USS Carl Vinson Operations

06/09/2011
06/09/2011 - USS Carl Vinson Operations [slidepress gallery='uss-carl-vinson-operations'] Credit: USN Visual News Service: 4/4/11 In the first photo, an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 approaches the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are conducting…

Osprey as VIP Platform of Choice in Afghanistan

06/09/2011
06/09/2011: The core advantages of the Osprey – speed and range – are highlighted every time VIPs show up in Afghanistan and want to cover as much ground in as short a time.  In these two photos, Secretary of Defense Gates used the Osprey in such a manner.  Here the…

Finding the Exit Door in Afghanistan

06/09/2011
06/09/2011 Earlier this year we published a key interview with a French officer with extensive Afghan experience. His discussion and formulas remain compelling. https://www.sldinfo.com/?p=16559 An excerpt from the interview underscores what recent reports about the Afghan situation issued by the U.S .government simply highlight; investing in a country without a…

C-17 Maintainers

06/07/2011
06/07/2011 - Aircraft breakdowns can interrupt operations. Staff Sgt. Charles McNamara tells us about a stand by team downrange who helps keep aircraft moving.The C-17 has an excellent maintainence record, in large part due to the acquisition of modern aircraft.  The fleet is newer than any other core fleet in…

UK Pilot Comments on Flying the A400M

06/07/2011
06/02/2011: In a brief during the Airbus Military Trade media event, the A400M head test pilot, Ed Strongman, provided an update on the status of the flight test program.  Over the past 18 months there have seen significant flight-testing within the program. As of May 10, 2011, 55 pilots have flown…

An Update from the SLD Forum

06/07/2011
The current Sound Off Column looks at Why Gates II Would Fire Gates I. http://www.sldforum.com/2011/06/why-gates-ii-would-fire-gates-i/ A recent Sound Off Column looks at an historic PR fumble in the Super Tucano versus AT-6 public fight. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2725392/posts The new terms of reference for the next forum which will address “What does the…

Trade Deficit In Advanced Technology Products Is Soaring To New Records

06/06/2011
Originally published in Manufacturing and Technology News, May 17, 2011 By Charles McMillion, President, MBG Information Services, Washington, D.C. 06/06/2011 - The United States continues to lose production in the global economy, according to the first quarter 2011-trade figures for goods and services released by the Census Bureau on May…