Good Monday morning August 4
Overcast and foggy again this morning. It was supposed to clear by 0800 but is not even close yet. but it is supposed to get to 87 today.
Have a great day
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This day in Naval and Marine Corps History (thanks to NHHC)
Here is a link to the NHHC website: https://www.history.navy.mil/. Go here to see the director's corner for all 92 H-Grams
August 4
1790 The Revenue Cutter Service is established by Congress, authorizing the construction of 10 vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. The service receives its present name, U.S. Coast Guard, in 1915 under an act of Congress that merges the Revenue Cutter Service with the Life-Saving Service, thereby providing the nation with a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws.
1846 During the Mexican-American War, Marines and Sailors led by Commodore Robert Stockton from the frigate USS Congress land to capture Santa Barbara, Calif.
1898 During the Spanish-American War, USS Monterey (BM 6) becomes the first monitor to cross the Pacific, reaching Manila Bay, Philippines, from San Francisco, Calif.
1939 USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) use hydraulic flush-deck catapults to launch SBC-3 and O3U-3 aircraft from flight and hangar deck catapults.
1943 Ensign Rosalie Thorne, USNR, becomes the first woman to be awarded the Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal. She scores 211 out of 240 to qualify.
1943 A radar-equipped Catalina PBY carries out predawn bombing of a submarine base and main Japanese camp area on Kiska. The Catalina also drops 92 empty beer bottles (for the disconcerting whistling effect they produce) on those targets. Also on this date, USS Finback (SS 230) sinks Japanese cargo ship Kaisho Maru in the Java Sea off the north coast of Java while USS Seadragon (SS 194) damages Japanese transport Kembu Maru east of Ponape.
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Today in World History: August 4
1265 King Henry III puts down a revolt of English barons lead by Simon de Montfort.
1578 A crusade against the Moors of Morocco is routed at the Battle of Alcazar-el-Kebir. King Sebastian of Portugal and 8,000 of his soldiers are killed.
1717 A friendship treaty is signed between France and Russia.
1789 The Constituent Assembly in France abolishes the privileges of nobility.
1790 The Revenue Cutter service, the parent service of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, is organized.
1864 Federal troops fail to capture Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, one of the Confederate forts defending Mobile Bay.
1875 The first Convention of Colored Newspapermen is held in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1879 A law is passed in Germany making Alsace Lorraine a territory of the empire.
1914 Germany invades Belgium causing Great Britain to declare war on Germany.
1942 The British government charges that Mohandas Gandhi and his All-Indian Congress Party favor "appeasement" with Japan.
1944 RAF pilot T. D. Dean becomes the first pilot to destroy a V-1 buzz bomb when he tips the pilotless craft's wing, sending it off course.
1952 Helicopters from the U.S. Air Force Air Rescue Service land in Germany, completing the first transatlantic flight by helicopter in 51 hours and 55 minutes of flight time.
1964 The bodies of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman & James E. Chaney, are discovered in an earthen Mississippi dam. At Meridian….
1964 The U.S.S. Maddox and Turner Joy exchange fire with North Vietnamese patrol boats.
1971 The U.S. launches the first satellite into lunar orbit from a manned spacecraft (Apollo 15).
1972 Arthur Bremer is sentenced to 63 years for shooting Alabama governor George Wallace, later reduced to 53 years.
1979 President Jimmy Carter establishes the Department of Energy. ( I read an article a few years ago that this department has really done nothing but suck our taxes into a giant hole.)
1988 The US Senate votes to give each Japanese-American who was interned during WWII $20,000 compensation and an apology.
2007 NASA launches the Phoenix spacecraft on a mission to Mars.
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Rollingthunderremembered.com .
August 4
Thanks to Dan Heller and the Bear
Links to all content can now be found right on the homepage http://www.rollingthunderremembered.com. If you scroll down from the banner and featured content you will find "Today in Rolling Thunder Remembered History" which highlights events in the Vietnam war that occurred on the date the page is visited. Below that are links to browse or search all content. You may search by keyword(s), date, or date range.
An item of importance is the recent incorporation of Task Force Omega (TFO) MIA summaries. There is a link on the homepage and you can also visit directly via https://www.rollingthunderremembered.com/task-force-omega/. There are 60 summaries posted thus far, with about 940 to go (not a typo—TFO has over 1,000 individual case files).
