World’s Largest Aircraft to Ship NATO Freight – Airplanes

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has hired a Russian company to haul oversized freight in the Antonov An-124, a Soviet-era aircraft, and the world’s largest jet. Volga-Dnepr, the plane’s manufacturer, is trying to raise the money needed to restart production of the aircraft which was halted in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. At that time, only 56 of the An-124s had been completed.

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Japan to Develop New Supersonic Jet

Japan will meet with NASA in June to discuss a possible partnership for development of a supersonic jet that will replace the Concorde. The new jet will be able to travel 5,000 miles per hour, or 10 times faster than today’s airplanes. Its Supersonic Combustion Ramjet engine, or scramjet as it’s known, will enable it to fly between Los Angeles and Tokyo in three hours.

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Now Boarding for Outer Space, Gate One – Airplanes

Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma are seeking FAA approval to develop spaceports. They’ll use them to launch as yet untested rockets that will transport passengers roundtrip to suborbital space. That’s about 60 miles above Earth to you and me. Some rocket manufacturers claim they’ll be ready within a year’s time. Estimated ticket prices are $100,000 to $250,000 each. I’m thinking meals better be included for that kind of money.

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Planes of Fame Airshow – May 20 & 21 in Chino, CA

The 2006 Planes of Fame Airshow will be held on May 20 and 21 at the Chino Airport. The Silver Wings Wingwalking Team will perform as will several warbirds in aerobatic displays. Among them will be the WWI Sopwith Camel in a mock fight against a Fokker DR1 tri-plane. Those attending the airshow will get a taste of World War II Pacific Theater fighting when a Wildcat, Avenger, Corsair, and Dauntless take on a Japanese Zero.

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Scott Crossfield: A Pilot’s Pilot – Airplanes

Two weeks ago, we lost Scott Crossfield at the age of 84, a renowned test pilot and the first to fly at twice the speed of sound in 1960 when he flew the X-15 rocket plane. Tom Wolfe recognized the courage of people like Crossfield who put their lives on the line to advance aviation, and made them famous in his novel, The Right Stuff that was later adapted for film. Is it ironic then, that Crossfield died in a popular civilian aircraft during a routine cross-country flight, or is it the equivalent of an old soldier dying in his sleep?

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