Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
07-04-2013, 08:54 AM
#8577
RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
JohnnyS, you sure did get it!!!
I didn't know about the thrust vectoring till I researched it for the question.
Your turn!!!
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined Douglas A-1 Skyraider. As the A-6E was slated for retirement, its precision strike mission was taken over by the Grumman F-14 Tomcat equipped with LANTIRN pod. From the A-6, a specialized electronic warfare derivative, the EA-6 was developed.
Following the good showing of the propeller-driven AD-6/7 Skyraider in the Korean War, the United States Navy issued preliminary requirements in 1955 for an all-weather carrier-based attack aircraft. The U.S. Navy published an operational requirement document for it in October 1956. It released a request for proposals (RFP) in February 1957.[1] Proposals were submitted by Bell, Boeing, Douglas, Grumman, Lockheed, Martin, North American, and Vought.[2] Following evaluation of the bids, the U.S. Navy announced the selection of Grumman on 2 January 1958. The company was awarded a contract for the development of the A2F-1 in February 1958.[3]
The prototype YA2F-1 made the Intruder's first flight on 19 April 1960.[4]
The A-6's design team was led by Lawrence Mead, Jr. He later played a lead role in the design of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and the Lunar Excursion Module.[5]
This section requires expansion with: Fill in development details. (June 2010)
The jet nozzles were originally designed to swivel downwards for shorter takeoffs and landings. This feature was initially included on prototype aircraft, but was removed from the design during flight testing. The cockpit uses an unusual double pane windscreen and side-by-side seating arrangement in which the pilot sits in the left seat, while the bombardier/navigator sits to the right and slightly below. The incorporation of an additional crew member with separate responsibilities, along with a unique cathode ray tube (CRT) display that provided a synthetic display of terrain ahead, enabled low-level attack in all weather conditions.
The A-6's wing was very efficient at subsonic speeds compared to supersonic fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which are also limited to subsonic speeds when carrying a payload of bombs. The wing was also designed to provide good maneuverability with a sizable bomb load. A very similar wing would be put on pivots on Grumman's later supersonic swing-wing Grumman F-14 Tomcat, as well as similar landing gear.[6] The Intruder was also equipped with the "Deceleron", a type of airbrake on the wings with two panels that open in opposite directions; in this case, one panel goes up, while another goes down.
For its day, the Intruder had surprisingly sophisticated avionics (electronics systems), with a high degree of integration. It was felt that this could lead to extraordinary maintenance requirements, to identify and isolate equipment malfunctions. Hence, the aircraft was provided with automatic diagnostic systems, some of the earliest computer-based analytic equipment developed for aircraft. These were known as Basic Automated Checkout Equipment, or BACE (pronounced "base"). There were two levels, known as "Line BACE" to identify specific malfunctioning systems in the aircraft, while in the hanger or on the flight line; and "Shop BACE", to exercise and analyze individual malfunctioning systems in the maintenance shop. This equipment was manufactured by Litton Industries. Together, the BACE systems greatly reduced the Maintenance Man-Hours per Flight Hour, a key index of the cost and effort needed to keep military aircraft operating.
The Intruder was equipped to carry and launch a nuclear bomb, although that capability was never utilized. Because the A-6 was a low-flying attack aircraft, an unusual method was developed for launching an atomic bomb, should that ever be required. Known as LABS-IP (Launch Atomic Bomb System - Inverted Position) it called for a high-speed low-level approach. Nearing the target point, the pilot would put the aircraft into a steep climb. At a computer calculated point in the climb, the weapon would be released, with momentum carrying it upward and forward. The pilot would continue the climb, ever more steeply, until near a vertical position the aircraft would be rolled and turned, heading back in the direction from which it came. It would then depart from the area at maximum acceleration. During this time, the bomb would rise to an apogee, still heading in its original direction, then begin to fall toward the target while traveling further forward. At a pre-programed height, it would detonate. By that time, the Intruder would be several miles away, traveling at top speed, and thus able to stay ahead of the shock wave from the explosion. This unusual maneuver was known as an "over the shoulder" bomb launch.
I didn't know about the thrust vectoring till I researched it for the question.
Your turn!!!
