Saturday, August 07, 2010

AH-1Z inching toward service.

100802-N-3852A-366 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 2, 2010) An AH-1Z Cobra helicopter assigned to Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron (HX) 21, based in Patuxent River, Md., approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). This upgraded version of the Cobra is not yet available to the fleet. The helicopter features a larger engine and has two more blades than the Cobra's original two, giving it more power and maneuverability. Wasp is conducting test flight operations and was chosen as the platform to evaluate the limits and capabilities of newer models of aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rebekah Adler/Released)
100802-N-3852A-035 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 2, 2010) An AH-1Z Cobra helicopter assigned to Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron (HX) 21, based in Patuxent River, Md., lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). This upgraded version of the Cobra is not yet available to the fleet. The helicopter features a larger engine and has two more blades than the Cobra's original two, giving it more power and maneuverability. Wasp is conducting test flight operations and was chosen as the platform to evaluate the limits and capabilities of newer models of aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rebekah Adler/Released)
090216-N-1251W-018 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 16, 2009) Landing signalmen enlisted Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Kevin Bourne, from Brooklyn, NY assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) signals an AH-1Z Super Cobra assigned to the air combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) signals an AH-1Z Super Cobra Harpers Ferry and the 31st MEU are taking part in Exercise Cobra Gold, an annual Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored joint coalition multinational military exercise designed to train a Thai, U.S. and Singaporean Coalition Task Force. The exercise will also include humanitarian civic action projects with participating nations from Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. White/Released)


*Note*
Navy social media is probably the best of all the services.  The website is updated constantly, and is beyond easy to navigate.  They do have one problem though.  Aircraft, ship and weapons identification is lacking.  The AH-1W in the last photo is mis-identified as an AH-1Z.  T

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