While size does matter, it is not necessarily always a measure of aviation power. However, this did not stop gifted engineers, who have, for decades now, been designing vehicles of such magnitude that their very ability to leave the ground was already impressive.
Today we are going to take a look at 10 of the largest planes, all with their own unique story.
“Robotization” has become the main trend in the development of technology, and the military is no exception here.
Combat UAVs in the 21st century have not only changed the effectiveness of actions on the battlefield, but have also turned the traditional military paradigm upside down!.
The new era of drones is here to leave a mark and the X-47B is going to make sure that it happens. This unmanned aircraft carries 4,500 lbs of ordnance and can easily be stored in a carrier due to its foldable wings. In addition, its range of 2,400 miles can be extended thanks to its ability to refuel mid-air using a tanker. The X-47B is actually the first drone to successfully do this maneuver.
Loading NASA Aircraft Into Super Ugly Giant Headed Plane
Welcome back to Daily Aviation for a feature on NASA’s response to replacing the old Boeing 377 Stratocruiser and moving its major components from manufacturers on the west coast to launch sites on the east coast. today known as Super Guppy. Image Credit: NASA, Ohio Air National Guard / U.S. Air Force / U.S. Navy, Derivative Study of The Daily Aviation Thumbnail Credit: Nasa, Derivative Study of The Daily Aviation
Comments: – – I was lucky enough to be stationed at Kadena AFB in Okinawa when the USAF switched from F-4 to F-15 and F-16. I worked right next to the flight line and watched these two large planes go through open sea dogfights with the F-5 as enemy players. I still love to watch jets and old WWII planes whenever I get the chance.
I worked for Sandy Friezner for 12 years as an Electronics technician. During initial development and flight testing of the Super Guppy Sandy, he was watching the instrumentation in the upper cargo hold when it exploded during a high-speed dive. This is documented and available. Thanks, Joe G.
I saw Super Gulpy once when I was in California, and it’s an extraordinary plane and like it must have been very powerful to fly. When DOD doesn’t use C-5 transport aircraft for these types of missions, they do use it to transport heavy equipment across the country and around the world. The plane was modified from a C-97 and probably has parts of that plane other than the engines and fuselage.
Thank you SpaceX. Look at that stupid 50’s tech. Think about it, NASA planes that can’t fly cross country; go figure