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined Douglas A-1 Skyraider. As the A-6E was slated for retirement, its precision strike mission was taken over by the Grumman F-14 Tomcat equipped with LANTIRN pod. From the A-6, a specialized electronic warfare derivative, the EA-6 was developed.
Following the good showing of the propeller-driven AD-6/7 Skyraider in the Korean War, the United States Navy issued preliminary requirements in 1955 for an all-weather carrier-based attack aircraft. The U.S. Navy published an operational requirement document for it in October 1956. It released a request for proposals (RFP) in February 1957.[1] Proposals were submitted by Bell, Boeing, Douglas, Grumman, Lockheed, Martin, North American, and Vought.[2] Following evaluation of the bids, the U.S. Navy announced the selection of Grumman on 2 January 1958. The company was awarded a contract for the development of the A2F-1 in February 1958.[3]
The prototype YA2F-1 made the Intruder's first flight on 19 April 1960.[4]
The A-6's design team was led by Lawrence Mead, Jr. He later played a lead role in the design of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and the Lunar Excursion Module.[5]
This section requires expansion with: Fill in development details. (June 2010)
The jet nozzles were originally designed to swivel downwards for shorter takeoffs and landings. This feature was initially included on prototype aircraft, but was removed from the design during flight testing. The cockpit uses an unusual double pane windscreen and side-by-side seating arrangement in which the pilot sits in the left seat, while the bombardier/navigator sits to the right and slightly below. The incorporation of an additional crew member with separate responsibilities, along with a unique cathode ray tube (CRT) display that provided a synthetic display of terrain ahead, enabled low-level attack in all weather conditions.
The A-6's wing was very efficient at subsonic speeds compared to supersonic fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which are also limited to subsonic speeds when carrying a payload of bombs. The wing was also designed to provide good maneuverability with a sizable bomb load. A very similar wing would be put on pivots on Grumman's later supersonic swing-wing Grumman F-14 Tomcat, as well as similar landing gear.[6] The Intruder was also equipped with the "Deceleron", a type of airbrake on the wings with two panels that open in opposite directions; in this case, one panel goes up, while another goes down.
For its day, the Intruder had surprisingly sophisticated avionics (electronics systems), with a high degree of integration. It was felt that this could lead to extraordinary maintenance requirements, to identify and isolate equipment malfunctions. Hence, the aircraft was provided with automatic diagnostic systems, some of the earliest computer-based analytic equipment developed for aircraft. These were known as Basic Automated Checkout Equipment, or BACE (pronounced "base"). There were two levels, known as "Line BACE" to identify specific malfunctioning systems in the aircraft, while in the hanger or on the flight line; and "Shop BACE", to exercise and analyze individual malfunctioning systems in the maintenance shop. This equipment was manufactured by Litton Industries. Together, the BACE systems greatly reduced the Maintenance Man-Hours per Flight Hour, a key index of the cost and effort needed to keep military aircraft operating.
The Intruder was equipped to carry and launch a nuclear bomb, although that capability was never utilized. Because the A-6 was a low-flying attack aircraft, an unusual method was developed for launching an atomic bomb, should that ever be required. Known as LABS-IP (Launch Atomic Bomb System - Inverted Position) it called for a high-speed low-level approach. Nearing the target point, the pilot would put the aircraft into a steep climb. At a computer calculated point in the climb, the weapon would be released, with momentum carrying it upward and forward. The pilot would continue the climb, ever more steeply, until near a vertical position the aircraft would be rolled and turned, heading back in the direction from which it came. It would then depart from the area at maximum acceleration. During this time, the bomb would rise to an apogee, still heading in its original direction, then begin to fall toward the target while traveling further forward. At a pre-programed height, it would detonate. By that time, the Intruder would be several miles away, traveling at top speed, and thus able to stay ahead of the shock wave from the explosion. This unusual maneuver was known as an "over the shoulder" bomb launch.
07-04-2013, 09:29 AM
#8578
RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
That was a good one! Thanks very much. 
OK, here's a new one.
1. Originally deployed with expectation of usefulness as a platform for reconnaisance, signalling and propaganda.
2. Less than 1 month after the first operational flight, this aircraft achieved a 9 hour flight and was used for reconnaissance and signalling during that flight.
OK, here's a new one.
