New bases for the Raider and building camaraderie through flight simulation
New bases for the Raider and building camaraderie through flight simulation
Two more home airfields for the B-21 and a special program connecting lives
"There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician, the other is an artist in love with flight."
- Elrey B. Jeppesen
Mission Briefing
The U.S. Air Force’s newest stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, has been assigned two additional bases. In a recent announcement, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall confirmed that Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas will join Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, as future homes for this next-generation aircraft.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider is the first new bomber the Air Force has introduced since the Cold War. It is designed to be the backbone of the Air Force’s global strike capability, equipped with both nuclear and conventional weapons, and capable of working alongside manned and unmanned systems.
Since its inaugural test flight on November 10, 2023, out of Palmdale, California, the B-21 has undergone multiple test flights, solidifying its status as a key asset in modern warfare. According to Air Force Global Strike Command commander Gen. Thomas Bussiere, the program continues to hit production milestones thanks to the aircraft's digital engineering and open architecture design.
With plans to purchase at least 100 B-21s, the Air Force aims to phase out the aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, ushering in a new era of advanced, agile airpower.
This week in aviation history
23 September 1943: the P-51B Mustang underwent critical testing in the Full-Scale Tunnel at NACA’s Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia. At this point in its development, the P-51 Mustang was already gaining a reputation as a capable fighter, but North American Aviation and the U.S. Army Air Forces were eager to further refine its performance, especially at high altitudes. This particular series of wind tunnel tests would provide vital data to shape the future of the P-51 Mustang, ensuring it became one of the most formidable fighters of World War II.
The Full-Scale Tunnel at Langley was an essential tool for advancing aircraft design during the war. In this massive facility, researchers could simulate real-world aerodynamic conditions and study the effect of airflow on an aircraft at full scale. For the P-51B, this meant a close examination of its wing shape, control surfaces, and cooling system.
The tests conducted on this day aimed to refine the aircraft's laminar flow wing, which was designed to reduce drag and increase speed. The P-51B was fitted with the powerful Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and engineers sought to ensure that the engine's high-altitude performance could be maximized. These efforts would directly lead to improved range, speed, and maneuverability, qualities that made the P-51 Mustang such an effective escort fighter.
Legacy of the P-51 Mustang in World War II
The P-51B Mustang became a game-changer for Allied forces. By the time it was deployed in large numbers, the Mustang provided long-range escort for bombers, dramatically reducing the losses the Allies suffered on bombing raids over Germany. With its potent combination of speed, agility, and firepower, it could engage and defeat Luftwaffe fighters, leveling the playing field in the skies over Europe.
The Mustang’s ability to operate at high altitudes, thanks in part to the improvements informed by wind tunnel tests like those on 23 September, allowed it to excel as a bomber escort. Its 1,800-mile range ensured it could accompany bombers deep into enemy territory, a factor that played a significant role in crippling the German war machine and hastening the end of the war in Europe.
Beyond World War II
Though the Mustang earned its fame during World War II, its legacy didn’t stop there. The aircraft continued to serve in various air forces worldwide well into the post-war years. It was used in the Korean War, where it carried out ground attack missions. The P-51’s performance and iconic status also influenced future generations of aircraft design, particularly in the realm of long-range, high-performance fighters.
Even today, the Mustang is celebrated for its sleek design and incredible versatility. It is a favorite at airshows and among warbird enthusiasts, representing the pinnacle of piston-engine fighter development. The legacy of the P-51B Mustang lives on, not just in the stories of those who flew it, but also in the way it shaped air combat and aircraft technology for decades to come.
As we reflect on the significance of the 23 September 1943 wind tunnel tests, we remember the engineering brilliance and commitment to innovation that helped turn the P-51B Mustang into a legend of the skies.
DCS For Disabilities and Fox3 Interview
A great program for veterans, first responders, aviation enthusiasts alike: I had the pleasure of interviewing Towbie from DCS For Disabilities (DCS4D) and Hammy from Fox3 servers. DCS is Digital Combat Simulator and is in my opinion the best combat simulator avilable today. Towbie, a VFA-106 Gladiator veteran has started this incredible initative. Discover how Towbie's DCS4D is bringing therapeutic benefits and a sense of camaraderie to disabled veterans through DCS. From personal stories of overcoming challenges with minimal resources to building a supportive and inclusive community, this episode highlights the remarkable journey of individuals who refuse to be defined by their disabilities. Take a listen below, you can also find the PilotPhotog Podcast on all streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio:
Photo Outlet
Speaking of Mustangs, here is “QuickSilver” from an airshow back in 2013, this was one of the first times I used a “professional” camera to capture an airshow, and I think the shot turned out well:
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog