View allAll Photos Tagged interoperability.
A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter drops off Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin Aug. 21, 2014, during a live-fire exercise as part of Koolendong 2014 at the Bradshaw Field Training Area in Northern Territory, Australia. Koolendong is an amphibious and live-fire exercise designed to increase interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defense Force. (DoD photo by Cpl. Scott Reel, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)
Pictured are Grenadier Guards on Quad Bikes during Exercise Noble Jump 17...A joint Air Assault exercise with the American 1st Battalion, 3 Aviation Regiment, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade. The troops practised joint operations and interoperability...Exercise Noble Jump 17 is a logistical challenge that tests the ability of all the participants to deliver a fighting force to wherever it is needed. ..All movements were controlled by NATO's Multi-National Division South East HQ, based in Bucharest. The VJTF is kept on short notice to move and is able to deploy a powerful well-trained force within days. This year, it is being led by the UK's 20 Armoured Brigade. ..Overseeing the VJTF’s training at Cincu was a combination of Joint Force Command Naples, Multi-National division South East and the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
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© Crown Copyright 2014
Photographer: WO2 Dan Harmer
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GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 28, 2022) A Thai Navy landing craft vehicle and personnel (LCVP) enters the well deck of U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during Cobra Gold 22. Cobra Gold 22 is the 41st iteration of the exercise and validates the commitment of the U.S. to the U.S.-Thai alliance through operations that strengthen bonds, build interoperability, enhance tactical skills and exchange expertise. Green Bay, part of America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operate as part of the Task Force 76 composite deployment of expeditionary forces in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)
ANCON, Peru (Sept. 29, 2021) A Navy landing craft, air cushion currently attached to Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS lands on Miramar beach during UNITAS LXII. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 29 ships, four submarines, and 20 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hannah Hall)
U.S. Marines and sailors and soldiers with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force toast at the closing ceremony for Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 24, 2014. Iron Fist is an amphibious exercise that brings together Marines and sailors from the 15th MEU, other I Marine Expeditionary Force units, and soldiers from the JGSDF, to promote military interoperability and hone individual and small-unit skills through challenging, complex and realistic training.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)
U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit observe explosives detonated from a safe distance at a demolitions range in Crow Valley, Tarlac province, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2014, during Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 15. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph DiGirolamo, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)
CORAL SEA (June 29, 2019) Force Reconnaissance Marines apart of the Maritime Raid Force, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast rope on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a visit, board, search and seizure training exercise with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 8, 2021) Sailors carry equipment on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Emily Bennett)
PHILIPPINE SEA (March 1, 2022) Sailors conduct maintenance on an ejector rack aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jett Morgan)
PHILIPPINE SEA (March 12, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) conducts routine underway operations with USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and USS Milius (DDG 69). Higgins is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthur Rosen)
PHILIPPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conducts maneuvers during a Super Hornet demonstration aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Javier Reyes)
PHILIPPINE SEA (July 6, 2021) - Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Akiel Mayers, from Ann Arbor, Mich., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals the aircraft elevator operator on the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile) 210706-N-IO312-1006
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PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 15, 2022) Gunner’s Mate Seaman Wesley Moses, from Farmington, N.M., shoots an M-14 rifle from forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans’ (LPD 18) forecastle with assistance from Gunner’s Mate Seaman Tyler Mills, from Watertown, N.Y., to send a heaving line to dry cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) in preparation for a connected replenishment-at-sea. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Desmond Parks)
ANCON, Peru (Sept. 29, 2021) A Navy landing craft, air cushion currently attached to Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS disembarks amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) during UNITAS LXII, off the coast of Ancon. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 29 ships, four submarines, and 20 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hannah Hall)
Soldiers of the 35th Air Defense Squadron (Polish army) demonstrate the loaded W125 launcher SC Anti-missile system’s mobility range during a demonstration for Soldiers assigned to A Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in support of Panther Assurance, an interoperability deployment readiness exercise, Jan. 14, at Skwierzyna, Poland. Polish and U.S. forces compared notes on their similar missile equipment. Panther Assurance provides an opportunity to increase our proficiency in defending against aerial threats, while improving the integration and interoperability between U.S. and Polish personnel and systems. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paige Behringer, 10th Press Camp Headquarters)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 16, 2022) Marines, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board a CH-53 Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced), aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)
PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2022) An F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, taxies on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Austyn Riley)
BAY OF BENGAL (Mar. 16, 2023) - Participant ships of joint training exercise La Pérouse 2023 sail in formation in the Bay of Bengal, March 14. La Pérouse is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, interdiction operations and air operations by progressive training and information sharing. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (Photo courtesy of Royal Navy) 230314-O-NR876-118
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1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Soldiers, in their Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles during NATO Exercise Allied Spirit 8.
