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Post by vultee43 on Apr 4, 2022 15:26:14 GMT 12
A candidate for a rebuild from the log book up . . . Errol Sure they could find the data plate π
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 14, 2022 19:03:38 GMT 12
It will be interesting. My biggest concern for the F35 programme is the ongoing cost and content need for upgrades. To use another metaphor it seems it will be like a car that constantly needs recalls and patch ups. I have no doubt it is a very competent platform and is on top of the game as a 5th Generation combat aircraft. I guess my concerns are cost and serviceability issues, which with such a small fleet would render our strike force impotent. Geez if you think updating hard & software makes it a problematic plane I hate to think what you say about E7A open architecture means itβs constantly upgraded overtime It is more the cost blow-outs and constant need for solutions to keep them flying that has me worried. A combat aircraft need to be able to participate in combat. An enemy force is not going to wait until you sort out programming bugs.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 14, 2022 17:33:34 GMT 12
It will be interesting. My biggest concern for the F35 programme is the ongoing cost and content need for upgrades. To use another metaphor it seems it will be like a car that constantly needs recalls and patch ups. I have no doubt it is a very competent platform and is on top of the game as a 5th Generation combat aircraft. I guess my concerns are cost and serviceability issues, which with such a small fleet would render our strike force impotent.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 13, 2022 18:45:54 GMT 12
The RAAF responded to this total hyped rubbish reporting. Also the βwhite elephantβ has been deployed to Estonia by the USAF and RAF to bolster NATOs flank. The Israeliβs had first combat kill..an Iranian drone..Countries lining up to buy it.. etc etc Australian F-35A flying hours cut but not because of problems, RAAF chief says www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/australian-f-35a-flying-hours-cut-but-not-because-of-problems-raaf-chief-saysThe expected flight hours of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) have been cut by 25% in the current financial year, according to budget estimates filed by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) on 12 February. Rejecting media speculation that the planned reductions were because of maintenance issues, RAAF chief Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said that the revised figures were based on the RAAF's maturing understanding of the F-35A capability requirements and the buildup of the capability. To date, Australia's F-35A programme has delivered 44 of a contracted 72 aircraft and two operational squadrons, with the third scheduled to enter service later this year. βForward estimate flying hours are based on training and capability requirements, not availability,β Air Mshl Hupfeld said in a media statement. βTo use the basic singular metric of flying hours, to suggest that the F-35A is not satisfying its operational and training requirement is misleading and simply false.β βI can confirm the JSF programme has met all of its tasking commitments such as exercises, verification and validation activities, and training requirements,β he added. As set out in DoD budget estimates for 2021β22, F-35A flying hours β originally projected at 11,823 β have been reduced to an anticipated 8,773. Since 2018, the RAAF's F-35As have clocked more than 15,000 flight hours. DoD comments accompanying the 2021β22 revised estimate refer to fleet availability issues, various roles undertaken by EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, and (the) ramp-up hours curve from introduction to service. An F35 shooting down an Iranian drone is the warfare equivalent of a C172 taking out a paper plane. Either way as has been evidenced in the Ukrainians Invasion, it really comes down to the pilots. History has shown it is not always those with the best aircraft who win. However it usually helps if they can get into the air in the first place.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 13, 2022 18:41:50 GMT 12
So there's no chance the RAAF will dump them and sell them cheap to NZ any time soon then? They ain't no A4 Dave. Time will tell but I would wager that the colloquial nickname will change from Lightning to Dumbo.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 4, 2022 6:16:16 GMT 12
Wow, a bit of a blow for Ukrainian morale, not that it was suitable in anyway for the defence of the country, and probably too large to be not noticed. Has it been in use recently to anyone's knowledge? Last in use approx 12 Feb 22.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 4, 2022 6:14:05 GMT 12
Hopefully this one will work.
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Post by vultee43 on Mar 4, 2022 6:12:54 GMT 12
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Post by vultee43 on Feb 10, 2022 12:09:10 GMT 12
As my Grandfather said - seven tonnes of flying fun.
