Aircraft

B-1 Lancer
The B-1 employs many technological advances made in airframe, engine and avionics adding unique capabilities to U.S. deterrence. The variable wing- geometry bomber flies at supersonic speed at high altitude and at high subsonic speeds at low levels. Its wings extend forward to 15 degrees for takeoff and low-speed Sight, then sweep back to 67.5 degrees for Sights at high speeds. Smaller than the B-52, the B-1 is capable of intercontinental missions without aerial refueling. The B-1 can carry a wide variety of current Air Force inventory weapons and advanced weapons, which are being studied or developed.More than half the Air Force's B-1s are at Dyess. Improved penetration aids and a lower radar cross-section make it difficult for enemy defenses to detect the B-1. Boeing is the B-1 airframe contractor. In addition, there are 35 major subcontracts and 5,200 other subcontractors and suppliers.

General Electric Company in Evandale, Ohio, builds the F-101 engines. The Boeing Company in Seattle,Wash., provides the offensive avionics system and the Eaton AIL Division provides the defensive avionics system.

C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed Aircraft Corporation designed the C-130H model Hercules Sown by the 317th Airlift Group. The performance capabilities of this aircraft allows it to take off and land on less than 3,000 feet of dirt runway and as narrow as 60 feet, while still carrying heavy combat payloads. This unique capability allows the C-130 to deliver military personnel and cargo directly to the front lines. With a peacetime maximum takeoff weight of 155,000 pounds, the C-130H can carry 9,680 gallons of fuel and 92 combat troops, airdrop 64 fully equipped paratroopers or, during aeromedical evacuation operations, carry up to 74 litter patients plus two medical technicians. Covering the globe in its travels, the C-130H is capable of hauling more than 45,000 pounds of cargo. It can drop cargo loads ranging from 500-pound packages to 42,000-pound vehicles, using parachute delivery techniques. The C-130 has been produced in more than 50 versions since its inception, serving such roles as cargo-troop carrier, flying hospital, in-Sight refueling tanker, aerial photo-mapper, search and rescue, airborne command post, air mobile communications center, iceberg hunter, hurricane hunter, fog fighter, gunship and drone launcher. Similar and earlier models are presently being used by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units throughout the country and by active-duty units in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany and the western Pacific. The 463rd Troop Carrier Wing took delivery of the first production model C-130A. It was delivered to the Air Force while the wing was stationed at Ardmore AFB, Okla., in 1956. This aircraft, named the City of Ardmore, having been restored to its original condition, is a part of Dyess' Linear Air Park. Dyess C-130s participated in Uphold Democracy in support of U.S. efforts in Haiti and operation Joint Endeavor, flying airlift missions into Bosnia.

read more...

---