center range personnel and hospital officials asked the pilots to add one more exercise to their list.

Scott A. Larson, the Combat Center’s range operations officer, from Kankakee, Ill., said they wanted to test how landing on the hospital’s main medical evacuation LZ would affect surrounding equipment, an adjacent parking lot and patient care operations.

Larson said officials took safety very seriously. They were concerned the rotor’s downdraft would hurl debris or rocks, damage vehicles or hurt bystanders, so they cordoned off the area and stopped traffic from coming into the parking lot during the landing. The landing exercise was very successful, he said.

The Osprey is replacing the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter in the Marine Corps’ arsenal. It combines the range and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft, and the vertical lift and transport capacity of a helicopter. The Osprey can travel 1,100 nautical miles at speeds up to 300 knots to transport up to 24 combat-loaded Marines and sailors in and out of remote and austere environments. If needed, it can evacuate 12 litter casualties or a combination of litter casualties, ambulatory patients and medical personnel, said Maj. David L. Lane, an MV-22 pilot and operations officer from Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron 161, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego.

Lane, a Paris, Ark., native, and his crew; Maj. Kevin Grindel, the co-pilot and tilt-rotor training instructor, Master Sgt. Michael Brodeur, the crew chief and Lance Cpl. Steven A. Froehlich, a crew chief under instruction, all from VMM-161, are part of the first West Coast Osprey Squadron.

Soon after landing, the Marine aviators gave hospital leaders and personnel a tour of the Osprey and explained its capabilities.

“Hospital personnel were very excited about the prospect of having the capability to transport casualties during the very important golden hour,” said Lane, referring to the critical period immediately following a serious injury in which lives can be saved if necessary medical attention is provided.

In the event a Marine or sailor at the Combat Center suffers a serious injury, an Osprey can reach a trauma center in Yuma, Ariz., 116 miles away or Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, 109 miles away, in less than 30 minutes after lift-off, Lane said.

“We have a large number of corpsmen and [casualty evacuation] staff who deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, so this is an opportunity for them to go through and see the aircraft and get some familiarization,” Moeller said.

Thanks to the teamwork and hard work of everyone involved, the hospital now has one more emergency transportation option to help save lives, Moeller said. “We look forward to seeing the Osprey in the skies here soon.”

Osprey Landing at Naval Hospital Provides New Life-Saving Option is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

After making its first flight only a few weeks earlier on Feb. 2, the newest F-35B flew from its factory in Fort Worth, Texas, to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., joining the other two short takeoff/vertical landing variants of the Marines’ future fixed-wing fighter jets already in testing.

The aircraft, designated BF-3, will be used mainly to evaluate vehicle systems and expand the aircraft’s aerodynamic and structural-loads envelope, according to Lockheed Martin, the JSF’s manufacturer.

The airplane will also focus on weapons testing, and will carry and release most of the weapons the F-35B will use in combat, reported Lockheed Martin.

In total, five F-35Bs will be delivered to Patuxent River. The last two airplanes will be used to test the F-35’s integrated mission systems.

The first plane arrived in Maryland on Nov. 15, 2009, in order to test shorter takeoff runs and slower landings, eventually culminating in the plane’s first vertical landing, according to a Headquarters Marine Corps press release.

The arrival of the test jet at Patuxent River is a “big deal for the Marine Corps,” said the deputy commandant for aviation, Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman III, after the arrival of the first F-35B.

The F-35B passed the first test of its STOVL propulsion system Jan. 7, successfully using the system for 14 minutes at an altitude of 5,000 feet.

Further testing will include flying with different weight loads and ordnance and working up to shipboard operations.

On Dec. 29, the second F-35B test plane was flown to Patuxent River by a Marine pilot, Maj. Joseph T. “O.D.” Bachmann.

Despite recent shake-ups and delays within the JSF program, the Marine Corps remains on schedule to have its first operational squadron by 2012, reported Lockheed Martin and military officials.

On Feb. 15, Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn announced the JSF program would have at least a one-year delay, but exactly how it would affect long-term fielding of Marine Corps planes remains uncertain.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced Feb. 1 that he withheld $614 million in performance fees from Lockheed Martin and fired Maj. Gen. David R. Heinz, the Marine general in charge of the program.

“The taxpayers should not have to bear the entire burden of getting the JSF program on track,” said Gates.

Heinz will be replaced with a yet-to-be-named three-star general, said Gates, stressing the higher rank reflects the importance of the program to the future of military aviation.

