Features

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: B-52H Stratofortress

    Manufacturer: BoeingFunction: Heavy BomberService Date: 1955Speed: 650 mphCrew: FiveProduction: 744 Inventory: 94Commentary: The B-52 is the largest aircraft credited with air-to-air kills (2 in Vietnam). Specially modified NB-52s support NASA and USAF test programs, acting as the launch platform

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: B-2A Spirit

    Manufacturer: Northrup GrummanFunction: Multi-Role Heavy BomberService Date: 1993Speed: Mach 0.85-0.95Crew: Two PilotsProduction: 21 Inventory: 20Commentary: Based on flying wing concept pioneered on Northrup test bombers YB-35 and YB-49 in the 1940s. The first use of B-2s in combat took place in

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, weapons systems: B1-B Lancer

    Manufacturer: Boeing Function: Long-Range, Multi-Role, Heavy BomberService Date: 1985Speed: 900+ mphCrew: FourProduction: 104 Inventory: 66Commentary: The B-1 was planned as a replacement for the B-52 but was cancelled in 1977. The USAF revived the program in 1981. The B-1B was first used in combat

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: A-10A/C Thunderbolt II

    Manufacturer: Fairchild RepublicFunction: Close Air Support, Airborne Forward Air ControlService Date: 1977Speed: 517 mphCrew: OneProduction: 713 Inventory: 355Commentary: The cockpit is protected with a titanium armor “bathtub”, capable of absorbing up to 23 mm rounds. A-10s were first used in

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: T-38A/C, AT-38B Talon

    T-38A/C and AT-38B TalonManufacturer: Northrup GrummanFunction: Advanced Jet Pilot TrainerService Date: 1961Speed: 812 mphCrew: TwoProduction: 1,100+ Inventory: 546Commentary: Most of the T-38s in service are used by AETC for advanced bomber/fighter training track in Undergraduate Pilot Training.

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapon Systems: T-1A Jayhawk

    (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 115 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Manufacturer: Raytheon Corp.Service Date: 1993Function: Advanced Pilot TrainerSpeed: 538 mphCrew: ThreeProduction: 180 Inventory: 178Commentary: First delivered to Reese AFB, Texas in 1992.

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, weapon systems

     (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 116 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)T-6A Texan IIManufacturer: Raytheon.Function: Entry-Level Pilot TrainerService Date: 2001Speed: 320 mph Crew: TwoProduction: 446 Inventory: 446Commentary: The Joint Primary Aircraft Training

  • The Contrails: Uniform of My Country

    (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 157-158 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Over two hundred years ago, the first thread of the uniform I wear was woven. While great men and women dreamed of a country of free people, the army and navy that would win her liberty

  • 1 event, 2 celebrations: Polaris Hall opens, Academy educator Wakin retires

    When one door closes at the Air Force Academy, another opens. This was the case at the Air Force Academy April 25 when Polaris Hall, the tower housing the Center for Leadership and Character Development, officially opened for business and a longtime Academy educator retired from an his active