#maritime reconnaissance aircraft

[carbone14]

'Black Cats on the Beach'

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina sur une plage de l'atoll d'Ulithi – Guerre du Pacifique – Iles Carolines – 13 mars 1945

©Naval History and Heritage Command – NH 309720

[nocternalrandomness]

A Radar equipped PBY-5A photographed in 1942

[judgemark45]

How powerful is a U.S. aircraft carrier?

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is a large warship designed to serve as a mobile airbase for naval aviation. It is the centerpiece of a carrier strike group (CSG) and plays a crucial role in projecting power, protecting maritime interests, and providing humanitarian assistance worldwide.

Key features of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier include:

Flight Deck: The carrier's flight deck is where aircraft take off and land. It is equipped with catapults for launching fixed-wing aircraft and arresting gear to catch aircraft on landing. The flight deck is one of the busiest and most dangerous places on the ship during flight operations.

Hangar Deck: Below the flight deck is the hangar deck, where aircraft are stored, maintained, and prepared for flight operations. It provides sheltered storage for aircraft and equipment, as well as maintenance facilities and workshops.

Air Wing: The carrier's air wing typically consists of a mix of fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, early warning aircraft, and helicopters. These aircraft provide offensive and defensive capabilities, including strike missions, air superiority, surveillance, and search and rescue.

Command and Control Center: Aircraft carriers serve as command centers for naval task forces, with advanced communication and information systems to coordinate operations. They have the capability to direct air, surface, and subsurface assets in complex operations.

Defense Systems: Carriers are equipped with a variety of defense systems to protect against threats such as enemy aircraft, missiles, and submarines. These include radar systems, anti-aircraft missiles, close-in weapon systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Overall, U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are among the most powerful and versatile warships in the world, capable of projecting power, maintaining presence, and providing support in a wide range of military operations.

[captain-price-unofficially]

Me-264 "Amerikabomber" in Germany. Three prototypes were built but production was abandoned to allow Messerschmitt to concentrate on fighter production and the Junkers Ju 390 was selected in its place. Development continued as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft instead.

[blueiscoool]

Ukraine Destroys Russia’s Brand-New $65 Million Warship Sergei Kotov

Ukraine has destroyed the newest patrol ship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, the $65 million Sergei Kotov, and left pro-Kremlin war reporters sulking.

“As a result of a strike by Magura V5 maritime drones, the Russian Project 22160 ship Sergei Kotov received damage to the stern, starboard and left sides,” Ukrainian military intelligence said in a statement.

“The fewer such ships, the fewer anti-aircraft missile systems will be deployed on them, meaning more opportunities for Ukrainian security and defense forces,” spokesman Andriy Yusov told local media, adding that more than 10 ambulances were spotted rushing to help the evacuated crew members. At least seven crew members were killed, Ukrainian authorities said.

Audio of what Ukraine described as an intercepted radio communication also appeared to capture a Russian commander reporting on the “tragic event” and destruction of the ship, lamenting that a helicopter had also been obliterated in the nighttime attack near the Kerch Strait.

The 308-foot, 1,700-ton ship entered the Black Sea Fleet in July 2022.

Russia’s Defense Ministry has yet to comment on the incident, though pro-Kremlin military bloggers begrudgingly admitted that Ukraine had pulled off the attack.

“If it continues like this, the Black Sea Fleet will have only catamarans and rubber banana boats for vacationers. It’s fucked,” wrote one popular pro-war Telegram channel.

The Sergei Kotov had been targeted in three previous attacks by Ukrainian forces before finally being taken out this time around. Noting that Russia had plenty of defenses in place to protect the ship, pro-war propagandist Alexander Kots said that “unfortunately, the enemy is also evolving.”

“The crew fought heroically until the end. … But this time it is a story without a happy ending,” he wrote on social media.

“The ship ‘Sergei Kotov’ sunk,” wrote former Vladimir Putin adviser Sergei Markov, calling it part of a “new type of war” in which “what matters most are the multitude of drones, space reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.”

