We have a blimp?

[HeyJoe]

Yes, Virginia, there is a blimp in Navy inventory....and it's heading to Mobile to assist in the Gulf Oilspill recovery efforts.

100706-N-XXXXX-001 Navy Hand Out File Photo (Undated) of the MZ-3A manned airship, Advanced Airship Flying Laboratory, derived from the commercial A-170 series blimp. The Navy airship is a high endurance low fuel alternative to fixed wing or rotary aircraft. providing extreme utility in airborne patrol missions where endurance and communications capabilities are required. (U.S. Navy/Released)

 

[Birdog8585]

Wonder if those pilots are wearing these???

 

[HeyJoe]

Wonder if those pilots are wearing these???

Nope. It's Government owned, contractor operated.

 

[Pags]

I want to say that VXS-1 owns the blimp.

Edit: Local rag backs up my claims.

 

[HeyJoe]

I want to say that VXS-1 owns the blimp.

Edit: Local rag backs up my claims.

They do not technically "own" it, they provide the ARC responsibility and were "hired" to do so. It is actually a NAWCAD asset (AIR-4.5 has always maintained a legacy interest in lighter than air and truly is the "owner"; AIR-4.6 provided expertise from IF experience to plow through the flight clearance hurdles to get her airworthy in eyes of 4.3), but you always need a ARC/ACC line of responsibility and VXS-1 was ready, willing and able.

 

[Able Dog]

Is this the one they are sending to the Gulf to monitor the oil spill?

 

[HeyJoe]

Is this the one they are sending to the Gulf to monitor the oil spill?

I say again:

...it's heading to Mobile to assist in the Gulf Oilspill recovery efforts.

 

[nittany03]

They do not technically "own" it, they provide the ARC responsibility and were "hired" to do so. It is actually a NAWCAD asset (AIR-4.5 has always maintained a legacy interest in lighter than air and truly is the "owner"; AIR-4.6 provided expertise from IF experience to plow through the flight clearance hurdles to get her airworthy in eyes of 4.3), but you always need a ARC/ACC line of responsibility and VXS-1 was ready, willing and able.

 

[Beans]

You can read all about it on heyjoe's website: becomeacquisitionNFO.com

 

[phrogpilot73]

View attachment 11843

I worked at NAVAIR as a contractor for almost 2 years. I still don't know all the AIR x.x designations.

 

[HeyJoe]

I worked at NAVAIR as a contractor for almost 2 years. I still don't know all the AIR x.x designations.

I don't think anyone does...I'm still on the lookout for π....must be in 3.1 somewhere....

 

[MAKE VAPES]

Does flying an airship over water make one a "Naval" aviator? (putting on my Fire Fighting Enemble)

Guess so if "Sea Service Deployment" ribbons are given to two seat Hornet squadrons flying out of Kuwait! "From the Sea"?

 

[Pags]

They do not technically "own" it, they provide the ARC responsibility and were "hired" to do so. It is actually a NAWCAD asset (AIR-4.5 has always maintained a legacy interest in lighter than air and truly is the "owner"; AIR-4.6 provided expertise from IF experience to plow through the flight clearance hurdles to get her airworthy in eyes of 4.3), but you always need a ARC/ACC line of responsibility and VXS-1 was ready, willing and able.

Sadly, The Tester didn't go into that level of detail

Speaking of The Tester, I saw someone's picture in the newest one...

 

[Hozer]

I wonder if those were the same blimp folks (as if there are a shitload of 'em) who were looking for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) work a couple of years ago, back when DHS was handing out huge UASI grants...hmmmm.

 

[HeyJoe]

You can read all about it on heyjoe's website: becomeacquisitionNFO.com

I can't even find that site....

Sadly, The Tester didn't go into that level of detail

Speaking of The Tester, I saw someone's picture in the newest one...

How did THAT get in there? That was supposed to be a no-press-allowed conference! That's what I get for not reading the Tester!