http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/7168373.stm

Still photo with the story and linked video to detonation

Having a look around near the Olympic sites in 2008, I found these near Qingdao, which will be hosting the sailing events.

<< Excuse the method of posting >>

First: Not military but strangely out of context and proportion
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=36.096815,120.326756&spn=0.002146,0.005375&t=h&z=18&om=1
Google Earth co-ordinates : 36*05’48.6 N 120*19’35.9 E

Second: 4 amphibs, 1 without it’s engines?
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=36.055023,120.287703&spn=0.002147,0.005375&t=h&z=18&om=1
Google Earth Co-ordinates : 36*03’18.0 N 120*17’16.0 E

Third : A little futher South, another Amphib and something I can’t begin to ID
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=36.047329,120.284868&spn=0.002147,0.005375&t=h&z=18&om=1
Google Earth Co-Ordinates : 36*02’51.0 N 120*17’06.0 E

i seem to remember reading somewhere that the YF-23 was a better aircraft in terms of performance and stealth, or is that just me?

Depending on your choice of rumour, the YF23 was either a proof of concept for something bigger that’s currently “Black”, or a funding screen for said “Black” project.

Or of course it could be both or neither of these.

I believe a palletised refueling system is being looked at for the V22, my ideal solution for the STOVL carrier would be a split buy of V22 with some fitted with some form of radar for AEW and others in standard fit for the COD role with some refuelling pallets available for rapid conversion into the tanker role.

Sounds good to me, though the mounting of the radar on the AEW version seems to be a sticking issue. I’d have though something like the Ericsson Erieye along the top with the front mount on some sort of lockable pivot allowing the wings to fold underneath it.

F-35 has the potential to become the Mr. Potato Head of tactical aircraft with each country adding or changing equipment to tailor their airplanes to suit their needs.

There’s that small matter of software codes being released to allow customers to tailor the aircraft themselves…or of course the customer has to pay the US government for them to integrate some weapon or other which of course would be offered to the US forces at minimal cost.
Then again there is always the possibility of the US government not allowing a certain weapons system to be integrated too.

You’d still need arresting gear which the STOVL doesn’t have. And if you fitted that then you’d be as well going the whole hog and fitting EMAL/Steam catapults.

A Merlin as a refueler? If you were even going to consider a tanker option as part of the embarked airwing then you buy tanker configured V22 with a hose and drogue hanging from under it’s tail.

I must congratulate you Paul on the fine selection of images.

Being younger than some, and not being ex-forces, I sat agog as each new page brought yet more fabulous photos.
So sad that many of the sights that you captured are no longer available to to current and future generations of aviation enthusiast.

more power to your scanner.

Al
<< Portagee >>

I see that contracts are being awarded for CVF equipment. £28 mn of assorted bits for both carriers . . .

http://www.gnn.gov.uk//Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=337692&NewsAreaID=2

From the link:

Eight diesel engines and electricity generators – four for each ship – at a cost of about £18.5 million

“These contracts also illustrate the range of world class expertise British industry is contributing to this vital capability” …. Baroness Taylor

Note to Editors …

3. The contract for diesel generators has been awarded to Wartsila Defence SAS, based in Nantes France, with the engines to be manufactured in Trieste, Italy.

You’d think someone would have told her less than £10 million of the £28m worth of contracts went to British firms. :rolleyes: