Category: Naval Aviation

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The Transwing Airborne Drone: A New Solution for Naval Logistics and Operations?

PteroDynamics’ drone can fold its wings to fly like a fixed-wing aircraft in forward flight. (PteroDynamics)
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Hello, and welcome to the Americans for a Stronger Navy blog, where we share the latest news and insights on the U.S. Navy’s mission and operations, and how they affect our national security and interests. My name is Bill Cullifer, and I am a proud founder and supporter of this organization, which advocates for a stronger and more capable U.S. Navy that can deter and defeat any adversary, if needed and can also secure and sustain peace for ourselves and our posterity.

I am glad you are here, whether you are a new member or friend, or a long-time supporter of our cause. I hope you will find this blog informative and inspiring, and that you will join me in building a community of patriotic and passionate naval enthusiasts. I also hope you will check out our podcast series, Fleet Forward: Charting Tomorrow’s Navy, which explores the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. Navy in the 21st century. This series is a precursor to our upcoming December podcast series, Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power, which will dive deeper into the issues and trends that shape the U.S. Navy’s strategy and vision.

Today, I want to talk to you about a new and exciting technology that the U.S. Navy is exploring, and how it can enhance its logistics and operations in the global maritime domain. I am talking about the Transwing airborne drone, which is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can take off and land vertically, and fly horizontally with high speed and efficiency. The Transwing drone is designed and produced by PteroDynamics, a company based in Los Angeles, California.

The U.S. Navy is always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance its capabilities and to overcome its challenges. One of the latest solutions that the U.S. Navy is exploring is the Transwing drone, a unique and versatile unmanned aerial vehicle that can transform from a fixed-wing aircraft to a rotary-wing aircraft in mid-air. The Transwing drone can also be used for humanitarian, commercial, and recreational purposes, such as delivering supplies, monitoring the environment, and capturing aerial footage.

The Transwing drone has recently demonstrated its potential and performance by completing a series of sea trials with the U.S. Navy. The Transwing drone successfully launched and recovered from the deck of the USNS Burlington, a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship, sailing near Key West, Florida. The Transwing drone also successfully landed on a moving target, which is a critical skill for naval operations.

The Transwing drone is a potential game-changer for the U.S. Navy, as it offers a number of advantages over conventional drones. Some of the advantages are:

•  The Transwing drone can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, which means it does not need a runway or a catapult. This makes it more flexible and adaptable to different environments and situations.

•  The Transwing drone can also fly horizontally, like a plane, which means it can fly faster and farther than a helicopter. This makes it more efficient and effective for long-distance missions and operations.

•  The Transwing drone can carry up to 500 pounds of cargo, which is more than most drones of its size. This makes it more useful and practical for delivering essential supplies and equipment to remote or inaccessible locations.

•  The Transwing drone can operate autonomously or remotely, which means it can reduce the workload and the risk for human operators and pilots. This makes it more reliable and safe for complex and dangerous tasks and scenarios.

Transwing drone is designed and produced by PteroDynamics, a company based in Los Angeles, California.

According to Tim Whitehand, the vice president of engineering at PteroDynamics, the company that developed the Transwing drone, “Participating in The Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event brought us closer to our goal of providing the U.S. Navy with a flexible and scalable shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore automated cargo delivery capability.”

However, the Transwing drone is not without its challenges and drawbacks. Some of the challenges are:

•  The Transwing drone is still in its early stages of development and testing, which means it may face some technical issues and glitches that could affect its performance and functionality. For example, the Transwing drone may have difficulties in maintaining stability and control during the transition between the fixed-wing and the rotary-wing modes.

•  The Transwing drone is also subject to some operational risks and uncertainties, such as weather conditions, air traffic, and enemy threats. For instance, the Transwing drone may encounter strong winds, turbulence, or interference that could hamper its flight and navigation. The Transwing drone may also be detected, tracked, or attacked by hostile forces that could compromise its mission and security.

•  The Transwing drone may also raise some ethical concerns and legal implications, such as the accountability, the responsibility, and the authority of the human operators and the decision-makers. For example, the Transwing drone may pose some dilemmas and conflicts in terms of the use of force, the protection of civilians, and the respect of sovereignty. The Transwing drone may also require some regulations and standards to ensure its compliance and compatibility with the existing laws and norms.

The Transwing drone is a new and powerful solution for naval logistics and operations, as it combines the best features of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The Transwing drone has shown its capabilities and its potential by completing a series of sea trials with the U.S. Navy, and by demonstrating its ability to launch and recover from a ship, and to land on a moving target.

The Transwing drone also offers a number of advantages over conventional drones, such as flexibility, efficiency, utility, and reliability.

The Transwing drone is still in its development and testing phase, and it will require more research and evaluation to overcome its challenges and to optimize its performance. The Transwing drone is also a source of inspiration and motivation for the next generation of naval leaders, as it shows them the importance and relevance of the U.S. Navy’s mission and strategy, and how they can contribute and make a difference.

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The Lone Star Flight Museum: A Must-See Destination for Navy Lovers and WW2 History Buffs, A Testimonial by Dale A. Jenkins

Dale A. Jenkins, Senior Advisor – Americans for a Stronger Navy and son Dave Jenkins at Lone Star Flight Museum. Houston, Texas. They stand in front of a Douglas SBD Dauntless, a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944.
Bill Cullifer, Founder

If you are a fan of aviation and history, you will love the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, says American for a Stronger Navy senior advisor, Dale A. Jenkins, a former Naval officer and author of Diplomats and Admirals, a book that explores the diplomatic and military aspects of World War II.

The museum displays more than 24 historically significant aircraft, and many artifacts related to the history of flight. Among its collection, there are several U.S. Navy planes that have served in various wars and missions, and tell the stories of courage and sacrifice of their pilots and crews.

Douglas SBD Dauntless is a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944 sturdy enough for pilots to dive at a near-vertical 80 degrees. The US Navy’s primary dive-bomber at the war’s start, the bomber earned its reputation—and helped earn victory—at the 1942 Battle of Midway, sinking four Japanese carriers.

One of these planes is the Douglas SBD Dauntless, a dive bomber that played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway in 1942. The Dauntless was of particular interest to Dale, who has done extensive research on the Battle of Midway and the role of the Dauntless in turning the tide of the war in favor of the U.S. Dale said that it was touching to be there with his son, who shares his passion for aviation and history. “It was a wonderful experience to share with my son. He was fascinated by the planes and their stories,” said Dale.

Another plane is the Grumman F6F Hellcat, a fighter that dominated the skies over Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The plane on display at the museum was flown by David McCampbell, the Navy’s top ace of World War II, who shot down 34 enemy planes and received the Medal of Honor.

The Grumman F6F Hellcat is an American carrier-based fighter aircraft of World War II. Designed to replace the earlier F4F Wildcat and to counter the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero, it was the United States Navy’s dominant fighter in the second half of the Pacific War.
The Grumman TBF Avenger (designated TBM[1] for aircraft manufactured by General Motors) is an American World War II-era torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, and eventually used by several air and naval aviation services around the world.

A third plane is the Grumman TBM Avenger, a torpedo bomber that was flown by future president George H.W. Bush. The plane on display at the museum was flown by Paul Newman, a pilot who participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and was shot down by a kamikaze.

A fourth plane is the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, an attack aircraft that served in Korea and Vietnam. The plane on display at the museum was flown by Ed Olander, a pilot who flew over 200 combat missions and rescued a downed airman in enemy territory.

These are just some examples of the U.S. Navy planes that you can see and learn more about at the Lone Star Flight Museum. The museum also offers flight experiences for those who want to feel what it is like to fly in a vintage aircraft.

“The Lone Star Flight Museum is an amazing place to see and appreciate the history and heritage of U.S.Naval aviation. The planes are not only museum pieces, but also flying legends that inspire us to be stronger and better,” said Dale. “I highly recommend it to our members and friends of the Americans for a Stronger Navy and anyone who loves our Navy and our country.”

In early 2024, together with Dale, we will be shining a spotlight on the courageous pilots at Midway with our Wings of Victory series, which will feature interviews, stories, photos, videos, and more about these heroic aviators.

