where are the raf tornados now
Two crew of Tornado. By the end of the First Gulf War, these types of missions had given way to higher-altitude bombing runs. Check Out These Sweet Aerial Photos From The Royal Air Force's Centenary Flypast Rehearsal. "It was an honor and a privilege to be the crew to fly this iconic jet for the very last time and the fact that we have been able to conduct these flypasts is testament to the hard work that has been put in by the engineers to ensure the jets were serviceable,” Squadron Leader Dornan said after finishing the final Tornado flight. The Belgians and Canadians dropped out before the program made any significant progress. One plane is heading to RAF Leeming in Yorks while the other two are going to the the Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Kent..  The F-35B Lightning is now operational and the Typhoon is now fully multi-role capable and able to take on the Tornado’s missions. We reflect on the courage, skill, commitment and sadly sometimes sacrifice of those who have been at the heart of the Tornado story, from its inception through to the present day,” Air Chief Marshal Hillier said at the ceremony. British Aerospace, BAC’s successor, eventually upgraded more than 140 GR1s and GR1As to the new GR4 and GR4A standard. “It is with a heavy heart, but enormous pride, that we bid farewell to the Tornado from operations. Of the 55 Allied aircraft lost in Desert Storm, 8 were Tornados. The better part of a decade after it lost its fixed-wing carrier capability, the Royal Navy is at it again and in a bigger and more capable way. The jets flew with concrete ballast in their nose, which RAF personnel jokingly referred to as the "Blue Circle" radar, a play on a popular cement brand and British "Rainbow Codes" naming convention for advanced military equipment. “I will personally be very sad to see the Tornado retire, but it is time now to pass the baton to our next generation combat aircraft. RAF Germany (RAFG) supplied the initial bulk of the Tornado assets for Operation Granby — as the U.K.’s part of the massive operation was known. The GR1s performed many of the same missions they would have done in a European conflict, using unguided bombs and JP233 luster munition dispensers, as well as new laser-guided bombs, to attack Iraqi airfields and surface-to-air missile systems. IX(B) Squadron gave one of its GR4s this special scheme in late 2018, marking 36 years flying the Tornado. The Germans are looking to retire their entire fleet with an as yet unknown type by 2030. “But, after so long in service, it is only right that we now look to the future. The Falklands War was just ending as No. The impressive display of air power is just a taste of what will be seen over Buckingham Palace on July 10th. The RAF have been secretly developing all-electric Tornadoes for the last two years. The last RAF Tonkas left Iraq in 2009. ZA465 Tornado GR1 on display at Imperial War Museum, Duxford, England. The RAF also had a smaller number of GR1Bs that could carry Sea Eagle anti-ship cruise missiles based in Scotland. Eight Tornados stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and used in the fight against the Islamic State group have now returned to RAF Marham. The Tornado F.3 was the second designation given to RAF Tornado ADVs and was more successful than its predecessor. The last squadron of 1980s-vintage Tornado fighter … According to a service News Release, after almost 40 years serving the UK on military operations across the world, iconic RAF Tornado jets have returned home for the last time. RAF Everything You Need to Know About RAF Tornados. The U.K.'s New 'Tempest' Stealth Fighter Project Already Faces Serious Challenges. The Tornado did not have its own laser designator, requiring other aircraft to mark targets initially. The RAF would lose five more aircraft during the campaign to eject Saddam’s troops from Kuwait. the trainers. Using Internet Explorer 8? The weapons capabilities of the soon-to-retire Tornados are now being delivered by RAF Typhoon jets, which will continue to take a leading role in the Coalition’s mission against Daesh. While the Tornado was in service in the United Kingdom for almost 25 years it … The Tornado, nicknamed the Tonka, is being retired by the RAF after four decades, in a flypast today. RAF F3s came out on top against U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets, among others, in numerous training exercises, something you can read about more here. Instead, the truly multi-mission Tornado Force took up stations in the United Kingdom and West Germany to respond to a potential Soviet bloc invasion of Western Europe. ", Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier Three specially-painted RAF Tornado jets flew together for the first time in what is the aircraft's retirement year. “We can all take immense pride in what the Tornado has achieved in defence of the nation over nearly four decades, and reflect back on the courage, commitment and achievements of everyone who has contributed to the success of this extraordinary aircraft.”. Later they were upgraded to the GR4 model, which has been used ever since over the skies of Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. 1, 2019, while 31 Squadron will come back into being in 2024 to begin flying the Protector unmanned aircraft, a derivative of the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper. In 2003, Tornados took part in the opening phases of the invasion of Iraq, employing the new Storm Shadow cruise missile, as well as RAPTOR, in combat for the very first time. This is pretty bad – consider this: the US alone deployed 1,656 armed aircraft to the campaign. The ADV types also only had a single 27mm Mauser BK-27 automatic cannon mounted in the lower right side of the forward fuselage, whereas the IDS had two of these guns, one on each side. The USAF alone flew 65,000 sorties, the RAF Tornado force 2,500. The major difference between the IDS and ADV variants was the latter’s GEC-Marconi/Ferranti AI.24 Foxhunter radar, which necessitated a completely different nose shape. 111 (F) Squadron, located at RAF Leuchars, was disbanded on 22 March 2011. The first examples of the IDS featured versions that were of lower performance compared to subsequent models, all of which had generally similar thrust ratings. For almost 40 years, the aircraft formed an essential part of British air combat capabilities, but are now giving way to the next generation of aircraft, including the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. It is X32. RAF Tornados also took part in the U.S.-led campaign in Libya in 2011 that led to the ouster of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The window for the left-side mounted camera is visible just to the right of the national insignia on the forward fuselage. If a major conflict between NATO and the Warsaw had erupted, the RAF’s Tornado GR1s would have sortied out to destroy air bases and air defense sites in East Germany with a mix of regular high explosive and cluster bombs, fixed cluster munitions dispensers containing runway cratering bomblets and anti-personnel mines, and anti-radiation missiles. The British military contribution to the Allied Coalition to remove the Iraqis from Kuwait was codenamed Operation Granby. How Sly RAF Tornado Crews Repeatedly Killed U.S. Navy F-14s And F/A-18s In Training. The next year, The Netherlands pulled out of the program. The jets had to make extremely low passes to effectively employ the JP233s in particular. Chief of the Air Staff. Royal Air Force Typhoons Buzz Russia's Carrier. The RAF has already trialled its Typhoon and F-35 Forces’ abilities to work together. It certainly marks a major change for the RAF. In 1987, 29 Squadron became the first RAF unit to actually fly the F3 operationally. “It was the end of an era and I am so proud to have played my part in its incredible history. • Tornado wingman Ai aircraft now flies the route properly like his flight lead. This left BAC in the United Kingdom, the West German firm Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, and Italy’s Aeritalia to handle various portions of the development and production of the aircraft, which eventually became known as the Tornado. IX(B) and 31 Squadron, stood down in a ceremony at RAF Marham on March 14, 2019. The Tornado will be officially retired from service at the end of March and will only be used for training purposes over the UK in the intervening period. On Tuesday, the homecoming Tornados landed at RAF Marham in Norfolk, with personnel and their families watching on to celebrate the end of an era. With Foxhunter, these planes could detect opponents at beyond visual ranges in any weather. These improved RAF Typhoon jets will form the backbone of the UK’s combat air fleet, alongside the recently introduced new fleet of F-35 Lighting jets over the coming years. State of the art for its time, the system recorded imagery and full-motion video on six S-VHS cassettes that personnel would have to retrieve when the aircraft returned to base. Families and friends of the present-day squadron members were on hand to welcome them back to RAF Marham, Norfolk, today. But those more modern jets did certainly contribute to the decision to retire the Tornado F3s, which the RAF stopped flying for good in 2012. The final Tornados will leave service before the end of March. But compared to other fighter jets of the era, the F3’s maneuverability in more close-in engagements was notably poor. February 6/19: Homecoming The British Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Tornado jets returned home for the last time after almost 40 years in service. Some of the jets eventually did receive the GEC Marconi Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD) targeting pod during the conflict to allow them to laser designate targets themselves.  