Shown above is the vertical takeoff version of the F-35. This plane features a vertical forward fan to assist in vertical take off and landings for the Marine Corps. This aircraft offers many advances over the Harrier. Its forward fan not only offers additional lift for the rear vectored thrust of its main engine but exhausts cool air instead of heated air to eliminate the flame outs that plagued the Harrier. Stealth and exceptional speed will enhance its capabilities. Below is the F-22 Raptor that is currently under production after many delays and budget problems. The Raptor is now scheduled for large scale production after budget cuts were overcome

Spring is here and hopefully much warmer weather. We will probably begin on the Gnat restoration soon. We already have the paint donated to do it and now it will just be getting the people and weather cooperating and/or time to do it.

As far as the 6X trunk and Stuart tank are concerned we are negotiating with Mr. Tallichet on a lease agreement for them and until we have that we cannot do to much to them.

The A26 restoration is nearing completion and should fly first of May, we are hoping. The props should be back and on by the time you read this.

We are looking for donations of military paraphernalia from WWII, Korean, etc. for the museum. If you know someone who served and have items they might want to donate please let us know. Or if someone has passed on and left things they had collected when they served, let us know.

The air show planning continues and we should know for sure what aircraft would be coming soon. We probably will not have a military demo-team this year because of all the other bigger air shows going on the same weekend. We will work on military fly byes.

The airport is having a fly in, pancake breakfast and open house May 17th. It looks like it will be held in HAS hangar. We will probably have our PX set up and would welcome anyone who would want to help with it.

In closing we should remember the ones who are out there in harms way again trying to preserve and protect our freedoms and way of life, god speed and safe return to all. From our own group, Gerry and Diane McDaniel's son Jay is somewhere over in the gulf.

Thank you,

Jim Ridgway

AIRCRAFT POUND THE IRAQI MILITARY WITH PRECISION

Although there are new planes in the inventory to deliver the bombs, many of the older standby aircraft do the down and close air support.

The biggest improvement since the last Gulf war is the increased use of smart bombs. In 1991 we were awed by the smart bombs being placed on target with such precession. Today the availability of so many more of these type of munitions is amazing.

After the Gulf war we were surprised that there really were only about 9% of the ordinance dropped. Today it is in the 30 to 40%of the inventory. With the plan of limited and very selective air strikes it is making all the difference.

One thing remains however, air warfare has really came of age. Thousands of sorties continue as the U.S. prepares the battlefield for the defeat of Saddam. Hopefully air power will soften and demoralize the Republican Guard for the foot soldiers that are to enter Bagdad.

F-117s, B--2s, and B-52s bring in the heavy ordinances while massive ground forces with heavy armor follow.

April 6-Sept. 28, 1924- Air Service Officers made the first round-the-world air tour, the first trans-Pacific flight, and the first westbound Atlantic crossing. Leaving from and returning to Seattle, the flew 26,345 miles in 363 hours flying time, with an elapsed time of 175 days, The Collier Trophy was awarded the Air Service: the Mackay Trophy and the DSM were awarded to Capt. L. H. Smith and Lts. L. Wade, Lt. P. Arnold, E.H. Nelson, J. Harding and H.H. Ogden.

• HAS PX goes to Moraine fly in, May 4, 2003 May 17, open house & pancake breakfast & fly in at our hangar sponsored by the airport. June 8 & 9 Blue Ash air show June 20, 21 & 22 Akron/fulton airshow 
• Tank restoration team forming. Contact Diane McDaniel to sign on.
• Spring time is paint time for the Gnat. Paint team forming 
• NEXT YEARS WINGS OF VICTORY AIRSHOW AUGUST 16,17, 2003 
• NEXT YEAR’S HANGAR DANCE SEPTEMBER 20, 2003

Bob DeLay, Editor;and Graphic Design
  614.846.2876

Mail:
Invader
PO Box 158
Carroll, Ohio 43112

Hanger Phone
740.653.4778
A-26 Project Leader
Branson Rutherford - 740.756.4136

Email
Info@HistoricalAircraftSquadron.com

Jim Ridgway, President
614.899.9690

Melinda Rutherford, Treasurer
740.756.4136

Sue Boden, Secretary
740.653.9169

Diane McDaniel, Membership
614.855.2120

Wayne Swisher
740.653.8593

Branson Rutherford
740.756.4136

Kathy Ridgeway
614.899.9690