“This is where we need to overtake the West,” he said.

By Allison Quinn.

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Navy declares IOC for its new UAS reconnaissance MQ-4C Triton

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 09/15/2023 - 14:00 in Military, UAV - UAV

The U.S. Navy officially declared the initial operational capability (IOC) of Northrop Grumman Corporation's MQ-4C Triton multi-manned unmanned aircraft on September 14.

Since its Early Operational Capability (EOC) milestone in May 2020, the MQ-4C Triton has operated within the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet, conducting maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the area of responsibility of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as the Navy's only unmanned, high-altitude, long-lived aircraft.

The MQ-4C Triton, manufactured for use by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), supports a wide range of missions. These include maritime patrol, signal intelligence, search and rescue operations, as well as communications relay tasks.

According to the producer, these aircraft offer persistent surveillance capabilities, assisting in predicting opposing actions and facilitating more effective joint military efforts and enterprises.

Operating at altitudes above 50,000 feet and boasting a 24-hour resistance, the Triton serves as a continuous communications retransmission center, ensuring connectivity between dispersed Navy units, while allowing commanders to operate with a shared operational overview.

“The Triton proved to be invaluable for the maritime patrol and reconnaissance mission in the Indo-Pacific. Now that the system has reached its initial operational capacity, commanders will be able to take full advantage of Triton's powerful set of sensors to detect and stop potential opponents around the world," said Rho Cauley Bruner, director of the Triton program at Northrop Grumman.

"The persistent global maritime awareness is fundamental to deter, or compete and win, our opponents. Triton ensures that we are making informed decisions and operating effectively anywhere in the world," added Captain Josh Guerre, manager of the U.S. Navy's persistent unmanned aircraft systems program.

Northrop Grumman provided the U.S. Navy with a total of five Triton aircraft equipped with multiple intelligence capabilities, with the most recent delivery occurring in June 2023.

Tags: Military AviationNorthrop Grumman MQ-4C TritonUASUSN - United States Navy/U.S. Navy

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

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[pinturas-sgm-aviacion]

1944 06 Tropical Duties - Richard Taylor

It was tough, reliable and could turn its hand to almost any maritime task.On Wednesday 22 June 1938 a new sound was heard over the humid streets of Singapore as four Bristol Pegasus radial engines heralded the arrival of the RAF’s newest flying-boat- the Short Sunderland. For the men of 230 Squadron gathering on the slipway at Seletar, the approaching aircraft looked formidable and even from a distance, they could spot the powerful array of .303 machine guns it possessed.With war looming and recognising the strategic importance of Singapore, the Squadron had been chosen as one of the first units to be re-equipped with the world’s most advanced flying boat - the Sunderland.Tough and reliable, the Sunderland would prove that it could turn its hand to almost any role that was asked of it. With a range approaching 3,000 miles it was ideal for the long-range maritime reconnaissance patrols it would need to cover the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, especially following Japan’s callous entry into the war and the fall of Singapore.As the war progressed, Sunderland flying-boats were increasingly used to attack enemy shipping between Burma and Malaya in the Bay of Bengal and over a 32 day period in the summer of 1944 two Sunderlands from 230 Squadron evacuated 537 critically wounded soldiers from the Chindit special forces by landing on a lake deep behind enemy lines in Burma. Following the Japanese surrender 230 Squadron found themselves once more in Singapore, this time to repatriate Allied POWs liberated from Japanese camps. As the sun beats down on tropical island anchorage a Mk III Sunderland from 230 Squadron unloads essential supplies at a forward base on an archipelago deep in the Indian Ocean. A second aircraft, breaking a patrol, prepares to land.

[bigglesworld]

Short Shetland. Long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. First flew in 1944. only two were built.

[nightbringer24]

What WW2 plane do you think doesn't get enough love?