Approximately 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) were among 4,000 soldiers from 10 different NATO countries participating in Exercise Allied Spirit 8 in Southern Germany.
The NATO assurance measurement exercise is designed to develop relationships and promote interoperability and integration with NATO, Allied and Coalition partners.
During the exercise 1PWRR have been under the command of a Polish Mechanised Brigade delivering the Armoured Infantry element along with a company of Danish Armoured Infantry.
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© Crown Copyright 2014
Photographer: Mr Dominic King
Image 45163773.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk
Use of this image is subject to the terms and conditions of the MoD News Licence at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/20121001_Crown_copyrigh...
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Pictured is a Royal Marines Boarding Team in action.
While HMS Diamond was alongside in the French naval base, Toulon, the Royal Marines Boarding Team (RMBT) took the opportunity to practice their abseiling from the side of the SNMG2 flagship.
The RMBT use this skill in case there is no other safe way to disembark from a craft they have boarded.
The activity took place during Brilliant Mariner 17, a NATO-Led interoperability exercise to certify France Maritime Component Command (MCC) capability as the preparation of NATO Response Force 2018.
In 2017, Brilliant Mariner 17, involved 3500 service members from 13 nations, 27 warships, 2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, 1 submarine as well as amphibious assets.
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© Crown Copyright 2014
Photographer: L(Phot) Paul Hall
Image 45163296.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk
Use of this image is subject to the terms and conditions of the MoD News Licence at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/20121001_Crown_copyrigh...
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PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 24, 2022) - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Juliet Collazo, a native of Cayey, Puerto Rico, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), signals to an MV-22B Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), as it takes off from the flight deck of Essex, Jan. 24, 2022. Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th MEU is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson) 220124-N-ZW128-1284
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PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 19, 2020) - A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft assigned to the Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron stands by on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada) 201019-N-NJ919-1018
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ANCON, Peru (Sept. 29, 2021) A Navy landing craft, air cushion currently attached to Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force - UNITAS lands on Miramar beach during UNITAS LXII. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral, amphibious and Amazonian operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hannah Hall)
A U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion jumpmaster puts on his helmet on in preparation for high altitude, high opening (HAHO) jump operations July 11, 2017, over Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia during Talisman Saber 2017. The training exercise conducted between the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps strengthens joint interoperability and working relationship between the armed services.
LNER Class 801/1 No.801112 and Class 800/2 No.800210 speed past Holme Green crossing on 19th March 2022, operating as a 10-car formation on the 1S08 07:30 London King's Cross-Edinburgh service. This is probably the first time I've reliably captured both bi-mode and electric examples of the 5-car Azuma sub-fleets working in multiple.
Cpl. Cruz A. Nunez, right, spots targets for Cpl. Jarrod L. Henry as he engages targets with his M40 A5 sniper rifle as part of an unknown distance qualification range August 18 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Koolendong 14. The range focused on increasing scout sniper's long range precision firing capabilities. The Marines challenged themselves with the M40 A5, M110 SASS and the M107 SASR. Marines are with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and are currently deployed in part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies, and improves interoperability with their forces. Nunez, a Greeley, Colorado native, is a scout sniper assigned to the platoon. Henry, a Potterville, Michigan native, is a mortarman assigned to the platoon. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)
Camp Douglas, Wis - Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 pose in front of a successfully loaded McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B "Harrier II" during Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Counterland Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wis. Aug. 14. Exercise Northern Lightning 2018 allows the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy to strengthen interoperability between services and gives the different branches a greater understanding of aviation capabilities within a joint fighting force.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of the "Harrier Jump Jet" family. Capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), the aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first operational V/STOL aircraft. The aircraft is primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, ranging from close air support of ground troops to armed reconnaissance. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. A variant of the AV-8B, the British Aerospace Harrier II, was developed for the British military, while another, the TAV-8B, is a dedicated two-seat trainer.
