Andrews Open to Flying Fans

Otis Willie wrote in message . ..
Andrews Open to Flying Fans

(EXCERPT) Annual Event Showcases Military Might, Patriotism, by Nurith
C. Aizenman Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, May 16, 2004; Page
C01

Overhead, jet fighters streaked through a cloudless sky -- steel-gray
bodies glinting in the sun, engines booming reminders of U.S. military
might.

I went out there today...a few thoughts...

Great show, although the Navy/Corps seemed underrepresented this time
around. One little Hornet on static, no Super Bug, one Harrier, and a
Prowler. USAF had two Strike Eagles, one Charlie Eagle, an F-16, an
F-117, B-1, B-52, F/A-22 (I'll get to that in a second), C-5, C-17,
KC-10...you get the picture.

MV-22 was on static...very interesting. The nacelles are enormous,
bigger than I'd expected for in person, and comparatively, the
fuselage itself is smaller. I'm 6'4" and had zero head clearance. I
can't imagine how easy it is for taller Marines to negotiate charging
off the back ramp, although I suppose that's what helmets are for.
The crew dog inside said that all the pilots love flying it...very
stable and easy.

The F/A-22 was parked next to a F-35 mockup, but the Raptor was the
real deal. It had two M-16 armed skycops camped out in the shade
under a wing. Weapons bays were open but no inerts to show. The HUD
was completely covered. I did notice little diamond-shaped windows in
the lower fuselage even with the cockpit...asked a crewchief "What are
those little windows for?" and he said "I guess they're just little
windows." Also, the thrust vectors were parked in that
top-up/bottom-down widemouth position, but also covered. They said
that the Raptor will be showing a LOT more next year. Maybe even
flying shows. I overheard that tidbit from one pilot (I assume, he
was in a bag instead of fatigues), and he followed up with "and
everyone will have their jaws on the ground if we do."

Air displays were good. B-1B, C-17, F-16, F/A-18F, A-10, Herks,
Snowbirds, F-117 (louder than I'd expected). I left before the Blues
flew.