“Our focus remains on fielding the F-35’s tremendous capabilities to our warfighters,” said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 program integration.

In April, Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 will officially stand up as part of the Joint Integrated Training Center located at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The work done at Patuxent River will enable the Marine Corps to start training Marine pilots and maintainers by late 2010.

Derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, three F-35 variants will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making it the most cost-effective fighter program in history, according to Lockheed Martin.

The Air Force will receive the F-35A variant, which will provide conventional takeoff and landing capabilities.

The Navy will receive the F-35C, designed for carrier launches and duty at sea.

Compared to the Marine Corps’ current tactical fixed-wing squadrons, the JSF can carry more ordnance with greater range than the F/A-18 Hornet, operate from austere environments like the AV-8B Harrier, and possess electronic warfare technology and capability like the EA-6B Prowler, according to Headquarters Marine Corps.

Third F-35B Arrives at Pax River, Corps on Track for JSF Delivery is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

In 2006, the Marine Corps became the first service to host an operational MV-22 Osprey squadron. Now almost four years later, the Marine Corps has six operating or currently transitioning squadrons on the East Coast, and is in the process of transitioning six on the West Coast.

The replacement of the 40-year-old CH-46 Sea Knight doesn’t come cheap, with a price tag of roughly 100 million dollars per bird, but the Osprey’s capabilities provide enhanced mission capabilities and more safety than the CH-46.

“The [advantage is the] capabilities we bring to the battlefield. It’s newer, we’re faster, we go farther and we can stay longer,” said Maj. Richard McGahhey, a Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 Osprey pilot. “All of the capabilities of the 46 ... It expands upon them.”

One of the important safety features of the Osprey is a reduced heat signature. Air-to-air heat seeking missiles will have a harder time tracking the Osprey because of the significant reduction in the amount of detectable heat from the aircraft. In addition to lower heat detection, the aircraft has a radar warning receiver, a ballistically-tolerant airframe to reduce structural damage and an M240G machine-gun mounted on the back ramp.

Another vital part of mission capability for military aircraft, especially in a combat zone, is fuel efficiency. The CH-46 has low fuel endurance and must be refueled approximately every 90 to 100 minutes, which can be dangerous in a tactical environment. The Osprey has an increased fuel capacity, and according to Sgt. Darin Levesque, a crew chief who has deployed with both the CH-46 and the Osprey, the aircraft has proven itself in battle.

“It’s two different worlds,” said Levesque. “It’s a completely different aircraft. It goes twice as far so you can get Marines where they need to be -- faster.”

The increased fuel capacity means the Osprey can go longer and farther than the CH-46, and it also provides an increased payload. The CH-46 current internal and external weight restrictions are approximately 22,000 pounds and 12 combat equipped troops. The Osprey offers significant advantage in that it can carry over 20,000 pounds and 24 combat equipped troops, at twice the speed of the CH-46.

The high-speed, high-flight capabilities of the aircraft are made possible by its ability to convert to a turboprop airplane. Once airborne, the Osprey can convert to a turboprop airplane and fly more than 400 mph and reach altitudes of almost 25,000 feet, which is significantly greater than the CH-46.

In a mission where a pilot is navigating great distances in unfamiliar areas of the world, often in poor weather or at night, pilots must be able to rely on certain equipment in the cockpit to safely transport troops or lift external cargo. Upgraded navigation and communication systems and a cockpit lighting system that is compatible with night vision goggles greatly enhance the safety and success of medium lift missions.

Although the capabilities of the Osprey will significantly increase the mission capabilities and success of medium lift missions, according to Lt. Col. Evan LeBlanc, the commanding officer of VMM-161 -- one thing hasn’t changed.

“The things that make the Marine Corps strong isn’t the aircraft. It’s the Marines,” said LeBlanc.

Although the first VMM-161 Osprey landed at MCAS Miramar in early December, the squadron expects 11 more to complete the 19-month transition.

Farther, Faster, Stronger; Osprey Enhances Battlefield Capabilities is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

The Marine Corps newest vehicle, an assault breacher vehicle, has detonated a route clearing, line charge, making its first combat assault in Marine Corps history.

The Marine Corps prepared the ABV crew and the vehicle for combat for approximately two years. On the morning of Dec. 3, the ABV fired its first line charge during Operation Cobra's Anger in Now Zad, Afghanistan.

Due to mass amounts of roadside bombs expected around Now Zad, ABV's led the way for the operation by detonating numerous line charges on the path to the Taliban stronghold, Now Zad.

