This Plane Is Critical to the Air Force, But Not F-22 or F-35

Source: US Military Power

The Air Force relies on a small but diverse fleet of tricked out Boeing 707 airliners with specialized sensors and communications links to perform vital reconnaissance and command-and-control missions across the globe.

There are the last three types potential targets of despite having seen extensive use in the last 40 years. In part, it’s because of their size, age and large crews results in hefty operating costs. 

The U.S. Air Force still operates nearly 400 707-based KC-135 tankers and over 70 RC-135, E-3 and E-8 aircraft.

Why Russia and China Fear America's Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carriers

Source: US Military Power

The most successful U.S. Navy carriers of the postwar era all belong to a class named in honor of World-War II’s most successful admiral, Chester W. Nimitz. The class’s lead ship, commissioned in 1975, bears the fleet admiral’s name. The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers were, at the time, the largest warships ever constructed. Although superseded by the new Ford class, the ten Nimitz carriers will continue to form the bulk of the Navy’s carrier force for the next twenty to thirty years. Many project a half a century or more.

The story of the Nimitz carriers goes back to the mid-1960s. The U.S. Navy was in the process of spreading nuclear propulsion across the fleet, from submarines to cruisers, and had just commissioned the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Enterprise, in 1961.

How ICBM Works

Source: US Military Power

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a guided ballistic missile with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi) primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery (delivering one or more thermonuclear warheads). Similarly, conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs.

ICBMs are differentiated by having greater range and speed than other ballistic missiles: intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs). Short and medium-range ballistic missiles are known collectively as theatre ballistic missiles.

Extremely Powerful F-22 Raptor Shows Its Crazy Ability

Source: US Military Power

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22's airframe and weapons systems and did its final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. After a protracted development and despite operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 critical to its tactical air power, and says that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. The Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air combat capabilities.

Here Comes the US Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Helicopter

Source: US Military Power

Bell 360 Invictus is a new attack and reconnaissance helicopter being developed by Bell Textron to deliver improved lethality, survivability, and extended range for army aviation.

The advanced helicopter is being offered for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programme, which mainly aims to replace the army’s AH-64 Apache and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

Bell 360 Invictus will be powered by General Electric’s T901 turbo-shaft engine, which will serve as the main power unit. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 engine aboard the rotorcraft will act as a supplemental power unit delivering power for ground maintenance and system checks. It will also enhance cruise airspeed, dash speed, hover payload and autorotative performance.

U.S. Marine Paratroopers Jump from C-130 - Female Airborne Operations

Source: US Military Power

U.S. Marine Corps parachute riggers with 3d Landing Support Battalion’s Air Delivery Platoon and Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, conduct regular jump and cargo drop training on surrounding islands, Okinawa, Japan. This training keeps the parachute riggers ready to deliver supplies and personnel to remote locations in the Pacific.

The Paramarines (also known as Marine paratroopers) was a short-lived specialized combat unit of the United States Marine Corps, trained to be dropped from planes by parachute.

The US Army’s New Super Helicopter is Coming

Source: US Military Power

Purpose-built to revolutionize the reach and effectiveness of each mission while offering unmatched maneuverability, reduced downtime and elevated mission safety. With over twice the speed and range as current weapons systems, the Bell V-280 Valor is the proven long-range maneuver solution, flying more than 300 knots and achieving more than 200 flight hours.

The Bell V-280 revolutionizes Army overmatch with over twice the range and speed than the current fleet. The only long-range assault solution with the ability to maneuver ground forces at ranges and speeds required for multi-domain operations.

Companion to the Bell V-280 Valor, the Bell 360 Invictus is the attack reconnaissance leader for the U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift program. Together, these weapon systems deliver mission-critical lethality, reach and sustainability.