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Post by vultee43 on Feb 2, 2022 21:32:25 GMT 12
I volunteered at Camden from 1965 (only permanent volunteer for about 5 years when I started) and worked there for about 13 years. It was/is completely funded by the Thomas family. No Govt grants...nada. The Moorabbin Beaufighter owes a lot of its "nice" bits to the Camden machine which was then at Boree Creek near Wagga Wagga. Interesting recovery in about 1,000,000 degree C temps. The museum is not open any more due to insurance issues. It is now surrounded by residential development when - after its move from Camden airport - it was just cow paddocks. I know...I did the survey work to set out the new hangar there. It is an incredible life's work by the family and unlike the Smith Collection, was always open on the weekends until bad health saw it finally close its doors. New I had these somewhere this is the Camden Vengence. From memory the building is quite dark and crowded, this is my excuse for the quality of these images. From memory the place was open the last Sunday of the month, quite a few RAN types, Sea Fury, Firefly, Gannet and maybe a Venom, nose section of a Lancastrian and the Beaufighter and Mosi as well. Remember seeing a photo of it on the cover of a RAAF Wings magazine. Grabbed a few copies and still have them buried somewhere. From what I understand this example never saw service.
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Post by vultee43 on Feb 2, 2022 21:25:56 GMT 12
Graham Orphan was reported to have bought a Vengeance project from Australia. I was speaking with Dave McDonald and Graham Orphan several years ago. They apparently acquired the two Vengeance projects that were at Whale World / Wangaratta. One was going to be put up for sale, the other restored. Don't know their fates, presumably still at Omaka.
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B-24?
Feb 2, 2022 21:13:59 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by vultee43 on Feb 2, 2022 21:13:59 GMT 12
So many possibilities out there. I have no doubt China and Russian would be hiding many hidden aviation secrets. I guess we may never know the full extent of what 'Yurt Finds' there may be. China certainly could hold many treasures. As we know they have a complete P61, some rare Japanese types and B29s, so B24s would not be out of the realm of possibility. I wholeheartedly agree with others though - loose lips can sink ships.
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Post by vultee43 on Feb 2, 2022 21:08:21 GMT 12
So many possibilities out there. I have no doubt China and Russian would be hiding many hidden aviation secrets. I guess we may never know the full extent of what 'Yurt Finds' there may be. China certainly could hold many treasures. As we know they have a complete P61, some rare Japanese types and B29s, so B24s would not be out of the realm of possibility. I wholeheartedly agree with others though - loose lips can sink ships.
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 31, 2022 20:51:06 GMT 12
My Grandfather was a Vengeance pilot and was hoping to see the last one (at that time). Unfortunately it was not to be. Maybe I will get the chance one day.
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 30, 2022 17:17:28 GMT 12
Yes, Camden have some very rare birds that need some love and attention. Almost a bit like our version of the late John Smith Collection.
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 13, 2022 21:23:59 GMT 12
Although a radial fan, I do like the CR.42 DB conversion. Something about German engineering and Italian style. Yeah. Looked right If it looks right it should fly π
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 13, 2022 21:22:07 GMT 12
No problem Dave. I think merchandise could work as well. Free promotion for those who may not be aware of the Forum (is that possible?). Member posts do work well but it could make the Forum have a two teired approach. In my humble opinion there is a real egalitarian feel to WONZ. You even put up with Aussies! Patreon should not be too hard to set up. Someone who does this well as a solo operator is Angus Wallace from the WW2 Podcast. He has built a loyal following for donations. Reaching out to him may help and you could possibly even collaborate, as it seems you have a similar bent and style but with different topics. Otherwise promoting the PayPal donations at the beginning of each show would prompt people to either donate or even better, set up a recurring donation
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 13, 2022 11:36:59 GMT 12
Hi Dave. I for one am so pleased you are continuing with the show. It has brightened up some tough times for me, particularly in the last couple of years. I did have a thought as to trying to offset the cost and associated expenses for you. I have subscribed to other podcasts run by individuals who have set up a Patreon or Paypal account where member listeners can 'donate' a recurring monthly amount (from $1 upwards) that goes towards the production cost. While you do this from an altruistic point I don't believe we should all benefit from one person hard work (and passion). If Forum members who chose to would donate $2 a month, this is still half the price of a comparable magazine subscription. While it may not pay for the show entirely, it would offset some costs and possibly allow for you to produce more content the may be constrained by lack of resources. Just an idea but I would be happy to contribute as I can't get enough of the great content. Thanks again for all your commitment.
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 13, 2022 11:18:37 GMT 12
Although a radial fan, I do like the CR.42 DB conversion. Something about German engineering and Italian style.
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 12, 2022 11:33:07 GMT 12
Fairey Fantome -Yes. Vildebeest--No And I forgot the Hawker series of biplanes for elegance and style.
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