Pride in the ABV's development and capability was obvious amongst the Marines. "There was no guidebook for this vehicle. We've had to develop our own tactics and procedures. I think that's awesome. It's very rewarding. This project is kind of like our baby. It's pretty amazing to see it all come together," said Sgt. Jeremy A. Kinsey, an ABV vehicle commander for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion.

ABVs played a pivotal role in the mission. Its demolition capabilities eliminated the Taliban's IED threat on the foot mobile Marines' breach into the city.

"A lot of people say the engineer community is the tip of the spear," said Kinsey, from Sunnyside, Wash. "We have a saying: 'if we can't breach it, you can't reach it.' This operation is proving that. 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, said that if they didn't have our support, that this mission was a no go."

The Marines of 2nd CEB referred to the front end of the vehicle as 'Shredder' from the cartoon series, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," because of the vehicles pointed edges.

"We heard that the Taliban's radio communication said, 'get out, because the big boom is coming,'" said Kinsey. "I'd have to say; just the intimidation factor is enough to make anyone run. I know I wouldn't want 1,750 pounds of C4 blowing up where I'm at."

A moral affect on the enemy was realized by the ABV Marines. "I know the Taliban didn't want to give up this position and we took it very quickly," said Kinsey. "All they really have left is Marjeh. To take something so important to the Taliban, so quickly, is like a big slap in the face for them."

The Marines successes in Now Zad opened doors for future operations for the ABV and confirmed what they already believed.

"I believe our actions have proven our capabilities and will result in us employed more frequently," Kinsey said. "Before this mission, they didn't know what we were capable of. Now that the Marine Corps knows we can [fight], I think we will be used more."

"I was proud and excited to do something that's never been done before in the Marine Corps," said Lance Cpl. Randy J. Davis Jr., an ABV operator for 2nd CEB. "Hopefully it helped the Marine Corps grow. This vehicle allows us to go through rougher terrain faster and I think the percentage of IED's will go down with the use of this vehicle."

Although the Marines engaged in combat, many wished they could have done more. "I was actually hoping for more resistance, said Davis. "I think our explosion ran them all off. I was happy to fight for my country. We came out here to kill Taliban and liberate the peaceful people of Now Zad. All the Taliban kicked out the Afghan civilians. Now we’re just trying to give them back what's theirs."

The Marines could not be more pleased with the ABV's performance.

"The performance of the new ABV's was outstanding to say the least and I couldn't be happier with the mission and the opportunity," said Davis Jr. "We paved the way for 3/4 Lima Company to clear the city. I feel it's an honor to fight with my brothers in battle."

"These vehicles have been doing great," said Lance Cpl. Brian S. Rutledge, an ABV mechanic for 2nd CEB. "We haven't needed to do much maintenance with these vehicles. We were right there in case anything broke down, but it didn't. We've done more work for other units than our own."

The tight knit family of the ABV Marines suffered a loss before their deployment. Out of love and respect, they dedicated their first vehicle to their fellow Marine.

"I dedicated this vehicle in honor of 2nd Lt. Mevey, our first platoon commander who died in a motorcycle accident," Kinsey said. "I think it would mean a lot to him that this ABV was the first to fire a line charge in combat, breach in combat, plow through a compound, and survive an IED blast. I think he would be very proud."

Marines Blast Through Now Zad With Assault Breacher Vehicles is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

SSC Atlantic has a proven record of success with command and control, communications, computer, intelligence (C4I) equipment integration of MRAP vehicles. SSC Atlantic’s C4I Expeditionary Systems government/industry team has performed C4I integration of more than 16,000 MRAP vehicles since 2007.

The highly successful MRAP integration ramp up at SSC Atlantic attracted visitors from throughout the Department of Defense, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, then-Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter, Chief of Naval Operations Gary Roughead and others.

The M-ATVs are manufactured by Oshkosh Corporation, which was awarded the production contract June 30. More than 6,600 M-ATVs are currently authorized.

The M-ATV answers an urgent and compelling requirement to protect warfighters with a highly survivable, off-road capable vehicle. The M-ATV mission is for small unit combat operations in highly restricted rural, mountainous and urban environments that include mounted patrols, reconnaissance, security, convoy protection and communications.

The vehicles have started to flow from the vendor to SSC Atlantic. The first shipment of integrated vehicles has been flown to warfighters in Afghanistan. These vehicles will be used to complement other tactical vehicles – including MRAPs – currently being used. The lack of established roads and bridges in the Afghanistan theater of operations requires a more mobile vehicle than the previous MRAPs produced.

