#maritime reconnaissance aircraft

[nocternalrandomness]

Martin P4M maritime reconnaissance aircraft from USN VP-21 over the Patuxent River circa 1950

[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

[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]

4 November 1975. First flight of the Tupolev Tu-142M 'Bear', development of the Soviet maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft with improved electronic equipment. Powered by four NK-12M turboprop engines.

@ron_eisele via X

[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!

[nocternalrandomness]

A Radar equipped PBY-5A photographed in 1942

[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

[propicsmedia]

Watch Allied aircraft: NATO’s nuclear deterrence capability.  Watch Allied aircraft take to the skies over Europe to exercise NATO’s nuclear deterrence capability. Thirteen Allies are participating in NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon, a long-planned, routine training activity that is hosted by a different NATO Ally each year. Around 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases and a variety of aircraft types, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, fighter escorts, refuelling aircraft and planes capable of reconnaissance and electronic warfare from Allied air forces are taking part in the exercise to test NATO’s nuclear deterrent. The 2024 iteration involves training flights mainly over host countries Belgium and the Netherlands as well as over Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea. The exercise runs from 14 to 24 October 2024. #steadfastnoon #NATO Nuclear #defense #defence #ColonelBunch #alliedforces #aircraft #fighterjets #airforce #f35 #f-35 #nuclearresponse #Natoalliedforces #military #netherlands “Steadfast Noon is our annual live-fly exercise where we demonstrate nuclear deterrence. This year, we're using 60 aircraft from 13 nations, roughly 2000 personnel involved in this year's exercise coming together as one team again to deliver the deterrent capability that the Alliance needs.” (02:45) SOUNDBITE – COLONEL DANIEL BUNCH – CHIEF OF NATO NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE (SHAPE) “During Steadfast Noon, we look at all the procedures that we use to bring this mission together. We start with mission planning, we go through those procedures and we provide a very robust scenario to look at the modern threats that we would face. We transition then into a week where we would fly, and execute the mission.” (03:03) SOUNDBITE – COLONEL DANIEL BUNCH – CHIEF OF NATO NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE (SHAPE) “New this year is certainly the inclusion of the F-35A aircraft. The Netherlands was the first nation to bring this ability, bring this platform to #shape the forefront. They've been the leader in this and have certified the aircraft. They're completely ready, and they're demonstrating it here this year. On top of that, we're bringing together different capabilities, particularly #f35 maritime and multi-domain aspects that we would need to achieve this mission.” (03:28) SOUNDBITE – COLONEL DANIEL BUNCH – CHIEF OF NATO NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE (SHAPE) “So with the F-35, we are constantly looking at how we would evolve this mission, with new capabilities brings new tactics and new procedures. We look at those constantly, one of the lessons that we will learn out of this exercise specifically is how we will incorporate the F-35 in that role. We've been looking at this for a long time, the F-35 is certainly not new, but it is new to this mission, and we will look and take advantage of every opportunity we have, particularly in this exercise to learn the lessons that we can to improve.” (03:59) SOUNDBITE – COLONEL DANIEL BUNCH – CHIEF OF NATO NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE (SHAPE) “Russia’s continued rhetoric on nuclear weapons is something that we keep a close eye on. We continually keep a close eye on their capabilities as well. There certainly has not been a nuclear employment in Ukraine, the threats that Russia is making and constantly makes in that realm are concerning. What we also look at and things that we look at are particularly things like UAVs, one-way attack drones, because we have to protect this mission and protect the populations in the NATO countries. One particular thing we're looking at Steadfast Noon this year is again those capabilities that we're seeing globally, not just in Ukraine, but globally. And what would we call emerging and disruptive technologies, those technologies that could pose a threat not only to the safety or security of our weapons, but the effectiveness of our mission.” (04:45) SOUNDBITE – COLONEL DANIEL BUNCH – CHIEF OF NATO NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE (SHAPE) “During this exercise, there are no nuclear weapons involved. I know that sounds interesting. Having a nuclear exercise with no nuclear weapons involved. We use simulated assets, we use simulated procedures where we need to ensure the safety because we also want to test things during an exercise and we can't do that with live weapons.” (05:04) SOUNDBITE – COLONEL DANIEL BUNCH – CHIEF OF NATO NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE (SHAPE) “NATO is certainly not new to nuclear deterrence. The Alliance just celebrated its 75th anniversary, and NATO has been a nuclear alliance nearly that entire time. Steadfast Noon has been an exercise around for over two decades. We will continue to modify the exercise, to address the modern threats that we all face. But in the meantime, we will maintain safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrence for the Alliance.”

[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]

20 October 1946. First flight of the Martin P4M Mercator prototype XP4M-1. American maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R4360 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial engines.

@ron_eisele via X