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A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System, assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2015. JBER is hosting Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed training exercises for U.S. and international forces to provide joint offensive, counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alejandro Pena)
A NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft sits on the tarmac at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.
NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft have deployed to Lithuania to monitor the skies over eastern Europe. NATO has increased its air presence in the eastern part of the Alliance using fighter jets, surveillance planes and tankers. The NATO AWACS mission is scheduled to last several weeks. Around 150 military personnel from Czechia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Türkiye, and the United States, have deployed to Šiauliai in support of the aircraft.
The SMOK I-PRIV 230W TC Starter Kit presents one of the most innovative technology in the industry, the AI-powered chipset capable of the Voice Control System. In addition to that, the I-Priv Mod supports three battery sizes - 18650, 20700 and 21700, and is paired with the TFV12 Prince Tank. The I-PIV has a maximum output of 230W and a plenty of output adjustments ranging from advanced temperature control suite with added Memory Mode. Multiple voice commands allow you to adjust the wattage, change temperature control modes, adjust the LED light, and even more. Another unique feature is that with the I-Priv Mod you see the exact capacity indicator for each of the two batteries installed. The Smok I-Priv Mod is covered with an array of internal safety features such as a 10-second cutoff feature, an intelligent atomizer recognition system, a short-circuit protection, a puff-monitoring system, and an overheating protection feature. All safety functions work in concert with each other and provide you with the peace of mind knowing that you can vape all day while your device has you covered. Included in the Smok I-Priv Kit is a high-durability PRIV USB Cable with a protective coating and flexible springs at the bases. The I-PRIV Mod is paired with the legendary Smok TFV12 Cloud Beast Sub-Ohm Tank. The Prince Tank has a large capacity of 8 milliliters, the button-lock hinged top-fill, smooth dual bottom airflow control, and the performance TFV12 Prince Coil System with the utilization of the Prince Mesh and Prince Strip Coils.
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Out of this world public domain images from NASA. All original images and many more can be found from the NASA Image Library
Higher resolutions with no attribution required can be downloaded: www.rawpixel.com/board/418580/nasa
PictionID:44801137 - Catalog:14_013578 - Title:Atlas Details: Satar Ov-1 Vehicle; Attitude Control System Side D Date: 06/02/1964 - Filename:14_013578.TIF - - - Image from the Convair/General Dynamics Astronautics Atlas Negative Collection. The processing, cataloging and digitization of these images has been made possible by a generous National Historical Publications and Records grant from the National Archives and Records Administration---Please Tag these images so that the information can be permanently stored with the digital file.---Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Note: A composite showing the luminance & infrared images and a combination of data from both (in LGRB & HSL) can be found at the link attached here - www.flickr.com/photos/homcavobservatory/52549225044/
Object Details: Approximately every 26 months the planet Mars come to opposition, lying opposite the Sun in our sky. Around this time it not only appears brightest in our sky, but given that it lies physically closer to the Earth, it also appears larger in apparent diameter. Since the exact date of 'closest approach / largest diameter' and 'opposition / greatest brilliance' can vary by several days, when possible I attempt to image it between these two dates; thus balancing maximum apparent diameter with greatest brightness.
During the current apparition, it's closest approach to Earth (i.e. largest apparent diameter) was on December 1, 2022 when it was 17.2 arc seconds in apparent dimeter and shined at -1.88 magnitude (the lower the number the brighter). The date of opposition (greatest brightness) will be on December 8, 2022 when it appear be only slightly brighter at magnitude -1.99 magnitude, but will be slightly smaller at 17.0 arcseconds in apparent diameter.
I therefore felt very fortunate to find that although the evening of December 4th started with high clouds, several hours later as it became the early morning of the 5th, these high clouds began to dissipate. At the time Mars was at a perfect compromise of brightness and size - blazing at -1.96 magnitude, while spanning 17.1 arc-second in apparent diameter. It was a 'mere' 50.75 million mi. / 81.68 million km. from Earth (on average it lies 140 million mi. / 255 million km. away).
Attached is a composite showing how it appeared using filters of different wavelengths through one of the longer-focal length telescopes in the observatory I built at my home here in upstate, NY. At that time one of the most distinct Martian surface features, Syrtis Major - a low-lying shield volcano that resembles the shape of Earth's Indian subcontinent was nearing center. The northwestern tip of Syrtis Major is where NASA's Perseverance rover currently searches near the crater Jezero for possible traces of past ancient Martian life and has recently found a great deal or organic material in the crater's ancient delta region.
At upper left of Syrtis Major lies Mare Serpentis and at upper right Sinus Sabaeus and Mare Tyrrhenum a heavily cratered highland region. Above right of Syrtis Major can be seen the bright oval shaped of the Hellas Basin. Over 1400 mi (2300 km) in diameter more than 4 mi (7 km) deep it is the largest impact basin on Mars. To the right of Syrtis Major in these images lies Arabia Terra, a large upland region in the north of Mars and one of the places we believe water once existed on Mars.
The broad plains of Elysium lie to the left of Sytris Major, while to the lower left of Elysium lies the region known as Cydonia - the location of the infamous 'Face On Mars'. Below Syrtis Major lies a region carrying one of my favorite names 'Utopia' :) , while at the bottom of these images lies the dense, bright clouds of the North Polar Hood (NPH).
The NPH is currently obscuring the North Polar Cap which should become visible as these clouds begin to dissipate over the next few months as spring comes to the Martian northern hemisphere. The luminance (i.e. 'true color') image highlights this NPH region well; while as is often the case the IR image's ability to counteract the detrimental effects of Earth's atmospheric turbulence to some degree shows greater detail in many of the surface markings mentioned above.
Image Details: As noted on the composite, the images were taken by Jay Edwards on the early morning hours of December 5, 2022 (UT date & times). They utilized a vintage 1970, 8-inch, f/7 Criterion newtonian reflector connected a 3X Televue barlow and an ASI290MC planetary camera / auto-guider tracked using a Losmandy G-11 mount running a Gemini 2 control system.
Although the atmospheric conditions at the time here were far from ideal, selected frames were extracted from over 40,000 individual frames recorded and then stacked and processed using a combination of Registax & PaintShopPro. As presented here they have been resized down to 75 percent of their original resolution.
Since humans tend to see details in an image via it's brightness and contrast as opposed to it's color; I have extracted the lightness channel from each and placed them in the second row. As time allows I hope to combine selective channels from different wavelength filters into a single image in an attempt to bring out additional details.
Similar planetary & solar composites can be found in the albums at the attached links:
Mars:
www.flickr.com/photos/homcavobservatory/albums/7215760574...
Jupiter:
www.flickr.com/photos/homcavobservatory/albums/7215760574...
Saturn:
www.flickr.com/photos/homcavobservatory/albums/7215760574...
Solar:
www.flickr.com/photos/homcavobservatory/albums/7215760573...
Clear skies !
American, and Canadian Airmen assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, distinguished guests, and surviving family members of the crew of the E-3B Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, call sign "YUKLA 27" gathered for 20th anniversary memorial ceremonies on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. On Elmendorf Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 1995, the "YUKLA 27" aircraft from the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron encountered a flock of geese and crashed shortly after takeoff on a routine surveillance training sortie, killing all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen aboard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)
A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System, assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2015. JBER is hosting Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed training exercises for U.S. and international forces to provide joint offensive, counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alejandro Pena)
Hi-Matic was the name of a long-running series of 35 mm cameras made by Minolta. The original Hi-Matic of 1962 was the first Minolta camera to feature automatic exposure and achieved a small degree of fame when a version (the Ansco Autoset) was taken into space by John Glenn in 1962.
The Hi-Matic E of 1971 was a much-improved version of the C with a 40 mm f/1.7 lens and a rangefinder. It used the same Electro Control automatic exposure system found on the Yashica Electro cameras. The E was followed by a succession of increasingly inexpensive models, the Hi-Matic F in 1972, the Hi-Matic G in 1974, and the Hi-Matic G2 in 1982. The Electro Control system was abandoned after the F in favor of a simpler system.
-Wikipedia
An Australian Air Force E-737 Wedgetail, Airborne Warning and Control System, returns to the exercise after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan., over the Joint Pacific Range Complex near Eielson AFB, Alaska June 20, 2012, during Red Flag-Alaska 12-2. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, joint/coalition, tactical air combat employment exercise which corresponds to the operational capability of participating units. The entire exercise takes place in the Joint Pacific Range Complex over Alaska as well as a portion of Western Canada for a total airspace of more than 67,000 square miles. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth/Released)
American, and Canadian Airmen assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, distinguished guests, and surviving family members of the crew of the E-3B Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, call sign "YUKLA 27" gathered for 20th anniversary memorial ceremonies on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. On Elmendorf Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 1995, the "YUKLA 27" aircraft from the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron encountered a flock of geese and crashed shortly after takeoff on a routine surveillance training sortie, killing all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen aboard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)
The U.S. Naval Submarine School hosted a graduation ceremony for Fire Control Technician ‘A’ School students on the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London, May 12, 2023.
Fire Control Technicians (FT) perform organizational and intermediate level maintenance on submarine combat control systems equipment; operate submarine combat control systems; test submarine combat control systems; operate and maintain combat control systems associated systems; participate in weapons handling functions; and operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals.
U.S. Navy photos by Lauren Laughlin.
Hitachi ZX85 with engcon EC-Oil Automatic Quick Hitch System, tiltrotator EC209, DC2 control system, Mig2 Joysticks. Contractor: Jac Barendrecht _Netherlands. Photo: Olivier Van Det
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American, and Canadian Airmen assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, distinguished guests, and surviving family members of the crew of the E-3B Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, call sign "YUKLA 27" gathered for 20th anniversary memorial ceremonies on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. On Elmendorf Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 1995, the “YUKLA 27" aircraft from the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron encountered a flock of geese and crashed shortly after takeoff on a routine surveillance training sortie, killing all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen aboard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)
Scania 580 8x4 Next Gen with Mählers control system MC3 and grader blade. Contractor: B-O Söderholms Åkeri. Photo: Sten Strömgren
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based on historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engined attack helicopter that was developed on behalf of, and primarily operated by, the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The twin Cobra family, itself part of the larger Huey family, includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra. The Super Cobra was derived from the single-engine AH-1 Cobra, which had been developed during the mid-1960s as an interim gunship for the U.S. Army. The USMC had quickly taken an interest in the type but sought a twin-engine arrangement for greater operational safety at sea, along with more capable armaments. While initially opposed by the Department of Defense, who were keen to promote commonality across the services, in May 1968, an order for an initial 49 twin-engine AH-1J SeaCobras was issued to Bell. The type entered service during the final months of the US's involvement in the Vietnam War, seeing limited action in the theatre as a result.
The USMC promptly sought greater payload capacity than that provided by the original Sea Cobra; thus the AH-1T, equipped with the dynamic systems of the Model 309 and a lengthened fuselage, was produced by Bell during the 1970s. In the following decade, in response to the denial of funding to procure the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, the USMC opted to procure a more capable variant of the AH-1T; equipped with revised fire control systems compatible with new munitions, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, the new model, designated AH-1W, commenced delivery in 1986.
In the early 1980s, the Marine Corps sought a new navalized helicopter. Accordingly, it evaluated the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter as first choice over a two-week period in September 1981, which included shipboard operation tests. Furthermore, various concepts were studied at this time. However, the service's request for funding to purchase the AH-64 was denied by Congress that same year. As an alternative option, the Marines procured a more powerful version of the AH-1T. Other changes included modified fire control systems to carry and fire AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The new version, which was funded by Congress, received the AH-1W designation. During March 1986, deliveries of the AH-1W SuperCobra commenced, eventually totaling 179 new-built helicopters along with the upgrading of 43 existing AH-1Ts.
This development also fell into the period when Great Britain was looking for a potential attack helicopter for the British Army, and Western Germany was - together with France - about to mutually develop a new attack helicopter that would in Germany replace the PAH-1, the light Bo 105 helicopter armed with six HOT anti-tank missiles. In 1984, the French and West German governments had issued a requirement for an advanced antitank helicopter, with one variant desired by the French dedicated to the escort and antihelicopter role. As originally planned, both countries would procure a total of 427 helicopters called “Tiger”. The West Germans planned on acquiring 212 models of the anti-tank variant named PAH-2 (Panzerabwehrhubschrauber or "Anti-tank helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1992. The French wanted 75 HAPs (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection or "Support and Escort Helicopter") and 140 HACs (Hélicoptère Anti Char or "Anti-Tank Helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1991 and 1995, respectively. In the meantime, the USA also offered both the AH-1 as well as the more modern AH-64 as alternatives.
Development of the Tiger started during the Cold War, and it was initially intended as a pure anti-tank helicopter platform to be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. A joint venture, consisting of Aérospatiale and MBB, was subsequently chosen as the preferred supplier, but in 1986 the development program was already canceled again due to spiraling costs: it had been officially calculated that supplying the German forces with an equivalent number of US-produced McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopters would have been a considerably cheaper alternative to proceeding with the Tiger’s development, which became a more and more complex project because the helicopter would have to be able to fulfill more roles, and the duty profiles of Germany and France became significantly different. According to statements by the French Defence Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the collaborative effort had become more expensive than an individual national program and was also forecast to take longer to complete.
This opened the door for American proposals even wider, and beyond the state-of-the-art AH-64 Bell proposed a further upgraded two-engine AH-1W. Bell had been working as a private initiative with both the AH-1T+ demonstrator and the AH-1W prototype, and developed a new experimental hingeless rotor system with four composite blades, designed to withstand up to 23 mm rounds and thus greatly improving battlefield survivability. This new main rotor was manually foldable, reduced vibrations and allowed the engine power to be increased, thus greatly improving the SuperCobra’s performance and load capabilities. The twin engine’s power had until then been restricted, but in the AH-1-4BW the power was liberated to full 1,800 shp (1,342 kW), with a reinforced gearbox that could even cope with 2.400 shp. Top speed climbed by 23 mph/37 km/h, rate of climb improved, and the load capability was raised by 1.000 lb (450 kg). The AH-1-4BW was now able to fly a full looping, something the AH-1 had not been able to do before. However, empty weight of this demonstrator helicopter climbed to 12,189 lb (5,534 kg) and the maximum TOW to 18,492 lb (8.391 kg).
Other changes included a different position for the stabilizers further aft, closer to the tail rotor, which furthermore received small end plates to improve directional stability. The modified AH-1W prototype was aptly re-designated “AH-1-4BW” (4BW standing for “4-blade whiskey”), and there were plans to upgrade the type even further with a fully digitalized cockpit to meet contemporary requirements, e.g. for the British Army.
The West-German Bundesluftwaffe’s interest in the “outdated” AH-1 was initially only lukewarm, but when Bell offered to lend the AH-1-4BW prototype for evaluations and as a development mule for the eventual integration of the European HOT missile and indigenous sensors and avionics, a mutual agreement was signed in late 1987 to have the AH-1-4BW tested by the Luftwaffe in the environment where the type would be operated.
The AH-1-4BW prototype (s/n 166 022) was delivered to Manching in Southern Germany in summer 1988 on board of a C-5 Galaxy. It was operated by the Luftwaffe’s Wehrtechnische Dienststelle (WTD, Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft) 61 for two years and successfully made several tests. This program was divided into three “Phases”. “Phase I” included focused on flight characteristics, tactical operations, and mock air-to-air combat against Luftwaffe CH-53s which acted as Mi-24 aggressors. Upon program start the AH-1-4BW received German markings, the registration 98+11, and a new, subdued paint scheme in Luftwaffe colors instead of the original USMC scheme in an overall medium green.
In “Phase I” the AH-1-4BW retained its American weapon systems, as the flight testing did not involve weapon deployment or integration. Instead, dummies or target designators were carried. After these initial tests that lasted almost a year Bell agreed to let the WTD 61 modify the AH-1-4BW further with European avionics to deploy the HOT 3 anti-tank missile, which would be the helicopter’s primal weapon in the German Heeresflieger’s service, since Germany did at that time neither use the similar American TOW nor the more sophisticated AGM-114 Hellfire, even though the German PARS 3 LR missile (also known as TRIGAT-LR: Third Generation AntiTank, Long Range) was already under development since 1988. This upgrade and test program section received the designation “Phase II”. Outwardly, the newly modified AH-1 was recognizable through a different sensor turret in the nose and a modified HOT missile sight for the gunner in the front seat.
In late 1989 the helicopter underwent another modification by WTD 61, which was to test equipment already intended for the PAH-2. Under the trials’ final “Phase III” the AH-1-4BW received a globular fairing on a mast on top of the main rotor, to test the tactical value of observing, identifying, and selecting targets while the helicopter would remain in cover. This sensor mast combined a panoramic IR camera with a targeting sight for anti-tank missiles and the gun turret, and it functionally replaced the standard chin sensor turret (which was brought back to AH-1W standard). Another novel feature was a streamlined, sugar scope-shaped exhaust diffusor with two chambers which guided hot gases upwards into the main rotor’s downwash, as an alternative to the original diffusors which only mixed cold ambient air with the hot efflux. It turned out to be very effective and was subsequently adapted for the Tiger. Other changes included a new hingeless three-blade tail rotor that was supposed to reduce operational noise and frequency issues with the new 4-blade main rotor, and the endplate stabilizers were enlarged to compensate for the huge “eyeball” on top of the main rotor which significantly changed the AH-1’s flight characteristics, especially at high speed.
Further tests of the Phase III SuperCobra lasted until summer 1990 and provided both Bell as well as the Luftwaffe with valuable benchmark data for further weapon system developments. When the lease contract ended in 1991, the AH-1-4BW was sent back to the United States. In the meantime, though, the political situation had changed dramatically. The USSR had ceased to exist, so that the Cold War threat especially in Europe had ended almost overnight after the Aérospatiale/MBB joint venture, now officially called Eurocopter, had signed an agreement in 1989 which financially secured the majority of the Tiger’s pending development through to serial production, including arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at Aerospatiale's Marignane plant and MBB's Donauwörth facility. This eventually saved the Tiger and in 1991 it had become clear that no American attack helicopter would be bought by either Germany or France. Great Britain as another potential European customer also declined the AH-1 and eventually procured the more modern AH-64 in the form of the license-built AgustaWestland Apache.