We owe the pilots at Midway and elsewhere a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice for our freedom and security.

If you are interested in visiting the Lone Star Flight Museum or learning more about our Wings of Victory series, you can find more information on on their website by clicking here.

Thank you for your support for a stronger Navy.

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Rediscovering the Battle of Midway: Unveiling History Beneath the Waves

The USS Yorktown was one of seven large vessels that sank during the Battle of Midway. Ocean Exploration Trust / NOAA

Introduction: Welcome to our latest post. Today, we dive into the depths of World War II history, exploring the pivotal Battle of Midway through the lens of recent underwater archaeological discoveries. This intriguing story, originally reported by Sarah Kuta for Smithsonian Magazine, offers fresh insights into one of the most significant naval battles of the 20th century.

The Battle of Midway: A Turning Point in WWII In June 1942, the Pacific Ocean was the stage for a critical showdown between American and Japanese forces. The Battle of Midway, lasting four intense days, turned the tide of the war in the Pacific. While it resulted in the tragic loss of lives and significant material damage on both sides, it marked a crucial victory for the United States and hindered Japanese expansion.

A Deep-Sea Voyage into History Recently, the non-profit Ocean Exploration Trust embarked on an ambitious project to explore the watery graves of three aircraft carriers from the battle: the USS Yorktown of the United States and the IJN Akagi and IJN Kaga of Japan. These explorations, taking place more than 16,000 feet below the surface within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, are revealing new details about these historic vessels and the battle itself.

Exploring the Iconic Battle of Midway

Uncovering the Past: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s Findings Using advanced remotely operated underwater vehicles, researchers captured stunning images and videos of the wreckage. They were able to closely examine features like the anti-aircraft guns, still ominously pointing skyward, offering a glimpse into the battle’s final moments. Remarkably, this marked the first time the Akagi was seen since it sank, though it was located in 2019, and the first live observation of the Yorktown since its discovery in 1998.

Historical Context: The Strategic Importance of Midway The Battle of Midway, fought near Midway Atoll—a key U.S. naval base some 1,000 nautical miles northwest of Honolulu—was pivotal. U.S. codebreakers had deciphered Japanese messages, giving American forces a crucial advantage. This intelligence enabled them to thwart Japan’s plans to occupy Midway and use it as a base for further assaults, most notably against Pearl Harbor.

The Legacy of Midway: Remembering and Learning The underwater survey and the subsequent findings are more than just a technological achievement. They symbolize the enduring significance of the Battle of Midway in U.S.-Japanese relations, turning a once bitter conflict into a collaborative effort for understanding and remembrance. It’s a powerful reminder of how history shapes our present and future, encouraging us to honor the sacrifices made during those turbulent times.

Conclusion: As we reflect on these revelations from beneath the Pacific, it’s important to acknowledge the role such discoveries play in keeping history alive. The Battle of Midway remains a testament to the bravery, strategy, and sacrifice of those involved. In exploring these wrecks, we not only pay homage to the past but also learn invaluable lessons for the future.

Thank you for reading and for your continued support of the Americans for a Stronger Navy. We invite you to join us in exploring more of our naval history and its ongoing influence on current defense strategies.

Check out, “Wings of Victory: How Naval Aviators Transformed WWII from Battleships to the Skies and won the Pacific War” is a collaborative exploration into WWII with Dale A. Jenkins and the Americans for a Stronger Navy. A Blog Series. February 7. 2024. The cost is free. Click here for additional event detail and registration.

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Charting the Future: The U.S. Navy’s Bold Move Towards Next-Generation Air Superiority

Courtesy of Northrop Grumman

Introduction:
The seas are vast, and for centuries, their dominance has dictated the fate of nations. Today, naval superiority is not just about mastering the waves but also the skies above them. With the recent announcements regarding the U.S. Navy’s next-generation fighter program, the horizon looks promising. This blog will explore the strides being made in the realm of naval aviation, illuminating how the advancements not only echo the mission of the Americans for a Stronger Navy but also how they stand as a testament to our nation’s commitment to fortifying its defense.