Since the Office of the Secretary of Defense determined the M-ATV is within the MRAP family of vehicles, it will continue to be managed by the MRAP Joint Program Office. The Marine Corps is executing the joint program on behalf of the Navy (lead service) with Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan as the Joint Program Executive Officer.

According to Brogan, lessons learned during the MRAP integration efforts in Charleston have been valuable in speeding the manufacture, prototyping and installation of the government furnished equipment (GFE) that provides C4I capabilities on the M-ATVs. One of the lessons learned will help the vendor better prepare the vehicles for the GFE added at SSC Atlantic. “… We were able to feed back to Oshkosh specific bracketry, racks and cabling so all that can be installed in the vehicle during manufacture; which means we don’t have to do it at SPAWAR,” Brogan said. “The goal was to push as much of that work that was getting done at SPAWAR, particularly the touch labor, upstream into the manufacturing process. Because we knew it going into this, we were able to include it into the design. That clearly is one of the lessons learned from Baseline MRAP that will speed the process at Charleston,” he added.

The SSC Atlantic team has extensive experience in the integration and fielding of various Marine mobile radio communications and tactical data radio sets, sensors and various signal intelligence systems that enhance the warfighter’s situational awareness, communications and other capabilities on the battlefield. The team has demonstrated its ability to meet a strict delivery schedule on a high volume of vehicles while maintaining configuration management across multiple C4I variants.

SSC Atlantic will utilize many members of the MRAP integration team from various engineering disciplines, including industrial and mechanical engineering, technicians, subject matter experts and support staff. SSC Atlantic’s solid partnerships with small- to mid-sized industry provide the agility required to meet the demands associated with a project of this magnitude. As with the MRAP effort, the M-ATV team is responsible for every aspect of the activities, from engineering to receipt and final inspection in theater. SSC Atlantic also provides engineering reachback for all capability packages.

SSC Atlantic Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Urbon said, “The MRAP vehicles have resulted in the saving of many lives and limbs, and our involvement in this program has been very rewarding. We look forward to continuing our role providing direct support to the warfighter by integrating advanced electronic communications equipment in the M-ATVs.”

MRAP All Terrain Vehicles Arriving for C4I Integration is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

“When the Marine Corps decided to procure a lightweight 155mm cannon in the 1990s, it was largely driven by the need to have a more air transportable capability,” explained 3/11 commanding officer Lt. Col. James C. Lewis. 3/11, operating under Regimental Combat Team 3, is the only Marine artillery battalion in Afghanistan. “Our maneuver tonight is the first combat test of that capability.”

While the Marines were moving the artillery pieces across country, 3/11 still had to maintain their capability to provide support when needed for the Marines around Nawa and Garmsir, where 1/5 and 2/8 have been operating since early July. So 3/11 sent Marines to Golestan to receive and emplace the guns upon their arrival.

“Sending an advanced party down to set up the gun positions while maintaining firing capability was important,” said Gunnery Sgt. Marcus Chestnut, Battery I gunnery sergeant.

In order to successfully pull off this complicated maneuver, these units which don’t normally operate together had to work hand-in-hand, according to Chestnut. As it turns out, bringing them all together was the key to success.

Rather than towing the howitzers as an artillery battery is trained to do, these guns had to be transported between Fiddler’s Green and Golestan by air because of unique conditions here. That’s where HMH-772 and CLB-8 came in.

“The IED threat and terrain constraints were a huge factor deterring 3/11’s ability from being able to safely (move) the guns to this position,” said Staff Sgt. Bryan T. Housel, CLB-8 landing support platoon commander. “By externally lifting the howitzer and gun teams by air, we were able to safely move the weapons into place without the added risk of ground transport to the weapon or Marines.”

Marines on the five-man Helicopter Support Team, a part of Housel’s platoon, are responsible for rigging loads with cargo straps so they will be balanced under the aircraft. Once the aircraft arrives overhead, one of them must guide the pilot who can’t see what is taking place underneath and 30 feet behind him. After the aircraft is guided down over the waiting cargo, another Marine smacks the helicopter’s dangling cargo hook with a metal rod to dissipate the static electricity built up by its rotors. Two others then hook up the cargo – in this case a 9,800 pound artillery piece – all while the second largest helicopter in the world bobs and weaves within arm’s reach overhead. This process usually takes place in less than 30 seconds.

Sling-loading equipment or supplies under a cargo helicopter is dangerous business. However, after a successful lift, the feeling of accomplishment is impossible to ignore.

