2005 Photo Gallery. Last updated 03 August, 2011
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• 18 July -- VFA-122 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 165670 crashed after colliding with VFA-122 Super Hornet F/A-18E BuNo 165662 over China Lake weapons testing ground during fighter maneuvering training flight from NAS Lemoore. Both crew from the F ejected, but suffered serious injuries. The E Pilot ejected, but did not survive.
• 18 July -- A civilian forklift driver was killed when the load fell on top of him.

 

VX-31 F/A-18F Hornet BuNo 16591, #216, AARGM, circa 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

Infrared (IR) Stimulator and Target Array, K-2 range Aircraft Survivability, China Lake.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

Snowing at Armitage Field, 07 January 2005.

Photographer unknown.

 

 

Snowing at Armitage Field, 07 January 2005.

Photographer unknown.

 

 

Snowing at Armitage Field, taken from atop hangar 3, 07 January 2005.

Photographer unknown.

 

 

Owens Peak, January 2005.

Photographer unknown.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 ready for disassembly at China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 ready for disassembly at China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 wing removal preparation, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 tail removal, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 wing removal, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 fuselage ready to load onto transport truck, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 fuselage ready to load onto transport truck, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 fuselage being loaded onto the transport truck, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 wings being loaded onto the transport truck, China Lake, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 fuselage arriving at North Island, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 fuselage being unloaded at North Island, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 fuselage being unloaded at North Island, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 wing reassembly, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 lifting the tail section into place, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156641 outer wing panel placement, January 2005.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Mosley.

 

 

RAN FA-18A Hornet s/n A21-47, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

RAF Fast Jet Weapons Operation Evaluation Unit (FJWOEU) GR.4 Tornado s/n ZA611, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

RAF Fast Jet Weapons Operation Evaluation Unit (FJWOEU) GR.7 Harrier s/n ZD470 China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

RAF T.1 Typhoon (Eurofighter) s/n ZJ804, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

RAF T.1 Typhoon (Eurofighter) s/n ZJ804, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

RAF T.1 Typhoon (Eurofighter) s/n ZJ804, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

VX-31 HH-1N Huey BuNo 158256, DD-403, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 162906, DD-302, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Looks like this one came from Top Gun. Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

VX-31 TAV-8B Harrier BuNo 163191, DD-84, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

VX-31 AV-8B+ Harrier BuNo 164129, #88, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 166602, XE-141, China Lake, 24 February 2005.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

Former VX-5 F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161523 at AMARC 16 March 2005. Photo by Phil Kovaric.

 

 

Former China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161713 at AMARC 16 March 2005. Photo by Phil Kovaric.

 

 

Former China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161720 at AMARC 16 March 2005. Photo by Phil Kovaric.

 

 

VX-9 UH-1Y Huey BuNo 166475, XE-31, 18 March 2005. Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

VX-30 DC-130A Hercules s/n 57-0497, 13 April 2005, March AFB.

Photo by Dan Stijovich.

 

 

P-8A testing on two "iron bird" test fixtures representing dry bay areas in the wing leading edge and the lower lobe of the forward fuselage, WSL.

18 April 2005. Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

This "iron bird" test fixture represents the dry bay areas in the wing leading edge of the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft, WSL, 18 April 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

NASA 1m satellite photo of Armitage Field (KNID), China Lake, 02 May 2005.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166615, XE-240, with two AMRAAM missiles prepares to make an arrested landing aboard the Reagan, 19 May 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo by PHCS Mahlon Miller.

 

 

DC-130A Hercules s/n 57-0461, VMFA-531 F-4N Phantom BuNo 152323 (EC-12), VT-86 T-39 Sabreliner BuNo 150542, F-200, & unknown Phantom.

May 2005 photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

C-117D Skytrain BuNo 12431, B-29A Superfortress S/n 44-70102 "Heres Hopin", QF-4N Phantom BuNo 150468 & F-111B BuNo 152715, Armitage a/c compound.

May 2005 photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

DC-130A Hercules s/n 57-0461, DF-8L Crusader BuNo 145528, NMC-105, & unknown Hornets, a/c compound south end of Armitage Field, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Hornet BuNo 165804, XE-200, pre-flight, VX-9 flightline, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, in position for formation take-off with VX-9 F/A-18F BuNo 165804, XE-200, China Lake, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Midshipman Dustin Packer in the back seat of VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Hornet BuNo 165804, XE-200, headed home with a hydraulic failure, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Midshipman Dustin Packer in the backseat of VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Hornet BuNo 165804, XE-200, on the runway after an emergency arrested landing, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Hornet BuNo 165804, XE-200, on the runway after an emergency arrested landing, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Hornet BuNo 165804, XE-200, on the runway after an emergency arrested landing, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track Do Not Transmit sign, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track Warning sign, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 53-7561, Baker-4 track, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Aircraft target mock-up, Baker-4 track, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 53-7561, Baker-4 track, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track control room, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track control room, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track tower, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track tower, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Baker-4 track, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

