Well, that’s it, we’ve been bragging on about jet fighters for 4 years now. It all started to promote the fact that anyone can fly a jet fighter – as a passenger of course – and we are still publishing 4 years later. I think we have reviewed most jet fighter ride operators, from the USA to Europe to Australia. I guess the next ones to appear will be in the Emirates and the China. So we have also started presenting propeller planes experiences, as in all cases they are still providing fantastic rides. Recently we have lost a bit of direction, discussing issues, but we feel it’s also important to discuss important matters when they arrive. I think now we can start to reassess the jet fighter operators we assessed 4 years ago… For us the important thing has always been to show and tell, meaning introducing the great pilots and promoting them so that anyone can experience the thrills of flying in a jet fighter. So many thanks for reading. You are quite a few to do this every week. So again, many thanks, and more fighters to come!
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4th year of service for Jet Fighter Rides
Monday, February 6th, 2012Why 5th generation aircraft are key
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here Jan. 24. Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. “Tom” Jones, the service’s director for operation capability requirements, said the technology — exemplified in the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter — assumes greater importance in combating growing anti-access, area-denial capabilities. The generals spoke during a media roundtable in the Pentagon.
Fifth-generation aircraft are particularly valuable as part of the new defense strategy guidance that President Barack Obama unveiled here earlier this month, they said. That strategy explicitly affirms that the U.S. military must be able to defeat anti-access, area-denial threats. “This is not a new thing,” Miller said. “Militaries have operated in anti-access environments probably since the beginning of time. But what is different, and why fifth-generation aircraft is relevant to that, is that operating in anti-access environments continues to become more complex and challenging.”
There is a continuing competition between nations developing anti-access capabilities and others devising ways to defeat that, the general said. “Fifth-generation aircraft are a key ability that the Air Force is bringing to the nation’s ability to operate in those environments,” he added. The Air Force has flown against anti-access environments since it was founded. American fighters countered this capability in the skies over Korea and Vietnam. Airmen faced off against surface-to-air missiles ringing Hanoi. In the Persian Gulf War, Airmen defeated the ground-to-air threat over Iraq, and most recently, they knocked out the anti-access capabilities around Tripoli.
But missile technology has become more complex and more difficult to counter. Command-and-control capabilities have grown. This will require a new set of capabilities flying against them, Jones told reporters. “The fifth-generation capabilities that the F-22 and F-35 possess will allow us to deal with that environment,” he said.
F-22s and F-35s bring maneuverability, survivability, advanced avionics and stealth technology to the fight. Both planes are multi-role capable, able to fight air-to-air and air-to-ground. “These capabilities give our leaders the ability to hold any target at risk, anywhere in the globe, at any time,” Jones said. “I think it is important for any adversary to understand we possess those capabilities and intend to continue the development.”
Another aspect of the strategy includes the ability to operate against adversaries across the spectrum of conflict. F-22s and F-35s are particularly relevant at the top of the spectrum, “where we can’t always set the conditions for our operations as easily as we have in the last couple of decades of military conflict,” Miller said. This is an extremely valuable capability that must be nurtured, the generals said. Americans have become used to having domain dominance, Miller said, expecting U.S. service members to be able to operate on land, at sea, in the air with a fair degree of autonomy as they pursue national objectives.
“This is not a birthright,” Miller said. “That is something we have had to work very hard in the past to gain, … and we can’t take for granted that we are going to be able to support the joint team in future environments unless we maintain a high-end capability to target an adversary’s air forces, their surface-to-air forces and basically be able to seize control of parts of the air space and other domains the joint commander needs.
“It’s an Air Force capability,” he added, “but it’s a key Air Force contribution to the joint warfighting capability of the nation.”
Are we going Cold War again ?
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012Are we going Cold War again ? The question may raise a few eyebrows; of course we are not, the subtle battle between the East and the West in now a thing of the past. But when I look at numbers and the arms deals that are currently being done, I can’t think of anything else. This time the game is not just between East and West but has grown more complex. And the issue is not as simple as it used to be, but a lot more difficult as well to assess.
Let’s put things in perspective. The Middle East is more than ever a very dangerous place. We mistakenly thought the Arab revolutions would spread to all countries, bringing some sort of peace or status quo to the area. Iran is now more than ever provoking the West, Syria is burning its own plains and Israel remains a strong focus of attention, slowly but surely building up its stock of weapons? And it is also very unclear how the Emirates will truly react in case a conflict erupt although they appear on the safe side. It is fair to assume that this area, with petrol, religion, culture and history just need a spark to explose.
At the same time, China needs more oil every day and keeps building arms, as well as developing its own weaponry, like a stealthy jet fighter. And although the west is smiling at the Chinese technology right now, they should worry as China is not just a poor and uneducated country anymore. They do cars, airplanes, trains, satellites and they are truly going for it. Furthermore, they seem not to give a fuck about whatever the West might think. After all they have the numbers for them: the population and the cash.