1. Originally deployed with expectation of usefulness as a platform for reconnaisance, signalling and propaganda.
2. Less than 1 month after the first operational flight, this aircraft achieved a 9 hour flight and was used for reconnaissance and signalling during that flight.
07-05-2013, 05:42 AM
#8579
RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
1. Originally deployed with expectation of usefulness as a platform for reconnaisance, signalling and propaganda.
2. Less than 1 month after the first operational flight, this aircraft achieved a 9 hour flight and was used for reconnaissance and signalling during that flight.
3. Reports of the usefulness of this aircraft were varied. Some strongly supported it, but other reports said it contributed little.
No more clues without some guesses!
2. Less than 1 month after the first operational flight, this aircraft achieved a 9 hour flight and was used for reconnaissance and signalling during that flight.
3. Reports of the usefulness of this aircraft were varied. Some strongly supported it, but other reports said it contributed little.
No more clues without some guesses!
07-06-2013, 05:47 AM
#8581
RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
Not the Po-2, sorry.
1. Originally deployed with expectation of usefulness as a platform for reconnaisance, signalling and propaganda.
2. Less than 1 month after the first operational flight, this aircraft achieved a 9 hour flight and was used for reconnaissance and signalling during that flight.
3. Reports of the usefulness of this aircraft were varied. Some strongly supported it, but other reports said it contributed little.
4. Used "lighter than air" flight technology.
1. Originally deployed with expectation of usefulness as a platform for reconnaisance, signalling and propaganda.
2. Less than 1 month after the first operational flight, this aircraft achieved a 9 hour flight and was used for reconnaissance and signalling during that flight.
3. Reports of the usefulness of this aircraft were varied. Some strongly supported it, but other reports said it contributed little.
4. Used "lighter than air" flight technology.
07-06-2013, 07:10 AM
#8583
RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
Good catch, pilotal.
I thought I'd go back in time a bit to an "early" warbird. 1794 seemed a good year for what was essentially the FIRST known warbird in western civiization. Along with the first air force. Even earlier than the use of balloons in the US Civil War.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Aerostatic_Corps
Pilotal, it's your turn!
I thought I'd go back in time a bit to an "early" warbird. 1794 seemed a good year for what was essentially the FIRST known warbird in western civiization. Along with the first air force.
Even earlier than the use of balloons in the US Civil War.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Aerostatic_Corps
Pilotal, it's your turn!
07-08-2013, 02:42 AM
#8584
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
Sorry for the delay guys.
1) single engine monoplane
2) crew of 2
3) Very Very specific mission
4) Rather short service life
1) single engine monoplane
2) crew of 2
3) Very Very specific mission
4) Rather short service life
07-09-2013, 10:57 AM
#8587
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
6) One of the proof-of-concept aircraft that led to this aircraft was returned to its original configuration and is still flying.
07-10-2013, 01:37 PM
#8589
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
You Got it Burt !!
First time I've had a question go this long.
A fascinating little airplane.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YO-3
http://www.quietaircraft.org/
First time I've had a question go this long.
A fascinating little airplane.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YO-3
http://www.quietaircraft.org/
07-10-2013, 05:01 PM
#8590
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
2. Some modifications made from the existing aircraft were a much larger payload and doubling the engine power.
3. Due to previous faded interest in the program, the second prototype had to be pulled out of a museum to be reevaluated for testing.
07-11-2013, 06:11 AM
#8592
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
2. Some modifications made from the existing aircraft were a much larger payload and doubling the engine power.
3. Due to previous faded interest in the program, the second prototype had to be pulled out of a museum to be reevaluated for testing.
4. This is a 2 seat aircraft, but in combat operations the 2nd seat was occupied by an observer.
07-11-2013, 09:18 PM
#8593
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
2. Some modifications made from the existing aircraft were a much larger payload and doubling the engine power.
3. Due to previous faded interest in the program, the second prototype had to be pulled out of a museum to be reevaluated for testing.
4. This is a 2 seat aircraft, but in combat operations the 2nd seat was occupied by an observer.5. After the conflict it was initially used for had ended, almost 100 of these aircraft were used by the enemy forces it was designed to fight against in conflicts years later.
