The Raider takes flight and remembering a Gemini mission
How the B-21 could be used and remembering an ambitious flight of the Gemini program
“A good man’s life is never quite ended; something of it always remains to touch and illuminate other lives”
-Ed White NASA Apollo Astronaut
Pre Flight - Operation Overlord
I’ll get to the usual weekly content in a moment, but seeing how this Thursday is the 80th anniversary of the 6 June 1944 D-day landings, I wanted to let you know that there will be a special edition of the newsletter remembering what is perhaps one of the most significant events in the 20th century. Thank you for reading this week’s issue and more on this special edition at the end of the newsletter.
Mission Briefing
Last week, the Air Force unveiled more photos of its cutting-edge sixth-generation strategic bomber, the B-21 Raider. As anticipation builds for one of America's most advanced warplanes, military planners are debating how to best leverage its capabilities.
Two experts from the Air Force have raised concerns that the full potential of the B-21 for non-nuclear operations may not be fully understood, potentially hindered by internal service tensions.
"Combat air forces tacticians and operational planners have yet to grasp the B-21 Raider’s full capabilities," stated Lt. Col. Shane Praiswater and retired Brig. Gen. Paula Thornhill in a May 7 report published in the Air Force journal, Air and Space Operations Review. They highlighted that while the vision for the B-21 is clear, "service-level parochial interests, insular platform cultures, and competition for resources" are causing significant tensions within the combat air forces and the broader Department of the Air Force.
The B-21 Raider, recently showcased in flight, is a dual-capable, stealth bomber designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. However, the report warns that unresolved tensions might limit its effective use, particularly against peer competitors like China. A new Air Force war-fighting concept, “pulsed airpower,” is at the center of this debate. This concept focuses on concentrating airpower at critical times and locations to create strategic opportunities.
Traditionally, the Air Force aimed to achieve air dominance and air superiority. The current debate involves whether to prioritize long-range “standoff” operations—such as precision missile strikes from afar—or “stand-in” operations, which involve small units in contested areas. The report argues that the B-21’s advanced stealth and weapons capabilities make it suitable for both roles, suggesting that current doctrine should be updated.
"Revising these doctrines can help the Air Force move beyond traditional debates and embrace new tactical creativity," the report suggested. Failure to address this could leave significant gaps in military planning.
The report emphasizes that the B-21 Raider’s family of systems can address current shortfalls in the Indo-Pacific region, especially given the strategic challenges posed by China and the ongoing tensions in Ukraine.
There is a concern that the emphasis on pulsed operations could foster a dangerous expectation that a future conflict with China would be brief. While this "wish-casting" is not the dominant view in the Pentagon, it is more common behind the scenes within combat air forces, the authors noted.
The B-21 is designed to approach conflict zones while evading advanced air defenses. In a potential conflict with China, its fuel efficiency makes it ideal for targeting mobile and small objectives near the front lines. With the threat of Chinese missile strikes against U.S. bases in the region, the B-21's ability to conduct close-in strikes from dispersed locations is a significant advantage.
The B-21 also boasts advanced electronic systems that can manipulate enemy actions during pulsed operations. Unlike its predecessor, the B-2, the B-21 represents a significant leap forward in stealth technology and adaptability, capable of changing targets or missions while airborne.
In summary, the B-21 Raider promises to be a game-changing asset for the Air Force. If the program stays on track through its testing phase, it could soon offer the U.S. military a critical advantage in modern warfare.
This week in aviation history
The Historical Mission of Gemini IX-A: A Closer Look at the Journey
On June 3, 1966, NASA astronauts Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene A. Cernan embarked on an extraordinary mission that would etch their names into the annals of space exploration. At precisely 13:39:33 UTC, the duo launched from Launch Complex 19 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard the Gemini IX-A spacecraft. This mission was significant not only for its scientific objectives but also for the poignant history that led to Stafford and Cernan's participation.
The Gemini spacecraft, a two-man capsule designed and constructed by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation of St. Louis, represented a significant step in the United States' space program. It was a bridge between the earlier Mercury missions and the forthcoming Apollo program, aimed at developing critical spaceflight techniques necessary for lunar missions.