Despite it being a popular plane in certain circles that know enough about it, it's got to be the gold old Mossie, the de Havlland Mosquito that deserves more love alongside the Spitfire and the Hurricane in the UK.

A plan that ran missions from night-fighter, to fighter-bomber, to running supplies to allied partisans and spies in German-occupied Europe, a reconnaissance aircraft, an intruder, and maritime strike.

The aircraft that was almost scrapped as a 'folly', and paid dividends in return.

The airplane that spited the Nazis by hitting Berlin on the Nazi party's 10th anniversary by knocking out the radio antenna that Herman Göring himself was using to make a speech.

The plane that made the Reichsmarschall himself say:

In 1940 I could at least fly as far as Glasgow in most of my aircraft, but not now! It makes me furious when I see the Mosquito. I turn green and yellow with envy. The British, who can afford aluminium better than we can, knock together a beautiful wooden aircraft that every piano factory over there is building, and they give it a speed which they have now increased yet again. What do you make of that? There is nothing the British do not have. They have the geniuses and we have the nincompoops. After the war is over I'm going to buy a British radio set – then at least I'll own something that has always worked.

The Mossie, the Wooden Wonder, deserves more love.

[johnsgrandtour]

Aeroseum and Sweden's Jet Fighters

Swedish jet fighters have historically and currently been some of the best fighters in the world. In the Aeroseum(Air Museum), each jet fighter Sweden has developed since their invention.

What is just as amazing as the jets is this underground bunker all these planes are stored in. In 1955 they built this bunker so a squadron of planes(40 personnel and 15 Aircraft) would be able to withstand a nuclear blast.

Here's the J35 Draken(Dragon), it's the plane I'm on sitting on in the first picture. Probably the sleekest jet plane I've ever seen and a contender for my favorite jet.

Here's the 37 Viggen, it's the next jet to enter service. While it was built to perform multiple rolls, it was mostly used for maritime reconnaissance. Under it's right wing there is a camera mounted to it.

Now this is one mean jet. Introducing the SAAN JAS 39 Grippen. An amazing fighter which was designed, sourced, and built entirely within Sweden.

I'll wrap up this post with a couple more pictures of the Drakken and some other helicopters they had on display.

You'll recognize this helicopter from any Vietnam War movie. Sweden procured many of these from the US for search and rescue.

Here is the HKP9. An anti-tank helicopter that can perform a loop.

With this post I am caught up for the moment, tomorrow we'll end up in Jönköping. There should be some really cool and old buildings there!

[strictlyfavorites]

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an American maritime and military history museum located on Pier 86 in New York City. Opened in 1982, the museum features the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, the USS Growler submarine, a Lockheed A-12 supersonic reconnaissance plane, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and many more aircraft.

[carbone14]

Prototype XP2Y-1 de l'hydravion de patrouille maritime Consolidated P2Y au décollage – 1932

Photographe : US Navy

©National Museum of Naval Aviation - 2010.060.001.014

[nocternalrandomness]

US Navy flying a P-8A at the London Airshow

[factinhistory]

What Happened on September 9 in History?

September 9 has witnessed many important moments in world history, from the annexation of distant territories to the establishment of major legal reforms and technological achievements. From Chile’s annexation of Easter Island to the development of the first computer bug, the events of September 9 reflect a broad spectrum of political, scientific, and social advancements. This article will explore some of these key occurrences, highlighting how this date played a crucial role in shaping history.

What Happened on September 9 in History?

Chile Annexes Easter Island (1888)

On September 9, 1888, Chile officially annexed Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The annexation was part of Chile’s broader strategy to expand its territorial influence in the Pacific, aiming to secure strategic control over maritime routes and resources. The remote island, known for its iconic Moai statues, became a key asset for Chile in asserting its presence in the Pacific.

For the indigenous Rapa Nui people, the annexation marked the beginning of profound changes. Over the years, their culture and way of life were affected by external influences, as Chile sought to integrate the island into its national framework. The legacy of this annexation continues to resonate today, as the Rapa Nui community works to preserve its heritage while navigating its relationship with the Chilean state.