The project that eventually led to the AV-8Bs creation started in the early 1970s as a cooperative effort between the United States and United Kingdom (UK), aimed at addressing the operational inadequacies of the first-generation Harrier. Early efforts centered on a larger, more powerful Pegasus engine to dramatically improve the capabilities of the Harrier. Due to budgetary constraints, the UK abandoned the project in 1975.
Following the withdrawal of the UK, McDonnell Douglas extensively redesigned the earlier AV-8A Harrier to create the AV-8B. While retaining the general layout of its predecessor, the aircraft incorporates a new wing, an elevated cockpit, a redesigned fuselage, one extra hardpoint per wing, and other structural and aerodynamic refinements. The aircraft is powered by an upgraded version of the Pegasus, which gives the aircraft its V/STOL ability. The AV-8B made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the USMC in January 1985. Later upgrades added a night-attack capability and radar, resulting in the AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, respectively. An enlarged version named Harrier III was also studied, but not pursued. The UK, through British Aerospace, re-joined the improved Harrier project as a partner in 1981, giving it a significant work-share in the project. After corporate mergers in the 1990s, Boeing and BAE Systems have jointly supported the program. Approximately 340 aircraft were produced in a 22-year production program that ended in 2003.
Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases, AV-8Bs have participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations, proving themselves versatile assets. U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopf named the USMC Harrier II as one of several important weapons in the Gulf War. The aircraft took part in combat during the Iraq War beginning in 2003. The Harrier II has served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan since 2001, and was used in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011. Italian and Spanish Harrier IIs have taken part in overseas conflicts in conjunction with NATO coalitions. During its service history, the AV-8B has had a high accident rate, related to the percentage of time spent in critical take-off and landing phases. USMC and Italian Navy AV-8Bs are to be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, with the former expected to operate its Harriers until 2025.
Development
Origins
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first-generation Harriers entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Marine Corps (USMC), but were handicapped in range and payload. In short takeoff and landing configuration, the AV-8A (American designation for the Harrier) carried less than half the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) payload of the smaller Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, over a more limited radius. To address this issue, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began joint development of a more capable version of the Harrier in 1973. Early efforts concentrated on an improved Pegasus engine, designated the Pegasus 15, which was being tested by Bristol Siddeley. Although more powerful, the engine's diameter was too large by 2.75 in (70 mm) to fit into the Harrier easily.
In December 1973, a joint American and British team completed a project document defining an "Advanced Harrier" powered by the Pegasus 15 engine. The "Advanced Harrier" was intended to replace the original RAF and USMC Harriers, as well as the USMC's A-4. The aim of the "Advanced Harrier" was to double the AV-8's payload and range, and was therefore unofficially named AV-16. The British government pulled out of the project in March 1975 owing to decreased defense funding, rising costs, and the RAF's insufficient 60-aircraft requirement. With development costs estimated to be around £180–200 million (1974 British pounds), the United States was unwilling to fund development by itself, and ended the project later that year.
Despite the project's termination, the two companies continued to take different paths toward an enhanced Harrier. Hawker Siddeley focused on a new larger wing that could be retrofitted to existing operational aircraft, while McDonnell Douglas independently pursued a less ambitious, though still expensive, project catering to the needs of the US military. Using knowledge gleaned from the AV-16 effort, though dropping some items—such as the larger Pegasus engine—McDonnell Douglas kept the basic structure and engine for an aircraft tailored for the USMC.
