SlickHutto Takes A Spin Back In The Video Saddle... 2012 Fort Worth Air Show

 If you've been paying attention the last several years you know that the best post-Oshkosh videos have been made by youtuber slickhutto - but Slick's a busy guy these days with being in the Navy and playing working hard with airplanes, ships and textbooks. So busy in fact that he wasn't able to get to OSH12 to create a video... but there's hope for OSH13! It's not a slam-dunk yet, but he's got Wittman Field on the radar, and he's been recently flexing his video muscles when he found himself with a little free time.

 This video is from Sunday October 7th at the 2012 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. It wasn't the most beautiful day for video, but as you can sure see it was a great airshow. And while Slick seems to think he's a bit rusty, I think he's looking pretty sharp! If you haven't seen his Oshkosh videos before, check out Videos: Oshkosh Dreamin' As We Head Toward Winter (posted 2 years ago) which includes the 2009 and 2010 OSH videos from Slick, and you'll find the 2011 video here: Heaven On Earth: 2011 Oshkosh Video Recap From 'Slick'.

 Thanx again Slick : )

Video screenshot from Slick's work at the 2012 Forth Worth Alliance Air Show in October

Video: War Is Hell... But Sometimes Mercy Rules The Day (A Higher Call - Book)

 This nearly 7 minute video shares the amazing story of the 1943 encounter of a heavily damaged American B-17 bomber and a German BF-109 fighter over German territory... what should have ended with an easy kill wound up being a mission of mercy. It's a fascinating story, but even more amazing, the pilots of these two aircraft met face to face in 1990. What a fantastic display of humble humanity between these two men in that meeting! Please watch this video and see the interaction between these two great men... (both passed away in 2008).

 This true story is about to be released as a book called A Higher Call. You can learn more about the book at this A Higher Call page at ValorStudios.com. The release date for the book is December 19, 2012 but it appears that the Kindle download version is available as of today at amazon.com. If you are interested in buying the book, I have placed an ad for A Higher Call on the right side of the page (or you can click this link) and a small affiliate-sales portion of your purchase will help support AirPigz.com.

 The associated artwork shown below gives you an idea of what the encounter looked like, including the significant amount of damage the B-17 had received before being found by the BF-109 (note the left stab on the B-17) - you can learn more about the artwork on this page.

 War is hell... but thank God for mercy.

Painting by John D Shaw titled the same as the book: A Higher Call (image: valorstudios)

The Really Big Story From 71 Years Ago At Pearl Harbor...

 This post originated on Christmas Day 2010, but it's also perfectly suited to looking back 71 years after the events of Pearl Harbor, so I'm re-posting it now for December 7, 2012 (just as I did in 2011). While you are likely to see and hear many stories from that terrible day of December 7, 1941, the life story of Mitsuo Fuchida (the Japanese Navy Airman who commanded the Pearl Harbor air attack) is almost certainly the most stunning. War is hell... but from the experiences of World War II, men like Mitsuo Fuchida and Jacob De Shazer (a Doolittle Raid bombardier) came to find the path to heaven.

also see: Pearl Harbor, The Doolittle Raid, And An Epic Film Project: Wounded Tiger

Japanese Navy Airman Mitsuo Fuchida who commanded the 1941 Pearl Harbor air attack

 One of the most amazing stories to come out of World War II is likely one you've never even heard about. It's not only a fascinating story, but it's the perfect one to acknowledge on this, Christmas Day.

 Mitsuo Fuchida (1902 - 1976) was the Imperial Navy Airman who lead the air attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Fuchida had a passion for the Japanese Empire, and for flying. But events that took place shortly after the war was over would transform him into a passionate Christian who spent the rest of his life sharing the gospel, Christ's message of forgiveness and salvation, in both the United States and Japan. He even became a U.S. citizen in 1960.

 You might find this an odd story to have on an aviation blog due to the deep spiritual meaning, but the truth is that man's quest to understand where we came from and where we go when we die, is unquestionably the most important information on all of earth. So if you're inclined to turn away right now, I humbly ask you instead to read on. Read the words below from Mitsuo Fuchida himself about the events of Pearl Harbor, and then how he came to understand God's plan and purpose for forgiveness. Fuchida shared our love for aviation, but through an amazing sequence of events, he found that in the end, it is Christ who gives meaning and purpose to life.

Jacob De Shazer, bombardier of the last B-25 to take off in the Doolittle raid on Tokyo

 Fuchida's story includes a powerful connection to Jacob De Shazer, the bombardier of the last of the B-25's to take off from the USS Hornet in the Doolittle raid. 16 B-25's with 80 men total carried out that mission knowing they wouldn't have enough fuel to return. Of those 80 men, all but 3 survived the mission, but 8 men, including De Shazer were captured and became prisoners of war.

 But shortly after the war was over, Fuchida would receive a pamphlet from the hand of De Shazer entitled 'I Was a Prisoner of Japan', and that set in motion an amazing story of forgiveness. 

