On D-Day 1944, some 24,000 U.S., British, and Canadian airborne assault troops led the first phase of the Allied invasion of France, many of them jumping from C-47s like this one. About 6 hours later a massive amphibious landing involving more than 350,000 additional soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines followed. (Photo taken at the 2011 Quad Cities Airshow. This particular plane was in service through Vietnam.)
The recent tragic death of an airshow stunt flyer who fell trying to reach a helicopter from a biplane reminded me that I had these remaining images to post from June's Quad Cities Air Show. In June this guy successfully made it from the Stearman biplane to the helicopter.
The support plane for the Navy's Blue Angles is this C-130 Hercules. The plane demonstrated low passes for the crowd like those used in real combat situations. The plane also showed how it could land very quickly using lots of flaps, powerful reverse thrust and maybe someone standing on the brakes. This demonstration alone was a crowd pleaser.
The highlight of the June show was the performance by the Blue Angels. They made several passes in formation, flew upside down, demonstrated vertical thrust and a variety of other aerial wonders.
While this day was dominated by a cloud cover it turned out to be a positive advantage for the crowd. The at times dark sky provided a dramatic background for the oncoming Blue Angels with full smoke on.
The show ended soon after this spectacular blooming pass. I don't know the correct air show name for the maneuver but it certainly wowed the crowd. Next came the show's lowlight - a one hour and 15 minute crawl in the car inching out of the parking area - but it was worth it. Parts 1 and 2 of this series can be found here and here. Know that.
The Quad Cities Air Show held in Davenport, Iowa last weekend included a variety of aircraft and flight performances. Precision parachuters battled moderate winds on Saturday. Their skills enabled the team to land on target.
The Lucas Oil barnstormer made incredible turns, stalls and dives. And like many of the performers did so with a trail of smoke to highlight the flight characteristics.
A rare jet assisted glider also wowed the crowd with its graceful climbs and dives performed much slower than its propeller counterparts. The jet engine was not engaged during loops and drives but turned on to regain airspeed for the next set of performances.
The sturdiness of a World War II Stearman is tested by a low level pull out.
Another World War II trainer showed the crowd the difference in technology between the Stearman and this A-6 Texan. Know that.
Last weekend an air show in the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) took place for the twenty-something time. Its claims to be the third largest air show in the United States and featured, among other exhibits, the US Navy's Blue Angels. Half of the show consists of static displays. Above is some type of Navy helicopter that was in the process of balancing it's side fuel tanks and was guarded by the local Civil Air Patrol members.
Another static display at the show was this World War II era Avenger. This craft carried a torpedo and was used primarily in the Pacific theater. This particular plane is in immaculate condition.
Spooky is a C-47 transport plane used near the end of WWII and converted to a machine gun platform used in Vietnam. This plane was called in, usually at night, to a target area, circled the target (known as orbiting) and discharged its twin side mounted machine guns downward. This measure usually decimated the jungle and allowed for other attack aircraft to conduct missions.
A-10 Warthog jets have been around for years. They are used in the Middle East to destroy tanks and provide cover for troops on the ground. The two engine nacelles allow the plane to linger over the target area.
The Quad Cities Air Show offers site seeing for many people. Willy the dog however, was not allowed on the show's grounds but hung out in the parking area with his owner. Both enjoyed the aerial portion of the five hour show. Know that.