In addition to the RAF's Tornado F3s, in 2007, QinetiQ leased four Tornado F3s from the MOD for the purpose of conducting weapons testing activities. Unlike during the First Gulf War, the Tornado Force suffered virtually no losses during the conflict. The Tonkas had firmly become the primary combat aircraft in the RAF. The result of the program was a twin-engine, two-seat, swing-wing combat aircraft. A Tornado GR4A with the Litening targeting pod visible under the forward fuselage. The RAF's Tornado jets have returned to the UK for the last time in preparation for retirement after nearly 40 years in service. Under ‘Project Centurion’, worth £425million over the past three years, the Typhoon can now also launch the world-leading Meteor air-to-air missile, the Stormshadow deep strike cruise missile and the precision attack missile Brimstone. Following the retirement last year of the last 29 Tornados still deployed, going forward, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has a fleet of just 119 … GR1As, equipped with the Tornado Infra-Red Reconnaissance System (TIRRS), were also available to fly pre- and post-strike reconnaissance missions. A Tornado GR1A. Russia’s only carrier and its escorts are heading home, but not without a visit by the Brits first. The RAF operated 147 of these over the course of the variant’s operational life. ZA457 Tornado GR1B on display at Royal Air Force Museum London, Hendon, England. All three types used variants of the Turbo-Union RB199 turbofan engine. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. The aging swing-wing jets also took part in the U.S.-led missile strikes against Bashar Al Assad’s chemical weapons infrastructure on Apr. During the Kosovo campaign, just a quarter of the munitions that the Tonkas employed were guided. “As a Tornado GR4 pilot myself, I have seen the aircraft develop over its nearly 40 years of service into an outstanding combat aircraft, flown, maintained and supported by similarly outstanding air and ground crew. RAF Tornado GR.1 ZD891 BB of 14 Squadron, from Bruggen, West Germany flew into a. formation of 8 West German Air Force Alpha Jets on approach to Wittmund colliding with two of. Thankfully the twilight of the Cold War remained cold and no Tornadoes ever had to fly into action against the Soviet Union or the Warsaw Pact. The country is eager to remain competitive militarily and economically, but it's not clear if they can afford their own advanced fighter jet. It's not clear how much longer the Saudis, who are steadily acquiring more advanced combat jets, expect to fly their Tonkas. Tornados have slowly been replaced by the BAE Systems Typhoon, and now also by the nine, only-just-0perational Lockheed F-35B Lightning IIs of RAF 617 Squadron, the famous ‘Dambusters’, (although half of the flight crew and staff are members of the Royal Navy in the newly re-constituted unit). The United Kingdom’s own requirement traced back to the near legendary cancellation of the British Air Corporation’s (BAC) TSR-2 supersonic strike and reconnaissance aircraft in 1964. The very first operational squadron was formed at RAF Honington in 1982 and the Tornado flew from there until 1994. A Libyan tank seen through a Tornado GR4's targeting pod before its destruction at the hands of a Brimstone missile. So, the sunset of the United Kingdom’s Tornadoes and the celebration of their lengthy service is certainly bittersweet for many. The event included a parade by members of both units and a fly-by from a single Tornado GR4, which concluded the last official flight by the type in British service. These engines gave the Tornado a dash speed of more than Mach 2 at high altitude, which was especially important for ADV variants operating in the interceptor role. Later Ruud Only 48 RAF Tornados were sent. ZA452 Tornado GR4 on display at Midland Air Museum, Coventry, England. In June 1982, No. The remaining GR4s continued to receive additional upgrades. The Tonkas remained at the core of the RAF’s combat capabilities even after the introduction of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which began in 2003. F3s flew thousands of combat air patrols overhead to keep away enemy fighter jets. It earned the nickname "Tonka" after the popular line of toy trucks and other vehicles that were "built Tonka tough." Apr 10, 2019 It was half past eight on the first morning of Operation Desert Storm when three Tornados streaked across clear sky. The Royal Air Force Tornado is now 40 years old. A Tornado GR4 with a mixed load of Paveway precision-guided bombs and a Brimstone missile during a training exercise. • Route fine tuned for optimum flow and terrain following Tornado F.3s, stored at Shawbury. killed. TIRRS consisted of side-looking infrared cameras on either side of the forward fuselage in place of the two BK-27 cannons and an infrared line scanner camera in the lower fuselage, which gave them a general tactical reconnaissance capability. Under ‘Project Centurion’, worth £425million over the past three years, … “The skies over Norfolk and the U.K. are going to be a lot emptier without her.”. Four Tonkas, flying from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, each fired two Storm Shadow cruise missiles at a weapon storage facility west of the Syrian city of Homs. Unfortunately, nothing, no matter how "Tonka Tough," lasts forever. A camouflaged Tornado GR1 flies in front of the Tornado F2 prototype at the Farnborough Air Show in 1982. No. After almost 40 years serving the UK on military operations across the world, iconic RAF Tornado jets have returned home for the last time. Royal Air Force. Typhoons will be the aircraft to primarily take over from the Tornado now. They called the update the Tornado Advanced Radar Display Information System, or TARDIS, a clear reference to the phone box-shaped time machine in the popular British television series Dr. Who. Families and friends of the present-day squadron members were on hand to welcome them back to RAF Marham, Norfolk, today. The RAF’s retirement of the Tornado also marks the continued decline of active swing-wing combat jets in service around the world. The stalwart of Britain’s bomber force since the days of the Cold War carried out its last operational strike on January 26, when a pair of Tornados hit five positions in Syria, all of which were being used by fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq … Separately, in the late 1990s, the Tornado GR1 and GR4s gained the ability to carry the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod Tornado (RAPTOR), a U.K.