 Read now this account from Mitsuo Fuchida, starting with details of the attack on Pearl Harbor, about how the true meaning of Christmas (Jesus Christ!) changed his life forever...

 -  -  -  -  -  -  -

 I must admit I was more excited than usual as I awoke that morning at 3:00 a.m., Hawaii time, four days past my thirty-ninth birthday. Our six aircraft carriers were positioned 230 miles north of Oahu Island. As general commander of the air squadron, I made last-minute checks on the intelligence information reports in the operations room before going to warm up my single-engine, three-seater "97-type" plane used for level bombing and torpedo flying.

Click to read more ...

Video: F-35 Goes On The Attack... And Wins!

 Ok, it was only the 'air' that was attacked, but right up to the limit angle of 50 degrees the Lightning II proved to be up to the task. To be able to maintain control at these insane AOA's is quite impressive and would tend to indicate that the F-35 still has the ability to live up to its potential. It also appears that the aircraft was tested into this extreme part of the flight envelope very quickly, a sign that it is well prepared for such an extreme environment.

Here's part of the official Lockheed-Martin press release on the testing: EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., November 19, 2012 – An F-35A Lightning II conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft rapidly expanded its high angle of attack (AOA) test envelope to its 50 degree limit in only four flights during recent flight testing here. F-35A test aircraft are limited to AOAs of 20 degrees until their controllability is proven at a higher AOA limit of 50 degrees.  The ability to rapidly progress to the maximum AOA indicates a sound aerodynamic and flight control system design. High AOA testing will continue on the F-35A for several months testing the capabilities of all design loadings and the flight control system.

 Also, this story from Eglin AFB in Florida, where 33rd Fighter Wing is testing the F-35, shows that they recently trained four pilots in the F-35 from no experience with the aircraft to fully qualified joint strike fighter pilots in less than half of the time allotted. This is another great accomplishment and good sign overall for the F-35 program.

 I'm sure the F-35 will continue to have problems, issues, setbacks and frustrations... but you can't possibly hope to develop the most technologically advanced fighter jet in the world without all of these undesirable elements. I'll add that I believe people who have to use the 'lefty-loosey-righty-tighty' crutch should remain completely silent about the progress of the F-35 program. #journalistsandbloggers

F-35A with its nose to the sky at very high angles of attack in recent testing (photo: LM)

Video screenshot showing the attached spin recovery parachute hardware on this F-35A

Awesome Bell & Ross Aviation Inspired 'Time Instruments' (Watches - $$$$)

Fabulous Bell & Ross BR S 39mm Diameter timepiece: ~$3,000 - BellRoss.com

 There's no doubt that I have never (ever!) in my life been in the market for a $3,000 watch. However, that doesn't stop me from thinking this is one sweet little time instrument. You can be sure I'd be ordering one yet today if I could afford it. And believe it or not, an hour ago I'd never even heard of Bell & Ross! But in this last hour I've learned that this French company started in 1992 designing watches that were built for them by another company... and then in 2002 they began building the timepieces themselves at a facility in, of course, Switzerland. And the BR S Heritage above is actually one of their smaller cockpit-instrument-inspired watches at just 39mm in diameter. They have a very extensive line of awesome timepieces that can be viewed on the Bell & Ross website. 

 I'd also like to add that this is not a paid ad in any way. As I mentioned above, I really just now learned of the company... somewhat surprisingly via an ad on facebook. After a quick look at their website, I decided that these meticulous products need to be shared with my avgeek friends, especially since Christmas is right around the corner! I'm guessing you might still have an empty slot on your Christmas list that's just perfect for an impeccable aviation-oriented watch.

 After I looked over the watches available on their website, I decided that the BR S Heritage connected with me the most. I'm drawn to its extreme simplicity, and the fact that its design is so strongly tied to the good ole steam gauges that I am still in love with. Plus, the craftsmanship on these watches is stunning. I suppose any watch that retails for $3,000 to $7,000 range is likely to be built at these hyper-high-quality standards, but I have quickly connected with the design and style of the Bell & Ross watches already far more than I have with any others I've seen.

 So, regardless of whether you could seriously consider buying one of these watches, I highly recommend you stop by their website and do a little dreaming : )

BellRoss.com

Short Bell & Ross promo video featuring some ultra cool footage of the French Sud-Ouest Trident interceptor aircraft from the early 1950's. The fascinating Trident featured a rocket motor mounted in the fuselage and two turbojet engines mounted at the ends of the rather short wing. 12 examples were built but it was never put into production. It sure makes for some cool imagery to go with the stunning aviation-themed Bell & Ross watches - Enjoy!

Sud-Ouest Trident interceptor from the early 50's featured in the Bell & Ross video above 

Thank You. (Veterans Day 2012)

Honoring ALL who have faithfully served the United States in the armed services.
(past and present)

Thank You.

