Air Force conducts first F-35A forward refueling operation in exercise
Two special tactics members at Cannon AFB, N.M.,observe as, for the first time, the F-35A fighter plane is refueled from an MC-130J Commando II fuel-carrying plane during a Forward Air Refueling Point exercise earlier this week. Photo by Micah Garbarino/U.S. Air ForceMarch 1 (UPI) — The U.S. Air Force undertook a training exercise, for the first time, involving rapid refueling of an F-35A fighter plane, it announced.
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An MC-130J Commando II was used to refuel the F-35A Lightning II fighter, in an exercise that is important for the ability to land in a remote location, refuel, re-arm and return to battle.The training, Air Force officials said in a statement on Thursday, is part of developing the ability for adaptive basing, “a key component to providing air power in highly contested modern warfare.”
Source:
UPI.com
Airbus Helicopters launches 5-bladed H145 upgrade
The blades incorporate the latest airfoil design to produce more thrust than previous blades at the same power. While five blades have more drag than four blades in a rotor, Humpert said improvements to the aerodynamics of the rotor cuff of the blade had actually allowed the new H145’s blades to provide more lift. “This is the aerodynamic evolution which is technically behind it,” he said.
The new H145’s blades fix directly onto the main rotor mast, meaning fewer parts and simplified maintenance. Airbus Helicopters Photo
The new main rotor system has been simplified with no main rotor head — so the blades are attached directly to the rotor mast. This means fewer parts, resulting in the lower weight and simplified maintenance.The blades have been designed for simplicity and thrust efficiency, said Humpert, and provide “some different characteristics” during flight. He said these included an increase in comfort level (with reduced vibration), while maintaining the same levels of noise and efficiency as the existing H145.
Source:
VerticalMag.com
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