Northrop Grumman X-47B

Northrop Grumman is developing the X-47B, a tailless strike fighter-sized system that is unmanned. It is also the first unmanned fighter to be able land and take off from an aircraft carrier. An F/A-18 using the avionics made many landings and touch and goes. Northrop Grumman says in the year 2013, it will be used to demonstrate the first carrier launches and recoveries by a low observable unmanned aircraft. It will also be a foundation for future unmanned, carrier based aircraft. The X-47B Developed from X-47A. Check out the full story here.

69 Years Ago Yesterday

69 years ago yesterday, the AVG (American Volunteer Group, or Flying Tigers) became a part of the US Air Force. Claire Chennault is called back and takes command of China Air Task Force. Here are pictures of P-40s they flew:

Claire Chennault

Quote of the Week

The air battle is not necessarily won at the time of the battle. The winner may have been determined by the amount of time, energy, thought and training an individual has previously accomplished in an effort to increase his ability as a fighter pilot.

— Colonel Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, USMC, 26 victories, W.W. II

quote frome skygod.com

F6F

In 1942 today, the prototype of the first Hellcat had its first flight.

Quote of the Week

I hate to shoot a Hun down without him seeing me, for although this method is in accordance with my doctrine, it is against what little sporting instincts I have left.

— James McCudden, VC, RFC, 1917.

quote from skygod.com

Quote of the Week

A top World War II ace once said that fighter pilots fall into two broad categories: those who go out to kill and those who, secretly, desperately, know they are going to get killed—the hunters and the hunted.

— General Nathan F. Twinning, USAF

from skygod.com

Quote of the Week

I'm going to start posting a quote every week (I will try.) Here is the first one:

The wingman is absolutely indispensable. I look after the wingman. The wingman looks after me. It's another set of eyes protecting you. That the defensive part. Offensively, it gives you a lot more firepower. We work together. We fight together. The wingman knows what his responsibilities are, and knows what mine are. Wars are not won by individuals. They're won by teams.

— Lt. Col. Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski, USAF, 28 victories in WWII and 6.5 MiGs over Korea.

quote from skygod.com