Dreyfus Sentenced (1899)

On September 9, 1899, French military officer Alfred Dreyfus was unjustly convicted for a second time of treason, sparking widespread outrage and political upheaval. Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French Army, had been falsely accused of passing military secrets to the Germans. This case highlighted deep divisions within French society, exposing the prevalence of anti-Semitism and institutional corruption.

The Dreyfus Affair became a symbol of the struggle for justice and the rule of law. Public intellectuals, including Emile Zola, came to Dreyfus’s defense, igniting a national debate over justice and equality. Eventually, Dreyfus was fully exonerated in 1906, but the case left lasting scars on the French political landscape, influencing debates on human rights, justice, and the role of the military in civilian affairs.

Orville Wright Makes First One-Hour Flight (1908)

On September 9, 1908, Orville Wright set a remarkable aviation milestone by completing the first one-hour airplane flight at Fort Myer, Virginia. This achievement came just five years after the Wright brothers made their first powered flight, marking a significant leap in the development of aviation technology. The flight’s duration, which lasted 62 minutes and 15 seconds, demonstrated the growing reliability and potential of aircraft.

Orville Wright’s flight was a critical moment in the progression of modern aviation. It helped convince the U.S. military of the airplane’s usefulness for reconnaissance and transportation. The event laid the groundwork for the development of longer and more efficient flights, heralding a new era of transportation that would eventually reshape global travel and commerce.

Hydrofoil Sets Speed Record (1919)

On September 9, 1919, a hydrofoil designed by Alexander Graham Bell, his wife Mabel Bell, and engineer F.W. “Casey” Baldwin set a new water speed record on Bras d’Or Lake, Nova Scotia. The hydrofoil, named the HD-4, achieved a speed of 114 kilometers per hour (about 71 miles per hour), a record that held for many years. This feat was a remarkable achievement in the realm of marine engineering and demonstrated the potential of hydrofoil technology for high-speed water travel.

Bell’s work on the hydrofoil was part of his broader interest in transportation innovation, which extended beyond his famous invention of the telephone. The hydrofoil’s success paved the way for future developments in watercraft design, influencing modern naval and commercial vessels. Bell’s contribution to marine engineering underscored his legacy as a polymath who made lasting impacts across multiple fields.

Lieutenant-General Omar Bradley Flies to Marrakesh (1943)

On September 9, 1943, during World War II, Lieutenant-General Omar Bradley flew from Algiers to Marrakesh as part of the Allied military campaign in North Africa. Bradley’s leadership was instrumental in coordinating the invasion of Sicily and the subsequent campaign on the Italian mainland. His flight symbolized the crucial logistical and strategic movements necessary for the Allied forces as they sought to gain a foothold in Europe.

Bradley, later known as “the Soldier’s General,” played a key role in numerous battles during World War II, including the Normandy invasion. His ability to lead large armies across challenging terrain contributed significantly to the success of the Allied forces. The Marrakesh flight underscored the importance of North Africa in the broader context of the war and its strategic value for the Allies.

First Computer Bug Discovered (1945)

On September 9, 1945, a team led by computer scientist Grace Hopper discovered the first documented computer bug, a literal moth trapped in a relay of the Harvard Mark II computer. The bug caused a malfunction, and Hopper’s team removed it with tweezers, taping it into the logbook as the “first actual case of a bug being found.” This event gave rise to the term “debugging,” now a fundamental concept in computer programming and software development.

The discovery of the first computer bug represented a critical moment in the history of technology. Hopper’s contribution to early computing helped pave the way for the development of programming languages and modern computer systems. The story of the bug has since become an iconic anecdote in the field of computer science, symbolizing the complexities and challenges of early digital technology.