T-33B Shooting Star BuNo 138004, 7X-004, SNORT compound, China Lake, June 1998.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

DF-8F Crusader BuNo 143791, SNORT compound, China Lake, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 166601, XE-140, at right on the VX-9 flightline, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, China Lake, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166639, XE-243, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166639, XE-243, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Midshipman Dustin Packer in the back seat of VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, AIM-9X Sidewinder & going straight up, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, dogfighting with F/A-18F BuNo 166639, XE-243, at top, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, 95 feet of the ground at 600 mph, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, flying up the canyon, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, flying up the canyon, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, dogfighting & looking for the enemy, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166639, XE-243, cruising the highways, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166639, XE-243, cruising the highways, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166639, XE-243, cruising over the Ranges, circa May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, in formation with VX-9 F/A-18F BuNo 165804, XE-200, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

Midshipman Dustin Packer next to VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, China Lake, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, cruisin' near China Lake, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, cruisin' near China Lake, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, left side is speed (504 knots), right side is altitude (280), May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, over the Sierras.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, over the Sierras.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, Mach 1.05 at 27,170 feet, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, with AIM-9X Sidewinder over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, cruising to the fight over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, cruising to the fight over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

USAF F-15 Eagle s/n xx-043 & VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, over the Keys & coming home, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, over the Keys & nearing NAS Key West, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164254, XE-401, over NAS Key West, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, as Dustin straps in, NAS Key West, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, & Ordies with zap, NAS Key West, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

USAF F-16C Falcon s/n 87-314, NAS Key West, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 165780, XE-100, skipper's jet at NAS Key West, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo 164901, XE-402, over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 165780, XE-100, setting up for 4v4 over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 165780, XE-100, skipper's jet in flight over the Florida Keys, May 2005.

Photo by Midshipman Dustin Packer.

 

 

AV-8B Harrier II+ BuNo 165585 (remanufactured BuNo 163672), XE-751, Manitowac, WI, 04 June 2005.

Copyright and with permission by Bruce Leibowitc.

 

 

AD-4N Skyraider BuNo 125739 arrives at China Lake where it will be restored and put on display, 26 June 2005.

Photo from Jimmy Price.

 

 

AD-4N Skyraider BuNo 125739 arrives at China Lake where it will be restored and put on display, 26 June 2005.

Photo from Jimmy Price.

 

 

AD-4N Skyraider BuNo 125739 arrives at China Lake where it will be restored and put on display, 26 June 2005.

Photo from Jimmy Price.

 

 

Paveway II Dual Mode Laser Guided Bomb, 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

VX-31 AV-8B+(R) BuNo 165305, DD-83, Paveway II DMLGB, NAVAIR China Lake Test Range, circa June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

VX-31 AV-8B+(R) BuNo 165305, DD-83, Paveway II DMLGB, NAVAIR China Lake Test Range, circa June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

VX-31 AV-8B+(R) BuNo 165305, DD-83, Paveway II DMLGB, NAVAIR China Lake Test Range, circa June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

F/A-18 Hornet, BuNo unknown, flight test - Paveway Dual Mode LGB, China Lake, 24 June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

F/A-18 Hornet, BuNo unknown, flight test - Paveway Dual Mode LGB, China Lake, 24 June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

F/A-18 Hornet, BuNo unknown, flight test - Paveway Dual Mode LGB, China Lake, 24 June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

Paveway II DMLGB, NAVAIR China Lake Test Range, circa June 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

Paveway II DMLGB, NAVAIR China Lake Test Range, circa June 2005.

Lockheed Martin photo.

 

 

Greek TA-7 BuNo 156768 (former China Lake) Corsair II, RAF Fairford, Gloucestshire, England, 16-17 July 2005.,

Photo taken at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) by Jonathan Warren.

 

 

Range fire after VFA-122 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 165670 and VFA-122 Super Hornet F/A-18E BuNo 165662 collided near China Lake, 18 July 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 165536, DD-200, and F/A-18F BuNo 165668, DD-201, in formation over the Sierras, August 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 165536, DD-200, and F/A-18F BuNo 165668, DD-201, in formation over the Sierras, August 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 165668, DD-201, over Mt. Whitney, circa 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

Built out of carbon fiber, the DD(X) integrated deckhouse test article, Etcheron Valley RCS Range, China Lake, 15 August 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

A one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator consisting of the forward and aft sections (fully populated with antennas) of the deckhouse.

 

 

Museum of Armament & Technology, China Lake, CA, 25 August 2005.

Museum photo.