Thanks to Micro
From Vietnam Air Losses site for "for 4 August
4-Aug: https://www.vietnamairlosses.com/loss.php?id=1281
Vietnam Air Losses Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
MOAA - Wall of Faces Now Includes Photos of All Service members Killed in the Vietnam War
(This site was sent by a friend . The site works, find anyone you knew in "search" feature. https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/ )
By: Kipp Hanley
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This is a list of all Helicopter Pilots Who Died in the Vietnam War . Listed by last name and has other info https://www.vhpa.org/KIA/KIAINDEX.HTM
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The Life of a fighter pilot. Battle of Britain 1940.
Thanks to YP ... and Dr. Rich ……. at the risk of a dupe and way behind my IN Box
Killed by the one you did not see.
In many wars, and by things other than airplanes, too.
I have studied BOB all my life. It was a close run thing, Brits against many formations tutored by combat veterans, a good airplane, a better tactical formation (finger four, perfected in Spain). If you've not read "Piece of Cake," you should. The preceding Battle of France was not pretty for the Brits.
Good story, here. Thanks for sending.
It's better to be lucky AND good.
YP
Battle of Britain site
Yesterday at 12:33 AM ·
The Life of a fighter pilot. Battle of Britain 1940.
4 am. Woken with a hand on my shoulder.
Tea Sir! 4 o clock.
Tea is hot, strong and scolds as I try and get ready.
Quick dry shave, quick wash- no warm water yet. Quickly dressing into uniform, Irvin jacket, I pick up gloves, stuff feet into boots, I finish slurping my tea as I walk to get breakfast.
"Morning Adams, says Parky, my Flight Leader. "Another Beautiful day!" he says heavy with irony.
For now I get toast, jam, more tea- The second breakfast usually follows the first early mission when we get egg and bacon, toast and coffee, for those lucky to return. Sometimes you can bag an unclaimed egg!
I quickly glance up and read the orders, the notes, check what time we are due out to Dispersal-"What time Jonesey?"... Oh! It is now!
Off we troop to the waiting lorry, pile in and drive around the perimetre track the quarter mile. Shriek of brakes binding on. Shouts, humorous jokes to the driver-off we jump and walk through the dew glistened, sun bleached grass to the wooden dispersal hut. I go over to my Spit, check everything is set, that the helmet sits on the sight, the straps set ready for a quick strap in, parachute on wingtip, I wipe the dew off before placing it there. Damp parachutes do not open.
I walk back to the musty smelling wood dispersal hut with its dead flies, the smelly Cocker spaniel dog-friend to all, it`s assortment of chairs, fold up camp beds and look over at Jonesy, he is reading yesterdays papers, looking at Jane in a state of undress, yet again.
I fall down into a deck chair, put a newspaper over my face lie back into the warmth of my fleece lined Irvin jacket with its collar up and am soon asleep again.
WHAT? Sounds of running, furniture scraping, chair falling, some rude words aimed at me being lazy! I am up and running to my Spitfire. There she is: "G" is parked further away than my section leader, flight leader and squadron leader`s Spits so I have to run at double speed to catch up, a quick swing of the parachute off the wingtip hits me in the back of the legs, groundcrew help pass straps, click, click, click all in. Up onto wing with its resonate metallic clang sound. "Careful Sir! I slipped on the dew." ighto, thanks errr. I dont know his name yet.
Into the cockpit, helmet on top of gunsight, put it on. push the radio and microphone connection in, oxygen tube plugged in, adjust chin strap, over the shoulder appear my seat straps held by the groundcrew, new bloke this one as Smithy is on a charge-I am told. Out on a date and back late!
Right, to business-fast as others are starting up. Flaps checked UP. Both Fuel Cock levers to ON, Throttle a half inch open. Mixture Control to RICH. Rotol Airscrew Lever to Fully FORWARD. Radiator Shutter-OPEN. Three strokes of Primer today. Call groundcrew. Clear Prop. Switch ON ignition and pull priming handle. Press the Starter button and give one stoke of Primer at the same time. Keep pressed as engine fires, Screw down priming pump, Call Chocks away. Check instruments, temperatures, revs, Mag drop. Okay! Off we go taxying quickly- falling in behind my Section leader who follows the three in front led by the Flt Leader, then the Squadron Leader`s section and A Flight way down the field. Taxying fast, swinging rudder to see each side of the long 8 foot nose, gentle on brakes, sensitive fore and aft the Spit!