07-12-2013, 05:05 AM
#8595
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
ORIGINAL: Burt Reynolds
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
2. Some modifications made from the existing aircraft were a much larger payload and doubling the engine power.
3. Due to previous faded interest in the program, the second prototype had to be pulled out of a museum to be reevaluated for testing.
4. This is a 2 seat aircraft, but in combat operations the 2nd seat was occupied by an observer.5. After the conflict it was initially used for had ended, almost 100 of these aircraft were used by the enemy forces it was designed to fight against in conflicts years later.
A good question, Sir. If no one hits it by the end of the day, I'll offer my opinion. It's nice to see so many different people stepping forward, with so many good questions. Thanks; Ernie P.
07-12-2013, 06:32 PM
#8596
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RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
ORIGINAL: Burt Reynolds
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
1. This aircraft was developed from an existing aircraft to fill a close support role.
2. Some modifications made from the existing aircraft were a much larger payload and doubling the engine power.
3. Due to previous faded interest in the program, the second prototype had to be pulled out of a museum to be reevaluated for testing.
4. This is a 2 seat aircraft, but in combat operations the 2nd seat was occupied by an observer.5. After the conflict it was initially used for had ended, almost 100 of these aircraft were used by the enemy forces it was designed to fight against in conflicts years later.
Seeing no takers.... The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly. Thanks; Ernie P.
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly, or Super Tweet, is a United States light attack aircraft developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer in the 1960s and 1970s. The A-37 was introduced during the Vietnam War and remained in peacetime service afterwards.
The growing American military involvement in Vietnam in the early 1960s led to strong interest in counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft. In late 1962, the U.S. Air Force's Special Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base's Hurlburt Field in Florida evaluated two T-37Cs for the role.
The Air Force found the T-37 promising, but wanted an improved version of the aircraft that could carry a much larger payload, and had much greater endurance and better short-field performance. This meant a heavier aircraft with more powerful engines. In 1963, the Air Force awarded a contract to Cessna for two prototype YAT-37D aircraft: T-37s with modifications that included:
Stronger wings.
Three stores pylons on each wing.
Larger wingtip fuel tanks of 360 litre (95 US gallons) capacity.
A General Electric GAU-2B/A 7.62 mm "Minigun" Gatling-style machine gun, with a rate of fire of 3,000 rounds/minute and 1,500 rounds of ammunition. The weapon was fitted in the right side of the aircraft's nose behind a large, convenient access panel. A gunsight and gun camera were also fitted.
Better avionics for battlefield communications, navigation, and targeting.
Tougher landing gear for rough-field operation.
These changes meant a drastic increase in aircraft weight and the aircraft now had to carry a significant payload as well. Cessna, therefore, doubled the engine power by replacing the two Continental J-69 engines with General Electric J85-J2/5 turbojet engines with 10.7 kN (2,400 lbf) thrust each.
The first YAT-37D flew in October 1964, followed a year later by the second prototype. The second prototype had four stores pylons under each wing, rather than three, and the first prototype was upgraded to this configuration as well.
Test results were good, but USAF interest in counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft had faded for the moment. The program went into limbo for a time, with the second prototype "put out to pasture" at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
The war in Southeast Asia, however, continued to escalate. Losses of Douglas A-1 Skyraider close-support aircraft in US and South Vietnamese service proved greater than anticipated and USAF interest in COIN aircraft was revived. The YAT-37D seemed like a promising candidate for the job, but the Air Force felt that the only way to be sure was to evaluate the aircraft in combat.
As a result, the USAF issued a contract to Cessna for a pre-production batch of 39 YAT-37Ds, with a few minor changes relative to the prototypes, to be rebuilt from existing T-37Bs. These aircraft were initially designated AT-37D, but the designation was quickly changed to A-37A. The second prototype YAT-37D was pulled out of the Air Force Museum and upgraded to A-37A standards as part of the test program.
The A-37A had a gross takeoff weight of 5,440 kg (12,000 lb), of which 1230 kg (2,700 lb) was ordnance. The A-37A retained the dual controls of its T-37B ancestor, allowing it to be used as an operational trainer.
In combat "forward air control (FAC)" operations, the second seat was occupied by an observer. Only one crewman normally flew in the aircraft for close support missions, permitting a slight increase in ordnance.