Simviation Forums

My lens is a bit too short for capturing freefalling divers; too bad, because the US Army parachute team put on quite a show! The pink smoke really showed their rapid descent, and they all opened their canopies at what seemed the last possible moment. Made some interesting patterns in the air...







A close-up of one of the troops arriving...







Nice shot of their jump/support ship, the Fokker C31A Friendship. these low flybys of the heavies over the surf were very cool.







This gorgeous T-6 in USN trainer colors did some aerobatics...







And was joined by Raytheon's new Air Force trainer, the Texan II.





Some nice formation flying, there! One can see here that for all the differences, the new Texan is clearly designed for the same duty as the old one... teaching newbies the basics of combat maneuvers.




Next: the USAF Reserve "Dream Machine"; the F18 and F16

Mmm, I wonder which Texan I'd prefer? Wouldn't mind a go in a Pilatus PC-9/Raytheon T-6 Texan II.

Mmm, I wonder which Texan I'd prefer? Wouldn't mind a go in a Pilatus PC-9/Raytheon T-6 Texan II.

What's the deal with that thing? Is it a Pilatus/Raytheon joint venture?

If I had to choose one, I'd go with the old-school version.

What's the deal with that thing? Is it a Pilatus/Raytheon joint venture?

If I had to choose one, I'd go with the old-school version.

Effectively I think Raytheon have done to the Pilatus PC-9 what Shorts in the UK did with Embraer's Tucano - gave it a little upgrade. In short, it's got a nice shiney glass cockpit (like the newest PC-9s anyway), different systems, canopy etc. Don't know about the engine though. Nice piece of kit.

Prefer the 40s vintage one though...

What's the deal with that thing? Is it a Pilatus/Raytheon joint venture?

If I had to choose one, I'd go with the old-school version.

Well technically it is a Raytheon/Beech plane but they cooperated with Pilatus and modified the PC-9 design.

It's kind of like how Mcdonnell/Douglas work with Northrop /Grumman to turn the YF-17 into the F-18

Pilatus PC-9, according to Wikipedia...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilatus_PC-9

Seems a nice little deal for Pilatus (taking royalties in effect) with Raytheon making over 700 of them!

Nice piece of kit. As I said, I'd love to have a go in one (if anyone's got one! )