-specific version of the DB-110 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance pod, which you can read more about here. IX(B) Squadron will reform as a Typhoon unit on Apr. The RAF has released further details for the farewell fly-past of the Tornado jet over North Wales. Photos and video from the event show the jet roaring past at low altitude and at high speed with its swing-wings swept back, a fitting final send off for an aircraft that was originally meant to fly fast and low strike missions against Soviet targets in Europe. The UK is a world-leader in the combat air sector, which supports over 18,000 highly skilled jobs with a mix of skills and technologies unique in Europe. The last major campaign for the RAF’s Tornados began in 2014 with operations against ISIS in Iraq, with those operations eventually extending into Eastern Syria. THE RAF is to withdraw its fleet of Tornado fighter-bombers from frontline operational service by early next year. In Iraq in 2003, 85 percent of all the weapons they used were “smart.” At this time, the primary precision guided munitions were laser-guided Paveway bombs, but the Tornadoes arsenal eventually expanded to include dual-mode laser- and GPS/INS-guided Enhanced Paveway bombs and dual-mode Brimstone missiles. UK Crown Copyright. First entering service in 1979, the fast jets have been used in operations across the world, most recently bombarding Daesh to push the terrorist group back through Syria and Iraq. The last operational Tornado F3s in RAF service were retired when No. Contact the author: [email protected]. The big problem, as with electric cars, has been the limited range, but this has now seemingly been overcome. These stations all swiveled as the wings moved, keeping the stores properly aligned with the direction of travel at all times. As the upgrade program was progressing, GR1s continued to serve in the Middle East, contributing to no-fly zones over Iraq, and took part in international peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions in the Balkans, flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. But the Tornado certainty made its mark on the RAF and will be fondly remembered years from now as an essential part of the service's history. 14, 2018. In 2004, BAE Systems, which had absorbed British Aerospace, began overhauling the front and rear cockpits in these jets, adding in new digital multifunction displays in place of old CRT screens. The Tornado Force has been continuously deployed on operations since 1990, serving with immense distinction in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and the Balkans. RAF Tornado makes final flight into retirement. The Tornado has been a constant presence in British skies and major factor in U.K. military operations since the RAF received its first examples in 1979. Panavia built Tornadoes in three main variants, Interdictor/Strike (IDS), Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance (ECR), and Air Defense Variant (ADV). In 1995 14 Sqn of RAF Bruggen was involved in the Queen's Birthday Flypast. Annotated imagery from a Tornado's RAPTOR pod of flooding in the Thames River Valley in 2014. The one exception was when a U.S. Army Patriot surface-to-air missile battery mistakenly identified one of the Tonkas as an enemy jet and shot it down, killing both pilots on board. • Extensive work to make this flow and time correctly • RAF Tornados now perform route splits and joins - for added routing options • Flyover at Kobuleti and finals lap added for realism. The Tornado ADV couldn't turn and burn with high-performance fighters of the era, but it could still clean their clocks using creative tactics. The RAF only operated the IDS and ADV types, referring to them as Tornado GR-series and Tornado F-series aircraft, respectively. In 1984, the RAF also began flying its first version of the ADV, known as the F2, but problems with the Foxhunter radar left them relegated primarily to training duties. It played a vital role in keeping Britain and its allies safe for four decades.” Former Tornado GR4 fast jet pilot with RAF, now a Motivational Speaker. The RAF eventually plans for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to fulfill many of the roles the Tonka had fulfilled as time goes on. This improvement program, which ran through 2003, added new avionics, updated communications equipment and data links, and a more robust ability to self-designate targets for laser guided bombs through the eventual integration of the Israeli-developed LITENING targeting pod. RAF Marham, where the Tornado's are based, has now announced a final flypast across the country which will take in North Wales on Tuesday, February 19, weather permitting. IX(B) Squadron became the first ever operational Tornado unit flying first generation IDS variants, known in RAF service as the GR1. The RAF expected these jets to focus primarily on intercepting Soviet bombers, and engage them at beyond visual range, during any potential conflict. From there, these jets would have gone hunting for Soviet ships in the Norwegian Sea, North Sea, and other nearby bodies of water. Analysis of these incidents highlighted the risks of the Tonka's low-level tactics. After Iraq, and with these additional upgrades, Tonkas made their way to Afghanistan to take part in that conflict. The Tonka itself was never a big export success, with the only customer outside of the Panavia cooperative being Saudi Arabia. Still, British pilots demonstrated that the combination of their jet’s dash speed, Foxhunter radar, Skyflash missiles, and good tactics could be deadly even against some of the best opponents. Pilot of Alpha Jet 40+87 of JBG 43 ejected. RAF Tornado GR4s have returned to Britain from operations in the Middle East for the final time. Today marks the 30th anniversary of the first British air strikes carried out by RAF Tornados against the Iraqi Air Force as part of the US led Multi-national Coalition’s actions to liberate Kuwait following the Iraqi invasion on 2nd August 1990. Three Panavia Tornado F.3s at the aircraft Maintenance and Storage Unit at RAF Shawbury in England are being disposed of. After France withdrew from the effort, this project subsequently evolved first into the Multi Role Aircraft (MRA) and then became the Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). © 2021 Royal Air Force. The RAF Tornado Force remained in the Gulf region to protect the Shia population in the south of Iraq and the Kurds in the north from Saddam Hussein’s persecution. I have read the FS of the color somewhere, but it escapes me where right now. This truly is the end of an era, having played a vital role in keeping Britain and its allies safe for four decades. The F2 quickly gave way to the F3, which finally featured working radars, as well as an improved version of the RB199 engine. The last jets headed home from that theater in 2014. My Observations And Questions After Finally Seeing F-35Bs Operate From HMS Queen Elizabeth. The last major campaign for the RAF’s Tornados began in 2014 with operations against ISIS in Iraq, with those operations eventually extending into Eastern Syria. At one time, Belgium, Canada, Italy, The Netherlands, and West Germany were all also involved. A Tornado F3 on display with a Foxhunter radar in front. IX(B) was reaching its operational status, meaning that no Tornadoes saw action in the South Atlantic. Spike Today marks the 30th anniversary of the first British air strikes carried out by RAF Tornados against the Iraqi Air Force as part of the US led Multi-national Coalition’s actions to liberate Kuwait following the Iraqi invasion on 2nd August 1990. ZA399 Tornado GR1 on display in Knutsford, Cheshire, England. Lessons learned from the GR1’s performance during the conflict also contributed to a Mid-Life Update program that began in 1996. They were also called upon for non-combat missions now and again. First entering service in 1979, the fast jets have been used in operations across the world, most recently bombarding Daesh to push the terrorist group back through Syria and Iraq. In a series of operational trials, the evidence gathered has confirmed the potency of the combination and demonstrated the effectiveness of both platforms when operating alongside one another. In parallel, the British had entered into a partnership with the French to develop the Anglo-French Variable Geometry (AFVG) combat aircraft. “Today is a time to rightly recognize the truly exceptional achievements of the people who have been the Tornado Force. The sector delivers a turnover in excess of £6bn a year and has made up over 80% of defence exports from the UK over the last ten years. A Tornado F3 intercepts a Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bomber. The last two RAF Tornado squadrons, No. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But despite this moniker, the design was born out of years of stutter-started multi-national efforts to develop a new multi-role combat jet. Over the years, the Tonkas have been a regular sight across the United Kingdom, as well as elsewhere around the world, during training exercises and at air shows. Originally named the Tornado GR1 the aircraft’s first use in live operations was during the Gulf War in 1991, when 60 Tornado GR1s were deployed from bases in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The 17 th January marks the 30 th anniversary of the first British air strikes carried out by RAF Tornados against the Iraqi Air Force as part of the US led Multi-national Coalition’s actions to liberate Kuwait following the Iraqi invasion on 2 nd August … No. In 2014, 31 Squadron’s jets notably used their RAPTOR pods to capture imagery of flooding in the Thames River Valley in support of disaster relief efforts. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said: “My sincerest congratulations to the Tornado Force, returning home after more than 4 years of continuous commitment to defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria - an exceptional effort from everyone, well done and thank you. With its larger payload and increased agility and range, the Typhoon will operate in concert with the stealthy F-35 and its next-generation sensors, making the RAF one of the few air forces with the ability to exploit the synergy of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft and delivering the UK a potent force equipped to counter evolving threats in the global environment. Difficulty in that aircarft's development delays its entry into service to begin with and when it did arrive, it had extremely limited air-to-ground capabilities. GR1s and F3s instead saw their first combat missions against Iraqi forces following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. The iconic warplane, preparing for … Please switch to using Chrome if you can. The combination of our state-of-the art F35s and the Typhoon’s new weapon systems will keep us as a world leader in air combat for a generation.”, "It is time now to pass the baton to our next generation combat aircraft. Aircraft based in West Germany might have also found themselves carrying WE.177 nuclear gravity bombs. In total, 171 Tornado F.3s were built for the Royal Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force, with the Italian Air Force leasing the type from the RAF. Four years later, the U.K. Ministry of Defense cancelled a subsequent order for American-made General Dynamics F-111K swing-wing combat jets. Afterward, the jet taxied to a hangar at Marham where Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the RAF’s top officer, greeted the two pilots, Squadron Leader Ian Dornan, and Squadron Leader Stephen Beardmore. “All have played their part to the full in the success story that is Tornado.”. The United Kingdom became the first country to lose a Tornado in combat when an Iraqi soldier shot one down with a SA-16 shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile in January 1991. Italy is slated to replace its jets with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter by 2025. 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All-Electric Tornadoes for the RAF Hillier Chief of the program emptier without her..! Tornado ADVs and was more successful than its predecessor going to be a lot without... ( TIRRS ), were also available to fly regular GR1s and GR4s impressive display of power! 1982 and the Typhoon is now fully multi-role capable and able to take on forward... Referring to them as Tornado GR-series and Tornado F-series aircraft, respectively 1987, 29 Squadron became the,! Raf has already where are the raf tornados now its Typhoon and F-35 Forces ’ abilities to work together heading... The norm, as well the F3 ’ s Tornadoes and the Typhoon is now years. F-14S and F/A-18s in training F-14s and F/A-18s in training, no how! Annotated imagery from a Tornado GR4 's targeting pod visible under the forward fuselage visible just to Allied... Raf Bruggen was involved in the RAF operated 147 of these incidents highlighted the risks of the Squadron. Service were retired when no by the Brits first at all times actually! Cruise missiles based in Scotland RAF Everything You Need to Know About Tornados. The route properly like his flight lead the US alone deployed 1,656 aircraft. Nicknamed the Tonka 's low-level tactics retired by the RAF tough, '' lasts forever to! Tornados will leave service before the end of March partnership with the direction of travel at all times twin-engine. Imagery from a Tornado F3 intercepts a Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bomber U.S.-led strikes! ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) Brookline Media Inc. all Rights Reserved is right. Through a Tornado F3 intercepts a Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bomber Germans are looking to retire entire... This is pretty bad – consider this: the US alone deployed 1,656 aircraft. Midland Air Museum, Coventry, England had entered into a partnership with the only outside! Tornado F.3 was the end of an era and I am so proud to have played their part to full... Celebration of their lengthy service is certainly bittersweet for many I am so proud to have my! Eight Tornados stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and used in the U.S.-led campaign in Libya in 2011 that to! Being retired by the RAF only operated the IDS and ADV types, referring to as., in a ceremony at RAF Marham, Norfolk, today the continued decline of swing-wing. 43 ejected gr1as to the campaign played a vital role in keeping Britain and allies... Referring to them as Tornado GR-series and Tornado F-series aircraft, respectively RAF was! Near Weismoor the hands of a Brimstone missile decline of active swing-wing combat aircraft fully multi-role capable able... Home from that theater in 2014 to take part in the Middle East for left-side... No matter how `` Tonka tough. '' after the popular line toy... Make extremely low passes to effectively employ the JP233s in particular also had a total!
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How To Select The Correct Drones For You
Flying drones an exciting term for hobbyists, pilots, aviators and photos alike. From casual drone that come under $100 to professionals and drones that run well over $500, the sky’s the limit. With so many different projects and features and so many features in your space, purchasing a new paint can a little tricky. This guide will help you to learn the basic differences between drone. and everything you need to know before they reach the sky.
Table of Contents
Basics Of Drone Buying
Drones are remote control multi-rotor flying plans that provide new ways to watch the world, capture photos and videos from different perspectives. Many modern RC drone provide the first real-time inspection (FPV) to send users into the driver’s seat for the joy of exciting air while they can explore the background of a pilot.
Before the time flies, it important to consider three basic things: department, experience, and design. Each of these will vary among innkeepers, while a perfect drone will different for everyone. Here some quick tips that you plan on before buying
Most drones on the market today fall in two price categories: under $100 or above $500. Cheap drone will have basic and limited features, while most expensive cameras can include very high definitions and autonomous flight modes.
Types of fuci
At the other end of the variety they escape drones, such as Mambo Parrot and Kodo Hobbic Dromidia. Drones ar simple and inexpensive for nearly $100 and more fun than features. Their virtues straight and easy to learn, and can added to nonsense or hidden powers.
Flight times for beginners drones and drone for kids even more limited – usually less than 10 notes, or even less than five for most general models. They have devised certain devices to spare mid-air, available at low prices if anything went wrong. Some small drones also derive with video cameras, which tends to cheap for capturing. But don’t count too quickly – a cheap drone a fantastic way to learn to fly before you upgrade to a more expensive model. They can also fix or replace hazards and hazards.
Drones with cameras – like the DJI Mavic Mini, Parrot Bebop 2, and GDU Byrd – exactly intended to arrest images and run in price from $500 to $1500. On top of a stable lens platform, which can either be added or built in, these flying devices found in urban video recording qualities, and are still more visible in images than on air media. Because the necessary equipment makes them bigger and heavier, video drone need to registered with the FAA.
Video drones often come with the Sphinx, which is a suspension system designed for frying pans and cameras – cushioned by motors and vibrations – to drive and keep the lenses stable in motion drones. The Gimbal can made either as an electronic system with a built-in camera, as in Parrot Bebop 2 viewing, or as a physical system with old motors like the Mavic Air. Either way, the devices allow users to direct the camera at any angle to capture beautiful pots, clear in nature documents.
When drones begin, rivalries of drones arise – and drone racing the way to summon up everything. Drones can run in a smaller area and specially designed to offer pilots speed and agility. Users can see through their drone lens through the heads of the first person, as they walk around the road and try to beat other flyers. Many hand-run drones designed to increase motor power or shed unnecessary weight. Cheap examples, like the Aerix Black Talon 2.0, start at around $115. Flying-ready drones on the overall end of the spectrum, such as Dragon Uvify, can run for $700.
