F-35C Full Loads Test.

Ready or Not….

Move over and Let the Big Dogs Eat.

The EA-18G is equipped with the ALQ-99 radar jamming pod and a a APG-79 phased array (AESA) radar, which also has some jamming capability (with the right software) as well as the ability to fry electronics. It was suggested that the EA-18G might have done this to some Libyan armored vehicles.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htecm/articles/20110329.aspx

US Navy P-3C, USAF A-10 and USS Barry Engage Libyan Vessels

The P-3C fired at Vittoria with AGM-65F Maverick missiles after multiple explosions were observed in the vicinity of the port rendering the 12-meter patrol vessel ineffective and forcing it to be beached.

http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6347

What a Combination of Fire Power.

News that Qatar air assets are being readied for deployment gives one pause that IFF will become paramount with so many different nations participating. Understand Italy has now joined the coalition. Charles de Gaulle should be on station within 24 hours.

With the participation of B-2’s, F/A 18 (unknown variants), mudfigters (Marine Harriers) and EA-18-G Growlers, it seems the American partcipation is hardly just a support role. There are reports of strikes against Gadaffi’s armoured columns outside Benghazi and if that starts resembling the notorious “Highway of Death” look for some defections from the UN mandate. The Arab League is already making noise about the coalition exceeding their mandate. Seems these people thought this would simply be a sanitized airshow over Libya.

What looms is Gadaffi hunkering down in Tripoli with the country split and rebels controlling the east and possibly territory inbetween. Any attempts to root out mad Mohammar would have to be on the ground as collaterial damage to civilians would be far too risky.

Thus a long protracted campaign is in the offing unless Gadaffi’s cadres start defecting or abandoning their posts.

Navy and Marine Corps aircraft strike Libya as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDWHgbkzTS8

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) — U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers from coalition bases and U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) launched in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from further harm, Mar. 20.

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59195

First F-35C carrier variant arrives at PAX

The aircraft, piloted by David “Doc” Nelson, departed NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 11:31 a.m. (Eastern) and achieved successful air refuels at a maximum load of 19,800 pounds during the flight. At Patuxent River, the F-35C will conduct air-to-air refueling and performance testing.

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/player/42215-lockheed-martin-f-35/

Ongoing Iran War Preparations? Arabian Sea: Center Of West’s 21st Century War

The monumental expansion of arms sales and the buildup of naval and air power in the Arabian Sea region are unprecedented. They are also alarming to the highest degree.

The Charles de Gaulle, flagship of the French navy, the country’s only aircraft carrier and the sole non-American nuclear carrier, will soon join its two U.S. counterparts.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=21612

Just thought I’d share this…looking at the Big Picture