B-1B Lancer
Set to break speed records.
Posted on 10/24/2003 11:57:41 AM PDT by BenLurkin
EDWARDS AFB - Orville and Wilbur Wright would hardly recognize the aviation hardware their efforts spawned 100 years ago. Where their Flyer managed short hops carrying one person along the dunes of Kitty Hawk, N.C., today's modern aircraft span the globe, fly faster than the speed of sound, soar high into the atmosphere and haul immense payloads. That evolution of aviation, especially where it is used in the nation's military, will be celebrated and showcased this weekend at Edwards Air Force Base's Open House and Air Show.
"I think we've got a really good lineup that demonstrates current military capability," said Air Force Flight Test Center Commander Maj. Gen. Doug Pearson, including the latest in fighters, bombers, tankers and cargo aircraft. "Nobody else in the world can do what we can do."
The event provides the general public with the opportunity to get up close and personal with today's most advanced military hardware, as well as vintage and research aircraft.
Gates for the free event open at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Flying begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m.
Pearson takes pride in the fact that the Edwards air shows exclusively showcase military might, without other performers.
"Everything in our air show I want to be related to military capability," he said.
Even the glider flight demonstrates that training tool used for the Air Force Test Pilot School. Vintage aircraft illustrate the lineage of today's military hardware.
This specialized military focus in the aerial acts is possible at Edwards because the base is home to such a wide variety of aircraft that organizers may schedule a full day of flights using only demonstrations of military capability.
"Edwards, I think, is very, very special in that we do have the most diverse stable of weapons systems and we're proud to show them to the public," Pearson said.
Not only is the base home to such a wide variety of aircraft, but the surrounding area is the birthplace of many of them as well, creating an unprecedented region of support.
"I'm really proud of the whole work force out here. I'm pleased we can show it off," Pearson lauded. "Every base has its support, but this base has everybody's support."
One highlight of this year's event is the official air show debut of the F/A-22 Raptor. The latest entry into the Air Force arsenal, this air-dominance fighter is the No. 1 priority of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards, Pearson said.
Because it is still in the developmental stages, the Raptor will not demonstrate the highly maneuverable performance for which it was designed, but a more benign demonstration of the aircraft's "brute force power," he said.
It will make both low- and high-speed fly-bys of the flightline and give guests a taste of its stealthy characteristics.
"It will be impressive in flight, but not do the maximum maneuvers," Pearson explained.
The B-1B Lancer bomber will attempt to set as many as 52 world speed records in different weight classes during both days of the event.
"That should very dramatically demonstrate our dominant capability to carry very significant payloads long distances at very high speeds," Pearson said. "That is an impressive combat capability," shared by no other nation.
As weapons systems have evolved to employ increasingly precise munitions, combat commanders have needs for increasingly precise targeting information. The Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance vehicle, also on display, is the latest tool for providing such information.
When you have the capability to drop a bomb precisely where you want it, "you've got to know where you want it very accurately," Pearson said. "That is a whole new challenge for us."
The Global Hawk is designed to fly at extremely high altitudes, out of reach of most defenses, and to stay aloft for as long as 36 hours. It can collect information using optical, infrared and radar sensors, even in bad weather.
While perhaps not the sexiest of the aircraft on display at the air show, the KC-135 aerial refueling tankers demonstrate a crucial element in the country's military prowess.
Aerial refueling allows the United States to project its military anywhere around the world, Pearson said, a capability that adversaries do not share. The ability to refuel midflight not only extends the duration and distance of an aircraft's mission, but it also allows for travel over countries that would not allow a U.S. airplane to land.
Although not part of the aerial display this year, the B-2 stealth bomber may be seen on the ground, yet another aspect of the U.S. military's combat capabilities, and one that received much attention in recent battles.
The stealthy, heavy-bomber capability can provide an enormous advantage on the battlefield with much less risk to crews than other weapons systems.
"A B-2 coming in at night hitting 80 targets on one pass has got to be demoralizing," Pearson stated.
That stealthy revolution - seen not only in the B-2 but the F-117 stealth fighter and now in the F/A-22 - is another in the long line of aviation turning-points centered at Edwards Air Force Base.
"The Antelope Valley should be very proud of that," Pearson said.
The air show will open with a sonic boom, a tradition started by Pearson in 1987, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the first flight to break the sound barrier.
A perennial favorite, retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, will be in attendance for autograph opportunities.
With daily news of U.S. armed forces engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, air shows such as Edwards' take on added meaning.
"The public has a different appreciation for what our military faces," Pearson said. "People are interested. They want to see what capabilities are out there."
Also in light of current events, security has become an even greater concern for the open house in recent years.
"We've taken every reasonable precaution to protect the crowd out here," Pearson explained.
Vehicles will be parked on the lakebed, far from the show grounds. Shuttle service will ferry guests to and from the parking area.
Large containers and bags will not be permitted, and everything is subject to random searches, including by bomb- and drug-dogs.
Both uniformed and inconspicuous security will patrol the grounds.
Military personnel, whether based at Edwards or elsewhere, are encouraged to wear uniforms to the event. This visible presence not only gives guests an added sense of security, Pearson said, but also provides an opportunity for civilians to express their gratitude.
"It's amazing how many people walk up and say thanks for your service," especially now with the military in the news on a regular basis. "I think people more fully appreciate the risks soldiers and airmen take."
Or it may not.
Got to meet Patty Wagstaff!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.