MiG-23 Work Resumes

Work has resumed on the Cold War Air Museum's MiG-23UB.

As readers of this blog may know, the Flogger developed a mysterious fuel system leak after ground test in the spring. Replacement parts have now arrived allowing us to resume.

Here are a few photos of the inspection work:

With some clever modification a MiG-23 engine dolly can be made to work as a MiG-23 tail dolly. We were able to pull the tail back to expose inner connections of the single-point fuel port. Interestingly, a US/NATO single-point connection fits perfectly on the Soviet aircraft.

Initially we put 25 liters of fuel into the single-point connection and got 20 liters on the floor. With some fixing, we put 125 liters in and got only 0.5 liters to leak out. Hopefully with some new o-rings the leak will be completely fixed.

The museum's goal is to have the MiG-23 ready for more ground testing, including a test of the afterburner, some time this month.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

On a recent visit to Washington, D.C., one of the Cold War Air Museum correspondents visited several of the war memorials there. A previous post presents pictures from the Korean Veterans Memorial. Today's post features some pictures and background about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The memorial includes several different elements. The "Three Soldiers" statue, added in 1984 complements the "Wall" with a "more conventional" display of soldiers or marines in their battle dress and gear.

The Vietnam Veterans Wall is the best known element of the Memorial. Stretching a distance of 246 feet, nine inches (75M), it includes the names of 58,175 killed or missing in the conflict.

The Wall begins with the names of the first known American casualties in the conflict. The wall rises from 8 inches in height to over ten feet (3 M) and then falls to a height of 8 inches again.

Visitors often bring and leave flowers at the wall. Names on the wall are in chronological order. Volunteer guides assist those who are looking for specific name locations.

Vistors often reach out and touch the names of loved ones or ones they have known.

As visitors pass, their reflections shine back at them.

The exit from the walkway looks east to the Washington Monument.

The grassy area across the walkway often has displays such as this one from a veterans group, displaying a reunion picture in front of the wall.

Mi-24 Aerial Photos

As pictures continue to trickle in from the Warbirds on Parade event we enjoy posting them to the Blog site. Andy Nixon sent these to the Cold War Air Museum for us to share. A hearty thanks to Andy. Keep 'em coming folks!

Cold War Air Museum

Warbirds on Parade - 09/04/10, After Action and some more pictures

Events such as this year's Warbirds on Parade take a great deal of effort behind the scenes to make them a success. With a continuing interest in maintaining the success and safety of the event, the Cold War Air Museum, the DFW wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and airport management joined together for an after action review.

We all sincerely appreciate the hard work, planning and cooperation that was provided by the City of Lancaster and most especially, the support provided by their excellent airport staff, including both the retiring airport manager, Arb Rylant and the new airport manager, Mike Divita. By working together, we hope to be able to provide more parking next year as well as better traffic flow for the spectators and aircraft that visit the event.

Following the review, we received copies of a number of excellent photographs taken by one of the CAF members. Our thanks go to their dedicated members for their work and a special thanks for sharing these pictures with us. This view from inside their hangar shows just a portion of the many aircraft and visitors at the event.

The B-24 made a repeat visit this year and with the success of the event, we are hopeful that the newly restored and flying B-29 may be in attendance next year.

Another special attraction was this beautifully restored P-40 Warhawk from the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas. A rare sight indeed and a compliment to the area that so many aircraft could be gathered and put on display.

Events such as this often include "Re-enactors" or those who like to collect, wear or display military uniforms and equipment. The Mi-2 and Mi-24 appearing in flight behind one of these displays appeared eerily appropriate.

Our special thanks are again extended to the U.S. Army, First Cav. for bringing aircraft to the event. In today's world of mixed forces, the sight of an Mi-24 and UH-60 together is not as rare or startling as it once would have been.

The UH-60 Black Hawk was one of the biggest crowd gatherers at the event. The POW/MIA flag seen in the foreground was displayed by the UH-1H that flew to the event. Every event such as this also serves to honor and commemorate the memory of those who have served.

This CH-47 appears as if it is about to leap forward into flight. The actual takeoff maneuver was a leap in slow motion, graceful and impressive.

The CH47 and Black Hawk are the mainstay of U.S. ground combat air mobility. The opportunity for the public to see them together at this event was appreciated by many.

The Black Hawk quickly followed the Chinook on its way home. We appreciate the fine men and women of our services and their dedication to our country.