Reach end of field, check temps, turn into wind, there they go, 1, 2, 3 then 4, 5, 6, then B flight`s turn, 7, 8, 9, now my Section leader opens up and I am with him with Jonesy on the other side behind. Make this look good. Bouncing, throttle more fed in, off we go, unsticking, climbing, pumping the undercarriage up, jamming elbow into cockpit side to stop porpoising with stick in sympathy. Airfield grows smaller in my mirror.
Climbing, hanging on the prop, desperately trying to get height so that we might be above the escort fighters, usually arriving above the bombers but with 109s coming down upon us. We climb in a spral over base-airfield protection. Leader acknowledges coure change and height, we reach 22000 feet and see the Stukas coming in below us at 16000. Glints above, ignore them, down we go: I see the Spitfires in front gradually turning over on their back and falling rapidly down behind the Stukas I am near the back. I am aware that only Jones is between me and the escort fighters now coming down but yet unseen in the sun. His eyes are glued to me and the ones in front, staying in formation line astern, so I look over my shoulder into the bright sky every 5 seconds.
Spitfire is hit in front of me by the rear gunner of a Stuka out to one side, flame spreading from his engine, he falls away smoking. I fire on him a brief burst as I flash past. I turn, just in time to see a flash behind me where Jones should be and am aware of something coming fast from above and behind me, I jam full left stick and left ridder and fall away in a quick spiral downward then rising into a climbing, spiralling turn, looking for a target-trying not to be a target.
There! I see a 109 has overshot and is going away down in front, I latch onto him. I look behind, Clear, clear in the mirror also. I close slowly I fire when his wings are just inside the sight reflector range indicated and close, firing a two second burst. Something clangs off my wing, something came off him. He suddenly emits smoke and falls away. I turn rapidly to clear my tail and lose sight of him below against the fields. Ah Well, a Damaged, or is it a Probable?
I look around, No one else in sight. I stooge around, climbing in a spiral looking for a mate but see no one so after looking at the coast for stragglers, seeing none, I return to the airfield.
Right. Call up and advise returning. I turn onto the correct compass course, hard to see down there in the darkness of the cockpit after my eyes adjust to the bright glare of the sun. I settle back in my seat, reflecting upon where that Messerschmitt ended up. Letting down slowly. I look around as something casts a shadow in my mirror ...........
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Flight Lieutenant Parks- The B Flight Leader to some ground crew: Sorry, Sgt but P/O Adams and Sgt Jones bought it. You might as well see Chiefy for getting ready two of the newly arrived Spits, they need the guns harmonizing at the butts.
A simple story, I wrote to reflect upon what happened often in the Battle of Britain. Killed by the one you did not see.
Copyright Paul Davies, aviation historian
Paul Davies
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Thanks to Brett What a start to your day
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Thanks to Al
Monday Morning Humor--'I Was Thinking...'
Submitted by Rex Roloff:
Assorted quotes:
• America is the only country where a significant proportion of the population believes that professional wrestling is real but the moon landing was faked.--David Letterman
• I'm not a paranoid, deranged millionaire. %^$ *@^%*! , I'm a billionaire.--Howard Hughes
• After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.--Italian proverb
• Men are like linoleum floors. Lay 'em right and you can walk all over them for thirty years.--Betsy Salkind
• The only reason they say 'Women and children first' is to test the strength of the lifeboats.--Jean Kerr
• I've been married to a communist and a fascist, and neither would take out the garbage.--Zsa Zsa Gabor
• You know you're a redneck if your home has wheels and your car doesn't.--Jeff Foxworthy
• When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife.--Prince Philip
• A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.--Emo Philips.
• Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself.--Harrison Ford
• The best cure for sea sickness, is to sit under a tree.--Spike Milligan
• Lawyers believe a man is innocent until proven broke.--Robin Hall
• Kill one man and you're a murderer, kill a million and you're a conqueror.--Jean Rostand
• Having more money doesn't make you happier. I have 50 million dollars but I'm just as happy as when I had 48 million.--Arnold Schwarzenegger
• We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea.--W.H. Auden
• In hotel rooms I worry. I can't be the only guy who sits on the furniture naked.--Jonathan Katz
• If life were fair Elvis would still be alive today and all the impersonators would be dead.--Johnny Carson
• I don't believe in astrology. I am a Sagittarius and we're very skeptical.--Arthur C. Clarke
• Hollywood must be the only place on earth where you can be fired by a man wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a baseball cap.--Steve Martin
• Home cooking: Where many a man thinks his wife is.--Jimmy Durante
• As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind - every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.--John Glenn
• If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on their feet, what happens if you strap toast on the back of a cat…?--Steven Wright
• America is so advanced that even the chairs are electric.--Doug Hamwell
• The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone.--George Roberts
• If God had intended us to fly he would have made it easier to get to the airport.--Jonathan Winters
• I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.--Robert Benchley
Submitted by John Hudson:
Murphy's Other Laws
• Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
• A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.
• He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
• A day without sunshine is like, well, night.
• Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
• Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
• Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
• The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
• It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone from California would be stupid enough to try to pass them.
• If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.
• The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first.
• Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.
• Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.
• God gave you toes as a device for finding furniture in the dark.
• When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of twelve people, who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
I was wondering…
• How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
• Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
• Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
• What disease did cured ham actually have?
• How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
• Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up like every two hours?
• Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
• Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
• Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway...
• Why is 'bra' singular and 'panties' plural?
• Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
• If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
• Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
• If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
• Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
• Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
• Why is it that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
• Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?
• Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
• Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
• Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
• Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
• Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
• Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
• If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
• Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
• Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
• Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
• Why do people keep running over a thread a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
• Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
• How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
• Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
• In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
• How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
• The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends--if they're okay, then it's you.
Adjusted Laws of Physics:
• Law of Mechanical Repair --After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
• Law of Gravity--Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible place in the universe.
• Law of Probability--The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
• Law of Random Numbers -If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal; someone always answers.
• Variation Law--If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now.
• Law of the Bath--When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone will ring.
• Law of Close Encounters--The probability of meeting someone you know INCREASES dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.
• Law of the Result--When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, IT WILL!!!
• Law of Biomechanics--The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the difficulty of the reach.
• Law of the Theater & Sports Arena--At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.
• The Coffee Law--As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
• Murphy's Law of Lockers--If there are only 2 people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers and the other person is someone you dislike.
• Law of Physical Surfaces--The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.
• Law of Logical Argument--Anything is possible IF you don't know what you are talking about.
• Law of Physical Appearance--If the clothes fit, they're ugly, have a hole or are out of style.
• Law of Public Speaking--A closed mouth gathers no feet!
• Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy--As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it OR the store will stop selling it!
• Doctors' Law--If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there, you'll feel better. But don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.
Have a great week,
Al
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.thanks to 1440
| Return of the Mile Run |
| The Presidential Fitness Test is returning to schools after a 12-year hiatus, with President Donald Trump signing an executive order to restore and revamp the program late last week.
The test has its roots in the 1950s, when the so-called "father of sports medicine," Dr. Hans Kraus, coauthored a study finding American kids were 49.2% weaker than European counterparts on a series of physical fitness tests. For decades, public school students were regularly tested on drills like a timed mile run, pushups, pullups, and situps. Top scorers received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Then-President Barack Obama phased out the system in the 2012-13 academic year, replacing it with a less competitive, opt-in system testing a student's fitness over time. Trump says he will reinstate the standardized approach following a May report highlighting concerns about children's physical inactivity. .. |
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Thanks to Brett
. The Video is TERRIFIC!
Brett
"I Told You Something is Coming & Now It's Here... | Victor Davis Hanson"
"I Told You Something is Coming & Now It's Here... | Victor Davis Hanson"
In this video, Victor Davis Hanson exposes the left's contradictions in their attacks on Donald Trump and his trade policies. Hanson dives deep into how progressive critics consistently misrepresent Trump's use of tariffs, portraying them as reckless or harmful without acknowledging their strategic purpose. He argues that the left's opposition isn't based on economic facts, but on a broader ideological rejection of Trump's America-first agenda. From renegotiating trade deals to holding China accountable, Hanson highlights how Trump's tariff strategy was a deliberate effort to restore fairness and protect American industry—something past administrations failed to address. Meanwhile, the same critics who decried Trump's tactics often supported similar measures under different presidents, revealing a clear double standard. Hanson contends that Trump's presidency didn't just disrupt global trade norms—it exposed how deeply entrenched and emotionally charged the left's narrative has become. Ultimately, this video unpacks how Trump's unorthodox methods—and the left's fierce reaction to them—shine a light on the deeper political and cultural divide in America.