Summary:
The U.S. Navy is ushering in a new era of air dominance with the progression of its secretive next-generation fighter program, now moving from concept refinement to design maturation. With leading aerospace giants vying for contracts, this move signifies a leap towards cutting-edge naval air capabilities, blending technological innovation with robust strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Design Progression: The Navy’s next-gen fighter program has transitioned into the design maturation phase, marking a pivotal step in its development.
  2. Major Contenders: Aerospace stalwarts, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, are contending for the airframe contracts, while GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are eyeing the engine contracts.
  3. Integration with Other Programs: The Navy’s initiative parallels the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform, hinting at a unified vision for air superiority.
  4. Operational Focus: The F/A-XX program prioritizes operational reach and capacity, suggesting a comprehensive approach to tackle advanced threats from great distances using state-of-the-art weapons and communication systems.
  5. Significant Funding: Highlighting its importance, the Pentagon allocated $11.5 billion for fiscal 2023-27 to the F/A-XX program, making it one of the top research and development priorities.

Conclusion:
In an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, a stronger Navy is not just desirable, it’s imperative.

As we witness these advancements in naval air capabilities, we are reminded of the Navy’s enduring dedication to protect our shores and uphold our maritime dominance.

By supporting such endeavors, we not only back our servicemen and women but also fortify the nation’s defensive pillars.

For those reading, consider this an invitation to be part of this journey. Stand with the Americans for a Stronger Navy, and together, let’s ensure that our nation remains unyielding, both on the seas and in the skies above.

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Night Flight Ops aboard USS Gerald R Ford

Night Ops aboard USS Gerald R. Ford

Hello, members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

We are excited to share with you a thrilling story of air operations at night on an aircraft carrier. This is not a fiction, but a reality that our brave and skilled naval aviators face every day.

Imagine landing a plane on a moving ship in the dark, with no lights, no runway, and no margin for error. Imagine doing it while the ship is pitching and rolling in rough seas, and the wind is blowing from all directions.

  • Imagine doing it with a plane that weighs over 30 tons, carries tons of fuel and weapons, and travels hundreds of miles per hour.
  • Imagine doing it with only a few seconds to react, and no second chances.

This is what our naval aviators do every night on an aircraft carrier. It is one of the most challenging and dangerous feats in aviation, requiring precision, courage, and razor-sharp instincts.

It is also one of the most vital capabilities of our Navy, enabling us to project power and protect our interests around the world.

In this story, we will take you behind the scenes of night carrier operations, and show you how our Navy pilots train, prepare, and execute these missions.

We will also show you how the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest and most advanced carrier in the world, supports these operations with its cutting-edge technology and systems.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford conducts flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, July 25, 2023.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

We will tell you what it takes to launch and recover these planes in the dark, what are the risks and rewards of doing so, and what are the secrets of success for these elite pilots.

We will also share with you some facts and statistics about night carrier landings that will amaze you:

  • According to a YouTube video by NAVY Productions , night carrier landings are graded on a scale of 0 to 5 by the Landing Signal Officer (LSO), who guides the pilots with visual signals and radio calls. A perfect landing is a 5, a safe but average landing is a 3, and a bolter (a missed arrestment) is a 2.5.
  • According to Wikipedia , bolters occur when the plane’s tailhook fails to catch any of the four arresting wires on the carrier deck, forcing the pilot to abort the landing and go around for another attempt. Bolters can happen due to pilot error, equipment failure, or adverse weather conditions.
  • According to an article by Carey Lohrenz , a former Navy fighter pilot and author of Fearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck , night carrier landings are so stressful that they can cause physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline, cortisol, and pupil dilation.
  • According to an article by Proceedings Magazine , published by the U.S. Naval Institute , night carrier landing accident rates have historically been about three times higher than day rates, due to reduced visibility, depth perception, and situational awareness.

We hope you enjoy this story as much as we enjoyed writing it for you. We hope it will inspire you to appreciate the incredible work that our Navy does every day, and to support our cause of making our Navy stronger and more capable.
Thank you for your attention and loyalty.
Americans for a Stronger Navy.