US President Eisenhower Signs the Civil Rights Act (1957)

On September 9, 1957, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 into law, marking the first major civil rights legislation passed by Congress since Reconstruction. The act aimed to protect African American voting rights, empowering the federal government to intervene in cases of voter suppression. Although the act was limited in scope, it represented an important step forward in the fight for civil rights.

The 1957 Civil Rights Act laid the foundation for more comprehensive civil rights legislation in the 1960s, including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also signaled a growing recognition of the need to address racial inequality in the United States. While the law faced significant opposition, it marked a critical moment in the long struggle for justice and equality for African Americans.

Ayatollah Khomeini Calls for an Uprising (1978)

On September 9, 1978, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the exiled leader of the Iranian opposition, called for an uprising within the Iranian army. His call came during a period of intense unrest in Iran, as widespread protests against the Shah’s regime grew. Khomeini’s message was a rallying cry for revolution, urging the military to join the people in overthrowing the government.

This moment was pivotal in the lead-up to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which would eventually topple the Shah and establish the Islamic Republic of Iran under Khomeini’s leadership. His call for an uprising reflected the growing power of the opposition and the weakening grip of the monarchy. The revolution that followed reshaped Iran’s political landscape and had profound implications for the Middle East and global geopolitics.

US Sanctions Against South Africa (1985)

On September 9, 1985, U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced a series of sanctions against South Africa in response to the country’s apartheid policies. The sanctions targeted specific sectors of the South African economy, including arms sales, loans, and nuclear cooperation. This marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards South Africa, as international pressure to end apartheid intensified.

Reagan’s decision to impose sanctions came amid growing domestic and global opposition to apartheid, with calls for the U.S. to take a stronger stand against the regime. Although the sanctions were criticized by some as too limited, they represented an important step in the international effort to isolate South Africa economically and diplomatically. The sanctions, combined with internal resistance, ultimately contributed to the dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s.

Massoud Assassinated (2001)

On September 9, 2001, Ahmad Shah Massoud, the leader of the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, was assassinated by two al-Qaeda suicide bombers posing as journalists. The assassination occurred just two days before the September 11 attacks in the United States, and it was a significant blow to the Afghan resistance against the Taliban. Massoud was a key figure in the fight against both Soviet occupation and the Taliban regime, and his death had profound implications for Afghanistan’s future.

Massoud’s assassination removed a major obstacle for the Taliban and al-Qaeda, leaving the Northern Alliance leaderless at a critical moment. His legacy, however, continues to inspire resistance movements in Afghanistan, and he is remembered as a national hero by many Afghans. The assassination highlighted the growing threat posed by al-Qaeda and the complex dynamics of the Afghan conflict.

Queen Elizabeth II Becomes Longest-Reigning Monarch (2015)

On September 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Having ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, Elizabeth’s reign exceeded 63 years and seven months, a remarkable milestone in the history of the British monarchy.

Her long reign saw significant changes in British society, politics, and the global role of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking reign symbolized continuity and stability during times of rapid change, and her role as a figurehead of the British Commonwealth remained central to her legacy. The event was widely celebrated across Britain and the Commonwealth, marking a historic moment in the annals of monarchy.

Conclusion

September 9 has been a day of significant historical events, spanning the realms of politics, science, civil rights, and warfare. From Chile’s annexation of Easter Island to Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking reign, these events reflect the complex and often transformative nature of history. Each occurrence on this date has left a lasting legacy, shaping the course of nations and influencing future generations.

[captain-price-unofficially]

Vickers Wellesley medium bomber, an interwar design that served in peripheral theaters during the early years of WWII. The Wellesley was operated overseas in the desert theatres of East Africa, Egypt and the Middle East. The final Wellesley-equipped unit, 47 Squadron, ended its use of the type as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, during September 1942.

[usafphantom2]

Bristol Type 152 Beaufort torpedo bomber & maritime reconnaissance aircraft that was a larger development of the Type 142 Blenheim light-bomber, with 2,130 aircraft being built.

@AirrecC via X