[redpit]

Here one of my recent pictures taken with the K-3iii and the DA 560 (1/2000, f7.1, ISO250). Too much haze and not good light but when the planes were making close passes the IQ and the AF were as expected. You can click on the image to view it larger on my Flickr if you like. Have a nice week everybody.

Why is an AWACS-equipped helicopter buzzing my house? Actually, we happen to be on the flight path between a certain well-known secret installation known locally as "the training center" and Quantico.

[Keiner]

Very interesting, THX!

[K-Three]

AWACS-equipped helicopter buzzing my house

It's not AWACS, it's a standard Navy variant of the Army's Blackhawks, some kind of big radar dish on the bottom of it it though
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_SH-60_Seahawk.
Likely, you're seeing them in and out of the Marine base at Quantico (50 years ago, I lived in Dale City!, my Dad was assigned at Ft Belvior).

[subsea]

The radar dish under the fuselage is an AN-124 radar system. It's primarily used for maritime reconnaissance and is optimized for detecting periscopes.

[jersey]

Result from me trying to catch a cold near airport:

[Racer X 69]

Why is an AWACS-equipped helicopter buzzing my house? Actually, we happen to be on the flight path between a certain well-known secret installation known locally as "the training center" and Quantico.

The only AWACS aircraft operated by any US military branch are E-3 Sentry (modified Boeing 707) and E-767 (Boeing 767 variant).

The US doesn't operate any Advanced Warning and Control System helicopters.

The British, Spanish, Indian, Russian and Italian armed forces are the only ones operating AWACS equipped helicopters.

[subsea]

The only AWACS aircraft operated by any US military branch are E-3 Sentry (modified Boeing 707) and E-767 (Boeing 767 variant).

The US doesn't operate any Advanced Warning and Control System helicopters.

The British, Spanish, Indian, Russian and Italian armed forces are the only ones operating AWACS equipped helicopters.

Actually, Racer, the US Navy operates more AWACS aircraft than the USAF. The Grumman (now Northrop Grumman) E-2C and E-2D operate off aircraft carriers and they are still being purchased by the Navy, as well as by some foreign countries. In terms of helicopters, however, you are correct that the US doesn't operate any whose primary role is AWACS, although some operated by the Navy may have a role in helping to detect low altitude cruise missiles.

[Racer X 69]

Actually, Racer, the US Navy operates more AWACS aircraft than the USAF. The Grumman (now Northrop Grumman) E-2C and E-2D operate off aircraft carriers and they are still being purchased by the Navy, as well as by some foreign countries. In terms of helicopters, however, you are correct that the US doesn't operate any whose primary role is AWACS, although some operated by the Navy may have a role in helping to detect low altitude cruise missiles.

Oh yeah, i forgot about those.

Didn't they come after these things?

[subsea]

Oh yeah, i forgot about those.

Didn't they come after these things?

Yeah, those are the E-1A/B Tracer, also made by Grumman, and were both a modification of the Grumman C-1 Trader (Carrier on-board Delivery) aircraft and the first dedicated AWACS plane operated by the Navy.

[Racer X 69]

Yeah, those are the E-1A/B Tracer, also made by Grumman, and were both a modification of the Grumman C-1 Trader (Carrier on-board Delivery) aircraft and the first dedicated AWACS plane operated by the Navy.

I like those, I have a thing for stubby twin tailed airplanes with huge radial engines. Fast and maneuverable.

[paulh]

A couple PT-22 trainers buzzing the rooftops during an airshow in August.

[jersey]

Todays portion of airliners K-3 Mk III and 55-300 PLM

[jersey]

K-3 Mk III + 55-300 PLM

[jersey]

Same set: K-3/3 and 55-300 PLM