Designing and testing
As the USMC wanted a substantially improved Harrier without the development of a new engine, the plan for Harrier II development was authorized by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 1976. The United States Navy (USN), which had traditionally procured military aircraft for the USMC, insisted that the new design be verified with flight testing. McDonnell Douglas modified two AV-8As with new wings, revised intakes, redesigned exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes; the modified forward fuselage and cockpit found on all subsequent aircraft were not incorporated on these prototypes. Designated YAV-8B, the first converted aircraft flew on 9 November 1978, at the hands of Charles Plummer. The aircraft performed three vertical take-offs and hovered for seven minutes at Lambert–St. Louis International Airport. The second aircraft followed on 19 February 1979, but crashed that November due to engine flameout; the pilot ejected safely. Flight testing of these modified AV-8s continued into 1979. The results showed greater than expected drag, hampering the aircraft's maximum speed. Further refinements to the aerodynamic profile yielded little improvement. Positive test results in other areas, including payload, range, and V/STOL performance, led to the award of a development contract in 1979. The contract stipulated a procurement of 12 aircraft initially, followed by a further 324.
Between 1978 and 1980, the DoD and USN repeatedly attempted to terminate the AV-8B program. There had previously been conflict between the USMC and USN over budgetary issues. At the time, the USN wanted to procure A-18s for its ground attack force and, to cut costs, pressured the USMC to adopt the similarly-designed F-18 fighter instead of the AV-8B to fulfill the role of close air support (both designs were eventually amalgamated to create the multirole F/A-18 Hornet). Despite these bureaucratic obstacles, in 1981, the DoD included the Harrier II in its annual budget and five-year defense plan. The USN declined to participate in the procurement, citing the limited range and payload compared with conventional aircraft.
In August 1981 the program received a boost when British Aerospace (BAe) and McDonnell Douglas signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the UK's re-entry into the program. The British government was enticed by the lower cost of acquiring Harriers promised by a large production run, and the fact that the US was shouldering the expense of development. Under the agreement BAe was relegated to the position of a subcontractor, instead of the full partner status that would have been the case had the UK not left the program. Consequently, the company received, in man-hours, 40 percent of the airframe work-share. Aircraft production took place at McDonnell Douglas' facilities in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, and manufacturing by BAe at its Kingston and Dunsfold facilities in Surrey, England. Meanwhile, 75 percent work-share for the engine went to Rolls-Royce, which had previously absorbed Bristol Siddeley, with the remaining 25 percent assigned to Pratt & Whitney. The two companies planned to manufacture 400 Harrier IIs, with the USMC expected to procure 336 aircraft and the RAF, 60.
Four full-scale development (FSD) aircraft were constructed. The first of these (BuNo 161396), used mainly for testing performance and handling qualities, made its maiden flight on 5 November 1981, piloted by Plummer. The second and third FSD aircraft, which introduced wing leading-edge root extensions and revised engine intakes, first flew in April the following year; the fourth followed in January 1984. The first production AV-8B was delivered to the Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 (VMAT-203) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (MCAS Cherry Point) on 12 December 1983, and officially handed over one month later. The last of the initial batch of 12 was delivered in January 1985 to the front-line Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331). The engine used for these aircraft was the F402-RR-404A, with 21,450 lb (95.4 kN) of thrust; aircraft from 1990 onwards received upgraded engines.
PHILIPPINE SEA (June 11, 2022) Airman Moiz Hassan, from Karachi, Pakistan, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, cleans grease off an F/A-18E Super Hornet, in the hangar bay aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kassandra Alanis)
U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conduct a live fire exercise utilizing a RMS6L 120mm mortar system on a M1129 Mortar Carrier as part of exercise Orient Shield 2017 at Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 19, 2017. The exercise is designed to enhance U.S. and Japan combat readiness and interoperability at the tactical level while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of friends and allies in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Lange). www.dvidshub.net
Three Norwegian F-35s wait in formation as the rest of their team receives fuel from a MAINEiac KC-135 Stratotanker above the Arctic Circle, May 29, 2023. The crews are taking part in Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, a live fly exercise that serves to advance arctic security initiatives and enhance interoperability in the increasingly dynamic and contested region. (Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair)
U.S. and Royal Australian Air Force airmen observe an MC-130J Air Commando II flying in formation off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, during exercise Teak Action 21, July 3, 2021. Through strict COVID-19 precautions, the 353rd Special Operations Group was able to train bilaterally with RAAF airmen, sharing tactics and procedures to foster increased interoperability across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Joshua Thompson)
PTC interoperability continues to give us something other than orange to look at out here in the Southwest. Today's take has a 2 month old rebuilt NS AC44C6M leading the Z-AUGSBD7-11A across the Transcon with a BNSF Tier 4 and an older ES44. The 4405 was rebuilt from the NS 9203 at Wabtec in Ft. Worth and released in January 2021.
