Can you do a barrel roll with a Boeing 707?

[Bulldog]

This pilot did. A long time ago :-)


What is a "barrel roll"?

A barrel roll occurs when an object (usually an airplane or roller coaster) makes a complete rotation on its longitudinal axis while following a helical path, approximately maintaining its original direction. The G load is kept positive (but not constant) on the aircraft throughout the maneuver, commonly not more than 2-3 G, and no less than 0.5 G.

In aviation, the maneuver includes a constant variation of attitude in all three axes, and at the midpoint (top) of the roll, the aircraft is flying inverted, with the nose pointing at a 90-degree angle ("sideways") to the general path of flight. The term "barrel roll" is frequently used, incorrectly, to refer to any roll by an airplane (see aileron roll), or to a helical roll in which the nose remains pointed generally along the flight path. In fact, the barrel roll is a specific and difficult maneuver; a combination of a roll and a loop. It is not used in aerobatic competition.

To read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_roll

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=38d_1188509023

[Bulldog]

French Rafales F2 Landing and Taking Off From The USS Enterprise

July, 23, 2007; Bay of Cannes, France: Two rafales "marine" F2 and a french hawkeye landed on USS enterprise, before being re-launched.

It was the first time that french jets did a complete cylce on an american carrier, and the first time a US carrier operated a foreign class of fighters.

US Ambassador to France Craig Stapleton commented on the significance of the occassion.

"Being that this is the first time a US aircraft carrier has been in France in six years it’s important, and also I believe it’s the first time French fighter pilots have been able to land onboard the deck of an American aircraft carrier, this is an important moment in US history,” said Stapleton.

Following the Rafales' visit, the aircraft were launched from the USS Enterprise and returned to their base.

During a Multi-National Maritime Exercise, back in May 2005, a Rafale M performed a touch down on the USS Eisenhower but did not perform a full "trapped" landing.

US help will allow french pilotes to train during the IPER of Charles de Gaulle (2007-2008). Cooperation between US and French navy seems in a good shape!

 http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=90b_1188688170

[Bulldog]

Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack

The Tupolev Tu-160 "Blackjack" is a supersonic, variable-geometry heavy bomber designed by the Soviet Union. Similar, but more complex, and with more payload capacity than B-1 Lancer, it was the last Soviet strategic bomber design and the heaviest combat aircraft ever built.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b2b_1188687193