Mark E.’s Post

Come have a look around the RAF’s first operational jet fighter!   It’s the Gloster Meteor. It first flew as far back as 1943, but didn’t enter service until summer the following year. It was the only Allied jet to engage in combat during the whole Second World War. 616 Squadron was the first to use them and they used Farnborough and RAF Culmhead in Somerset to secretly train the pilots, who had previously operated the Spitfire Mark VII. They became operational at RAF Manston near Ramsgate, where they played a pivotal role in intercepting the dreaded V1 Flying Bomb, the Doodlebug. The Meteor was credited with downing 14 flying bombs. In October 1944 the squadron took part in exercises with American Flying Fortresses and Liberators, to help create tactics on facing enemy jet fighters. It was discovered the best way for jet fighters to attack bombers was from above. If they dived into the formation at high speed, they could avoid the escort fighters.   The RAF didn’t let the Meteor fly over occupied Europe, for fear the Germans would get their hands on the new technology. The Meteor was slower than the Messerschmitt Me 262 and wasn’t as heavily armed. How do you think it would have done in a dogfight?   #aviation #aircraft #airplane #aviationlovers #fyp

The role of helicopters has evolved based on lessons learned from recent conflicts and the development of new technologies. 🚁 How do you envision the role of helicopters in the future battlespace?  📢 Leave your thoughts below! #defence #helicopters #rotorcraft #aviation #military #defense #GDH2024 #helicopter

On November 29th, 1943, during a critical mission targeting strategic sites in Bremen, Germany, a squadron of B-17 Flying Fortresses encountered intense combat. Staff Sergeant Eugene Moran, serving as a tail gunner aboard the B-17F aircraft named Rikki Tikki Tavi from the 96th Bomb Group, found himself amidst a fierce aerial battle against enemy fighters. As the Rikki Tikki Tavi faced a malfunction and drifted from the formation, German aircraft, including Bf 109s and FW190s, swiftly closed in on the vulnerable fortress. Despite the valiant efforts, the aircraft was tragically split in two, with Moran remaining in the tail section, showcasing immense courage and determination in the face of adversity. The gripping account of this harrowing incident, along with further insights, can be explored in the compelling book "Tailspin" by John Armbruster. For a deeper dive into this remarkable story, acquiring a copy of the book is highly recommended. ( 📽️ Yarnhub ) #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry #airforce #pilots

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, a legendary heavy bomber of World War II, was equipped with a formidable array of defensive armaments, including the waist and ball gunner stations. These positions played a crucial role in protecting the aircraft and its crew during the perilous bombing missions they undertook.Each B-17 carried an impressive arsenal of approximately 5,000 rounds of ammunition, with around 500 rounds allocated to each of the waist-mounted guns. The tail, chin, and dorsal turrets were even more heavily armed, carrying around 1,000 rounds per gun.The waist gunners, positioned on either side of the fuselage, were responsible for defending the aircraft's midsection, engaging enemy fighters that attempted to attack from the flanks. Their rapid-fire machine guns provided a formidable barrage of lead, creating a deadly curtain of fire to deter and repel any hostile aircraft.The ball turret, situated in the belly of the B-17, was another critical defensive position. The gunner in this turret could swivel and rotate, providing a 360-degree field of fire to protect the bomber from below. This strategic placement allowed the ball turret gunner to engage enemy fighters that tried to approach the aircraft from an underside angle. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry #airforce #wwii

tip of the spear

The United States Marine Corps is phasing out its iconic AV-8B Harrier jet, a stalwart aircraft known for its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, after over 40 years of service. The Harrier is being replaced by the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet with similar V/STOL capabilities. This transition is part of the Marine Corps' modernization efforts and reflects the evolving needs of modern warfare. The Marine Corps has a plan in place to transition Harrier pilots and support personnel to the F-35 community, offering them opportunities to continue their careers with the service. Some Harrier pilots will be retrained for the F-35, while others will take on new roles within the Marine Corps. The retirement of the Harrier marks the end of an era for the Marine Corps. The aircraft played a crucial role in numerous conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror. The Harrier's legacy will live on through the expertise and experience of its pilots and maintainers, who are now transitioning to the next generation of combat aircraft. #USMC #MarineCorps #AV8BHarrier #F35LightningII #MilitaryAviation #Retirement #Transition #Modernization #NationalSecurity #Defense #MilitaryNews #Veterans #Aerospace #DefenseIndustry

The F-16 Fighting Falcon, one of the world's most iconic and widely used fighter jets, is officially known by its given name. However, the aircraft has also been affectionately nicknamed the "Viper" by pilots and enthusiasts alike. This moniker is believed to have been inspired by the "Colonial Viper" fighters featured in the popular 1970s television series Battlestar Galactica. Additionally, the F-16's sleek design and flared air intakes bear a striking resemblance to the head of a cobra, further contributing to its reptilian-inspired nicknames. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry #airforce

The Five Points of Performance for Static-Line Military Airborne Operations 🦅⚔️ 1. Proper Aircraft exit, check body position, and count to 6️⃣ 2. Check canopy and gain canopy control 🪂 3. Keep a sharp lookout at all times and constantly compare your rate of descent w/ other Jumpers 4. Prepare to Land; Keep your head and eyes fixed straight on the horizon and lower your combat equipment 🌲🔫 5. Land; Make a proper parachute landing fall by hitting all 5️⃣ points of contact (Feet, Calf, Thigh, Buttocks, Pull-Up Muscle) 💪🏾🍑 Once on the ground, put your weapon into operation and get in the Fight 🤙🏾 #AirborneAllTheWay #Paratrooper #Jumpmaster #DeathFromAbove #VetBro #TechBro #HX