In 1992, the Eurocopter Group was officially established, and the Tiger moved closer to the hardware stage; this led to considerable consolidation of the aerospace industry and the Tiger project itself. A major agreement was struck in December 1996 between France and Germany that cemented the Tiger's prospects and committed the development of supporting elements, such as a series of new generation missile designs for use by the new helicopter. National political issues continued to affect the prospects of the Tiger, however. A proposed sale of up to 145 Tigers to Turkey proved a source of controversy; Turkey selected the Tiger as the preferred option, but conflicting attitudes between Eurocopter, France and Germany regarding military exports led to Turkey withdrawing its interest. Eventually, Turkey procured AH-1s and started an indigenous attack helicopter program.
However, the AH-1-4BW’s development and its vigorous testing in Germany were not in vain: Lacking a USMC contract, Bell developed this new design into the AH-1Z with its own funds during the 1990s and 2000s. By 1996, the Marines were again prevented from ordering the AH-64: developing a marine version of the Apache would have been expensive and it was likely that the Marine Corps would be its only customer. Instead, the service signed a contract for the upgrading of AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs, which incorporated many elements from the AH-1-4BW.
General characteristics:
Crew: Two (pilot, co-pilot/gunner)
Length: 58 ft 0 in (17.68 m) overall
45 ft 7 in (14 m) for fuselage only
Width: 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) for stub wings only
Height: 13 ft 9 in (4.19 m)
13 ft 9 in (4.19 m) incl. Phase III sensor mast
Main rotor diameter: 42 ft 8 in (13.00 m)
Airfoil: blade root: DFVLR DM-H3; blade tip: DFVLR DM-H4
Main rotor area: 1,428.9 sq ft (132.75 m2)
Empty weight: 12,189 lb (5,534 kg)
Max. take-off weight: 18,492 lb (8.391 kg)
Powerplant:
2× General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engine, with 1,800 shp (1,342 kW)
Performance:
Maximum speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
Range: 317 nmi (365 mi, 587 km)
Service ceiling: 12,200 ft (3,700 m)
Rate of climb: 1,620 ft/min (8.2 m/s)
Armament:
1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M197 3-barreled Gatling cannon
in the A/A49E-7 chin turret (750 rounds ammo capacity)
4× hardpoints under the stub wings for a wide range of weapons, including…
- 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods
- Twenty-two round pods with 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets,
- Nineteen or seven round pods with 2.75” (70 mm) Hydra 70 or APKWS II rockets,
- 5” (127 mm) Zuni rockets – 8 rockets in two 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
- Up to 8 TOW missiles in two 4-round XM65 missile launchers, on outboard hardpoints, or
up to 8 HOT3
up to 8 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles in 4-round M272 missile launchers, on outboard hardpoint,
- Up to 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, launch rails above each outboard hardpoint or
up to 2 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) air-to-air missiles in single launch tubes
The kit and its assembly:
This what-if model was inspired by the real attempts of Bell to sell a twin-engine Cobra variant to Germany as a replacement for the light PAH-1/Bo 105 helicopter, while plans were made to build an indigenous successor together with France which eventually became the PAH-2/Tiger. These proposals fell well into the time frame of the (also) real AH-14BW project, and I imagined that this specific helicopter had been lent to the Luftwaffe for evaluation?
The basis is the Italeri 1:72 AH-1W kit, a solid basis which requires some work, though. And because I had the remains of a French Tigre at hand (which gave its cockpit for my recent JASDF A-2 build) I decided to use some of the leftover parts for something that borders a kitbashing. This includes the 4-blade main and 3-blade tail rotor, and I integrated the Tiger’s scoop-shaped exhaust diffusor behind the main rotor – a tricky task that require a lot of PSR, but the result looks very natural, if not elegant? The Tiger’s end plate stabilizers were used, too, mounted to the AH-1’s trim stabilizers that were mounted further back, as on the real AH-1-4BW.
To change the look even further I decided to add a sensor pod on top of the main rotor, and this required a totally new mechanical solution to hold the latter. Eventually I integrated a sleeve for a fixed metal axis which also holds the sensor ball (from a MisterCraft Westland Lynx – a bit oversized, but suitable for a prototype), and the PAH-2 rotor received an arrangement of levers that hold it in place and still allow it to spin.
The ordnance was also taken from the Italeri Tigre, with HOT quadruple launchers for the outer weapon stations, the inner hardpoints were left empty and I also did not mount the American chaff/flare dispensers on top of the stub wings.
Painting and markings:
The Luftwaffe did a LOT of interesting camouflage experiments in the early Eighties, adopting several standardized schemes for aircraft, but the Heeresflieger were less enthusiastic and retained the overall Gelboliv (RAL 6014) scheme before a three-color camouflage, consisting of two green tones and a dirty black was gradually introduced – even though apparently not in a uniform fashion, because there were variations for the darker shade of green (retaining RAL 6014 or using FS 34079, as on the Luftwaffe Norm ’83 scheme that was applied to Tornado IDSs, RF-4Es, some Starfighters and to the Transall fleet).
My fictional AH-1-4BW would fall into that transitional phase and I decided to give the helicopter an experimental scheme, which was used/tested on early Tornado IDS, consisting of RAL 7021 (Teerschwarz), RAL 7012 (Basaltgrau) and RAL 6014 (Gelboliv) – on aircraft with undersides in RAL 7000 (Silbergrau), but on a helicopter rather as a wraparound scheme. However, inspired by Luftwaffe F-4Fs with a modified Norm ‘72 splinter scheme that added a simple light grey fin to break up the aircrafts’ profile in a side view, I used RAL 7030 (Steingrau) on the tail tip to achieve the same effect, and the light grey was also used, together with Basaltgrau und Gelboliv mottles on the sensor ball – looks a bit like WWII Luftwaffe style, but appeared plausible for the system’s tactical use from behind some ground cover. The cockpit interior became very dark grey, just like the rotor blades, which were adorned with orange warning markings at the tips – seen on some Luftwaffe helicopters instead of classic yellow or red-white-red bands.
The decals were puzzled together from various sources. National markings came from generic Luftwaffe sheets from TL Modellbau, the light blue WTD 61 emblems behind the cockpit were taken from a Peddinghaus decal sheet with early Luftwaffe unit markings. The dayglo panels were created with generic decal material (TL Modellbau, too) and stencils came mostly from a Fujimi AH-1 sheet, procuring German or even multi-language material appeared too tedious and costly.
The photo calibration markings on nose and fins were improvised from black and white decal sheet material, punched out, cut into quarters, and then applied as circles. Adds an experimental touch to the Cobra!
The kit received a light black ink washing and some post-panel-shading, esp. to brighten up the grey and increase the contrast between the camouflage tones, which appeared even more murky after the dayglow stripes had been added. Finally, the Cobra received an overall coat wit matt acrylic varnish, position lights were added/painted, and the sensor ball received sights made from yellow chrome PET foil, simply punched out and fixed into place with some Humbrol Clearfix.
This one took a while to materialize and was more work than one might expect at first glance. But it looks quite cool, esp. the PAH-2/Tiger’s exhaust fairing fits very well into the Cobra’s lines and adds an elegant touch to the helicopter. The “Eye ball” is a bit large, yes, but IMHO acceptable for a prototype or test vehicle. And the livery certainly conveys a German touch.
'... Love comes to you and you follow ... Dream on, on to the heart of the sunrise ... '
(Yes, 'Heart Of The Sunrise', 'Fragile', 1971)
Earth reached aphelion yesterday, the furthest point from our Sun in it's yearly orbit - albeit from a astronomical standpoint it is still at a 'mere' 94.5 million miles / 152.1 million kilometers distance (as opposed to January when Earth lies 91.4 million mi. / 147.1 million km away - varying approximately three percent over the course of the year). Yesterday's sunrise also brought a wonderful gift to those of us who are solar aficionados in the form of a massive sunspot group, which has just begun to rotate onto the Earth facing side of the solar disk. Several times larger than the entire Earth and catalogued as Active Region 3363, the attached composite shows how it appeared through two of the scopes installed in the observatory I built at our home here in upstate, NY.
Having several acres, most of which we have kept as an untouched 'nature preserve' for decades, I often play concert videos from our observatory's bar / warm room building for the entertainment of the local bald eagles, turkey buzzards, giant pileated woodpeckers and a plethora of other flying creatures as well as the deer, rabbits, ground hogs, coyotes and that occasional mountain lion that passes thru. We do however keep about an acre around the house & observatory (located ~ 100 ft from the house) cut as lawn; so after having a wonderful time cutting that in yesterday's 90+ deg. F heat ;) I had a few minutes to try to capture some quick images of the new sunspot before sunset.
As I took some short videos through the scopes, given yesterday's aphelion and the new active region, I figured an appropriate musical accompaniment would be 'Heart Of The Sunsire' by one of my all-time favorite groups Yes. I've been fortunate to see them twice in concert thus far, most recently in the 1990's at a local venue, and back in the 1970's at the Spectrum in Philadelphia where they did an incredible "Yessongs' type of show (as can be seen at lower left in the attached composite this version of the song is from the Yessongs movie).