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Thanks to Brett
. Source: National Security Journal Russia's 'New' PAK DA Stealth Fighter Explained in 1 Word - National Security Journal https://share.google?link=https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/russias-new-pak-da-stealth-fighter-explained-in-1-word/&utm_source=igadl,igatpdl,sh/x/gs/m2/5&utm_campaign=share-sdl-iga-3p,17656257
Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More
Russia's 'New' PAK DA Stealth Fighter Explained in 1 Word
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PAK DA Stealth Fighter Screenshot from X Artist Image.
Key Points and Summary – Russia's PAK DA stealth bomber program, envisioned as a rival to the U.S. B-21 Raider, is now widely regarded as a failure after two decades of development.
-The ambitious flying-wing bomber, meant to replace Russia's aging Tu-95 and Tu-160, is plagued by persistent delays and significant technological hurdles, particularly in achieving true stealth.
-Exacerbated by Western sanctions and the economic strain of the war in Ukraine, there are serious doubts that Russia has the industrial capacity or workforce ever to put the PAK DA into full-scale production, leaving its future uncertain.
Russia's PAK DA Stealth Bomber Has Failed
The Russian PAK DA is a stealth bomber under development as part of the PAK [Perspectives of Aerial Complexes] program.
Officially named the "Long-Range Aviation Complex," the PAK DA stealth bomber, codenamed Poslannik (Envoy or Messenger), is expected to replace the aging Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, the latter of which have been very effectively used in Ukraine.
Designed by the Tupolev design bureau, which has produced the Tu-95 and the Tu-160, this aircraft is expected to undertake various missions, ranging from nuclear deterrence to conventional strike operations.
It will focus on stealth and advanced avionics to evade the latest air defense systems.
Well, that is, if it ever flies. And that seems like a longshot.
Where Is the PAK DA?
The PAK DA program has been in development for two decades, with initial timelines repeatedly pushed back. And it still hasn't flown.
The PAK DA stealth bomber program is widely considered a failure due to a combination of factors, including persistent development delays, reliance on outdated technologies, and the impact of Western sanctions and resource diversion caused by the conflict in Ukraine.
While initially envisioned as a rival to the US B-21 Raider, the program has struggled to overcome technical challenges, particularly in developing the necessary stealth technology and integrating advanced systems.
Flying Wing Design, Russia's Answer To The B-2, B-21:
In August 2021, then-Deputy Prime Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said that the first PAK DA prototype had begun production.
Then, things get a little confusing. He added that the prototype would be ready by 2023, with full-scale production scheduled to begin in 2027.
That was an ambitious timeline, considering they were building an entirely new aircraft system. But then, a few months later, Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Goal
The Russian stealth bomber is touted as a subsonic sixth-generation aircraft capable of carrying 30 tons of nuclear and conventional weapons with a range of 7,500 miles.
However, since the invasion, sanctions, a lack of funding, and the struggle to produce the necessary stealth technology have slowed progress.
The PAK DA would feature a flying-wing design, internal weapons bays, AI, and drone-teaming (loyal wingman) capabilities. Again, if it ever takes flight.
Russia's PAK DA Bomber Claims Are…Well, Just That:
The Russians have sought a stealth bomber design since the earliest days of the American B-2 bomber, aiming to drop bombs undetected on radar.
The B-2 is about to be retired for the new B-21 Raider.
Having a new aircraft program with a new engine that is ahead in its development compared to the actual aircraft itself is a rare phenomenon in the Russian aircraft industry.
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have developed numerous fighters and bombers since the end of the Cold War. However, creating a radical new flying wing design, something they haven't done yet, infusing it with stealth technology, with a new engine, and the ability to carry 30 tons of ordinance (double that of the B-21 Raider) is a difficult task.
