Tag Archives: jets

Cars

5 Of The Coolest Saab Fighter Jets Ever Built

A competitor to the iconic F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, the JAS 39 Gripen, or Griffin, kinds the core of Sweden’s air arsenal. Like the enduring jet that got here earlier than it, the JAS 39 Gripen additionally makes use of a modified engine. This time, it is a by-product of the F404 turbofan known as the RM12, designed in a collaboration between General Electric and Volvo Aero.

The first prototypes and manufacturing plane for the JAS 39 Gripen would happen in 1988, with a second batch of 110 plane being ordered just a few years later in 1992. After just a few preliminary testing highway bumps, the jet would formally enter service for the Swedish army.

Though based mostly on sheer pace and stats, the Gripen would not look like a giant improve from the Viggen, the JAS 39 Gripen is extremely gentle, small, and cell, because it maintains the custom of being a one-seat, one-engine jet. Able to take off and land with extremely quick runways, the scale of the jet allows it to be extra maneuverable & versatile — with the flexibility to scramble from smaller bases shortly.

The newest iteration of the jet, the Saab Gripen E-series, integrates the newest cutting-edge army expertise into the aircraft, together with up to date sensors, AESA-radar, an InfaRed Search and Track System, and superior weaponry. In addition, the E-series comes outfitted with a extra highly effective engine, the GE F414G, which can also be used within the F-18 Super Hornet.

Technology

Flying In Style: Understanding the Impact of Private Jets on the Environment

Private jets come in various types, with the Cessna Citation Excel being a popular choice. Although our estimates are based on this model, it’s important to note that affluent individuals may use more powerful and expensive jets.

The Cessna Citation Excel consumes an average of 225 gallons of fuel per hour, resulting in a carbon footprint of approximately 2.2 metric tons of CO2 per hour, according to 4Air’s aviation fuel carbon calculator.

For comparison, a passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually, as per the EPA. This means that the Citation Excel’s impact on the climate in three hours of flying exceeds that of an average car in a year.

Now, let’s consider commercial jets. The Airbus A320, a popular commercial jet, utilizes around 750 gallons of fuel per hour and has a capacity of up to 180 passengers. In contrast, the Cessna Citation Excel accommodates approximately 7 passengers, excluding the crew.

Given this, commercial jets offer a more environmentally friendly alternative for air travel, with significantly lower pollution per person. Although some celebrities defend their use of private jets by citing “loaning out”, the environmental impact remains significant. Opting for first class in commercial flights can still provide luxury without the same level of impact on the planet.

Technology

How High Can Fighter Jets Actually Fly?

Military-grade fighter jets can fly higher than commercial flights, reaching altitudes of over 50,000 feet above sea level, according to Simple Flying. However, specific altitude information for individual jets is not readily available due to military security concerns.

In 1976, a world record was set that gives us an idea of the potential upper limit of fighter jets’ altitude. Before the era of reconnaissance satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the U.S. military relied on high-altitude jets to gather intelligence. One of the most notable high-flying jets was the Lockheed SR-71, also known as the Blackbird, which reached altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet.

The SR-71 played a crucial role in Cold War intelligence gathering for the U.S. military due to its exceptional speed and high-altitude capabilities, as noted by the Smithsonian. The aircraft’s unique engine inlets, responsible for bringing air into the engine, contributed to its remarkable speed and agility.