Archive for September, 2008
U.S. Officer: Pakistani Forces Aided Taliban
Defense News:
Pakistani military forces flew repeated helicopter missions into Afghanistan to resupply the Taliban during a fierce battle in June 2007, according to a U.S. Marine lieutenant colonel, who says his information is based on multiple U.S. and Afghan intelligence reports.
You really should read the whole thing. A lot of the claims are based on observations by Afghan intelligence, and even if true it’s not clear that Pakistani forces are operating under official orders.
You know, I’m wondering why we aren’t seeing more of those “Didn’t the McCain team vet Sarah Palin?” stories. Is it maybe because nothing they’ve turned up in nearly a month seems to stick at all?
An Iraqi soldier fires an M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire demonstration at the Besmaya Range Complex in Iraq Sept. 13, 2008. The demonstration was held by U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. (DoD photo by Spc. David J. Marshall, U.S. Army/Released)
Is that MARPAT he’s wearing?
U.S. Sailors prepare a close-in weapons system to receive ammunition on the fantail of USS Essex (LH D) Sept. 19, 2008, while under way in the Pacific Ocean. Essex serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson, U.S. Navy/Released)
That’s a Block 1B Phalanx CIWS. The major exterior differences between it and earlier models are the reinforced barrels assembly and the FLIR/video pod on the left side. The Block 1B has been optimized to engage surface targets such as boats and slower aircraft like helicopters.
Here’s a summary of the Phalanx’s evolution:
Much more info on the Block 1B and more at CIWS now does surface targets, too.
I’m experimenting with putting a few Linkzookery-type short posts in during the week with little in the way of excerpts or commentary, but that doesn’t mean the Linkzookery has gone the way of the tyranosaur, the dodo bird, or Ross Perot supporter.
As always, feel free to add links to this post in the comments section. Link to anything you think MO readers may enjoy, and don’t be shy about linking back to your own blog. One can never have too much linkzookery.
US strikes Taliban camp in South Waziristan
Reportedly coordinated with Pakistan.
Ultimate Basic Training Series
Be Prepared for Basic Training!
The 20 Most Obnoxious Anti-Palin Quotes So Far
The Palin shine seems to be, predictably, fading a bit. But I have little doubt that hardcore haters will keep things lively until election day.
Blame the bloggers Chapter 1,384
Apparently we’re the cause of the gasoline panic.
Photo Ticket Cameras to Track Drivers Nationwide
Private companies in the US are hoping to use red light cameras and speed cameras as the basis for a nationwide surveillance network
Ike Reveals Fort Morgan Shipwreck
Too bad it’s not a tanker full of oil.
The T-34 Forever
If it ain’t broke…
10 Scary Zombie Killing Weapons
I don’t even know why I’m encouraging you people…
UPDATE: The real world interfered with adding the rest of the zookery, so here it is a few hours late:
High-Tech ‘Batman’ Ship in Florida Drug Raid
Stiletto strikes.
NASA To Discuss Conditions On And Surrounding The Sun
The sun’s solar wind is at a 50-year low. I’m not sure when it dropped or if it has any noticeable effect on the earth’s climate, but I’m interested to learn.
American Widow Project
Designed to care for the widows of US troops.
Al Qaeda’s Defeat In Iraq
Michael Totten corrects Obama on his statement that the invasion of Iraq “gave al Qaeda time to reconstitute itself.”
Ships that Won’t Sail
The LPD 17 San Antonio-class ships are a total disaster. Shoddy workmanship seems to be a the top of the list of Major Problems.
Light Armored Vehicles & Stryker Summit
Looks like an awesome time. In Vienna, VA, November 17-20. Press passes for writers of topic-related articles. Who wants to see a 3-parter on light armored vehicles?
Antifreeze for high prices: Competition
Something Frank Warner wrote for Ralph Nader in 1974.
Someone here
Tehran, Iran
was just on MO looking at this.
It’s often humorous checking out what people are googling for and looking at. And sometimes not so much.
UPDATE: Meanwhile, this advert popped up in the contextual ad block from Google AdSense:
WTF, mate?
This sort of thing has to stop.
Project Sanctuary, Parker, CO
Got a tip about this in the inbox: Project Sanctuary
Project Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide therapeutic, curative, supportive and recreational services to veterans, active military personnel, their spouses and children in a leisure environment.
Our mission is simple. Give our returning heroes time to reunite and bond with their families. At the same time, provide the veteran, their spouse and the kids support and opportunities to tap into resources, so that their lives can continue towards a positive and productive path. We are helping to give American families the best chance to stay intact, be happy and self-sufficient.
Scheduled for 2009-2010 completion, the Project Sanctuary Recreation and Rehabilitation Center will be constructed complete with swimming facilities including hot tub and therapy pool, fitness facilities, rehabilitation and physical therapy space, and spa, steam room, dry sauna and message center.
Project Sanctuary is located in Parker, Colorado. We’ve got family in Parker, and it’s a great spot.
An F-22 Raptor takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Aug. 28 to take part in an aerial refueling test using an alternative jet engine fuel -- a first for an Air Force aircraft. The fuel is a 50/50 mix of JP-8 jet fuel and a natural gas-based fuel. (Lockheed Martin photo)
The Air Force’s ongoing testing of coal-based synthetic fuel has been in the news more and more lately, probably due to oil prices. Today, Instapundit points out a recent Popular Mechanics story on the subject.
I’ve been following this for a while, first posting on it in Working the black seam in 2005 and Coal-fired B-52 bombers in 2006, and think this is a great idea.
However, this past spring I pointed out that Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 effectively outlawed the program for fleet use because the production and use of this synthetic fuel creates more greenhouse gas emissions than standard fuel. The fact that the act was for energy independence and security, not environmental feel-good, seems to have escaped someone. The ban allowed for developmental use, so the Air Force continues testing and certifying aircraft to use the new fuel.
There is an effort to repeal the ban, but I don’t think it’s gone anywhere so far. Does anyone know more about the situation? The recent “Gang of 10″ energy bill includes this:
Provides grants and loan guarantees for the development of coal-to-liquid fuel plants with carbon capture capability. Plants must have lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions below those of the petroleum fuels they are replacing;
It sounds as if the ability to sequester excess emissions would be required for this to go forward, and that probably wouldn’t violate Section 526. What that does to the cost of producing the coal-based jet fuel and how much it might impact the USAF program, I don’t know.
UPDATE: I fixed the caption on the picture. Also, the image is from AF.mil.