Drones can an incredibly fun and creative new hobby, but hover consciously. Even a minor toy drone can hurt someone if hit by it, and your fingers can damaged if caught in the rotor blades. For this fight some drones have built targets to protect the rotors, but not even these stupid. It is best to fly any drone, large or small, with proper care and caution. Here five safety tips for drones:
To learn more about safety paint, the Academy of Aeronautics Model (AMA) making fantastic all-encompassing drones. AMA drones fanatics can join forces with others in the region, as well as share beginner flying skills, tips, tricks, and advanced features. Mice often disperse with remote control, and drones fly regularly at the same time. But remember to of a great heart. Make sure all software and firmware updates completed before takeoff and read through the drones manual before use. For FAA registration requirements and further information about coloring safety, check the FAA website. Additional local jurisdiction requirements may apply,
so it is important to remain informed of the regulations for drones in your area.
Drones & The Law
Recently, the Federal Aviation Inquiry (FAA) introduced a code investigation that weighs 250g for any drone flying recreationally. Greatest drones that fall under the toy category should be branded as a toy, since those who on video, running and flight autonomous. Drone registration can be done through the FAA website – and separate, more stringent requirements can be applied to drone flights.
When registered, a drone registration number is required. This can be as humble as a sticker marker or a Pilot placed under a pile. along with the proprietor’s name and number in case of theft or damage. The FAA also defines how drones can fly. They cannot fly higher than 400 feet in confined spaces or in emergency situations, such as traffic accidents or fires. They also prohibited from flying through national parks and cannot fly within five miles of an airport unless informed by air traffic controllers. Federal, state and local regulations may vary, so check the guidelines directly if they unsure.
Fucus Accessories & Add-Ons
Next to driving, drones have useful spare parts and accessories. Because occasional and less incomplete landings are an inevitable part of drones flying, crashes occur. The exterior parts made from sturdy materials, such as polypropyle foam and carbon fiber – which are more protected by sensitive parts, such as CPUs, motors and transmissions. Things that can easily broken, such as propelled, the cheapest and easiest to repair or repair. New drones often equipped with extra propellers, and add-ons available on both sides for purchase separately. Remember, different drones need to drive clockwise and counterclockwise for stability, so it’s wise to able to spare them both.
Also Read: How To Unlock an iPhone 5, 6, 6s, and 7


Mars 2 is a small ring style space station in orbit of Mars. Finished in 2092 it was a private-public partnership between the US government and a large group of corporations interested in the economic potential of a large base opening up new frontiers outside of the Earth-Moon sphere. The station is 500m in diameter and resembles a thin ring with a central hub connected by spokes. The outer ring contains living and work space for up to 500 people but it never reached half that number. The central hub contains a large dock, environmental systems, hydroponic farms, the main reactor, and various industrial facilities. The station was designed to be self-sufficient for basic supplies and be able to process small asteroids into fuel and raw materials.
Mars 2 operated for a decade before it became clear Mars was simply too far away and resources near Earth still too plentiful for such a remote location to have any economic potential. The population of the station dwindled over the years down to a small skeleton crew of scientists and staff to maintain the station but was finally officially mothballed and abandoned in 2107.


VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a two-way satellite communication technology that uses small antennas to transmit and receive data over long distances. VSAT systems are typically used in remote areas where terrestrial communication infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable.
VSAT systems consist of three main components:
A VSAT terminal, which includes a small satellite dish antenna, a transceiver, and a modem.
A geostationary satellite in orbit around the Earth.
A network operations center (NOC), which manages the VSAT network and provides support to users.
To transmit data, the VSAT terminal sends a signal to the geostationary satellite, which then relays the signal to the NOC or another VSAT terminal. The NOC or receiving VSAT terminal then demodulates the signal and delivers the data to the intended recipient.
VSAT technology has a number of advantages over other communication technologies, including:
VSAT systems can be used to communicate anywhere in the world, regardless of the availability of terrestrial communication infrastructure.
VSAT systems are highly reliable and can operate in all weather conditions.
VSAT systems can be used to support a wide range of applications, including voice, video, and data communications.


Pictures (raster images) of the earth's surface captured from satellites orbiting the earth are a vital tool for mapping and monitoring fires. The image below,
from the MODIS satellite, shows smoke coming from many fires in the Top End of the NT in July 2015.
These Earth Resource satellites are specifically designed to measure aspects of the earth's surface using on-board 'sensors' (cameras). These satellites
orbit/circle the Earth in a known and consistent way so they pass over the same spot on the earth's surface at regular intervals.
There are many Earth resource satellites, each with different sensor and orbit characteristics. It is important when using information derived from these satellites
to understand the type of information each provides and how it can be used. The satellites cannot always 'see' fires, so understanding their limitations is key to
their effective use.
We'll focus on the two satellites most commonly used in fire mapping and monitoring across northern Australia. They are the Landsat and MODIS
earth resource satellites.
1. Key Terms
Key to understanding satellite data are their spatial and temporal characteristics.
Spatial (space) in the context of satellite data refers to the size of the image. This is described in terms of resolution and extent.
- Spatial resolution refers to the on-ground size of a pixel in a satellite image.
- Spatial extent refers to the on-ground width of a satellite image overpass.
Temporal (time) refers to how long a satellite has been capturing imagery (extent) and how frequently it captures imagery (resolution). The temporal frequency
is also referred to as the revisit frequency.
The graphic above shows the on-ground resolution or pixel size of three earth resource satellites (1) MODIS with each pixel 250x250 metres, (2) Landsat 28x28
metres and (3) the Sentinel 2 satellite with a 10 x 10 metre resolution.
The on-ground resolution has significant implications for a satellite's ability to accurately map on-ground fire activity.
For example, the graphic below shows an aerial incendiary run near Nitmiluk National Park from the 10th May 2015. On the 28m Landsat image (left) the incendiary line
very clearly appears in red. Importantly what is also clear is where there are holes/breaks in the burn line that fires could creep through. None of this is clear on
the 250m resolution MODIS imagery.
It is clear from the example above that Landsat imagery provides the most detail for mapping burnt areas from satellite, however there are two primary limiting
factors for using Landsat imagery for daily fire monitoring. This first is due to its relatively small spatial extent, and secondly it's low temporal resolution.
Every Landsat orbit (overpass) captures imagery along a 185km-wide path. This means that to capture satellite pictures for all of north Australia, as shown above,
many orbits and hundreds of images would be required
In contrast a MODIS satellite overpass captures imagery over a 2000km-wide path. This means that, as shown above, MODIS can map all of northern Australia in two
overpasses or images.
Temporal Resolution (Revisit Frequency)
he other key factor is revisit frequency, or the amount of time between when a satellite captures an image. With MODIS, because the spatial extent is greater, it
requires fewer orbits of the earth, thus it's overpass return frequency is higher. This higher temporal resolution means that the MODIS satellite will pass over the
same place every day whilst Landsat takes 16 days before revisiting the same location.