Shooting a 'reference' image using a short focal length 80mm, f/5, Celestron 'short-tube' refractor with a Thousand Oaks Type II glass solar filter and a luminance filter on an ASI290MC at prime focus; the new active region can be see at top as it has just begun to rotate on (the Sun's southeastern limb). At right are close-ups of the sunspot using a vintage 1970, 8-inch, f/7 Criterion newtonian reflector and a homemade, off-axis, over-the-aperture, Baader (visual grade) material solar filter with (top) a luminance and (bottom) an ultraviolet filter in front of the camera which, like the 80mm, was placed at the scope's prime focus.
I also managed to capture a few quicks shots using infrared & methane filters on the Criterion but have yet to examine any of that data. With the 80mm mounted piggyback on the 8-inch, these scopes were tracked using a Losmandy G-11 running a Gemini 2 control system and the camera was controlled by SharpCap Pro. Although given the relatively low altitude of the Sun at the time, combined with the 'less-than-ideal' seeing (to say the least ;) ) as well as the fact that these are relatively noisy, single-frame shots composited here; they appear to show a fair amount of faculae (brighter & hotter regions which surround the spot).
I'm looking forward to seeing how this active region evolves as it transits the Earth facing side of the solar disk over the coming days as well as stacking and processing the videos from which these single-frame, low-resolution images are taken to see what additional details I may be able to pull out of the data.
Wishing clear and calm skies to all !
Happy Aphelion !!!
Founded in 1992, Xi’an Kosun Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (short for “Kosun”) is one of the earliest manufacturers in solids control equipment and separating machines in China.
Kosun is a modern enterprise professionally engaged in R&D, production, marketing and services of drilling fluid circulating systems for petroleum, natural gas, shale gas, coalbed methane and horizontal directional drilling.
Over 20 years of development, various solids control products and separating machines designed and manufactured by Kosun have been extensively applied in oil and gas drilling, coalbed methane drilling, trenchless drilling, sandstone staged treatment, ore staged treatment, industrial wastewater treatment for river dredging, waste oil recovery and purification treatment, etc.
I have been lost in Photoshop. I was having ideas in Lightroom and they led to edits and on to Photoshop CS and from there they are stretching out towards some notion of motion pictures. I have not used this Film Temperature Control System. I have been calling a film cooker. It looks superb and it comes with a three pin U.K. Plug fitted ready for accurate simmering film into tender toner and sharpish shadows and might fine highlights.
I have used two fonts to give °CineStill a look as it has in the packaging.
I forget to mention the soundtrack. Two tracks from those provided by my editing service with no composers and players listed. I have edited tracks individually and together. All errors on me and all praise to unknown originators of music. I wish that I had some names to praise.
© PHH Sykes 2023
phhsykes@gmail.com
CineStill TCS-1000 - Temperature Control System - UK Plug
analoguewonderland.co.uk/products/cinestill-tcs-1000-temp...
°CS "TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM", TCS-1000 IMMERSION CIRCULATOR THERMOSTAT FOR MIXING CHEMISTRY AND PRECISION FILM PROCESSING, 120V ONLY
cinestillfilm.com/products/tcs-temperature-control-system...
The Grumman F-14A Tomcat was designed to provide the Fleet with a Mach 2.0 (twice the speed of sound) air superiority fighter capable of fleet defense at both long and short range. It can be armed with a variety of air-to-air missiles and the MK 61A1 20MM "Gatling Gun."
The first flight on this variable geometry "Swing Wing" aircraft was made in December 1970 with the first Fleet deployment on USS Enterprise (VF-1 and 2) in mid-1974. Although used briefly to fly protective patrols over Vietnam, the Tomcat's combat initiation occurred in a successful encounter with Libyan Air Force Sukhoi Fighters in August 1981.
The F-14 has undergone considerable upgrading and modification during its life and has been continuously tested at Patuxent River since 1972. Improvements to engines, electronics, flight control systems and armaments are ongoing. Although no longer in production, modification sites in various parts of the country update this vital member of the Carrier Air Wing's complement of aircraft. Mission expansion of this versatile aircraft includes tactical air reconnaissance and delivery of laser guided air-to-ground weapons. This mission expansion ensures the Tomcat's value to the Fleet well into the 21st century.
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Premier’s state-of-the-art access control systems allow you to determine who is entering where or what area in your facility, when, why and how.
Volvo FH750 with Mählers grader blade, control system MC3 and Rasco spreader. Owner: Lindsethmo Transport AS, Driver: Kristofer Tetlie, Foto: Ole Martin Wold
KOSUN is a china professional solids control solution company which provides world level solids control equipment and solids separating machines. KOSUN solids control equipment and systems has been exported to over 30 countries such as Europe, America, CIS, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based on historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engined attack helicopter that was developed on behalf of, and primarily operated by, the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The twin Cobra family, itself part of the larger Huey family, includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra. The Super Cobra was derived from the single-engine AH-1 Cobra, which had been developed during the mid-1960s as an interim gunship for the U.S. Army. The USMC had quickly taken an interest in the type but sought a twin-engine arrangement for greater operational safety at sea, along with more capable armaments. While initially opposed by the Department of Defense, who were keen to promote commonality across the services, in May 1968, an order for an initial 49 twin-engine AH-1J SeaCobras was issued to Bell. The type entered service during the final months of the US's involvement in the Vietnam War, seeing limited action in the theatre as a result.
The USMC promptly sought greater payload capacity than that provided by the original Sea Cobra; thus the AH-1T, equipped with the dynamic systems of the Model 309 and a lengthened fuselage, was produced by Bell during the 1970s. In the following decade, in response to the denial of funding to procure the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, the USMC opted to procure a more capable variant of the AH-1T; equipped with revised fire control systems compatible with new munitions, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, the new model, designated AH-1W, commenced delivery in 1986.
In the early 1980s, the Marine Corps sought a new navalized helicopter. Accordingly, it evaluated the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter as first choice over a two-week period in September 1981, which included shipboard operation tests. Furthermore, various concepts were studied at this time. However, the service's request for funding to purchase the AH-64 was denied by Congress that same year. As an alternative option, the Marines procured a more powerful version of the AH-1T. Other changes included modified fire control systems to carry and fire AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The new version, which was funded by Congress, received the AH-1W designation. During March 1986, deliveries of the AH-1W SuperCobra commenced, eventually totaling 179 new-built helicopters along with the upgrading of 43 existing AH-1Ts.
This development also fell into the period when Great Britain was looking for a potential attack helicopter for the British Army, and Western Germany was - together with France - about to mutually develop a new attack helicopter that would in Germany replace the PAH-1, the light Bo 105 helicopter armed with six HOT anti-tank missiles. In 1984, the French and West German governments had issued a requirement for an advanced antitank helicopter, with one variant desired by the French dedicated to the escort and antihelicopter role. As originally planned, both countries would procure a total of 427 helicopters called “Tiger”. The West Germans planned on acquiring 212 models of the anti-tank variant named PAH-2 (Panzerabwehrhubschrauber or "Anti-tank helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1992. The French wanted 75 HAPs (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection or "Support and Escort Helicopter") and 140 HACs (Hélicoptère Anti Char or "Anti-Tank Helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1991 and 1995, respectively. In the meantime, the USA also offered both the AH-1 as well as the more modern AH-64 as alternatives.
Development of the Tiger started during the Cold War, and it was initially intended as a pure anti-tank helicopter platform to be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. A joint venture, consisting of Aérospatiale and MBB, was subsequently chosen as the preferred supplier, but in 1986 the development program was already canceled again due to spiraling costs: it had been officially calculated that supplying the German forces with an equivalent number of US-produced McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopters would have been a considerably cheaper alternative to proceeding with the Tiger’s development, which became a more and more complex project because the helicopter would have to be able to fulfill more roles, and the duty profiles of Germany and France became significantly different. According to statements by the French Defence Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the collaborative effort had become more expensive than an individual national program and was also forecast to take longer to complete.
This opened the door for American proposals even wider, and beyond the state-of-the-art AH-64 Bell proposed a further upgraded two-engine AH-1W. Bell had been working as a private initiative with both the AH-1T+ demonstrator and the AH-1W prototype, and developed a new experimental hingeless rotor system with four composite blades, designed to withstand up to 23 mm rounds and thus greatly improving battlefield survivability. This new main rotor was manually foldable, reduced vibrations and allowed the engine power to be increased, thus greatly improving the SuperCobra’s performance and load capabilities. The twin engine’s power had until then been restricted, but in the AH-1-4BW the power was liberated to full 1,800 shp (1,342 kW), with a reinforced gearbox that could even cope with 2.400 shp. Top speed climbed by 23 mph/37 km/h, rate of climb improved, and the load capability was raised by 1.000 lb (450 kg). The AH-1-4BW was now able to fly a full looping, something the AH-1 had not been able to do before. However, empty weight of this demonstrator helicopter climbed to 12,189 lb (5,534 kg) and the maximum TOW to 18,492 lb (8.391 kg).
Other changes included a different position for the stabilizers further aft, closer to the tail rotor, which furthermore received small end plates to improve directional stability. The modified AH-1W prototype was aptly re-designated “AH-1-4BW” (4BW standing for “4-blade whiskey”), and there were plans to upgrade the type even further with a fully digitalized cockpit to meet contemporary requirements, e.g. for the British Army.
The West-German Bundesluftwaffe’s interest in the “outdated” AH-1 was initially only lukewarm, but when Bell offered to lend the AH-1-4BW prototype for evaluations and as a development mule for the eventual integration of the European HOT missile and indigenous sensors and avionics, a mutual agreement was signed in late 1987 to have the AH-1-4BW tested by the Luftwaffe in the environment where the type would be operated.
The AH-1-4BW prototype (s/n 166 022) was delivered to Manching in Southern Germany in summer 1988 on board of a C-5 Galaxy. It was operated by the Luftwaffe’s Wehrtechnische Dienststelle (WTD, Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft) 61 for two years and successfully made several tests. This program was divided into three “Phases”. “Phase I” included focused on flight characteristics, tactical operations, and mock air-to-air combat against Luftwaffe CH-53s which acted as Mi-24 aggressors. Upon program start the AH-1-4BW received German markings, the registration 98+11, and a new, subdued paint scheme in Luftwaffe colors instead of the original USMC scheme in an overall medium green.
In “Phase I” the AH-1-4BW retained its American weapon systems, as the flight testing did not involve weapon deployment or integration. Instead, dummies or target designators were carried. After these initial tests that lasted almost a year Bell agreed to let the WTD 61 modify the AH-1-4BW further with European avionics to deploy the HOT 3 anti-tank missile, which would be the helicopter’s primal weapon in the German Heeresflieger’s service, since Germany did at that time neither use the similar American TOW nor the more sophisticated AGM-114 Hellfire, even though the German PARS 3 LR missile (also known as TRIGAT-LR: Third Generation AntiTank, Long Range) was already under development since 1988. This upgrade and test program section received the designation “Phase II”. Outwardly, the newly modified AH-1 was recognizable through a different sensor turret in the nose and a modified HOT missile sight for the gunner in the front seat.
In late 1989 the helicopter underwent another modification by WTD 61, which was to test equipment already intended for the PAH-2. Under the trials’ final “Phase III” the AH-1-4BW received a globular fairing on a mast on top of the main rotor, to test the tactical value of observing, identifying, and selecting targets while the helicopter would remain in cover. This sensor mast combined a panoramic IR camera with a targeting sight for anti-tank missiles and the gun turret, and it functionally replaced the standard chin sensor turret (which was brought back to AH-1W standard). Another novel feature was a streamlined, sugar scope-shaped exhaust diffusor with two chambers which guided hot gases upwards into the main rotor’s downwash, as an alternative to the original diffusors which only mixed cold ambient air with the hot efflux. It turned out to be very effective and was subsequently adapted for the Tiger. Other changes included a new hingeless three-blade tail rotor that was supposed to reduce operational noise and frequency issues with the new 4-blade main rotor, and the endplate stabilizers were enlarged to compensate for the huge “eyeball” on top of the main rotor which significantly changed the AH-1’s flight characteristics, especially at high speed.
Further tests of the Phase III SuperCobra lasted until summer 1990 and provided both Bell as well as the Luftwaffe with valuable benchmark data for further weapon system developments. When the lease contract ended in 1991, the AH-1-4BW was sent back to the United States. In the meantime, though, the political situation had changed dramatically. The USSR had ceased to exist, so that the Cold War threat especially in Europe had ended almost overnight after the Aérospatiale/MBB joint venture, now officially called Eurocopter, had signed an agreement in 1989 which financially secured the majority of the Tiger’s pending development through to serial production, including arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at Aerospatiale's Marignane plant and MBB's Donauwörth facility. This eventually saved the Tiger and in 1991 it had become clear that no American attack helicopter would be bought by either Germany or France. Great Britain as another potential European customer also declined the AH-1 and eventually procured the more modern AH-64 in the form of the license-built AgustaWestland Apache.
In 1992, the Eurocopter Group was officially established, and the Tiger moved closer to the hardware stage; this led to considerable consolidation of the aerospace industry and the Tiger project itself. A major agreement was struck in December 1996 between France and Germany that cemented the Tiger's prospects and committed the development of supporting elements, such as a series of new generation missile designs for use by the new helicopter. National political issues continued to affect the prospects of the Tiger, however. A proposed sale of up to 145 Tigers to Turkey proved a source of controversy; Turkey selected the Tiger as the preferred option, but conflicting attitudes between Eurocopter, France and Germany regarding military exports led to Turkey withdrawing its interest. Eventually, Turkey procured AH-1s and started an indigenous attack helicopter program.
However, the AH-1-4BW’s development and its vigorous testing in Germany were not in vain: Lacking a USMC contract, Bell developed this new design into the AH-1Z with its own funds during the 1990s and 2000s. By 1996, the Marines were again prevented from ordering the AH-64: developing a marine version of the Apache would have been expensive and it was likely that the Marine Corps would be its only customer. Instead, the service signed a contract for the upgrading of AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs, which incorporated many elements from the AH-1-4BW.
General characteristics:
Crew: Two (pilot, co-pilot/gunner)
Length: 58 ft 0 in (17.68 m) overall
45 ft 7 in (14 m) for fuselage only
Width: 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) for stub wings only
Height: 13 ft 9 in (4.19 m)
13 ft 9 in (4.19 m) incl. Phase III sensor mast
Main rotor diameter: 42 ft 8 in (13.00 m)
Airfoil: blade root: DFVLR DM-H3; blade tip: DFVLR DM-H4
Main rotor area: 1,428.9 sq ft (132.75 m2)
Empty weight: 12,189 lb (5,534 kg)
Max. take-off weight: 18,492 lb (8.391 kg)
Powerplant:
2× General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engine, with 1,800 shp (1,342 kW)
Performance:
Maximum speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
Range: 317 nmi (365 mi, 587 km)
Service ceiling: 12,200 ft (3,700 m)
Rate of climb: 1,620 ft/min (8.2 m/s)
Armament:
1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M197 3-barreled Gatling cannon
in the A/A49E-7 chin turret (750 rounds ammo capacity)
4× hardpoints under the stub wings for a wide range of weapons, including…
- 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods
- Twenty-two round pods with 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets,
- Nineteen or seven round pods with 2.75” (70 mm) Hydra 70 or APKWS II rockets,
- 5” (127 mm) Zuni rockets – 8 rockets in two 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
- Up to 8 TOW missiles in two 4-round XM65 missile launchers, on outboard hardpoints, or
up to 8 HOT3
up to 8 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles in 4-round M272 missile launchers, on outboard hardpoint,
- Up to 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, launch rails above each outboard hardpoint or
up to 2 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) air-to-air missiles in single launch tubes
The kit and its assembly:
This what-if model was inspired by the real attempts of Bell to sell a twin-engine Cobra variant to Germany as a replacement for the light PAH-1/Bo 105 helicopter, while plans were made to build an indigenous successor together with France which eventually became the PAH-2/Tiger. These proposals fell well into the time frame of the (also) real AH-14BW project, and I imagined that this specific helicopter had been lent to the Luftwaffe for evaluation?
The basis is the Italeri 1:72 AH-1W kit, a solid basis which requires some work, though. And because I had the remains of a French Tigre at hand (which gave its cockpit for my recent JASDF A-2 build) I decided to use some of the leftover parts for something that borders a kitbashing. This includes the 4-blade main and 3-blade tail rotor, and I integrated the Tiger’s scoop-shaped exhaust diffusor behind the main rotor – a tricky task that require a lot of PSR, but the result looks very natural, if not elegant? The Tiger’s end plate stabilizers were used, too, mounted to the AH-1’s trim stabilizers that were mounted further back, as on the real AH-1-4BW.
To change the look even further I decided to add a sensor pod on top of the main rotor, and this required a totally new mechanical solution to hold the latter. Eventually I integrated a sleeve for a fixed metal axis which also holds the sensor ball (from a MisterCraft Westland Lynx – a bit oversized, but suitable for a prototype), and the PAH-2 rotor received an arrangement of levers that hold it in place and still allow it to spin.
The ordnance was also taken from the Italeri Tigre, with HOT quadruple launchers for the outer weapon stations, the inner hardpoints were left empty and I also did not mount the American chaff/flare dispensers on top of the stub wings.
Painting and markings:
The Luftwaffe did a LOT of interesting camouflage experiments in the early Eighties, adopting several standardized schemes for aircraft, but the Heeresflieger were less enthusiastic and retained the overall Gelboliv (RAL 6014) scheme before a three-color camouflage, consisting of two green tones and a dirty black was gradually introduced – even though apparently not in a uniform fashion, because there were variations for the darker shade of green (retaining RAL 6014 or using FS 34079, as on the Luftwaffe Norm ’83 scheme that was applied to Tornado IDSs, RF-4Es, some Starfighters and to the Transall fleet).
My fictional AH-1-4BW would fall into that transitional phase and I decided to give the helicopter an experimental scheme, which was used/tested on early Tornado IDS, consisting of RAL 7021 (Teerschwarz), RAL 7012 (Basaltgrau) and RAL 6014 (Gelboliv) – on aircraft with undersides in RAL 7000 (Silbergrau), but on a helicopter rather as a wraparound scheme. However, inspired by Luftwaffe F-4Fs with a modified Norm ‘72 splinter scheme that added a simple light grey fin to break up the aircrafts’ profile in a side view, I used RAL 7030 (Steingrau) on the tail tip to achieve the same effect, and the light grey was also used, together with Basaltgrau und Gelboliv mottles on the sensor ball – looks a bit like WWII Luftwaffe style, but appeared plausible for the system’s tactical use from behind some ground cover. The cockpit interior became very dark grey, just like the rotor blades, which were adorned with orange warning markings at the tips – seen on some Luftwaffe helicopters instead of classic yellow or red-white-red bands.