Also of interest in this shot is the ATS inductor still in place for M2. I did a shot of an eastbound train passing the other one on M1 about 5 weeks ago. Today I noticed that its been removed.
Interoperability: German Lynx conducting deck landing training on HMS OCEAN during TJ15, with RN Fleet Air Arm Merlin Mk2 in foreground. 25 Oct 15
A Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies above Bod? Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 24, 2013, during Arctic Challenge 2013. Arctic Challenge was a combined air exercise that promoted interoperability between the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and Finland. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Lee Osberry, U.S. Air Force/Released)
EAST CHINA SEA (June 29, 2022) An F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121, lands aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)
210128-N-UM706-1048 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 28, 2021) Sailors recover a landing craft utility (LCU) aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, serving as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madysson Anne Ritter)
PHILIPPINE SEA (May 16, 2022) Sailors transport Fireman Jarin Meyer, from Piqua, Ohio, during a training evolution aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in conjunction with the Arleigh-burke guided missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lake Fultz)
PHILIPPINE SEA (April 28, 2022) Logistics Specialist Seaman Cameron Mudgett, left, from Carlsbad, Calif., and Logistics Specialist Seaman Zachary Overton, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., place a cargo hook on an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with Military Sea Lift Command Dry Cargo and Ammunition Ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Julia Brockman)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 24, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Vigilantes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Javier Reyes)
STRAIT OF MALACCA (Jan. 11, 2022) Guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77), leads a formation through the Strait of Malacca with amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), and the amphibious landing dock USS Pearl Harbor (LSC 52). Essex, the flagship of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 2, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Javier Reyes)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 16, 2023) Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) conducts interoperability exercises with USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and Japanese Asahi-class destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG 178) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 16. Shiloh is forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santiago Navarro)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 17, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) takes off from the flight deck of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a long-range raid exercise. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)
GULF OF THAILAND (May 10, 2017) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) leads Thai and Singaporean ships during a gun exercise as part of multilateral Cooperative Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises aimed at strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability through bilateral and multilateral engagements ashore and at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Leigh Ellis/Released)
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (May 19, 2023) – A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) receives fuel from a Royal Air Force KC-30 Voyager during Northern Edge 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 19, 2023. NE 23-1 provides an opportunity for joint, multinational and multi-domain operations designed to implement high-end, realistic war fighter training, develop and improve joint interoperability, and enhance the combat readiness of participating forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelimar Rivera Rosado) 230519-F-YB356-1259
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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 19, 2020) Republic of Korea Navy ship ROKS Seoae Ryi Sungryong (DDG 993) fires a 127mm gun while participating in a gunnery exercise (GUNEX) during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020. Ten nations, 22 ships, 1 submarine, and more than 5,300 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from August 17 to 31 at sea around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC is a biennial exercise designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise is a unique training platform designed to enhance interoperability and strategic maritime partnerships. RIMPAC 2020 is the 27th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isaak Martinez)
A Luxembourg Army soldier stands guard next to a armored infantry mobility vehicle during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)
Dorothee Bär, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Germany; Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of Transport & Digital Infrastructure, Germany; Simon Bridges, Minister of Transport, New Zealand participating at the Ministers' Tour of the Exhibition during the International Transport Forum’s 2015 Summit on “Transport, Trade and Tourism” in Leipzig, Germany on 27 May 2015.
Lance Cpl. Mina S. Gadelkarim, left, spots targets for 1st Lt. Jacob A. Zalewski as he engages targets with his M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System as part of an unknown distance qualification range August 18 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Koolendong 14. The range focused on increasing scout sniper's long range precision firing capabilities. The Marines challenged themselves with the M40 A5, M110 SASS and the M107 SASR. Marines are with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and are currently deployed in part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies, and improves interoperability with their forces. Zalewski, a Phoneix, Arizona native, is the Scout Sniper Platoon commander. Gadelkarim, a Campbell, Texas native, is a rifleman assigned with the platoon. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)