Stafford and Cernan were originally the backup crew for the Gemini IX mission. However, tragedy struck three months prior when the primary crew, Charles Bassett and Elliott See, were killed in an aircraft accident. This sudden and tragic loss thrust Stafford and Cernan into the primary roles, underscoring the inherent risks and sacrifices associated with space exploration.
The three-day mission of Gemini IX-A had several ambitious goals. One of the primary objectives was to rendezvous and dock with an Agena Target Docking Adapter (ATDA) in low Earth orbit. This task was crucial for testing the docking procedures that would be used in future lunar missions. Additionally, Gene Cernan was scheduled to perform several spacewalks, including testing a backpack maneuvering unit that would allow astronauts greater mobility in space.
As the spacecraft ascended into the cosmos, the mission proceeded according to plan. On the same day, June 3, at 17:45 UTC, Gemini IX-A successfully rendezvoused with the ATDA. However, upon approach, Stafford and Cernan faced an unexpected challenge. The protective shroud, designed to detach and expose the docking port, had failed to separate from the Agena. This complication rendered docking with the ATDA impossible, a significant setback in their mission objectives.
Despite this obstacle, the mission was not without its successes. The rendezvous with the ATDA demonstrated the precision and capability of the Gemini spacecraft and its crew. Moreover, the experience gained from handling such in-flight anomalies provided invaluable lessons for NASA engineers and astronauts, contributing to the overall advancement of spaceflight technology.
Gemini IX-A's journey exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of human space exploration. Stafford and Cernan's ability to navigate the complexities of space travel underlines the importance of preparation, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Their mission, marked by both triumph and adversity, laid the groundwork for the future successes of the Apollo program and beyond.
As we reflect on this historical mission, we honor the bravery and dedication of astronauts like Stafford and Cernan, whose pioneering efforts continue to inspire future generations of explorers and scientists. The legacy of Gemini IX-A serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of discovery that propels us to reach for the stars.
In case you missed it
The OV-10 Bronco was a unique airplane, find out more here:
Photo Outlet
Over the past weekend I watched the new Blue Angels documentary that is out in theatres now, if you haven’t seen it you should! In the film, they go over who will be the following season’s “Boss” or number 1 jet. The film covers the 2022 season, ending with the selection of the 2023 crew. I took this photo in 2023, and you can see who made it into the number 1 jet:
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day: A Special Edition Preview
Dear Readers,
As we approach the 80th anniversary of one of the most significant events in history, I invite you to join me for a profound look back at the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The upcoming Thursday special edition of the newsletter will be dedicated to commemorating this pivotal moment in World War II, offering you an in-depth exploration that goes beyond the history books.
In this exclusive edition, you’ll find:
Personal Stories from the Front Lines: Hear from veterans and their families as they recount the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience that defined D-Day.
Detailed Analyses and Historical Insights: Discover the strategies, technologies, and decisions that shaped the outcome of this monumental invasion.
Rare Photographs and Documents: Gain access to a curated collection of rare images and documents that bring the history of D-Day to life.
Recommended reading: Books written by historians and military experts who provide a fresh perspective on the events of June 6, 1944.
Special Bonus Content: As a subscriber, you’ll receive a unique bonus edition each month, packed with exclusive content that dives deep into the world of military history and aviation.
By subscribing, you’re not just gaining access to this special edition; you’re supporting the work that allows me to continue bringing you high-quality, meticulously researched content. Your subscription helps us keep the history alive and ensures that stories like those of D-Day are preserved and shared with future generations.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of D-Day. Become a paid subscriber today and ensure you receive this special edition, along with a monthly bonus that will keep you informed and inspired.
Thank you for your support and for being a valued member of our community.
Warm regards,
Tog
Post Flight Debrief
Thanks for reading! If you’d like to receive this newsletter in your inbox, then become a free or paid subscriber, you can use the email form below. To be clear, this newsletter will always be free to everyone, however if you’d like to go above and beyond and become a paid subscriber, you can use the same form below. Thank you and now you know!
-Tog
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