The decals were puzzled together from various sources. National markings came from generic Luftwaffe sheets from TL Modellbau, the light blue WTD 61 emblems behind the cockpit were taken from a Peddinghaus decal sheet with early Luftwaffe unit markings. The dayglo panels were created with generic decal material (TL Modellbau, too) and stencils came mostly from a Fujimi AH-1 sheet, procuring German or even multi-language material appeared too tedious and costly.
The photo calibration markings on nose and fins were improvised from black and white decal sheet material, punched out, cut into quarters, and then applied as circles. Adds an experimental touch to the Cobra!
The kit received a light black ink washing and some post-panel-shading, esp. to brighten up the grey and increase the contrast between the camouflage tones, which appeared even more murky after the dayglow stripes had been added. Finally, the Cobra received an overall coat wit matt acrylic varnish, position lights were added/painted, and the sensor ball received sights made from yellow chrome PET foil, simply punched out and fixed into place with some Humbrol Clearfix.
This one took a while to materialize and was more work than one might expect at first glance. But it looks quite cool, esp. the PAH-2/Tiger’s exhaust fairing fits very well into the Cobra’s lines and adds an elegant touch to the helicopter. The “Eye ball” is a bit large, yes, but IMHO acceptable for a prototype or test vehicle. And the livery certainly conveys a German touch.
York Road, Hall Green - demolition of the former Rolls Royce site.
Corner of York Road and Cateswell Road. In later years it was Goodrich Engine Control Systems and later was Aero Engine Controls.
City Demolition
It's near the railway line close to Hall Green Station.
Also walked past Hall Green Stadium, but it hasn't been demolished yet.
The M2SYS SecuredPASS™ is a complete solution for Immigration & Border Control at different checkpoints to identify the Travelers' Identity
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Project Manager Mission Command Soldiers and civilian subject matter experts conduct testing of software systems — Command Post of the Future and Global Command and Control System-Army — at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, on May 2, 2018.
CPOF is a decision support system, providing situational awareness and collaborative tools for tactical decision making, planning, rehearsal and execution management from corps to company level. GCCS-A is the Army’s strategic and theater command and control system. It fulfills the need for critical automated C2 to enhance Soldiers’ capabilities throughout the spectrum of conflict during joint and combined operations.
VDL Ambassador | 5 Station Stadspolders - Sterrenburg
Vanwege problemen met de klimaatregeling in de Ebusco 2.2 wordt de stadsdienst van Dordrecht momenteel met een mengeling van streekwagens en overtollige wagens uit Utrecht gereden.
----
Due to problems with the climate control systems of the Ebusco 2.2 the local services in Dordrecht are currently operated with a mixture of buses from the regional services and redundant buses from Utrecht.
USAF E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) (76-1607) - Second pass over the 2025 March Air Reserve Base Air Show. (04/12/25)
I have been lost in Photoshop. I was having ideas in Lightroom and they led to edits and on to Photoshop CS and from there they are stretching out towards some notion of motion pictures. I have not used this Film Temperature Control System. I have been calling a film cooker. It looks superb and it comes with a three pin U.K. Plug fitted ready for accurate simmering film into tender toner and sharpish shadows and might fine highlights.
I have used two fonts to give °CineStill a look as it has in the packaging.
I forget to mention the soundtrack. Two tracks from those provided by my editing service with no composers and players listed. I have edited tracks individually and together. All errors on me and all praise to unknown originators of music. I wish that I had some names to praise.
© PHH Sykes 2023
phhsykes@gmail.com
CineStill TCS-1000 - Temperature Control System - UK Plug
analoguewonderland.co.uk/products/cinestill-tcs-1000-temp...
°CS "TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM", TCS-1000 IMMERSION CIRCULATOR THERMOSTAT FOR MIXING CHEMISTRY AND PRECISION FILM PROCESSING, 120V ONLY
cinestillfilm.com/products/tcs-temperature-control-system...
American, and Canadian Airmen assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, distinguished guests, and surviving family members of the crew of the E-3B Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, call sign "YUKLA 27" gathered for 20th anniversary memorial ceremonies on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. On Elmendorf Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 1995, "YUKLA 27" aircraft from the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron encountered a flock of geese and crashed shortly after takeoff on a routine surveillance training sortie, killing all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen aboard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)
This project demonstrates control systems for lighting and door for each room. It also includes thief alert control and other necessary components required for smart home controlled via a smartphone connected to the internet.
Use this CC license format for this photo:
CC BYNC-SA 3.0 IGO © UNESCO-UNEVOC/Pyae Kyaw Thu
American, and Canadian Airmen assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, distinguished guests, and surviving family members of the crew of the E-3B Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, call sign "YUKLA 27" gathered for 20th anniversary memorial ceremonies on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. On Elmendorf Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 1995, the "YUKLA 27" aircraft from the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron encountered a flock of geese and crashed shortly after takeoff on a routine surveillance training sortie, killing all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen aboard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)
The Automation control systems used to increase the productivity of labor and improve the quality of processes. These systems can operate under conditions which are relatively inaccessible to human or hazardous to health.
Sample image of Canon 5DSR
web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/samples/eos5dsr/index.html
The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R – key features
EOS 5DS: 50.6 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with ISO 100-6400 (Lo: 50 and H1:12,800) sensitivity range.
EOS 5DS R: 50.6 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with low-pass cancellation filter and ISO 100-6400 (Lo: 50 and H1:12,800) sensitivity range.
Dual DIGIC 6 processors for outstanding image processing speed and camera responsiveness.
5 frames per second (fps) with selectable burst speeds and silent shutter mode.
61-point wide area AF with 41 cross-type sensors with iTR, AI Servo AF III and AF Configuration tool.
150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor.
100% magnification Intelligent Viewfinder II with electronic overlay.
1.3x, 1.6x and 1:1 ratio crop modes with masked viewfinder display.
Mirror Vibration Control System to reduce mirror vibration blur.
Fine Detail Picture Style.
CF + SD (UHS I) dual memory card slots.
Peripheral Illumination and Chromatic Aberration Lens Correction in-camera.
Multiple Exposure and HDR mode.
Customisable Quick Control screen.
Built-in timer functionality – bulb timer and interval shooting timer.
Time-lapse Movie function.
Super Speed USB 3.0 for high-speed tethering and image/movie transfer.
150,000 shutter cycle life.
Compatible with most EOS 5D Mark III accessories (note: for WFT-E7 new USB cables required and firmware needs to be updated).
50.6 Megapixels! A revolution in DSLR resolution
Canon has announced the 50.6 Megapixel EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R; its highest-ever resolution cameras, offering unparalleled levels of detail never before seen in a 35mm full-frame DSLR...
The EOS 5DS is Canon’s highest resolution DSLR to date, designed to offer editorial, landscape and advertising photographers the ultimate in image size and quality thanks to the 50.6 Megapixel sensor with an optical low-pass filter.
The EOS 5DS R is the same as EOS 5DS, bar one important difference in that it incorporates a low-pass cancellation filter to offer the maximum level of sharpness from Canon’s revolutionary new sensor. Studio and advertising photographers in particular will appreciate the extra level of detail offered by the EOS 5DS R, while all photographers will relish the ability to produce stunningly detailed 8688 x 5792 images from both cameras, with A0 prints readily achievable at 200dpi.
The 50.6 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor is the highest ever seen in a full-frame DSLR, offering photographers new levels of resolution and detail.
Revolutionary image sensor – where every pixel counts
Canon has won itself a strong reputation over the years for sensor design, innovation and image quality and this commitment to continuous development is ably demonstrated with the introduction of the 50.6 Megapixel CMOS sensor.
The sensor’s advanced architecture provides ISO 100-6400 sensitivity (expandable to 50-12,800) ensuring ultra-high resolution with low noise, accurate colours and a wide dynamic range.
For added flexibility, the cameras’ resolution enables three new in-camera crop shooting modes – 1.3x, 1.6x and 1:1. Visible through the viewfinder, the crop modes deliver outstanding, high-resolution results; still producing a 19 Megapixel still image when cropped to 1.6x.
Ultra-fast image processing
Built to withstand the most demanding of shoots, both the EOS 5DS and 5DS R feature EOS 5D Mark III weather-sealing along with Dual DIGIC 6 processors to ensure the rapid performance and responsiveness required to deliver first-class images with exceptional colour reproduction. The dual processors are built to comfortably manage huge levels of image data from the 50.6 Megapixel sensor, whilst simultaneously reducing image noise and providing the freedom to shoot at five frames per second, even with such large amounts of data being produced.
Both the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R feature a 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection for accurate exposures.
Stunningly fast autofocus
Designed to ensure that every detail is in focus, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R feature an advanced 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type points, delivering incredible levels of image sharpness and accuracy across the frame. Both cameras comfortably maintain sharp and accurate focus with moving subjects, using EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF (iTR) to track both faces and colour. To reduce image blur, Canon’s advanced Mirror Vibration Control System uses miniature cams to drive the camera’s mirror up and down in a highly controlled fashion, avoiding sudden stops which cause vibration and softening the shutter-release sound in the process.
Both bodies feature a 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection, ensuring images can be captured with consistent and accurate exposures under varying lighting scenarios, including fluorescent strip lights.
Exceptional detail and unrestricted creativity
Putting unrivalled image quality at your fingertips, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R include a number of customisable modes and settings to ensure stunning results every time. A new Fine Detail Picture Style maximises the level of detail that can be achieved from the sensor, by prioritising the gradation of tones and detail, enabling advanced sharpness adjustment without the need for editing software.
Popular creative modes, including Multiple Exposure and HDR provide instant, in-camera creativity, while a built-in timer allows you to shoot over long periods and create stunning time-lapse videos without being tied to the camera or the need for advanced software and excessive kit.
The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R feature magnesium alloy body shells, steel base plates and are weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture.
First-class construction
The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R have been carefully crafted using Canon’s iconic design DNA. Superb ergonomics and handling based around the EOS 5D Mark III allow users to select controls quickly and accurately while a 100% viewfinder with electronic overlay makes framing vital shots easy and can be customised to your preferred style.
The large, 8.11cm (3.2in) Clear View II LCD screen, with an anti-reflective structure, minimises reflection or glare when reviewing shots and also acts as a visual and accessible dashboard of the most commonly used settings.
A new Custom Quick Control screen means that the cameras’ type, size and position of icons are easily customisable to the user or shooting scenario. For simple, secure, workflows multiple card slots enable instant backup and extra storage, thus offering added flexibility.
Commenting on the launch of the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R, Mike Owen, European Professional Imaging Communications Manager, Canon Europe, said: “The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R take Canon into a whole new imaging arena, bringing medium format resolution to the award-winning EOS System with its vast range of lenses and accessories. Canon has consistently led the way with its sensor technology and this latest iteration of the CMOS sensor boasts levels of detail never before seen in an EOS body. The flexibility, reliability and ruggedness of the EOS System means that, for the first time, photographers can harness the speed of EOS with medium format levels of image resolution in almost any location, no matter how extreme. This is all possible in a product that is smaller, lighter and significantly easier to use than other cameras that offer this level of resolution.”
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based on historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engined attack helicopter that was developed on behalf of, and primarily operated by, the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The twin Cobra family, itself part of the larger Huey family, includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra. The Super Cobra was derived from the single-engine AH-1 Cobra, which had been developed during the mid-1960s as an interim gunship for the U.S. Army. The USMC had quickly taken an interest in the type but sought a twin-engine arrangement for greater operational safety at sea, along with more capable armaments. While initially opposed by the Department of Defense, who were keen to promote commonality across the services, in May 1968, an order for an initial 49 twin-engine AH-1J SeaCobras was issued to Bell. The type entered service during the final months of the US's involvement in the Vietnam War, seeing limited action in the theatre as a result.
The USMC promptly sought greater payload capacity than that provided by the original Sea Cobra; thus the AH-1T, equipped with the dynamic systems of the Model 309 and a lengthened fuselage, was produced by Bell during the 1970s. In the following decade, in response to the denial of funding to procure the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, the USMC opted to procure a more capable variant of the AH-1T; equipped with revised fire control systems compatible with new munitions, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, the new model, designated AH-1W, commenced delivery in 1986.
In the early 1980s, the Marine Corps sought a new navalized helicopter. Accordingly, it evaluated the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter as first choice over a two-week period in September 1981, which included shipboard operation tests. Furthermore, various concepts were studied at this time. However, the service's request for funding to purchase the AH-64 was denied by Congress that same year. As an alternative option, the Marines procured a more powerful version of the AH-1T. Other changes included modified fire control systems to carry and fire AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The new version, which was funded by Congress, received the AH-1W designation. During March 1986, deliveries of the AH-1W SuperCobra commenced, eventually totaling 179 new-built helicopters along with the upgrading of 43 existing AH-1Ts.
This development also fell into the period when Great Britain was looking for a potential attack helicopter for the British Army, and Western Germany was - together with France - about to mutually develop a new attack helicopter that would in Germany replace the PAH-1, the light Bo 105 helicopter armed with six HOT anti-tank missiles. In 1984, the French and West German governments had issued a requirement for an advanced antitank helicopter, with one variant desired by the French dedicated to the escort and antihelicopter role. As originally planned, both countries would procure a total of 427 helicopters called “Tiger”. The West Germans planned on acquiring 212 models of the anti-tank variant named PAH-2 (Panzerabwehrhubschrauber or "Anti-tank helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1992. The French wanted 75 HAPs (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection or "Support and Escort Helicopter") and 140 HACs (Hélicoptère Anti Char or "Anti-Tank Helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1991 and 1995, respectively. In the meantime, the USA also offered both the AH-1 as well as the more modern AH-64 as alternatives.
Development of the Tiger started during the Cold War, and it was initially intended as a pure anti-tank helicopter platform to be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. A joint venture, consisting of Aérospatiale and MBB, was subsequently chosen as the preferred supplier, but in 1986 the development program was already canceled again due to spiraling costs: it had been officially calculated that supplying the German forces with an equivalent number of US-produced McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopters would have been a considerably cheaper alternative to proceeding with the Tiger’s development, which became a more and more complex project because the helicopter would have to be able to fulfill more roles, and the duty profiles of Germany and France became significantly different. According to statements by the French Defence Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the collaborative effort had become more expensive than an individual national program and was also forecast to take longer to complete.
This opened the door for American proposals even wider, and beyond the state-of-the-art AH-64 Bell proposed a further upgraded two-engine AH-1W. Bell had been working as a private initiative with both the AH-1T+ demonstrator and the AH-1W prototype, and developed a new experimental hingeless rotor system with four composite blades, designed to withstand up to 23 mm rounds and thus greatly improving battlefield survivability. This new main rotor was manually foldable, reduced vibrations and allowed the engine power to be increased, thus greatly improving the SuperCobra’s performance and load capabilities. The twin engine’s power had until then been restricted, but in the AH-1-4BW the power was liberated to full 1,800 shp (1,342 kW), with a reinforced gearbox that could even cope with 2.400 shp. Top speed climbed by 23 mph/37 km/h, rate of climb improved, and the load capability was raised by 1.000 lb (450 kg). The AH-1-4BW was now able to fly a full looping, something the AH-1 had not been able to do before. However, empty weight of this demonstrator helicopter climbed to 12,189 lb (5,534 kg) and the maximum TOW to 18,492 lb (8.391 kg).
Other changes included a different position for the stabilizers further aft, closer to the tail rotor, which furthermore received small end plates to improve directional stability. The modified AH-1W prototype was aptly re-designated “AH-1-4BW” (4BW standing for “4-blade whiskey”), and there were plans to upgrade the type even further with a fully digitalized cockpit to meet contemporary requirements, e.g. for the British Army.
The West-German Bundesluftwaffe’s interest in the “outdated” AH-1 was initially only lukewarm, but when Bell offered to lend the AH-1-4BW prototype for evaluations and as a development mule for the eventual integration of the European HOT missile and indigenous sensors and avionics, a mutual agreement was signed in late 1987 to have the AH-1-4BW tested by the Luftwaffe in the environment where the type would be operated.
The AH-1-4BW prototype (s/n 166 022) was delivered to Manching in Southern Germany in summer 1988 on board of a C-5 Galaxy. It was operated by the Luftwaffe’s Wehrtechnische Dienststelle (WTD, Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft) 61 for two years and successfully made several tests. This program was divided into three “Phases”. “Phase I” included focused on flight characteristics, tactical operations, and mock air-to-air combat against Luftwaffe CH-53s which acted as Mi-24 aggressors. Upon program start the AH-1-4BW received German markings, the registration 98+11, and a new, subdued paint scheme in Luftwaffe colors instead of the original USMC scheme in an overall medium green.
In “Phase I” the AH-1-4BW retained its American weapon systems, as the flight testing did not involve weapon deployment or integration. Instead, dummies or target designators were carried. After these initial tests that lasted almost a year Bell agreed to let the WTD 61 modify the AH-1-4BW further with European avionics to deploy the HOT 3 anti-tank missile, which would be the helicopter’s primal weapon in the German Heeresflieger’s service, since Germany did at that time neither use the similar American TOW nor the more sophisticated AGM-114 Hellfire, even though the German PARS 3 LR missile (also known as TRIGAT-LR: Third Generation AntiTank, Long Range) was already under development since 1988. This upgrade and test program section received the designation “Phase II”. Outwardly, the newly modified AH-1 was recognizable through a different sensor turret in the nose and a modified HOT missile sight for the gunner in the front seat.