The Russian "stealth" Su-57 fighter is hindered by Russia's struggle to bond the aircraft's body panels as tightly as necessary to minimize radar return and by its modified 4th-generation engines. Why would the PAK DA be any different?
Russia's claims should always be taken with a healthy grain of salt. They are long known to be long on promises and short on delivery.
Another area of concern for Russia is that it has never sold any Tupolev bombers on the foreign market. This meant that the workforce there has generally eroded and moved on to other firms or other projects. If they ever do get past the prototype stage, will they even have a sufficient workforce for the bomber?
PAK DA In 1 Word: Failure
The PAK-DA is a cooperative program between several enterprises. These include the Kazan Aircraft Production Association, where the Tu-160 long-range bombers were built, the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association, which still manufactures the Su-34 medium-range bomber aircraft, and the Beriev Aircraft Plant in Taganrog.
None have ever developed aircraft on par with the best American stealth aircraft. What could go wrong?
Bottom line: the chances of this Russian bomber ever flying are most likely zero. The PAK DA stealth bomber appears to be total hype.
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Now for our side
Thanhks to Brett He has been busy this morning
. https://share.google/EsAgwiAJeFhoEnAXV
The B-1B Lancer 'Super' Bomber Is Coming
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer flies in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2019. The bomber flew directly from its home station of Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., demonstrating the U.S. Air Force's ability to rapidly deploy strategic bombers anywhere in the world. U.S. Strategic Command regularly tests and evaluates the readiness of strategic assets to ensure we are able to honor our security commitments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joshua L. DeMotts)
Key Points and Summary – Despite celebrating its 40th anniversary, the B-1B Lancer bomber remains a "massively critical asset" for the U.S. Air Force.
-According to its latest budget request, the venerable bomber is receiving significant upgrades to bridge the gap until the B-21 Raider is fully operational.
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-These changes include reactivating external hardpoints previously disabled by arms control treaties with Russia, allowing the B-1B to test hypersonic missiles like the AGM-183 ARRW.
-This increased capacity for heavy standoff munitions will significantly enhance the Lancer's payload, ensuring its continued strategic importance in the modern era.
The B-1B Lancer Bomber Is Going Super (As In Big Upgrades)
According to its latest budget request, the Air Force is planning numerous upgrades to the B-1B bomber, including plans to "increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer's loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber," Air and Space Forces magazine reported this month.
The budget ask includes $50.26 million for "External Heavy-Stores Pylon program" for the B-1B, which will offer "increased carriage capacity of standoff munitions on B-1B aircraft."
The Air Force, the report said, can therefore "mitigate transition risk of the Air Force bomber fleet prior to the emergence of the B-21 as a combat bomber."
A Post-Cold War Shift
Some of the changes are being made for a surprising reason.
"The B-1 already has six external hardpoints, which were originally intended to carry two nuclear-armed AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, but they were deactivated under arms control treaties with Russia; those agreements saw the B-1 removed from nuclear delivery missions," the Air and Space Forces Magazine said.
"The Air Force is now looking to reopen those weapon stations, each of which the service said should be capable of carrying a 5,000-pound payload."
In addition, the report cited budget documents that the Air Force spent $20 million over two years to create "an external carry-enabled testbed facilitating rapid integration of priority hypersonic weapons in support of national security objectives," for a specific purpose.
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"This program provides an opportunity to significantly reduce risk for an operational external carry capability on the B-1B if directed. The Hypersonic Integration Program successfully demonstrated the B-1's ability to execute a captive carry of a 5,000-pound class store and the release of a proven weapon shape from a Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylon," the budget document said.
The LAM, according to a Boeing company newsletter quoted by Air and Space Forces, could allow the B-1 to "increase 50 percent of its current weapons payload capacity with larger and heavier weapons."
A Birthday for a B-1B Bomber
Last month, the Air Force marked the 40th birthday of the B-1B. The Air Force, in its announcement on July 14, declared the B-1B is still "a vital strategic asset," even though it was developed in the 1980s as a temporary solution.
A 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer flies over the East China Sea May 6, 2020, during a training mission. The 9th EBS is deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a Bomber Task Force supporting Pacific Air Forces' strategic deterrence missions and commitment to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman River Bruce)
"The B-1 was only supposed to be around 10 years," explained Lt. Col. David Hanisch, Deputy Assistant Program Manager for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's B-1 Program Office, said in the Air Force's July release. "The reason why the 40-year mark is a big deal is that we've proven that it is still a massively critical asset to the United States and our bomber force 40 years later."