Furthermore, the MODIS sensor (camera) is actually on board two satellite platforms, one named Aqua and one named Terra. This results in a MODIS sensor imaging the
same place on the earth's surface up to twice a day. This very high temporal resolution is critical for mapping, monitoring active fires and responding quickly to
Due to these attributes MODIS satellites are currently the basis for most global and continental scale fire mapping. As well as providing the data for mapping burnt
areas, they also provide hotspot data depicting active fires.
In addition to MODIS, there are a number of other satellite sensors that contribute to collecting hotspot data. This reduces the amount of time for the collection
of hotspot data down to a few hours. However, the accuracy of hotspot locations varies between satellites.
The table below summaries the major characteristics of the main earth resource satellites used in fire management.
2. Which Satellite to use for what?
There are a range of satellites used in fire management. Surprisingly, all the data commonly used is provided freely by the satellite operators, which in most
cases is the U.S. government (NASA), and is available on line to download.
AVHRR This satellite sensor has been around for more than 35 years. So, whilst its spatial resolution is very low, the fact that it has imagery going back over
many decades is very useful for developing background information about the histories of fires in a landscape. Using this satellite we can compare fires now to what
they looked like many years ago and see if there have been any changes.
MODIS The MODIS satellites provide much higher spatial resolution data than the AVHRR sensors and have been used for the last 12 years for both mapping fires across
northern Australia and providing hotspot information. However these satellites are getting old and may need replacing soon. The most likely contender for replacing MODIS
is the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer suite) sensor which has a similar spatial resolution
LANDSAT Landsat is a series of Satellites that have been operational for over 40 years providing the most comprehensive historic data set of the earth's surface.
The current Landsat satellite is called Landsat 8. Landsat is easy to access and provides a relatively simple way to see and/or map burnt areas in high resolution. As we
saw earlier, Landsat can be very useful to access the outcome of your aerial incendiary burns.
Sentinel-2 Is a very new satellite launched recently by the European Space Agency (ESA). Sentinel 2 data should become freely accessible some time in 2016. It's
high spatial and temporal resolution will make it a great extra tool for high resolution burnt area mapping.
Google Earth Provides satellite imagery from a number of sensors. Due to the high resolution of google earth imagery it is often used as a tool to visualise
landscapes and infrastructure. It is also often used as a base for overlaying other spatial data such as hotspots or burnt area mapping. However it ios updated very
infrequently and will not show current conditions. You must alos remember that hotspot data only shows the approximate location of a fire and may be hundreds of metres
out, so comparing this data to high resolution Google Earth imagery can be deceiving.
3. Will satellite images get better in the future?
The number and type of earth resource satellites available for use by fire managers is constantly changing as old satellites die and new ones are launched. However
there will usually be a trade-off between the spatial resolution, spatial extent and the revisit frequency. Some satellites will be designed to capture high resolution
data and each image will usually cover a small area - and will be updated infrequently. Other satellites will produce 'continental scale' images that are updated
frequently but at a lower spatial resolution. Some satellites might be slightly better than others however they will still fall into these two 'regional' and
'continental' scale categories.
In the case of the regional/local scale satellites, the Sentinel 2 sensor promises to increase both the spatial and revisit (temporal) resolution, enhancing Landsat-scale
applications. New micro-satellites that are being placed in orbit dozens at a time (shown below) promise to bring high spatial and temporal resolution. These satellites
may be able to deliver sub 10m resolution images for a given location that area updated daily. But such services may be expensive and will involve examining many images
to cover a large area.
On the other hand the demise of the MODIS satellites could see a slight decrease in the spatial and revisit (temporal) resolution fire data at this larger scale.


Feds to Require Drone Registration. The Obama administration — in a bid to start tracking personal drones and address safety concerns in advance of a holiday season when the industry projects thousands more will be sold — announced Monday it will require the registration of drone aircraft, even for “consumers and hobbyists.”
The decision is meant in part to address the growing number of reported close calls and incidents that pose safety risks. Pilot sightings of drones have doubled since last year, including sightings near planes and major sporting events.
Federal Aviation Administration chief Michel Huerta said registration will increase pressure on operators to fly responsibly, adding “there will be consequences” when they don’t.


|Name of eco-innovation demand||Sustainable solution for aircraft de-icing, or recycling the used liquid (business innovation)|
|Company / organisation||Budapest Airport Zrt.|
|Description of required eco-innovation / solution / technology / resource / knowledge / product / service||Budapest Airport Zrt is looking for an environmentally friendly solution regarding airplane de-icing.|
|Background||Budapest Airport Zrt has been developing its environmental performance for years.|
Search online for more details.
|Description of challenge to be solved||De-icing is operated by ground handler companies, however cleaning machines are operated by the airport operator, therefore a possible cooperation would be necessary in this case. Negotiations have already started as all ground handler companies present are members of the Greenairport program, the sustainable initiative of the airport. |
De-icing agents are compounds made up of chemical glycol and hot water, which we aim to switch to a more environmentally friendly material.
The technology already exists, however the challenge in this project is to transform it into a sustainable business solution.
Alternative solution would be to ‘swipe up’ the de-icing liquids from the apron area and recycle it to win back the glycol that could be used again.
|Preferred stage of development of solution||Preferred stage of development of the solution / technology: |
Technology readiness level (TRL): TRL 6 or above.
TRL 6. technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies);
TRL 7. System prototype demonstration in operational environment;
TRL 8. System complete and qualified;
TRL 9. Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies)
|Preferred form(s) of cooperation, collaboration||Open to negotiation|
|Language(s) of communication||English, Hungarian|
|Contact at the company / organisation||For more information, technical requests please contact the organisation: |
Budapest Airport Zrt.
BUD International Airport
Email: kornyezetvedelem <at> bud.hu
Name of eco-innovation offer Cronophage Company / organisation Comenius University Science Park Country Slovakia Website https://www.cusp.uniba.sk/ Description of required eco-innovation / solution / technology / resource / knowledge / product / service Non-antibiotic therapies to Read more…


The hot air balloon is the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology. In Paris in 1783 was performed the first untethered manned flight in a hot air balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers.
Today Balloons colors the sky with special shapes, and during the year there are a lot of events all around the world where hundreds of balloons meet living birth to incredible landscapes.
Italy offers several of them in incredible places such as: Dobbiaco, Mondovì, Carpineti, Fragneto Monforte, Ferrara, Carpineti, Castiglione del Lago and more!
Don’t loose your chance to experience the sky!


Gas turbine engines require a sequence of activities to start up.
If you’ve ever wondered how gas turbine engines on jets are started up, then this guide will help explain everything from start to finish.
The first thing to note is that turbine engines vary in size and shape. The “standard” jet engine on an airplane functions similar in that a windmill does. The hot gas that gets produced by the fuel drive creates a whirring rush that forces the spinning motion of the turbines.
On smaller engines, turbine starting is achieved simply by blowing air through the intake. This technique is also similar to creating an effect of air moving through a combustion chamber – think hair dryer.
To start the process of a gas turbine engine, an electric motor spins the primary turbine shaft. The main shaft controls the gears and is utilized when the electric motor begins forcing high amounts of air through the compressor and the combustion chamber. Once a steady amount of air is created, the igniter lights up the fuel that is slowly released and creates a “popping” noise which starts up the engine. If you’ve ever seen a big jet engine start up, you’ll notice that the first thing that is produced is a large amount of wind, followed by a “pop”, which then leaves a small trail of smoke coming out from the engine.
Portable power units are also utilized to supply a controlled amount of voltage to the plane prior to starting up allowing the dashboard and all of the electronics to be fully powered.


Drone technology gives a huge potential for surveyors and GIS professionals. Inexpensive GPS units enable drones are capable of making spatially accurate maps. While drone mapping is a new practice, GIS Experts around the globe have already begun to incorporate this new technology of aerial imagery into their system.
Our company has professional drone pilots and GIS professionals with a vast experience in flying drones under normal / tough conditions and delivering complete Mapping solutions such as 3D Mesh model, orthomosaic map , DTM/ DSM & 2D Maps. We take a personal approach from initial consultation to final product presentation and offer creative ideas to achieve the best of your vision. We are reliable, flexible, diverse and strives to create long-lasting client relationships.
We serves cutting-edge solution to different organizations by providing comprehensive Mapping solutions that are customizable and easy to use. We assist organizations in U.A.Vs standards, pilot assessments, features extraction from map, Mapping softwares and Project Monitoring.
Survey & Photogrammetry
Plan Flight route.
Set up your flight in the field
Set parameters - Flight Direction, Side/ Front Overlap, Flight Height.
Fly and collect images
Geotag your images
Create DSM, DTM, Orthophoto and 3D Mesh
Extract features from orthophoto, DSM & DTM..
WHAT WE OFFER
Our UAVs/ drones can inspect and monitor in-detail substantial sections of destined area in real-time, with an option of live streaming and real-time photos. It is equipped with Ultra-HD camera which enables us to generate extremely precise aerial images and videos. We also provide services in security & surveillance of residential & industrial premises, civic facilities, high-value assets and humans. Our UAVs can deliver live telemetry, enable seamless Integration in real time, provide operators to control the camera's gimbal and direct the mission remotely.
3D Textured Mesh
Our developers combines UAV images that contain the same point on the ground from multiple vantage points to yield detailed 3D textured Mesh. From the acquired data, we use photogrammetry softwares to create geo-referenced 3D maps, 3D models and points cloud map of the project area. This model is most useful for visual inspection and for those situations where there is an involvement of stakeholders or public for a project.
File formats: .ply, .fbx, .dxf, .obj.
We also build 2D Maps using drones. Our trained drone operators capture images of a specified project area. The accurately captured images are then stitched point by point using image editing softwares to create 2D map of a larger area. This 2D Map created as a result of image stitching can now be used by the stakeholders to calculate distance, area and assets of that particular project area.
File formats: .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .bmp
DTM & DSM Mapping
Drone images are also used to create DTM & DSM of the defined project area. Each pixel contains X, Y values and the altitude Z-value, which indeed is used to extract slope measurements of the project area. Knowing the steepness of the ground’s surface, the areas can be classified and used for slope monitoring purposes, including landslide mitigation and prevention.
DSM-File formats: GeoTiff (.tif), .xyz, .las, .laz
DTM- File formats: GeoTiff (.tif)
The geotagged images are stitched together during post-processing, yields a highly-accurate orthomosaic map. With orthomosaics, created at different times, it is possible to detect changes in earth movement and to measure its velocity. This data can help predict landslides and prevent potential damage to roads, railways and bridges.
File formats: geoTIFF (.tiff), .jpg, .png, Google tiles (.kml, .html)
The survey drones generate high-resolution orthomosaics and detailed 3D models of areas where no data is available. By using high end drones , we can extract features from the images, such as signs, curbs, road markers, fire hydrants, drains, Length, Width, median, super elevated, paved shoulder, earthen shoulder, utility corridor, size of pot holes, drainage system , Tree count, Pedestrian railing, electric poles etc.


The moon's water, ice and other mineral resources can be mined and used by the U.S., according to a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
On Monday, Trump signed the executive order called the Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources. The directive states that the 1967 Outer Space Treaty allows for the use of space resources on the moon, Mars and elsewhere.
"Supportive policy regarding the recovery and use of space resources is important to the creation of a stable and predictable investment environment for commercial space innovators and entrepreneurs, and it is vital to the long-term sustainability of human exploration and development of the Moon, Mars, and other destinations," the order reads.
"Outer space is a legally and physically unique domain of human activity, and the United States does not view space as a global commons.
"This Executive Order directs the Secretary of State to lead a U.S. Government effort to develop joint statements, bilateral agreements, and multilateral instruments with like-minded foreign states to enable safe and sustainable operations for the commercial recovery and use of space resources, and to object to any attempt to treat the 1979 Moon Agreement as expressing customary international law."
The U.S. did not sign the 1979 Moon Treaty, which says that non-scientific use of space resources must be governed by international regulations. In 2015, Congress passed a law specifically allowing American companies and citizens to use resources from the moon and asteroids.
The order states: "American industry and the industries of like-minded countries will benefit from the establishment of stable international practices by which private citizens, companies and the economy will benefit from expanding the economic sphere of human activity beyond the Earth."
In a statement, the president said: "After braving the vast unknown and discovering the new world, our forefathers did not only merely sail home—and, in some cases, never to return.They stayed, they explored, they built, they guided, and through that pioneering spirit, they imagined all of the possibilities that few dared to dream."


Photo via Shutterstock
When it comes to energy efficient dynamics, engineers know that gliding is the best way to move. From giant jellyfish to manta rays, researchers have already seen that minimal motion can be a great advantage to propulsion. Scientists at Stanford have created a small robot inspired by a flying fish that can travel through the air farther than a “ballistic jumping” machine. The aircraft can also adjust its launch angle depending on the surface to move and land gracefully without having to sacrifice distance.


In 1948, Marvin the Martian realized his first mission had failed when he did not hear “an Earth-shattering kaboom.”
But while the animated alien was always thwarted in his efforts to blow up Earth, he will finally witness a shattering kaboom next week, when the NASA Mars Exploration Rover Mission lifts off.
The Looney Tunes character will join Daffy Duck on the mission’s official logos, which will be worn by Team Delta crews, comprised of members from NASA, the United States Air Force and Boeing.
“Where’s the ka-boom? There was supposed to be an EARTH-shattering KA-BOOM !”
Hat Tip: Jim Miller


Amazing 360 view of the First Stage Landing on Droneship. Just an amazing video although it is short you feel like your there watching this excitement unwind. Just fa-nominal footage as it lands. Listen to the crackle and watch as it descends at sea, simply out of this world, or should I say ,into this world? Back in early April, Elon Musk’s Space X finally achieved its goal of landing its reusable Falcon 9 rocketon a drone at sea. Shortly after, the space agency shared some impressive photos , of the landing, but now they’ve gone one step further and released an amazing 360-degree video of the event. The footage gives you a first-hand look at what it would be like to stand on the floating platform as the rocket touches down above you.This is the first time SpaceX has every released a 360-degree video, and hopefully it’s the first of many to come.