In late 1989 the helicopter underwent another modification by WTD 61, which was to test equipment already intended for the PAH-2. Under the trials’ final “Phase III” the AH-1-4BW received a globular fairing on a mast on top of the main rotor, to test the tactical value of observing, identifying, and selecting targets while the helicopter would remain in cover. This sensor mast combined a panoramic IR camera with a targeting sight for anti-tank missiles and the gun turret, and it functionally replaced the standard chin sensor turret (which was brought back to AH-1W standard). Another novel feature was a streamlined, sugar scope-shaped exhaust diffusor with two chambers which guided hot gases upwards into the main rotor’s downwash, as an alternative to the original diffusors which only mixed cold ambient air with the hot efflux. It turned out to be very effective and was subsequently adapted for the Tiger. Other changes included a new hingeless three-blade tail rotor that was supposed to reduce operational noise and frequency issues with the new 4-blade main rotor, and the endplate stabilizers were enlarged to compensate for the huge “eyeball” on top of the main rotor which significantly changed the AH-1’s flight characteristics, especially at high speed.
Further tests of the Phase III SuperCobra lasted until summer 1990 and provided both Bell as well as the Luftwaffe with valuable benchmark data for further weapon system developments. When the lease contract ended in 1991, the AH-1-4BW was sent back to the United States. In the meantime, though, the political situation had changed dramatically. The USSR had ceased to exist, so that the Cold War threat especially in Europe had ended almost overnight after the Aérospatiale/MBB joint venture, now officially called Eurocopter, had signed an agreement in 1989 which financially secured the majority of the Tiger’s pending development through to serial production, including arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at Aerospatiale's Marignane plant and MBB's Donauwörth facility. This eventually saved the Tiger and in 1991 it had become clear that no American attack helicopter would be bought by either Germany or France. Great Britain as another potential European customer also declined the AH-1 and eventually procured the more modern AH-64 in the form of the license-built AgustaWestland Apache.
In 1992, the Eurocopter Group was officially established, and the Tiger moved closer to the hardware stage; this led to considerable consolidation of the aerospace industry and the Tiger project itself. A major agreement was struck in December 1996 between France and Germany that cemented the Tiger's prospects and committed the development of supporting elements, such as a series of new generation missile designs for use by the new helicopter. National political issues continued to affect the prospects of the Tiger, however. A proposed sale of up to 145 Tigers to Turkey proved a source of controversy; Turkey selected the Tiger as the preferred option, but conflicting attitudes between Eurocopter, France and Germany regarding military exports led to Turkey withdrawing its interest. Eventually, Turkey procured AH-1s and started an indigenous attack helicopter program.
However, the AH-1-4BW’s development and its vigorous testing in Germany were not in vain: Lacking a USMC contract, Bell developed this new design into the AH-1Z with its own funds during the 1990s and 2000s. By 1996, the Marines were again prevented from ordering the AH-64: developing a marine version of the Apache would have been expensive and it was likely that the Marine Corps would be its only customer. Instead, the service signed a contract for the upgrading of AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs, which incorporated many elements from the AH-1-4BW.
General characteristics:
Crew: Two (pilot, co-pilot/gunner)
Length: 58 ft 0 in (17.68 m) overall
45 ft 7 in (14 m) for fuselage only
Width: 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) for stub wings only
Height: 13 ft 9 in (4.19 m)
13 ft 9 in (4.19 m) incl. Phase III sensor mast
Main rotor diameter: 42 ft 8 in (13.00 m)
Airfoil: blade root: DFVLR DM-H3; blade tip: DFVLR DM-H4
Main rotor area: 1,428.9 sq ft (132.75 m2)
Empty weight: 12,189 lb (5,534 kg)
Max. take-off weight: 18,492 lb (8.391 kg)
Powerplant:
2× General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engine, with 1,800 shp (1,342 kW)
Performance:
Maximum speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
Range: 317 nmi (365 mi, 587 km)
Service ceiling: 12,200 ft (3,700 m)
Rate of climb: 1,620 ft/min (8.2 m/s)
Armament:
1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M197 3-barreled Gatling cannon
in the A/A49E-7 chin turret (750 rounds ammo capacity)
4× hardpoints under the stub wings for a wide range of weapons, including…
- 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods
- Twenty-two round pods with 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets,
- Nineteen or seven round pods with 2.75” (70 mm) Hydra 70 or APKWS II rockets,
- 5” (127 mm) Zuni rockets – 8 rockets in two 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
- Up to 8 TOW missiles in two 4-round XM65 missile launchers, on outboard hardpoints, or
up to 8 HOT3
up to 8 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles in 4-round M272 missile launchers, on outboard hardpoint,
- Up to 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, launch rails above each outboard hardpoint or
up to 2 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) air-to-air missiles in single launch tubes
The kit and its assembly:
This what-if model was inspired by the real attempts of Bell to sell a twin-engine Cobra variant to Germany as a replacement for the light PAH-1/Bo 105 helicopter, while plans were made to build an indigenous successor together with France which eventually became the PAH-2/Tiger. These proposals fell well into the time frame of the (also) real AH-14BW project, and I imagined that this specific helicopter had been lent to the Luftwaffe for evaluation?
The basis is the Italeri 1:72 AH-1W kit, a solid basis which requires some work, though. And because I had the remains of a French Tigre at hand (which gave its cockpit for my recent JASDF A-2 build) I decided to use some of the leftover parts for something that borders a kitbashing. This includes the 4-blade main and 3-blade tail rotor, and I integrated the Tiger’s scoop-shaped exhaust diffusor behind the main rotor – a tricky task that require a lot of PSR, but the result looks very natural, if not elegant? The Tiger’s end plate stabilizers were used, too, mounted to the AH-1’s trim stabilizers that were mounted further back, as on the real AH-1-4BW.
To change the look even further I decided to add a sensor pod on top of the main rotor, and this required a totally new mechanical solution to hold the latter. Eventually I integrated a sleeve for a fixed metal axis which also holds the sensor ball (from a MisterCraft Westland Lynx – a bit oversized, but suitable for a prototype), and the PAH-2 rotor received an arrangement of levers that hold it in place and still allow it to spin.
The ordnance was also taken from the Italeri Tigre, with HOT quadruple launchers for the outer weapon stations, the inner hardpoints were left empty and I also did not mount the American chaff/flare dispensers on top of the stub wings.
Painting and markings:
The Luftwaffe did a LOT of interesting camouflage experiments in the early Eighties, adopting several standardized schemes for aircraft, but the Heeresflieger were less enthusiastic and retained the overall Gelboliv (RAL 6014) scheme before a three-color camouflage, consisting of two green tones and a dirty black was gradually introduced – even though apparently not in a uniform fashion, because there were variations for the darker shade of green (retaining RAL 6014 or using FS 34079, as on the Luftwaffe Norm ’83 scheme that was applied to Tornado IDSs, RF-4Es, some Starfighters and to the Transall fleet).
My fictional AH-1-4BW would fall into that transitional phase and I decided to give the helicopter an experimental scheme, which was used/tested on early Tornado IDS, consisting of RAL 7021 (Teerschwarz), RAL 7012 (Basaltgrau) and RAL 6014 (Gelboliv) – on aircraft with undersides in RAL 7000 (Silbergrau), but on a helicopter rather as a wraparound scheme. However, inspired by Luftwaffe F-4Fs with a modified Norm ‘72 splinter scheme that added a simple light grey fin to break up the aircrafts’ profile in a side view, I used RAL 7030 (Steingrau) on the tail tip to achieve the same effect, and the light grey was also used, together with Basaltgrau und Gelboliv mottles on the sensor ball – looks a bit like WWII Luftwaffe style, but appeared plausible for the system’s tactical use from behind some ground cover. The cockpit interior became very dark grey, just like the rotor blades, which were adorned with orange warning markings at the tips – seen on some Luftwaffe helicopters instead of classic yellow or red-white-red bands.
The decals were puzzled together from various sources. National markings came from generic Luftwaffe sheets from TL Modellbau, the light blue WTD 61 emblems behind the cockpit were taken from a Peddinghaus decal sheet with early Luftwaffe unit markings. The dayglo panels were created with generic decal material (TL Modellbau, too) and stencils came mostly from a Fujimi AH-1 sheet, procuring German or even multi-language material appeared too tedious and costly.
The photo calibration markings on nose and fins were improvised from black and white decal sheet material, punched out, cut into quarters, and then applied as circles. Adds an experimental touch to the Cobra!
The kit received a light black ink washing and some post-panel-shading, esp. to brighten up the grey and increase the contrast between the camouflage tones, which appeared even more murky after the dayglow stripes had been added. Finally, the Cobra received an overall coat wit matt acrylic varnish, position lights were added/painted, and the sensor ball received sights made from yellow chrome PET foil, simply punched out and fixed into place with some Humbrol Clearfix.
This one took a while to materialize and was more work than one might expect at first glance. But it looks quite cool, esp. the PAH-2/Tiger’s exhaust fairing fits very well into the Cobra’s lines and adds an elegant touch to the helicopter. The “Eye ball” is a bit large, yes, but IMHO acceptable for a prototype or test vehicle. And the livery certainly conveys a German touch.
American, and Canadian Airmen assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, distinguished guests, and surviving family members of the crew of the E-3B Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, call sign "YUKLA 27" gathered for 20th anniversary memorial ceremonies on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. On Elmendorf Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 1995, the "YUKLA 27" aircraft from the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron encountered a flock of geese and crashed shortly after takeoff on a routine surveillance training sortie, killing all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen aboard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)
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