Oregon ANG's historic F-15EX flight and remembering the American Tornado.
Oregon's ANG converts to the F-15EX and remembering the first American jet bobmer.
The will to fly was (and in many cases still is) the will to conquer, to overcome all
obstacles in the effort to gain control over the natural conditions of environment.
-M.J. Bernard Davy
Mission Briefing
Recently, the skies of Florida were the backdrop to a landmark event for the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing. In this significant moment, Lt. Col. Joel "Thermo" Thesing of the 123rd Fighter Squadron, an experienced F-15C instructor pilot, had the honor of piloting the eagerly awaited F-15EX fighter jet for the first time. This flight is a key milestone for the 142nd Wing as it begins the process of updating its fleet to the more advanced F-15EX variant, designed by Boeing.
The milestone flight unfolded at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Here, Lt. Col. Thesing, along with four other F-15C instructor pilots from the 123rd Fighter Squadron, engaged in a rigorous two-week training regimen focused on the F-15EX. Their instructors were seasoned pilots from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, tasked with the critical role of integrating the F-15EX into the U.S. Air Force's operational lineup.
Lt. Col. Thesing shared insights into the challenges and rewards of learning to fly the new jet. He noted the steep learning curve initially, emphasizing the necessity of dedication to study and practice to master the aircraft's flight mechanics and systems. Despite the challenges, Thesing is optimistic about the future, anticipating the shift in focus from basic flight operations to advanced tactical employment of the F-15EX.
The F-15EX program reflects the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) ongoing commitment to fleet modernization. In a significant move in July 2020, the USAF entrusted Boeing with a contract worth nearly $1.2 billion for the first eight F-15EX aircraft. This package includes not just the aircraft but also comprehensive support services, training materials, spare parts, and essential technical documentation, marking a pivotal step in bringing the F-15EX into active duty.
The Air National Guard is set to equip the 142nd Wing with a total of 18 F-15EX jets, enhancing its combat capabilities. The arrival of the first of these jets at their home base in Portland, Oregon, this summer, signifies a major advancement in the Air National Guard's modernization efforts, bolstering its readiness to protect American skies.
This week in aviation history
17 March 1947: In the expansive skies above Muroc Army Air Field, which would later be renowned as Edwards Air Force Base, a groundbreaking moment in aviation history took place. George William Krebs, a test pilot for North American Aviation, guided the XB-45 Tornado on its maiden flight, lasting an hour. This event marked the United States' foray into jet-powered bombing capabilities, heralding a new era in military aviation.
Captured in the images are scenes of the XB-45 Tornado, resting on the vast expanse of Muroc Dry Lake. A peculiar detail to note is the faux windows painted over the bombardier's compartment at the front, a testament to the ingenuity and perhaps the psychological tactics employed during its development phase.
The XB-45 Tornado was not just any aircraft; it was the progenitor of a new class of bombers. With its four-engine design, sporting Allison-built General Electric J35-A-4 turbojets, it boasted a sleek profile with a high-mounted straight wing and tricycle landing gear. Its dimensions were impressive, stretching 74 feet in length with a wingspan of nearly 90 feet, and it could reach speeds up to 516 miles per hour at altitude, carrying a considerable load into the heart of enemy territory.
The production variant, the B-45A, refined these attributes further, offering even greater performance to meet the demands of the Cold War era. Its advanced J47 turbojet engines pushed the boundaries of speed, and with a bomb load capable of accommodating the massive Grand Slam bomb, it was a formidable force. The B-45A also featured defensive armaments and was adapted to carry nuclear weapons, marking it as a pivotal asset in the United States' strategic arsenal.
Tragedy struck during a test dive on September 20, 1948, when the first B-45A suffered a catastrophic failure, leading to the loss of George Krebs and Nicholas Gibbs Pickard. Their sacrifice underscored the inherent risks of pushing the envelope of aviation technology.
George Krebs, born into a family with a rich history in Kansas City, Missouri, transitioned from an enthusiastic young aviator and business owner to a revered test pilot, shaping the course of military aviation. Nicholas Gibbs Pickard, with a background serving in the Royal Air Force Transport Command during World War II, brought his expertise to North American Aviation post-war, contributing significantly to the development of the XB-45. Their legacies, tied to the evolution of the jet-powered bomber, remind us of the human spirit's drive to innovate and explore the unknown frontiers of flight.
In case you missed it
Despite being over 50 years old, the Eagle can still do things other USAF fighters can’t:
Photo Outlet
Nothing quite like the 7 Thunderbirds in formation:
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog