The Great, Constantly Changing Picture Gallery

[HeyJoe]

Technically, wouldn't it be Field of Regard?



Interesting. I didn't realize they went ahead w/ the FrankenHelo idea. I thought that was out long ago when all the airframes were found to be so "old." I suppose that does make sense as to why there are issues.

I think it's the other way around. Both H-1 Upgrades and Romeo program initially planned to take existing airframes (AH-1/UH-1 and SH-60B/F respectively) and upgrade them to AH-1Z/UH-1Y and MH-60R. It was after they started looking at first inductions that they realized airframes weren't as healthy as expected making new builds more affordable. Consequently, a few examples of original plan did get produced before production could ramp up for new builds.

 

[Gatordev]

What you said is what I meant, HJ, just poorly worded on my part. I just didn't know they actually built a few "legacy" Romeos that made it all the way to the fleet.

 

[squeeze]

Is there any reason only one has radar? I thought all our AV-8Bs were radar equipped.

If I had to WAG it, I'd say 60-70% of the operational fleet are Radar birds, with the other 30-40% being Night Attacks. All of the B-birds at the RAG are Night Attacks - they gave away their last Radar jet when I was a student.

 

[HeyJoe]

Sightings at NAS Oceana in late July

Starfighters arrive

HJ Photos

 

[Blutonski816]

Those Checkmate jets look way better with those more visible black markings.

 

[HeyJoe]

Those Checkmate jets look way better with those more visible black markings.

So you're not a fan of their CAG bird?

HJ Photos

 

[Blutonski816]

So you're not a fan of their CAG bird?

Oh, I am... but its nice seeing the other birds in something more than just the old Gray-on-Gray

Not to mention the Tomcat-era Stripes on the tails and Full checkerboards on the rudder surfaces.

Although I think they could stand to put the "Bluto" mascot on the tails too, not just on the drop tanks


Great pics, hj...

 

[Mr. Blonde]

heard through the grapevine the checkmates won mutha. guess the dogs efforts turned out to be futile...

 

[HeyJoe]

heard through the grapevine the checkmates won mutha. guess the dogs efforts turned out to be futile...

Just happened upon a 103 get together at local watering hole a week ago Friday and they had both the Bones and Mutha on display. Apparently, they never gave up Mutha in the infamous trade (103 got a reasonable facsimile).

Bones and Tanuki on dispaly a week ago Friday

Jolly Roger JO points out distinguishing feature of the real Mutha trophy; accept no substitutes!

Triumphant Jolly Roger JOs with their trophies

HJ Photos

 

[Old R.O.]

Old R.O. Picture of the Day for 25 Aug 2008

In the vertical, Dec 1986

 

[Xtndr50boom]

Jolly Roger JO points out distinguishing feature of the real Mutha trophy; accept no substitutes!

Yep. Definitely real. Not sure about Mutha, though.

 

[HeyJoe]

Yep. Definitely real. Not sure about Mutha, though.

She advised to always check under the hood as well, so-to-speak...

 

[Xtndr50boom]

She advised to always check under the hood as well, so-to-speak...

Hmm... pulling a 'Mick Dundee" wouldn't be necessary in this case

 

[Schnugg]

Desert Storm burning oil fields....pic by me. Soot and stuff got on our jets and into our ECS systems. It was like flying through hell.

Another of my favorites....direct hit. Pic also by me.

 

[Mumbles]

^^pure awesomeness Shnugg!