Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

The E-2 Hawkeye is a all-weather, aircraft carrier based Airborne Early Warning aircraft. The E-2 was first flew in 1960 and was operational with the US Navy in 1964. The E-2 is an easy aircraft to indetify due to the circular, rotating radar and twin tubroprops. The E-2 has been involved in all aircraft carrier activities since becoming operational. The E-2 currently has no date set for retirement. The E-2 will continue to serve the US Navy and its allies well into the future.

Specifications

Powerplant...................................2 x Allison T56-A-425 Tubroprops

Length..........................................57 ft 7 in

Height..........................................18 ft 4 in

Wing Span...................................80 ft 7 in

Maximum Speed........................375 mph

Maximum Range........................1,605 miles

Service Ceiling.............................30,800 ft

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather fighter built for air superiority. It first flew in 1972 and was in full operation in 1976. The F-15 has a variety of advanced avionics and weapons. It can carry up to 16,000 lbs on its 11 pylon hardpoints. The F-15 is also armed with a 20mm M61A1 Gatling Gun.

In 1989, the F-15E Strike Eagle was introduced, The E model gave the F-15 the ability ability as a long range fighter as well as a ground attack aircraft.

The F-15 is to be replaced by the Lockheed F-22 Raptor, except for the F-15E which is schedule to be in service till 2025.

Specifications

Powerplant.........2 xPratt & Whitney F100 tubrofans

Length........................................63 ft 9 in

Height.........................................18 ft 6 in

Wing Span..................................42 ft 10 in

Maximum Speed.......................1,650 mph

Maximum Range.......................1,222 miles

Service Ceiling............................65,000 ft

The Great Race of 2008

The Great Race of 2008 was a great one indeed. There were two classes: stock class and modified class. My stock class "The Puke" lost the first heat which put in in the loser's bracket. But after other successful races, "The Puke" made it two the championship race. With the best of three, "The Puke" lost the first two. Defeated, "The Puke" was not disappointed. She raced better that expected.

In the modified class, "FrontRunner" was not expected to do well to the other racers. FrontRunner ended up with a bye in the first heat. In the second heat, "FrontRunner" took third, not enough to qualify for the next race. After the races, during open track, "FrontRunner" ran better backwards. Only if the driver knew.

Many will be surprised and amazed on what I will be racing next year during The Great Race of 2009.

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

The P-47 first flew in 1941. It was designed as a fighter, but quickly became a multi-role aircraft during WWII. It was used as an interceptor, bomber escort, small bomber, and close support. The P-47 was armed with 8 x 0.5" M2 Browning machine guns. It could carry up to 2,500 lbs of bombs or 10 x 5" unguided rockets. Over 15,600 P-47s were built by the time it was retired in 1955.







Specifications

Length.........................36 ft 1 in

Height.........................14 ft 8 in

Wing Span......................40 ft 9 in

Powerplant...........1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 twin-row radial engine

Maximum Speed..................433 mph

Maximum Range..................1,800 miles

Service Ceiling................43,000 ft

To Whom It May Concern

Due to the overwhelming complaints of the missing aircraft, I have decided to continue to post the Plane of the Week along with other stuff. This should satisfy all parties. The Plane of the Week will resume on the week of September 7th. Please stay tuned to this blog. Same world wide web. Same address. Till next time.