Another area growing its weapons stocks ? Russia. In July last year, Poutin announced that Russia would spend 730 Billions dollars by 2020 to upgrade and maximize weapons. This is 20 Mio USD every day… What’s more, today Russia announced that they were keeping 30 Mig 31 on high alert duty. The announcement is not coming after a threat of any kind, but just to state that these jet fighters are ready to go after anyone.
Further developments are also happening in Pakistan, with the development of a F-22 look alike jet fighter. This area is already in turmoil, with Afghanistan in the mud up to its neck, Pakistan, the safe heaven of Ben Laden is not looking too good, and India, the enormous neighbour could soon very much become annoyed at Pakistan’s efforts to develop its own air force. And remember, these guys have the Bomb.
So everywhere I look, it seems piles of arms are stacking up. And I am not even going into the US Military. It’s like the old days, except the rules of the games have changed and the participants have also something we don’t get, a very specific culture. And this may be the breaking point. For hundred of years our model of thought and culture have prevailed, mainly because we were stronger than the others. But as our model let other people do what they want to have a better life, we have also allowed for others to raise to our levels, hence sometimes being equal or stronger than the West. So what do people do when they see their neighbor becoming strong, or too strong ? They start to buy weapons and prepare for the downside. It seems to me we are there.
Of course we can count on our good judgment, sense of history and our overall intention to do good not to engage in a new war. But not all have our commitment to peace. And history shows that Empires are made and destroyed for others to be made and then destroyed. So are we going Cold War again?
Some thoughts for 2012
Monday, January 2nd, 2012This is it! We are now in 2012. We wish you the very best for this New Year, and especially good health for yourself and your loved ones. Nothing is more precious than health… and love! To kick start the year, we would like to have a thought to all army personnel in difficult situations such as in Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones. It’s always tough to be far from home, to do a job that no one would want to do, sometimes to feel the heat for doing it, and risking your life doing it. So thumbs up and lots of love to you all.
2012 is going to be a challenging year. The financial crisis is still there, impacting our every day economic conditions. It will also be an election year that means a slow economic start of the year until we know who is going to be in charge. But it should also be a very interesting year. Technology has never been so into our lives and we have seen the good it can do such as the freedom movement in some Arab countries and the overthrow of Gaddafi.
I guess that, like each year, it all depends on us really to make it a good year. Work hard, don’t complain, do something for others when you can, share your passion, try to it well, do some sports and more importantly, love like there is no tomorrow. Well, we wish you all this for 2012. Have a fantastic New Year!
Want to fly to space ?
Monday, December 19th, 2011Everybody wants to go to space these days. Paul Allen and Burt Rutan have just announced they are launching a new company called Stratolaunch Systems with the aim to send tourists into space. This is significant as Paul Allen and Burt Rutan were at the source of Space Ship One, the first privately-funded, manned rocket ship to fly beyond earth’s atmosphere. That was in 2004.
This demonstrates the huge appeal space has for pioneers. We are not saying for companies, but they will get there. We are thinking people who are dreamers and achievers and launching these space projects privately today, at a time when space exploration is out of the question because countries are running out of money. Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic welcomed the move by Allen and Rutan, announcing at the same time that Virgin already has 500 signed passengers. We always here about Virgin in the press, but do you really know how interesting this business will be ? Well, see how many companies are already competing:
- Stratolaunch Systems (USA)
- Virgin Galactic (UK)
- Xcore Aerospace – Lynx (USA)
- Talis Institue (Germany)
- SpaceX (USA)
- EADS Astrium (Europe)
- Space Adventures (USA)
- Excalibur Almaz (various funding)
- Bigelow Aerospace (USA)
- Space Island Group (USA)
The fact that EADS, Virgin, and people like Paul Allen are investing now is a sign that Space is the next Eldorado. Success of jet fighter rides to the edge of space in the Mig 29 in Russia or in the Starfighter in Florida also prove there is a strong interest in going up to touch the sky. Actually, these fighter rides are successful and probably benefiting all the hype surrounding projects such as Virgin Galactic. Another question is, do you think there is a market for all these spacecrafts ? Would you pay the money to go to space ? Give us your thoughts in our FB page.
To the fighter pilots involved in Libya
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011We live in a very hectic world these days… Operations in Libya have started a few days ago, and as fighter pilots, we know the stress the pilots involved are actually going through. So all our thoughts are with you. Take care. Accomplish the mission. And be careful. A few of us can remember what it is like to fly in a combat zone. One of our friends was shot by a simple rifle, through the canopy and the bullet crashed into his helmet. Fortunately our friend was unhurt. But he kept the helmet as a souvenir. Even in a jet fighter, the pilot is at high risk. So to all the fighter pilots involved… take care.