"Here we have this nuclear bomber from the 1980s, built at President Reagan urging in part to bankrupt the Soviets, and then two decades later, it's doing close air support in Afghanistan and Iraq, making sure that our troops come home," Joe Stupic, Senior Material Leader and Division Chief of the B-1 Program Office, said in the Air Force's release.
Here Comes the Hypersonics
The Air and Space Forces story also shared an update on the status of American hypersonic missile development.
While the Air Force had said it was shelving the AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), it is now back in the budget for 2026. But it has company.
"The service is also pursuing the smaller Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), an air-breathing missile small enough to be launched from fighters. When Boeing first unveiled the LAM to reporters in 2023, it said the pylon could likely carry up to 7,500 pounds, which would allow it to carry the ARRW, the weight of which is estimated to be around 6,500 pounds. It's not clear if the budget language specifying 5,000 pounds is the result of test results," the report said.
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This Day in U S Military History…….4 August
1790 – Congress authorized the Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton's proposal to build ten cutters to protect the new nation's revenue (Stat. L. 145, 175). Alternately known as the system of cutters, Revenue Service, and Revenue-Marine this service would officially be named the Revenue Cutter Service (12 Stat. L., 639) in 1863. The cutters were placed under the control of the Treasury Department. This date marks the officially recognized birthday of the Coast Guard.
1918 – America's second highest-scoring ace, Frank Luke, begins his short but distinguished career. He downs 14 observation balloons and four aircraft in a few weeks. He is forced down behind German lines in late September, and refusing to surrender, will be shot.
1949 – Congress approved Public Law 207, which revised, codified and enacted into law title 14 of the United Stated Code. This set forth for the first time a clear, concise statutory statement of the duties and functions of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Act confirmed that the Coast Guard was a branch of the armed forces of the United States, confirmed it in its general functions of marine safety, maritime law enforcement, and military readiness to operate as a service in the Navy upon declaration of war or when the president directs.
And so it began
1964 – At 8 p.m., the destroyers USS Maddox and USS C. Turner Joy, operating in the Gulf of Tonkin, intercept radio messages from the North Vietnamese that give Captain John Herrick of the Maddox the "impression" that Communist patrol boats are planning an attack against the American ships, prompting him to call for air support from the carrier USS Ticonderoga. Eight Crusader jets soon appeared overhead, but in the darkness, neither the pilots nor the ship crews saw any enemy craft. However, about 10 p.m. sonar operators reported torpedoes approaching. The U.S. destroyers maneuvered to avoid the torpedoes and began to fire at the North Vietnamese patrol boats. When the action ended about two hours later, U.S. officers reported sinking two, or possibly three of the North Vietnamese boats, but no American was sure of ever having seen any enemy boats nor any enemy gunfire. Captain Herrick immediately communicated his doubts to his superiors and urged a "thorough reconnaissance in daylight." Shortly thereafter, he informed Admiral U. S. Grant Sharp, commander of the Pacific Fleet, that the blips on the radar scope were apparently "freak weather effects" while the report of torpedoes in the water were probably due to "overeager" radar operators. Because of the time difference, it was only 9:20 a.m. in Washington when the Pentagon received the initial report of a potential attack on the U.S. destroyers. When a more detailed report was received at 11 a.m. there was still a lot of uncertainty as to just what had transpired. President Johnson, convinced that the second attack had taken place, ordered the Joint Chiefs of Staff to select targets for possible retaliatory air strikes. At a National Security Council meeting, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, and McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, recommended to the president that the reprisal strikes be ordered. Johnson was cautious at first, but in a follow-up meeting in the afternoon, he gave the order to execute the reprisal, code-named Pierce Arrow. The President then met with 16 Congressional leaders to inform them of the second unprovoked attack and that he had ordered reprisal attacks. He also told them he planned to ask for a Congressional resolution to support his actions. At 11:20 p.m., McNamara was informed by Admiral Sharp that the aircraft were on their way to the targets and at 11:26, President Johnson appeared on national television and announced that the reprisal raids were underway in response to unprovoked attacks on U.S. warships. He assured the viewing audience that, "We still seek no wider war." However, these incidents proved to be only the opening moves in an escalation that would eventually see more than 500,000 U.S. troops in Vietnam
