Join the Air Force. Fly a Soviet Helicopter.

US Air Force Maj. Caleb Nimmo became the first American to fly the Soviet-export Mi-35 Hind on a combat mission.  In what appears to be an eclectic career, the Major has also flown UH-1s, T-6 Texans, and the MV-22 Osprey.

According to the official Air Force article, the Air Force flies the Mi-35 as an “enemy” during Red Flag.  Nimmo learned to fly the Hind from a civilian contractor in the US and received additional training with the Czech Republic.

Navy Begins Training in T-6B

A recent Navy news release notes the beginning of “naval aviator” (ie, pilot) training in its new T-6B.  The Navy has had the T-6A for some time, but only recently acquired the upgraded version.

The T-6 Texan II program was intended to be a joint effort between the Navy and Air Force to develop a common pilot training aircraft.  In fact, the development program was even entitled the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS).

After receiving 47 T-6As, however, it appears the Navy has decided to obtain the rest of its fleet as T-6Bs, which have flat screen displays, advanced avionics, a HUD, and advanced controls.  It will ultimately fly over 300 T-6 airframes.  The Air Force, which has no current plans to acquire the T-6B, will have approximately 450 T-6As.

Soldiers Get High-Powered, High-Tech Toys

While the Air Force is often maligned for its reliance on technology, it is far from the only service to do so.  US Navy vessels boast some of the most advanced technology in the world on several fronts, and the US Army is no slacker either.  A recent report noted that Special Forces will soon be fielding the XM-25.

The XM-25 is a 25mm projectile rifle that uses a computed sight to determine the range to the target; it then programs the projectile to airburst above Read more

WWII, Korean War Ace Slips the Surly Bonds

Ret. Col. Walker “Bud” “Honest John” Mahurin, credited with 24.25 kills in both WWII theatres and the Korean War, passed away on May 11 at the age of 91.  Besides shooting down aircraft in three theatres, Mahurin had the dubious honor of being shot down in each one.  He escaped France with the aid of the French resistance (as did Chuck Yeager).  Yeager talked his way into continuing to fly in Europe (despite his exposure to the underground); Mahurin went to the Pacific theatre instead.  In the later conflict, Mahurin was a Korean POW for 16 months.

For those who are wondering, “honest John” Read more

Mojave Memorial Reward Increased

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for stealing the World War I memorial in the Mojave desert is now $125,000.  The cross memorial was cut from its foundation, and an unverified letter provided to a local paper claimed responsibility.

Thus far, the thief has found no quarter even among those who agree with his perspective, if not his actions.  It will be interesting to see if the person who claims to act with honorable intent continues to do so.

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