Fly the L39 Albatros in Bordeaux
Monday, October 19th, 2009Come fly with us in the beautiful city of Bordeaux. Prepare your weekend with our fighter jet experience as well as some wine tasting and tours of wineries in the Medoc or St Emilion Area. In Bordeaux, our L39 Albatros is waiting to get you high! Live a unique experience, a fighter jet ride is something you will never forget. Check this video as a preview:
What is G force?
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009When you fly a fighter jet, you are subject to G force. G force can be positive and negative, which implies that the weight of your body will be submitted to variations of weight depending on acceleration. Here, we explain in a bit more detail how G force works and its effect on the human body.
The expression, “g-force,” suggests that forces are involved whenever masses accelerate. Einstein, in his Theory of General Relativity, showed that gravity is actually a warpage of spacetime whereby even light—a massless beam of energy—follows a curved path when traveling past a massive body. Whereas Einstein’s theory of gravitation is the most accurate one known, it is far from intuitive. Isaac Newton had a different view that, for most practical purposes, is an excellent scientific description of gravity and the laws of motion. Newton gave the world an equation that, when reduced to its simplest form, is written F = ma. The formula means that a force F acting on a body is equal to the mass m of the body times its acceleration a.
In an airplane, the pilot’s seat can be thought of as a hand holding a rock; the pilot as the rock. When flying straight and level at 1 g, he is being acted upon by the force of gravity. His weight (a downward force) is 725 newtons (163 lbf). Simultaneously, according to Newton’s third law, the law of reciprocal actions, the plane and the seat underneath the pilot provides an equal and opposite force acting against the force of gravity; the seat is pushing upwards with 725 N (163 lbf) of force. If the pilot were to suddenly pull back on the stick and make his plane accelerate upwards with respect to the earth at 9.8 m/s2, the total g‑force on his body is 2 g. His body is now generating a force of 1,450 N (330 lbf) downwards into his seat. According to Newton’s third law, this inertial acceleration is only possible because the seat is simultaneously pushing upwards with an equal force. Moreover, the relationship of acceleration, force, and mass is always in accordance with the teachings of his second law of motion: F = ma. The term “g‑force” reflects the fact that accelerating bodies entails forces.
Human tolerances depend on the magnitude of the g-force, the length of time it is applied, the direction it acts, the location of application, and the posture of the body. The human body is flexible and deformable, particularly the softer tissues. A hard slap on the face may briefly impose hundreds of g locally but not produce any real damage; a constant 16 g for a minute, however, may be deadly. When vibration is experienced, relatively low peak g levels can be severely damaging if they are at the resonance frequency of organs and connective tissues. To some degree, g-tolerance can be trainable, and there is also considerable variation in innate ability between individuals. In addition, some illnesses, particularly cardiovascular problems, reduce g-tolerance.
Vertical axis g-force: Aircraft, in particular, exert g-force along the axis aligned with the spine. This causes significant variation in blood pressure along the length of the subject’s body, which limits the maximum g-forces that can be tolerated. In aircraft, g-forces are often towards the feet, which forces blood away from the head; this causes problems with the eyes and brain in particular. As g-forces increase a Brownout can occur, where the vision loses hue. If g-force is increased further tunnel vision will appear, and then at still higher g, loss of vision, while consciousness is maintained. This is termed “blacking out”. Beyond this point loss of consciousness will occur, sometimes known as “G-LOC” (”loc” stands for “loss of consciousness”). Beyond G-LOC, if g-forces are not quickly reduced, death can occur.
While tolerance varies, with g-forces towards the feet, a typical person can handle about 5 g (49m/s²) before g-loc, but through the combination of special g-suits and efforts to strain muscles—both of which act to force blood back into the brain—modern pilots can typically handle 9 g (88 m/s²) sustained (for a period of time) or more (see High-G training). Resistance to “negative” or upward g’s, which drive blood to the head, is much lower. This limit is typically in the −2 to −3 g (−20 m/s² to −30 m/s²) range. The subject’s vision turns red, referred to as a red out. This is probably because capillaries in the eyes swell or burst under the increased blood pressure.
Horizontal axis g-force: John Stapp was subjected to 15 g for 0.6 second and a peak of 22 g during a 19 March 1954 rocket sled test. The human body is better at surviving g-forces that are perpendicular to the spine. In general when the acceleration is forwards, so that the g-force pushes the body backwards (colloquially known as “eyeballs in”) a much higher tolerance is shown than when the acceleration is backwards, and the g-force is pushing the body forwards (”eyeballs out”) since blood vessels in the retina appear more sensitive in the latter direction. Early experiments showed that untrained humans were able to tolerate 17 g eyeballs-in (compared to 12 g eyeballs-out) for several minutes without loss of consciousness or apparent long-term harm.[10] The record for peak experimental horizontal g-force tolerance is held by acceleration pioneer John Stapp, in a series of rocket sled deceleration experiments in which he survived forces up to 46.2 times the force of gravity for less than a second. Stapp suffered life-long damage to his vision from this test.
But do not worry if you fly with us as we fly according to G tolerance, and you may experience up to 6Gs max!