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
*WILSON, ROBERT LEE
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 24 May 1921, Centralia, Ill. Accredited to: Illinois. Citation For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian Island, Marianas Group, on 4 August 1944. As 1 of a group of marines advancing through heavy underbrush to neutralize isolated points of resistance, Pfc. Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese troops were supposed to be hiding. Fully aware of the danger involved, he was moving forward while the remainder of the squad, armed with automatic rifles, closed together in the rear when an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group. Quick to act, Pfc. Wilson cried a warning to the men and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, heroically sacrificing his own life that the others might live and fulfill their mission. His exceptional valor, his courageous loyalty and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Wilson and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for August 4 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
4 August
1908: With Thomas S. Baldwin at the controls and Glenn H. Curtiss as the engineer, Signal Corps Airship No. 1 made its first test ascent, a 7-minute flight, above Fort Myer. (24)
1910: Elmo N. Pickerill made the first plane-to-ground-to-plane radiotelegraphic communication in the US while flying a Curtiss pusher from Mineola to Manhattan Beach and back. (21) (24)
1921: Lt John A. Macready, at the request of the entomologist at Cleveland, flew the first aerial insecticide application flight.
1925: The MacMillan polar expedition started with Lt Cmdr Richard E. Byrd's assistance and Loening amphibians. (24)
1944: Operation APHRODITE. Eighth Air Force launched radio-controlled B-17 drones, carrying 20,000 pounds of TNT, against V-1 rocket sites in Pas de Calais, France. (4) (21)
1950: KOREAN WAR. B-29 attacked key bridges above the 38th parallel to start FEAF "Interdiction Campaign No. 1." (28)
1953: A B-47 Stratojet set a nonstop distance record for jets in making a 4,450-mile flight from Fairford, England, to MacDill AFB, in 9 hours 53 minutes.
1955: China released the crewmen of a Special Operations B-29, "The Stardust 40." They were captured on 13 January 1953 and were held longer than any other prisoners of war in the Korean War. (21)
1960: Pilot Joseph A. Walker flew the X-15 to an unofficial world speed record of 2,196 MPH.
1964: North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked US destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. On 7 August, Congress authorized President Johnson to use all measures to assist South Vietnam. That decision led to a buildup of airpower in the region. (See 5 August)
1964: First US air strikes against North Vietnam.
1970: From Vandenberg AFB, the Minuteman Emergency Rocket Communication System (ERCS) completed its first operational test launch. (6) AFRES aircrews airlifted 73 handicapped children from Corpus Christi, Texas, after Hurricane Celia destroyed the Texas Department of Mental Health and Retardation School. (16) (26)
1977: The last T-33 Shooting Star left the AFFTC at Edwards AFB for retirement at Davis-Monthan AFB; however, active USAF units continued to fly the T-33 until the mid-80s. The 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Mich., actively flew the T-33s until the unit inactivated on 1 October 1985. In addition other Air Defense Tactical Air Command units at Minot and McChord continued to fly F-106s and T-33s for a few more years. (16) (26)
1982: The first KC-135R (number 61-0293) with the new CFM-56 engines made its first flight. (1) The NF-16 Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) aircraft made its first flight. (16)
2000: The AFFTC at Edwards AFB completed the GBU-27A/B enhanced guided bomb unit's flight test evaluation for the F-117, just two months after its first captive-carry flight. (3)
2002: The last B-1 departed from the 184th Bomb Wing, Kansas ANG. The unit officially became an air refueling wing on 16 September 2002. (32)
2007: PHOENIX MARS LANDER. NASA launched this lander to study Mars on a Delta II booster from Space Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral, Fla. After a 422 million-mile journey, the Phoenix spacecraft landed in the arctic region of northern Mars on 25 May 2008. The lander tried to answer questions about the Martian arctic's ability to support life. A 920th Rescue Wing (Air Force Reserves) HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter conducted pre- and post-flight operations to clear the launch path, while the 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., provided mission support. (AFNEWS, "Air Force Supports Launch of NASA Mission to Mars," 6 Aug 2007.)
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