Aviation has changed much since the beginning of time. Let's explore some of the things you would see on a modern airfield.

The world's first supersonic commercial passenger aircraft operating regular scheduled flights was the Concorde. It was developed jointly by Great Britain and France during the 1960s and 1970s when the Comet 4, the DC-3, and the Constellation were in regular service. No other supersonic aircraft can fly as fast and as far as the Concorde without needing mid-flight refueling. Some military aircraft can fly faster, but need in-flight refueling. The Concorde flies literally on the edge of space, high through the atmosphere. Passengers are even capable of seeing the earth's surface.

The Nighthawk (F-117A) first flew in 1981 and began combat in 1989. This jet was designed to avoid detection and mount precision attacks. It is the first stealth combat aircraft in the world. It has a top speed of 593 mph (955 kph) and is loaded with 5,000 lbs. of weapons. The choice of weaponry varies from laser-guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, or air-to-surface missiles. Two types of weapons can be carried at one time. The outside of the Nighthawk is coated with a special material that absorbs some of the radar signals that strike it. It is protected by 24 hour security with armed guards all around it. Authorized personnel must pass a palm print test to get near the aircraft.

The CL-415, or "Firebird," is a very important aircraft. This aircraft is amphibious, which means it can be operated from land or water. It was developed by Canadair to stop raging forest fires. However, it is also useful for search and rescue missions, especially on the sea. It can search for survivors for up to seven hours before refueling. It can scoop water into its tanks. Through doors in the bottom of the aircraft it drops water on the fire.

The age of computers continues to impact the aviation field. Today's technology is exciting and it seems as if "the sky's the limit" as we look into the future.

Explore the National Air and Space Museum's Gallery: Beyond the Limits.

---

Contents

Index

http://library.thinkquest.org/3785