“I am so proud of my guys for how flawlessly and professionally they performed,” Housel said. “Safely lifting that piece of gear is no easy feat, but you would not have known it by watching them.”

Now that 3/11 has another footprint in Golestan, they will be able to provide on-call artillery support when the Marines on the ground there call for it.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Lewis said. “The Marine Corps trains as an air-ground team and this is just a product of that coming together.”

Air-Ground Team Airlifts Newest Howitzers In Historic First is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

The exercise provided an opportunity to assess and correct any areas needing improvement before the “Ironmen” head to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., for Enhanced Mojave Viper next year.

“We’re bringing every capability we have into the field,” said Lt. Col. Anthony A. Ference, MWSS-274’s commanding officer. “We have to make sure the Wing can launch birds to support the fight.

“The training at Mojave Viper will include live-fire exercises and all the training that we couldn’t do here at Bogue,” he added. “The training we do there will prepare us for our deployment.”

A number of MWSS-274 assets including medical and communications personnel, explosive ordnance disposal, motor transport and military police were on hand to display the squadron’s multifaceted abilities to provide support for Wing assets in a deployed environment.

“The commanding officer is really big on training,” said Gunnery Sgt. Thomas A Miller, MWSS-274’s training chief. “We do some sort of squadron training event every quarter so no one loses proficiency in their military occupational specialty.”

One of the exercise scenarios involved MWSS-274 combat engineers repairing sections of a damaged taxiway. The repair took the expertise of both damage assessment teams and response teams.

“Our job here is to clean the debris off the runway and fill the holes with concrete,” said Cpl. James W. Gower, a team leader with MWSS-274’s engineers who helped oversee the repair of the taxiway. “We’ve got two types of repairs we make to damaged runways. One is a temporary fix using a quick drying pavement and the other is permanent, using concrete.”

Another scenario had the EOD technicians perform improvised explosive device disposal drills and rehearse procedures for creating a perimeter around a potential IED, said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Bratcher, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge for MWSS-274 EOD.

“We’ve been performing two roles out here as far as being aggressors and helping to set off and clear IEDs,” Bratcher said. “We’ve got a bunch of new guys that have really benefited from this training.”

During the exercise, medical staff were tasked with going over records, taking care of sick-call patients and caring for any injuries sustained by Marines during the exercise, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Shaquita Mouton, a corpsman with MWSS-274.

“If the Marines are doing anything where there is any possible way they can be injured, a corpsmen has to be there,” Mouton said.

“We’ve been doing a lot of internal training also,” she added. “One thing we’ve had to overcome is scheduling our Naval training around training we do with the Marines.”

While physical care was provided by the corpsman, mental and spiritual guidance was the top priority for Navy Lt. Evan Adams, the squadron’s chaplain.

“My tasks as chaplain are to provide religious and moral counsel to the men and women of MWSS-274,” Adams said. “One way of doing this is morale, welfare and recreation. We provide movie nights, Bible studies and even football games. These things help keep a healthy spirit and high morale.”

Adams explained that all religious preferences can be accommodated.

“Recently we provided services for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan, the muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sunset,” Adams said. “We also secured the services of a priest to come and conduct a Catholic Mass.”

Providing spiritual and moral support can make a deployment more bearable for the Marines and Sailors, he added.

Capping off the training Sept. 23, members of MWSS-274’s crash fire rescue team simulated a platform rescue. The operation involved pulling a truck up to the cockpit of a static aircraft and using the vehicle as a platform to extract the pilot. According to Gunnery Sgt. Raymond Secoy, the CFR chief, this type of rescue is rarely performed by his Marines.

“We only do this type of rescue if there is no smoke, fire or direct danger posed to the CFR personnel,” Secoy said.

Although most of the Marines performing the rescue were relatively inexpeienced, Secoy praised their efforts.

“Some of these Marines are preparing for their first deployment,” Secoy said. “With some experience, their communication and immediate medical assistance will improve.”

MWSS-274 commanding officer Ference said he was impressed with his unit’s performance over the 11-day exercise, and looks forward to continuing workups in the coming months.

“This squadron is very unique,” Ference said. “Everyone has done very, very well. We’ve really gotten some great training out here this week.”

Marine Wing Support Squadron trains to deploy is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

The Blue Angels are one of the main reasons people come to see the air show every year, explained Ed Downum, the air show coordinator. They have been part of the air show almost every year for the past 50 years. Miramar’s own Maj. Christopher Collins, formerly of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, is one of the Blue Angels pilots. Collins was an F/A-18 instructor pilot before joining the Blue Angels in 2008.