 

 

USAF F-15E Eagle s/n 85-183 and HyFly booster test vehicle close-up, 28 August 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

USAF F-15E Eagle s/n 85-183 and HyFly booster test vehicle over NAWC China Lake Pacific Missile Test Range, 28 August 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

HyFly booster test vehicle over NAWC China Lake Pacific Missile Test Range, 28 August 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

A pilot assigned to VX-9, looks out the canopy of his F/A-18F Super Hornet as he conducts a low pop-up maneuver above the south end of Panamint Valley

U.S. Navy photo by Cdr. Ian C. Anderson. Note /1.

 

 

F4D Skyray BuNo 124587, F11F Tiger BuNo 138647 and Polaris at the entrance to the Museum of Armament & Technology, China Lake, 12 September 2005.

Photo by G. Verver.

 

 

Museum of Armament & Technology, China Lake, 12 September 2005.

Photo by G. Verver.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile fuselage & engine, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile fuselage & engine, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine exhaust, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine exhaust, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine inlet, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine inlet, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine nacelle, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine nacelle, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile engine nacelle, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

USAF AGM-28 Hound Dog missile wing, China Lake WSL, September 2005.

Photo courtesy of AMMS Alumni.

 

 

RF-4B Phantom II BuNo 57348 on display at the China Lake Museum of Armament & Technology, 12 September 2005.

Photo by G. Verver.

 

 

RF-4B Phantom II BuNo 57348 on display at the China Lake Museum of Armament & Technology, 12 September 2005.

Photo by G. Verver.

 

 

B Mountain east of the Museum of Armament & Technology, China Lake, 12 September 2005.

Photo by G. Verver.

 

 

EA-6B Prowler and AGM-88 HARM, China Lake, 24 September 2005.

U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Darryl L. Welborne Sr. Note /1.

 

 

T-72 tank destroyed by a Brimstone missile from an RAF Tornado, PMT range in front of VABY, China Lake, 13 October 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

 

 

RAN FA-18A A21-47, China Lake, November 2005.

Photo © T. Panopalis

 

 

Dr. Karen Higgins, NAWC Weapons Executive Director, discusses the development of the SLAM-ER at the China Lake 500th Rollout ceremony 06 October 2005.

Photo by Greg Turnbaugh.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 165668, #201, October 2005.

Jamie Hunter-AVIACOM

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18E BuNo165536, #200, F/A-18F BuNo 165668, #201, FA-18 #306, & TAV-8B Harrier BuNo 163191, #84, October 2005.

Jamie Hunter-AVIACOM

 

 

Metro III N782C operated by VX-30 provides a shuttle service between NAS Point Mugu and NAWS China Lake, 22 October 2005.

Official USN photo

 

 

Fairchild-Swearingen Metroliner N781C, China Lake, circa 2005.

Photographer unknown.

 

 

USMC Capt. Brendan Powell, (VX-9) explains flight gear that military pilots wear at a career information fair, 04 November 2005.

U.S. Navy Photo by PH1 Darryl L. Welborne, Sr.

 

 

USMC Capt. Brendan Powell, VX-9 helps a student from Burroughs High School put on flight gear at a career information fair, 04 November 2005.

U.S. Navy Photo by PH1 Darryl L. Welborne, Sr.

 

 

Fairchild-Swearingen Metroliner N781C, China Lake, November 2005.

Photo © T. Panopalis

 

 

Fairchild-Swearingen Metroliner N781C, China Lake, November 2005.

Photo © T. Panopalis.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 162906, DD-302, hangar 3, China Lake, November 2005.

Photo © T. Panopalis.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 162906, DD-302, hangar 3, China Lake, November 2005.

Photo © T. Panopalis.

 

 

VX-31 F/A-18E Super Hornet BuNo 165660, DD-204, China Lake, November 2005.

Photo © T. Panopalis.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 165543, XE-244, equipped with the revolutionary new APG-79 AESA radar in flight over the Coso mountains, 15 Dec 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo by Cdr. Ian C. Anderson.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 165543, XE-244, equipped with the revolutionary new APG-79 AESA radar in flight over Armitage Field, 15 Dec 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo by Cdr. Ian C. Anderson.

 

 

VX-9 F/A-18F Super Hornet BuNo 166639, XE-243, over the Owens Lake in the vast Eastern High Sierra and Mojave test ranges, 15 Dec 2005.

Official U.S. Navy photo by Cdr. Ian C. Anderson.

 

/1 The aircraft was performing tests on the Shared Reconnaissance Pod System (SHARPS) prior to fleet-wide dissemination. SHARPS is a multi-functioned reconnaissance pod, adaptable to several airborne platforms for tactical manned airborne reconnaissance.

/2 VX-9 and EA-6B personnel work together as they conduct tests on the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-radiation Missile (HARM) weapons system during the early morning hours.