Photo By Master Sgt. Eric Burks | Farnborough International Air Show visitors observe static displays of U.S. military...... read more read more
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by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Roganov
USAFE-UK Public Affairs
FARNBOROUGH, England –
The broad spectrum of U.S. airpower was on display July 11 through 17 at the 2016 Farnborough International Air Show, with representation from all military branches.
At one of the largest air and trade shows in the world, aircraft ranging from fourth and fifth-generation fighters to transports and helicopters were on static display or flying overhead.
While engaging with tens of thousands of visitors throughout the week, U.S. service members explained what they appreciate best about their
respective aircraft.
The U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II seemed to be a show favorite when crowds gathered to watch it hover above the runway, demonstrating its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities.
“We have the ability to take off and land like a helicopter on something like the U.S.S America,” said Marine Corps Master Sgt. Alan Proctor, Joint Strike Fighter maintenance chief for the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) unit at Edwards Air Force Base, Calf. “This allows us to be first to the fight with stealth technology since we can land just about anywhere.”
The U.S. Coast Guard’s C-27J Spartan sparked interest as tour groups filtered through the belly of the aircraft on display to get a closer look.
“It has ample cargo capacity to move troops and supplies to assist hurricane victims,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Peter Igoe, pilot from the Asset Project Office, Elizabeth City, N.C. “We can get in and out of short fields because of its medium-size transport plane performance characteristics.”
The Air National Guard’s C-130J Super Hercules also has the ability to transport, only on a larger scale.
“We provide direct support to the infantryman on the ground through airdrops and air-to-land missions to resupply the troops during combat operations,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Mike McCarron, 143rd Air Refueling Wing pilot, Quonset Point, Rhode Island. “Our short take-off and landing capability is enhanced by the plane’s turboprops.”
The U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet seemed to be an aerial spectator pleaser as it took off, afterburners blazing, then performed rolls, loops and banks overhead.
“Being able to land on an aircraft carrier means we are able to easier respond to things going on in the world,” said Navy Cmdr. Micah Lenox, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, Virginia Beach, Va. “Landing on a carrier is like the most intense roller coaster ride ... it’s a catapult in reverse.”
The Navy also featured the P-8 Poseidon aircraft, which is especially geared to track hostile targets not in the skies, but rather below the ocean surface.
“It’s an anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft where we can deploy anywhere throughout the world,” said Navy Lt. Lyle Gerard, Patrol Sq. Thirty, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. “Recently the U.K. has purchased nine P-8 aircraft, replacing the void left by the retired Nimrod MR2.”
The U.S. Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk prompted show-goers to climb into the pilot's seat and sit behind the flight controls to practice their virtual flying.
“The ‘Mike’ version upgrade of this Blackhawk has an all digital display for flying instead of having to use paper maps,” said Army Sgt. Jason Hook, standardization instructor with Charlie Company, 3-501 at the 1st Armored Division, Ft. Bliss, Texas. “A type of autopilot, called the flight management system, also gives ‘Mike’ the ability to fly itself so the pilot is not task-saturated.”
Finally, the U.S. Air Force’s F-16C Fighting Falcons allowed those walking amid the air park to channel their inner fighter pilot for their personal photography as they posed in front of the jet.
“This is the most consistent Air Force fighter jet we have,” said Master Sgt. Jonathan Peck, 480th Air Maintenance Unit crew chief, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. “It can fly air-to-air, air-to-ground [missions], is maintenance friendly and flown by many countries.”
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2016 03:26 |
| Story ID: | 204180 |
| Location: | FARNBOROUGH, HAM, GB |
| Web Views: | 222 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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