Aircraft USA

07/26/2024

07/02/2024

How Big Ohio-class boats submarine really is?

Each displacing 18,750 tons submerged, the Ohio-class boats are the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy. They are also the third-largest submarines ever built, behind the Russian Navy's Soviet era 48,000-ton Typhoon class, the last of which was retired in 2023, and 24,000-ton Borei class.

07/01/2024

How do pilots get inside of jets with no opening cockpit (B2 bombers, SR-71, etc.)?

Aircraft like the B-2 Spirit bomber and the SR-71 Blackbird have cockpit designs that lack traditional hinged canopies or openings for pilots to enter and exit. Instead, these aircraft typically use other methods for pilot ingress and egress:

1. Access Panels: These aircraft often have access panels or hatches located on the fuselage that allow pilots to enter and exit the cockpit. These panels are usually located on the side or underside of the aircraft and are opened either manually or hydraulically.

2. Retractable Cockpit Sections: Some aircraft, like the SR-71 Blackbird, have sections of the cockpit that retract or swing open to provide access for the pilot. In the case of the SR-71, the entire front section of the aircraft, including the cockpit, could be raised hydraulically for pilot entry and exit.

3. Ladder or Platform: Pilots may use ladders or platforms positioned next to the aircraft to climb up to the access point. Ground crew or maintenance personnel often assist pilots in safely accessing these entry points.

4. Escape Systems: These aircraft are equipped with ejection seats or escape systems that allow pilots to quickly exit the aircraft in the event of an emergency. These systems can be activated from inside the cockpit or remotely by ground crew.

In summary, while aircraft like the B-2 Spirit and SR-71 Blackbird lack traditional cockpit openings, they are designed with alternative access methods such as access panels, retractable cockpit sections, and escape systems to allow pilots to enter and exit the cockpit safely and efficiently.

06/30/2024

How fast is the astute class submarine?

The Astute-class submarines, which are nuclear-powered attack submarines operated by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots (approximately 56 kilometers per hour or 35 miles per hour) while submerged. These submarines are designed for high speeds and agility to carry out a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Their advanced propulsion systems, including a nuclear reactor, allow them to achieve and sustain these high speeds underwater, making them formidable assets in naval operations.

06/29/2024

F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Loading Munitions 🇺🇸

Senior Airmen Cory Young and Stewart Sliger load munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft during the load crew competition of the year at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 8, 2018. Young and Sliger are load crew members assigned to the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

06/28/2024

What is the life of a nuclear submarine?

The life of a nuclear submarine can vary depending on several factors, including its class, maintenance schedule, operational demands, and technological advancements. However, here are some general points regarding the life span of nuclear submarines:

Service Life: Nuclear submarines are typically designed and built to operate for several decades. The service life of a submarine is influenced by factors such as hull integrity, reactor core life, material fatigue, and technological obsolescence.

Reactor Core Life: One of the primary considerations for the life span of a nuclear submarine is the life of its reactor core. Nuclear reactors have a finite operational lifespan, determined by factors such as fuel depletion and reactor component degradation. Reactor cores may need to be refueled or replaced during the submarine's service life.

Refueling and Overhaul: Periodic refueling and overhauls, known as mid-life refueling or major maintenance availabilities, are conducted to extend the operational life of nuclear submarines. During these overhauls, submarines undergo extensive maintenance, upgrades, and inspections to ensure their continued reliability and effectiveness.

Technological Upgrades: Advances in technology and warfare capabilities may prompt the need for upgrades or modernization programs for nuclear submarines throughout their service life. These upgrades can include improvements to sensors, communications systems, weapons systems, and propulsion technology to enhance the submarine's capabilities and maintain its relevance in evolving operational environments.

Decommissioning: Eventually, nuclear submarines reach the end of their operational life and are decommissioned from service. Decommissioning involves removing nuclear fuel, deactivating reactor systems, and safely disposing of radioactive materials. Decommissioned submarines may be dismantled, recycled, converted for other purposes, or placed in long-term storage.

Environmental Considerations: Proper disposal of nuclear submarines and management of radioactive materials are essential considerations in their life cycle. Nations with nuclear-powered submarines have procedures and regulations in place to ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of nuclear waste and decommissioned vessels.

Overall, the life of a nuclear submarine can span several decades, during which it undergoes maintenance, upgrades, and eventual decommissioning. These vessels play a crucial role in naval operations and strategic deterrence, with their service life carefully managed to ensure safety, reliability, and effectiveness throughout their operational tenure.

06/27/2024

The B-1B has a maximum speed of Mach 1.25 at higher altitudes. The B-1B's maximum takeoff weight was increased to 477,000 pounds (216,000 kg) from the B-1A's 395,000 pounds (179,000 kg). The weight increase was to allow for takeoff with a full internal fuel load and for external weapons to be carried.

