Neal Nurmi wrote:
What is an "SDB"? And thanks Randy -- for being there and for sending the pictures. (And glad to see somebody with the sense to go Nikon!).
Neal - The SDB is the GBU-39/B "Small Diameter Bomb". It is a GPS-guided 250-pound bomb designed for low collateral damage in urban environments. It also sprouts wings, which gives it a BIG glide distance (Boeing's advertised range is 40NM) if needed to stay away from surface-to-air threats. It's the newest and flashiest precision weapon in the inventory.
As far as the Nikon goes, of all the pro photogs I asked, everyone said to get the Nikon. I've actually been able to fly with the competing Canon Rebel XTi over here, and I feel like I made the correct choice. The Nikon is very easy to use in the cockpit and with my Nomex gloves on. The biggest pain is having to completely disconnect my mask from both sides of my helmet so I can properly see through the viewfinder (and STOP scratching the LCD on the back with the mask!).
The only problems I'm having with it at the currrent time are getting the autofocus sharp through the thick (and usually dirty) canopy glass, and the very noticeable light drop-off in the corners at some focal lengths. I know the drop-off will be cured with a good lens, but since I just dropped a bunch of ca$h on the camera, I'm not financially in a position to splurge on a better lens yet.
lmritger wrote:
I've got a 1/72 kit that's been languishing for ages, because I wanted to find something "different" to do with it. This would definitely fit the bill.
Let me know if you want some detail shots of that particular jet...the bombs or art up on the nose.
planeoldsteve wrote:
What is the Big flame on the bottom of the F-15 in the second picture?
The fire is an MJU-10 flare countermeasure. It's for decoying infrared-guided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles.
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They ingrained that in us so much, I still remember it 20 years later.
And thanks to you and your mates for getting the job done.