Veterans Day 2012

Poll: Awesome Or Ugly? The 1946 Sud-Ouest SO.6000 Triton

The future is now! (1946 French style) - the Sud-Ouest SO.6000 Triton 2-seat jet

 In the mid 40's the French were running a little behind on their jet aircraft designing... this little 2 seat side-by-side effort was their first jet, making its first flight in 1946. It was designed by Lucien Servanty who would later become one of the primary engineers responsible for the supersonic Concorde. That's a pretty impressive pedigree to say the least! Interestingly, I find the Triton to be one of the coolest looking aircraft because it seems to have so much of that 'futuristic' look that was popular in old films and comic books. It's sleek and simple, with a really small wing and just the right curves. Even the windshield design looks very futuristic to me. And those main gear legs are mounted about half way out those itty bitty wings! Lots and lots of cool going on here.

Only five of the French Sud-Ouest SO.6000 Tritons were built

 With only five having been built, and nothing very remarkable about its performance, the Triton is mostly a curious little sidebar in aviation history. The prototype was actually powered underpowered by a Junkers Jumo jet engine (like used in the German Me 262, tho the 262 had two engines) because the French designed engine intended for it wasn't completed yet. The other Tritons built wound up having a far more powerful British Rolls Royce Nene engine fitted thus improving performance.

Stubby wings and sorta futuristic spacecraft look of the 1946 French SO.6000 Triton

 Regardless of the fact that it was never put into production for military service as intended, I'm voting on the 'awesome' side of the poll on this one for sure! But what about you? Do you say awesome, ugly or both?

'Name The Plane' - ID MAKE And MODEL For Free Bacon! (10.6.12)

North American F-107 - 3 built in the '50's - one on display at the Air Force Museum
 

GAME OVER - correctly ID'd by 'tim' as the North American F-107

 I really thought my cropped pic below would last at least 24 hours in the Name The Plane game, but once again I was wrong. In just 25 minutes, 'tim' provided both the make and model: the North American F-107. Amazing job Tim! I hope you can make it to OSH13 to claim your bacon sandwich prize : )

 The F-107 is a very interesting aircraft, and seeing the one over in Dayton Ohio at the Air Force Museum is really, really cool. The airplane is in the R&D Hangar which allows you to get literally right up to it for close examination. I look it over closely every time I get over there.  

 You can learn a little more about the F-107 in my CoolPix post from December 2010: CoolPix - Modern Military: North American F-107 'Man Eater'. And thanx to everyone who got in on this short-lived Name The Plane game!

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GAME OVER - correctly ID'd by 'tim' as the North American F-107
 

 The Name The Plane game is returning at its regular Saturday night slot. If you didn't know, the game pops up with little warning (follow @NameThePlane on twitter for advance notification) and the first person to correctly ID both MAKE and MODEL of the aircraft pictured above will win a bacon sandwich at OSH13!  NOTE: Your answers must go in the 'comments' area in this post.

 Once again I've dug deep into aviation history with this challenge, and I'm specifically hoping that no one comes up with a correct answer in the typical 45 minutes or less. I'd be very happy if we get 24 hours out of this game : )

 All you gotta do is ID both MAKE and MODEL to win - so if you've got sharp aircraft ID skills, be the first person to ID both MAKE and MODEL of this aircraft to be the winner!

 As always, please don't use the shotgun approach to answers - only put up truly educated guesses that you've arrived at via really thinking it thru.

 And I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but to win, you have to give me both the MAKE and MODEL! : )

CoolPix: Avspecs de Havilland Mosquito In The Air - Bravo!

(click pic for hi-res)  The amazing de Havilland Mosquito in the air in New Zealand

 Words aren't needed here... just click this CoolPix to open it up big and savor the amazing work done by the people of de Havilland over 70 years ago, and the restoration work done the people at Avspecs (and others) over the last eight years. The Mosquito is a stunning human accomplishment, and this is the only one flying in the entire world.

(Mosquito on AirPigz)

(photo: Avspecs open house Saturday 9-29-12: from a friend of AirPigz in New Zealand)

Video: The Amazing Sound Of The Avspecs Mosquito! (Plus 3 Fighters)

 There was an Avspecs open house over the weekend at Ardmore Airfield in New Zealand celebrating the completion of the 8 year de Havilland Mosquito restoration project for Jerry Yagen... it must have been an incredible experience for all who where able to attend. The Historical Aviation Film Unit was there and captured the awesome sound of the Rolls Royce Merlin powered Mosquito flying formation with a Merlin powered Spitfire and P-51 along with an Allison powered P-40. Wow! The Merlin must surely be the best sound ever made by man!

 The first pass made by all four airplanes has been altered to look more like we remember seeing WWII aircraft in films, and then the other passes are as we would have seen them if we were there at Ardmore that day. This is definitely a 'must see' video! I highly recommend you watch this video in 720p HD in fullscreen mode and with your speakers cranked way up. Repeat as need : )

(check out the Histortical Aviation Film Unit youtube channel)

Video screenshot of the Mosquito in formation with a Spitfire, P-51 and P-40