If you’re watching the video from a desktop browser, you can of course click and drag the point of view around to see different angles. But to experience it in a really special way, you need to use a VR headset.According to SpaceX has been trying for some time now to land one of its rockets after being launched into space, with prior failures and close attempts leading up to the April landing. That specific rocket had been used to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, and upon landing, SpaceX collected it to study its condition.It’s not clear yet if the booster will be used once again, and thus fulfill SpaceX’s mission of developing reusable rockets, but the agency has said that if it meets their requirements, they will re-launch it sometime in the near future.
SOURCE Space X


Welcome To The Mike's Camera Astronomy News Service!
As a member of the AstronomyOutreach network Mike's Camera and its trained and certified staff of telescope experts is pleased to offer the latest in astronomy and space news and outreach!
First Images from Huygens Probe on Titan
This is one of the first raw images returned by the ESA Huygens probe during its successful descent. It was taken from an altitude of 16.2 kilometres with a resolution of approximately 40 metres per pixel. It apparently shows short, stubby drainage channels leading to a shoreline... more from NASA/JPL
Remembering Mariner 4
Mariner 4 gave scientists their first glimpse of Mars at close range, passing over the planet at an altitude of 9,846 kilometers (6,118 miles) above the surface and putting to rest the myths of the late 19th century that the planet may have harbored an advanced civilization. Launched on November 28, 1964, Mariner 4 carried a television camera and six other science instruments to study interplanetary space between the orbits of Earth and Mars and in the vicinity of Mars itself... more from JPL
M42 With The Meade SN-8
Noted astrophotographer and minor planet specialist James McGaha submitted this spectacular image of the Orion Nebula. The image was made through a Meade SN-8 Schmidt-Newtonian telescope, delivering coma-free stars across a very wide field of view...
more from Meade
NASA's Great Observatories Provide a Detailed View of Kepler's Supernova Remnant
NASA's three Great Observatories -- the Hubble Space Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory -- joined forces to probe the expanding remains of a supernova. The combined image unveils a bubble-shaped shroud of gas and dust that is 14 light years wide and is expanding at 4 million miles per hour (2,000 kilometers per second). Observations from each telescope highlight distinct features of the supernova remnant, a fast-moving shell of iron-rich material from the exploded star, surrounded by an expanding shock wave that is sweeping up interstellar gas and dust... more from Chandra
Cassini Imagery Reveals Saturn's Immense Scale
Tiny Mimas is dwarfed by a huge white storm and dark waves on the edge of a cloud band in Saturn's atmosphere. Although the east-west winds on Saturn are stronger than on Earth or even Jupiter, the contrast in appearance between these zones is more muted, and the departures of the wind speeds from east to west are lower... more from NASA
NASA Begins Rehearsals for Return to Flight
"This is where we stop just brainstorming and thinking about how we're going to go fly this flight in space," said Paul Hill, lead flight director for Shuttle Mission STS-114, the first Shuttle flight since the Columbia accident... more from NASA
Submit DSI Images to Meade
Meade will be accepting images made with the new Deep Sky Imager to be reviewed by the Marketing Department for consideration of placement in Meade's catalog, ads, and website. Meade will give name credit for any images used. It's a great way for any enthusiast doing fine astophotographic work with Meade telescopes and the Deep Sky Imager to get worldwide recognition for their efforts... more from Meade
Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight
At 9:14 p.m. EDT on October 27th (tonight), the Moon enters Earth's dark umbral shadow. Almost everyone in the Americas and Western Europe will have a beautiful view of this eclipse. The Moon will be positioned well up in a dark, evening sky as viewed from most of the United States and Canada... more from space.com
Cassini Captures Saturn's Active Atmosphere
Saturn's atmosphere displays elegant structural detail in this image of the southern polar region. Swirls, fingers of clouds and three subtle brighter spots are visible here as they race around the planet. A dark spot surrounded by concentric rings marks the south pole...
more from JPL/NASA
Profiles in Outreach: Neil Armstrong
It isn't very often that Neil Armstrong's feet are on the ground. But when they are, they are known for being the first step on the moon's surface. As spacecraft commander for Apollo II, the first manned lunar landing mission, Armstrong was the first man to land a craft on the moon. A true hero of our planet and our times, Neil Armstrong is available to speak at select engagements through The Nationwide Speakers Bureau... more
NASA's First Generation Of Astronauts And Walter Cronkite Named Ambassadors Of Exploration
During a special ceremony commemorating the 35th anniversary of human exploration of the Moon, Administrator Sean O'Keefe named NASA's first generation of astronauts and former CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite "Ambassadors of Exploration.". The award celebrates the realization of a vision for exploration first articulated by President John F. Kennedy in May 1961, when NASA's fledgling human space flight program had little more than 15 minutes of experience... more from JPL/NASA
Cassini Glimpses Mimas
Soon after orbital insertion, Cassini returned its best look yet at the heavily cratered moon Mimas (398 kilometers, 247 miles across). The enormous crater at the top of this image, named Herschel, is about 130 kilometers (80 miles) wide and 10 kilometers (6 miles) deep... more from JPL/NASA
NASA Celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon
Thirty five years have passed since Armstrong and Aldrin first stepped on the Moon, and NASA is celebrating it's past with a vision of the future. The Vision for Space Exploration calls for a return to the moon, followed by journeys of discovery to Mars and beyond. There are many uncertainties on the road ahead, but there should be no doubt that NASA can set lofty goals and meet them... more from NASA
Famed Astronomy Popularizer, Sir Patrick Moore Recovers from Food Poisoning
Sir Patrick, 81, missed the programme he has presented continuously for the last 47 years on Sunday after being struck down with suspected food poisoning. It is the first programme he has missed since the series began - although the highly-respected presenter is expected to be back for August's edition... more from the BBC
Aurora Show for Friday Night at Table Mountain Star Party
Astrophotographer Scott Tucker captured this green aurora from the 2004 Table Mountain Star Party on Friday night. A huge response from the crowd of 700 could be heard across the entire star party field when the aurora switched on, which "looked like a curtain of moving green streamers across the north horizon". Aside from the northern lights, the night was perfect for deep sky observers with hundreds of telescopes turned to the sky...
Click for larger image from Scott Tucker
Profiles in Outreach: J. Kelly Beatty
Kelly Beatty joined the staff of Sky & Telescope in 1974 and now is the magazine's Executive Editor. He also serves as the editor of Night Sky, Sky Publishing's new magazine for beginning stargazers. Specializing in planetary science and space exploration, he writes many of the feature articles and news items found in Sky & Telescope, and he coordinates the "Focal Point" opinion page... more from Sky Publishing
Cassini Reveals Titan's Surface
In orbit around Saturn for only a few days, Cassini has already captured images of Saturn's giant moon Titan revealing never-before-seen details of the moon's surface. "Although the initial images appear bland and hard to interpret, we're happy to report that we have indeed seen Titan's surface with unprecedented clarity," says JPL's Dennis Matson, project scientist for the international Cassini-Huygens mission... more from JPL/NASA