"LIVE FREE OR DIE" is the motto of New Hampshire, one of the 13 original U.S. colonies. New Hampshire's 157th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) was chosen as the first Air National Guard (ANG) unit to field the new Boeing Pegasus. The KC-135R was a major success for the unit, and New Hampshire was instrumental in maintaining solid mission readiness rate performance. With the demise of the KC-10A and now with the stalwart Stratotanker entering the sunset years, the KC-46A has become a welcome addition to the U.S. inventory.
New Hampshire actually has two flying squadrons that fall under the 157th ARW umbrella, those being the 133rd ARS "Wildcats" and the 64th ARS "Phoenix." While the 133rd ARS is an ANG unit, the 64th is an active-duty associate unit: it stood back up in July of 2022 and will bring 159 new "embedded" members to Pease ANGB. The two squadrons are essentially melded and function as one squadron although the 64th ARS falls under the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base for their the administrative/financial structure.
As for the new kid on the block, are there "new aircraft" teething issues? Yes, but what new recent program is free of issues? And issues will be resolved as the program matures (such as the F-35, V-22, and so on).
Enhancements are being made and within a few years, the aircraft bugs should mostly be worked out. Rather than dwell on the bugs, let's explore what the KC-46A brings to the table.
With their full-complement of 12 Pegasus now in the stable, New Hampshire received its last KC-46A on February 5, 2021. The primary missions are aerial refueling, moving cargo, and transporting passengers. Eventually the aircraft will be able to support increased cargo and passenger loads, making it a great asset to globally deploy units along with parts, logistical needs, and travel to wherever is needed. The unit's aircraft can refuel enroute as well during the movement.
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A-26 BRIDGE BUSTER
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Spitfire FIGHTER-BOMBERS
The iconic fighter was surprisingly effective in other roles
"BAT WING" LIGHTNING
The Charlie-Model F-35
OUTGUNNED & OUTMANNED
A losing battle against a well-equipped foe
Wichita Wonder
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WARRIORS REMEMBERED
Families gather in England to pay tribute to a fallen WW II aircrew
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IT MADE NUMEROUS TEST FLIGHTS and at least one cross-country journey, yet no air-to-air picture of it appears to have survived.
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The Corsair Maker- Bringing the Vought Corsair to the fleet was a daunting challenge that spanned nearly three years.
When the first production Corsairs exited the Stratford factory in June 1942, Guyton, as seen here, was tapped to manage the flight and production test program. Armament was improved to six wing-mounted .50s, displacing the wing fuel tanks now placed forward of the cockpit which necessarily was moved rearward by 32 inches. Overall length was increased, armor plate added, landing, arresting and tail gear improved, aileron control enhanced, and a new version of the R2800 engine was incorporated. But those significant improvements unearthed numerous idiosyncrasies that would take an extended period to make the Corsair acceptable for carrier operations
STARFIRES Over Korea
F-94 pilots tangle with MiGs
