When We Were Young With Our Corvettes - Chapter #22

[Jerry K.]

Re: When We Were Young With Our Corvettes - Chapter #22

OK:

Guess what this is about? You won't want to miss it.

The title of the jpg gives it away.

Bill

Spruce Goose by Hughes

[Mike G.]

Sidewinder was developed by NWC China Lake

Conceived by Bill McLean and began development in the late 40's.

The advanced version (AIM-9X) just recently entered service giving our guys/gals the most effective dogfight missile in the history of aerial combat.

Problem is - nobody will fly against us so we can unleash these little gems.

[Terry M.]

Re: When We Were Young With Our Corvettes - Chapter #22

Hughes also invented the Sidewinder air-to-air missile.

The Sidewinder was part of the weapons control system I worked on that I referenced above. We flew F106s. I think they still hold the single-engine air speed record.

[Bill O.]

Re: When We Were Young With Our Corvettes - Chapter #22

Corvettes and the Hughes H-4 Hercules, “Spruce Goose” – Chapter #22


When I was early discharged from active duty in the Army to return to college, I was reassigned to Army Reserve status to complete my obligation. Then when I came to California, the Army eventually moved me to inactive status, but left me with an active Army Reserve Identification Card that had not yet expired. This proved to be useful on more than one occasion.

Originally conceived by Henry J. Kaiser, a steel maker and builder of Liberty ships during WWII (automobiles later), the Hercules was designed and built by Howard Hughes and his staff as a military cargo seaplane. The Spruce Goose as the press incorrectly dubbed it (it was mostly birch) had an exterior made of laminated plywood (aluminum was rationed and the 1942 U.S. government contract prohibited its use in this project)….and a wing span of 330 feet….30 feet longer than a football field. It was 80 feet tall (the tail assembly was 8 stories high), weighted 200 tons and had 8 massive radial engines with 17 foot propellers. Three times bigger than the world’s largest plane at that time and still the longest wing span of any ever flown.
(complete version 5/12)

[Michael A.]

Re: When We Were Young With Our Corvettes - Chapter #22

When I was early discharged from active duty in the Army to return to college, I was reassigned to Army Reserve status to complete my obligation. Then when I came to California, the Army eventually moved me to inactive status, but left me with an active Army Reserve Identification Card that had not yet expired. This proved to be useful on more than one occasion.

Originally conceived by Henry J. Kaiser, a steel maker and builder of Liberty ships during WWII (automobiles later), the Hercules was designed and built by Howard Hughes and his staff as a military cargo seaplane. The Spruce Goose30 feet longer than a football field
(complete version 5/12)

I can't wait. Not only can you spin a yarn but you know how to build suspense and anticipation. You are a true talent, Bill.

Cheers,

[Bill O.]

Re: When We Were Young With Our Corvettes - Chapter #22

Thank you, Sir.

Don't be offended by the real life episode that accompanies the real life episode about the Goose.

More suspense.