The squadron’s six demonstration pilots fly Boeing F/A-18 “Hornets” in more than 70 shows each year.

The routine will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes, showcasing more than 30 maneuvers, including high-performance takeoffs, assault landings, barrel rolls and technical formations. Another part of the Blue Angels’ demonstration, a C-130T Hercules named “Fat Albert,” will launch from the flight line here, aided by eight solid fuel rocket bottles for a jet-assisted take off. “It’s amazing to see the Blue Angels fly at such heights, in the formations they fly in,” said Irma Malabanan, the marketing director for MCAS Miramar Marine Corps Community Services.

The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy recruiting, credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation and serve as international ambassadors of good will, according to the Blue Angels’ official Web site.

For more information on the Blue Angels, visit their official Web site at www.blueangels.navy.mil.

For information on the 2009 MCAS Miramar Air Show, visit the official air show Web site, www.miramarairshow.com.

Blue Angels to awe crowds at 2009 MCAS Miramar Air Show is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

"We have pulled out all the stops to collapse the schedule and get these vehicles into theater," said Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael M. Brogan, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command and joint program executive officer of the MRAP program. "We are doing everything that's required to ensure that they are safe, that the risk assessments are complete, [and] that they're fully integrated and flown into Afghanistan."

The M-ATV supports small-unit combat operations in highly restricted rural, mountainous and urban environments that include mounted patrols, reconnaissance, security, convoy protection, communications, command and control, and combat service support. It is designed to replace the up-armored Humvee in Afghanistan. The M-ATV will carry up to five personnel: four plus a gunner.

The Defense Department has ordered more than 4,300 of the all-terrain mine-resistant trucks, and another 1,400 are planned. Oshkosh Corp. is producing the vehicles.

First M-ATVs Deploy to Afghanistan is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons

Personnel from Navy Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20, took off from Air Force Plant 42 on its first flight with the new “Harvest Hawk” mission kit. Since the introduction of the original C-130 more than 50 years ago, the Harvest Hawk mission kit program marks the first time the Marine Corps will have the capability to fly an armed Hercules into the fight.

The $22 million mission kit provides Super Hercules aircrew first strike ability, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities with a Hellfire weapons system and targeting sight system.

The retrofitted KC-130J will use an AN/AAQ-30 Targeting Sight System located under the left wing’s external fuel tank to give the fire control operator eyes on target from more than several thousand feet away. Lockheed Martin equipped the aircraft with an AGM-114P Hellfire II weapons rack, in place of the left-hand aerial refueling pod, that can carry a maximum of four air-to-ground Hellfire missiles for close-air support.

A fire control operator will manage the new targeting sight system and weapons from a removable cargo platform mounted fire control station. The flexible design feature allows Marines to take off the mission kit and mount it onto another modified Super Hercules between flights. This means the squadron can still provide surveillance and close air support if only one modified aircraft is available.

“The Harvest Hawk mission kits will usher in a new era of Marine aviation, bringing a more versatile aircraft into the fight,” said Maj. Jeffrey P. Pellegrino, the KC-130J requirements officer, Aviation Requirements Branch, Headquarters Marine Corps. “It’s a flying Swiss Army knife, and we must continue to take advantage of its versatility. This mission kit will bring tremendous agility and flexibility to the MAGTF commander.”

The right wing can still carry fuel for aerial refueling while the left wing carries the kit, retaining the Marine Corps’ standard of versatility. The Corps intends to provide three systems to each KC-130J squadron. However, Lockheed Martin plans to retrofit the Marine Corps’ fleet of KC-130J aircraft with the necessary wiring to carry the new system.

The aircrew conducted a three-hour check flight to examine systems that did not pertain to the additions. In the fleet, aircrew perform operational check flights on the aircraft that have not flown for 30 consecutive days to ensure the main systems function properly. Not only was it the first time the Marines flew it with the new kit, it was also the first time Marines operated it since VMGR-352 brought the KC-130J to Palmdale in May.

“It was a good flight, I couldn’t even tell the difference with the new system on,” said Maj. Steve D. Puckett, a test pilot with VX-20 and one of the first pilots to fly with the Harvest Hawk kit. “We had to make sure there were no surprises and evaluated what’s been developed so Marines operating in the fleet know how it works.”

Harvest Hawk Mission Kit Brings New Era In Marine Aviation is a post from: DefenceTalk | Defense & Military News - Forums - Pictures - Weapons