Random Griz Aviation Musings

[Griz882]

I was curious about the 4-engined bird behind the F-35, zoomed in...and found the last DC-8 still flying in the US! After NASA retired their DC-8 last year a couple of articles noted that Samaritan's Purse would be the last operator of the type here, and apparently they intend to retire it at the end of the year.

Definitely a DC-8, very cool to see one.

 

[ChuckMK23]

I think that's just a NC-10 (or whatever the AF designation is) for power. The umbilical wouldn't be able to move any air since it's kinked up (and has a really small diameter).

This F-35B was parked along side AF A-models. The contrast in material condition of the planes was dramatic.

The young Marine maintainers shared that the cleaning and upkeep of the F-35B is a nightmare on and off the boat and NAVAIR procedures and consumables to even wash the airplane are far more labor intensive and less effective than their AF counterparts...

 

[ea6bflyr]

I think that's just a NC-10 (or whatever the AF designation is) for power. The umbilical wouldn't be able to move any air since it's kinked up (and has a really small diameter).

Interesting. I've never seen a hose around the GSE electrical cable. Most electrical cables I've ever been exposed to are black cables, different than the huffer hose.

 

[ea6bflyr]

Found it...

The AGEC 1101 Series 270 VDC Diesel Power Cart, is the only standalone 270 Diesel power unit approved for use on the F-35.

 

[Gatordev]

Most electrical cables I've ever been exposed to are black cables, different than the huffer hose.

I think it's just anti-chafe material so you're not dragging the cord across the concrete. True decadence from the Navy/Marine perspective.

 

[GroundPounder]

I was curious about the 4-engined bird behind the F-35, zoomed in...and found the last DC-8 still flying in the US! After NASA retired their DC-8 last year a couple of articles noted that Samaritan's Purse would be the last operator of the type here, and apparently they intend to retire it at the end of the year.

A word on Samaritan's Purse. I'm not connected with them in any way, but can't sing their praises enough. They have deployed here twice in the past 10 years for natural disasters .

They come ready to go, self contained, drain no local resources and look for things to do. They over deliver and are a godsend when things are bad.

Other groups ( RED CROSS ) often drain resources and are really more trouble than they are worth, especially in first few weeks.

If you're looking for a group to help with your time or money, they are worthy of consideration.

 

[ChuckMK23]

The AF had impressive recruiting resources in place at Oshkosh this year. A dedicated hall staffed with current Put students in every phase/pipeline, plus recent USAFA and AFROTC graduates and current USAFA Cadets along with IPs from T-6, T-38 and Helos. Lots of swag to give away as well. AIM high flight academy selection as well for 16+17 year olds to get no obligation flight training to FAA PPL.

I saw no Navy presence and only a few Marines.

But NAVAIR as example was not there nor any Navy recruiting.