No question, the Blue Angels put on a super professional show, every time.
Just saw them perform at The Great State of Maine airshow at the former Naval Air Station Brunswick(now Brunswick Executive airport).
they did have some mechanical issues with two of their F/A-18C jets and they were forced to utilize two of their F/A-18'B's.
Despite this(and the fact that the team's C-130T 'Fat Albert' was grounded), the Blue Angels put on a great show!

Always a pleasure seeing them!

Written on 08/30/2017

Nice shot of this E-2D Hawkeye.

The latest version of the Hawkeye has a far more powerful and comprehensive radar than the E-2C 2000.
The cockpit has also been updated with new avionics and it's all glass.
Mission computer gear has also been replaced.

Externally, the E-2D will eventually have airborne refuelling capability and the probe will be housed in a fairing located above the cockpit roof.

USN Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) has been doing evaluation work with E-2Ds being refuelled by a KC-130.

Ultimately, the E-2D will have to be certified to be able to be refuelled by the Super Hornet which is the USN's Air Wing airborne refuelling platform.

Written on 08/16/2017

The Canadian Air Force Tac Demo F/A-18A 2017 version looks nice.
Great paint scheme!

Overall, though, the Canadian Forces Hornets are pretty tired and should have been replaced years ago.
The Trudeau government's stop gap measure to purchase a small number of F/A-18'F' Super Hornets while the Federal Government makes a final decision on what fighter will replace the original Hornet, isn't enough.

I believe the single engine F-35 is not what the Canadian Forces needs.

Due to the vast expanse of Canadian territory regularly patrolled by our aircraft, we need a dual engined airframe.

The solution would be to select the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet as the permanent replacement for the original CF-18s.

Dual engines, proven technology, and a ready parts supply mean the Super Hornet is the logical choice.

Written on 07/26/2017

Blue Angel jet #4 is an F/A-18B, while the others are F/A-18Cs.

This is unusual because normally all 6 of the Blue Angel jets(#s 1 through 6) are all single seat F/A-18Cs.
Jet #7 is reserved for the team's Event Co-ordinator and is a 2 seat F/A-18'B'.
This jet is used for team photography,media flights, and is also available to fill in for any of the regular jets should there be a maintenance issue at the show site.

VERY unusual to have one of the team's 1-6 jets a 2 seater.

Written on 05/19/2017

Great airplane!
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is literally the world's heavylifter.
In addition to the United States, Canada,Australia, New Zealand, India, and England also make use of the C-17.

With an excellent track record of dependability, safety and reliability, the Globemaster III will remain a military workhorse for years to come.

Written on 05/13/2017

The Blues!
I have seen these guys many times in both Canada and the United States over the years and they always impress!
I have photographed their F/A-18'A' Hornets up close several times they have-flat out- THE cleanest aircraft I've seen.
Landing gear,hubs,struts, engine intakes and exhaust areas, all were super clean.

On top of all this, the Blue Angels fly tighter than other flight demonstration teams.

Great ambassadors for the U.S Navy.

Written on 05/04/2017

The Boeing Globemaster III is such an impressive aircraft.
As the primary heavylifter for both the American and Canadian military, this aircraft can operate from runways as short as 3,000 feet and it has intercontinental range-with airborne refuelling capability.
Nice plane!

Written on 05/01/2017

KC-135R Stratotanker

Based off the Boeing 707 commercial aircraft design. Over the years the military KC-135 has been consistently upgraded and improved......new wings, avionics and engines.
The old original Pratt&Whitney engines have been replaced with the new CFM power plants which are quieter, more fuel efficient and provide greater range.
When the KC-135s were re-engined, they were then designated the KC-135R.

Written on 04/17/2017

What a history those KC-135Rs have!
Derived from the commercial Boeing 707 airframe and first operating with the US Air Force in the 1950s, these planes have been flying for over 60 years.
New wings and new engines and upgraded cockpits and avionics have made the KC-135R an up-tp-date military tanker that will continue to serve for awhile yet.
Nice looking aircraft,too!

Written on 04/06/2017

Nice shot.

The USN uses the C-130T for logistical support: moving people, material and supplies to Naval Air Stations as well as forward deployed units.
These Fleet Logistical Support (VR) squadrons are based on both the East and West coasts.

Written on 09/15/2016