06/26/2024

Who would win in a dog fight, F-22 or Su-57?

Predicting the outcome of a hypothetical dogfight between the F-22 Raptor and the Sukhoi Su-57 is complex and depends on numerous factors, including pilot skill, tactics, situational awareness, and specific engagement conditions. Both aircraft are advanced, fifth-generation fighter jets designed for air superiority and multi-role combat, but they have different strengths and capabilities. Here are some considerations:

Stealth and Sensor Capabilities: Both the F-22 and Su-57 incorporate stealth technology to reduce their radar cross-section and enhance survivability. The F-22 is widely regarded as one of the most stealthy aircraft in the world, with advanced radar-absorbent materials and shaping techniques. The Su-57 also features stealth characteristics but may not be as stealthy as the F-22. In a dogfight scenario, the ability to detect and engage the opponent first could provide a significant advantage.

Maneuverability: The Su-57 is known for its agility and maneuverability, with thrust-vectoring engines and advanced aerodynamics that allow it to perform tight turns and high angles of attack maneuvers. The F-22 also has impressive maneuverability, aided by its advanced fly-by-wire flight control system and high thrust-to-weight ratio. The outcome of a dogfight could depend on the pilot's ability to exploit the strengths of their aircraft while countering the opponent's maneuvers.

Avionics and Sensors: Both aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics suites and sensor systems, including radar, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and infrared search and track (IRST) sensors. The effectiveness of these systems in detecting and tracking the opponent could influence the outcome of a dogfight, especially if one aircraft can maintain situational awareness while denying it to the other.

Weapons: Both the F-22 and Su-57 are capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air missiles, including beyond-visual-range (BVR) and short-range infrared-guided missiles. The effectiveness of each aircraft's weapons, as well as the pilot's proficiency in employing them, could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a dogfight.

Overall, it's challenging to determine a clear winner in a hypothetical dogfight between the F-22 Raptor and Su-57 without knowing specific engagement conditions and variables. Both aircraft are highly advanced and capable platforms, and the outcome would likely depend on the skill and tactics of the pilots involved, as well as the capabilities and performance of their respective aircraft in the given scenario.

06/26/2024

😱😱😱

06/26/2024

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06/25/2024

What makes the Su-57 special?

The Sukhoi Su-57, also known as the PAK FA (Perspektivny Aviatsionny Kompleks Frontovoy Aviatsii), is a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Company. Here are some features that make the Su-57 special:

Stealth Capability: The Su-57 incorporates stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section and infrared signature, making it more difficult to detect by enemy radars and sensors. Its radar-absorbent materials, shape, and internal weapon bays contribute to its low observability, enhancing survivability in contested airspace.

Advanced Avionics: The Su-57 is equipped with advanced avionics systems, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), and electronic warfare (EW) suite. These systems provide the pilot with enhanced situational awareness, target detection and tracking capabilities, and self-protection against electronic threats.

Supercruise: The Su-57 is capable of sustained supersonic flight without the need for afterburners, a capability known as "supercruise." This allows the aircraft to fly at high speeds for extended periods while conserving fuel and reducing infrared signature.

Maneuverability: The Su-57 is highly maneuverable and agile, with thrust-vectoring engines and advanced aerodynamics that enable it to perform tight turns, high angles of attack maneuvers, and rapid acceleration. This agility gives the Su-57 an edge in air-to-air combat engagements, allowing it to outmaneuver and outmaneuver adversaries.

Multi-role Capability: The Su-57 is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance. Its versatile design and payload capacity allow it to carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions, making it suitable for multi-role missions.

Network-Centric Warfare: The Su-57 is equipped with network-centric warfare capabilities, allowing it to share information and coordinate with other friendly aircraft and ground-based assets in real-time. This enhances situational awareness, mission effectiveness, and overall combat capabilities.

Future Potential: The Su-57 is expected to undergo further development and upgrades to enhance its capabilities and address any limitations. Future improvements may include new sensors, weapons, avionics, and stealth enhancements, ensuring that the Su-57 remains a potent asset for Russian air power in the coming years.

Overall, the Sukhoi Su-57 represents a significant leap forward in Russian military aviation technology, with its stealth, advanced avionics, supercruise capability, maneuverability, multi-role capability, and potential for future development making it a formidable fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

06/24/2024

How powerful are US submarines?

The SSBN submarines provide the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. Each SSBN submarine is armed with up to 20 Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of Harpoon missiles to be fired through their torpedo tubes.

06/24/2024

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy. The ship was named for the Battle of Iwo Jima of World War II. The ship was commissioned in 2001 and is in service.

06/17/2024

F-22 Raptor

06/14/2024

U.S. Navy Blue Angels 🇺🇸

06/12/2024

F-22 🇺🇸

06/10/2024

Wow