The Gloster Meteor was the first British Jet aircraft to enter squadron service. It was the culmination of Allied efforts to win a top-secret race that lasted the entire Second World War – the race for speed. As soldiers fought on battlefields across the world, British and German engineers went head-to-head in battle to build an engine that would change aerial warfare forever.
ED: The following is from my inbox this morning.
Hi All,
Please watch the video below. We don’t have to be in the elite bureaucrat-driven, European Union to suffer the same fate as the video describes. We have Albo, who has brought in over 1,000,000 immigrants to Australia, in the last year, 125,000 of them in January alone. We are a nation of just 27 million so 1,000,000 is close to 4% of our population in 12 months. Proportionally, this is more than the flood of refugees into the USA. Most are from Africa and the Middle East, just like Europe. He also has brought in 3,000 from Gaza, where a recent poll showed that more than 75% openly support HAMAS. Visas were given in some cases, in less than two hours. How can you do security clearances in a war-torn country where our diplomatic staff don’t exist, in two hours? You don’t. To me it’s pretty much a certainty that some of the 3,000 are HAMAS fighters and/or their families. Albanese is importing our next round of terrorists. Note, not one of the Arab Countries in the Middle East has taken in a single Palestinian refugee since October the 7th. They are not stupid.
John Taske.
This is one important speech based on our basic historical values, whether in Australia, or Hungary or the EU. Finally, a view of where this uncontrolled immigration is impacting Europe. With Christian values at stake.
A huge criticism of the EU in Brussels. Hence the primary cause of Brexit some years ago. Hard not to agree with every word.
CLICK LINK to watch the video
Hello Ray,
You certainly come up with some good articles! The first one, about the GAU gun in the A10 aircraft, is a very powerful weapon indeed. As this one fires a 30mm cartridge and projectile, it is an update on the 20mm weapon we saw used with the USAF in Thailand and in Vietnam. They were powered by hydraulics as well. When we were in Thailand, (79SQN at RAAF Base Ubon), we were flying our CAC Sabre, yes all 8 of them. The USAF were on the same base, but they had 88 F4 Phantoms. Some had the 20mm cannon installed as a permanent fixture, and some used a Gun Pod, which contained the 20mm cannon with 2400 rounds. The weapon used then had 6 barrels, and the firing speed could be adjusted between 2,000 rounds per minute and 6,000 rounds per minute.
Then, the RAAF Iroquois UH1H gunship used by 9SQN had two 7.62mm ‘gatling’ Machine guns. These also had 6 barrels, but the whole weapon was powered by a 24 volt electric motor. The principle was the same, but as the ammunition was smaller, (7.61mm 1 in 4 tracer) a 24V electric motor was sufficient. The guns used by the US Army were able to be moved by the pilot moving the gunsight up to 15° in any direction. The problem with that installation was that the weapon would not stay still when it was firing. Hence, the pattern of firing was like throwing a shovel full of gravel at a barn door. When the RAAF developed the Australian Gunship, they welded the gun mount as a fixture to the main mount, and then they welded the gunsight to a fixed mount which swung down in front of the pilot. If he wanted to change his aim, he simply moved the rudder pedals to change the direction of fire. As most of our gunship pilots were ex fighter pilots, they did not have a problem with that system. The firing speed of our gun could be adjusted from 2,000rpm up to 6,000rpm. Whilst in Vietnam, our were adjusted to 4,000rpm. When the squadron came back to Australia, the firing speed was lowered to 2,000rpm. Considering each gun was loaded with 4,500 rounds, it gave a massive fire power for Army support.
Going back to your article, the A10 aircraft is a very powerful aircraft indeed. I think the RAAF were looking at those back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Going back a year or two, I think I may have sent you a copy of Brian Dirou’s report – “So a Bushranger was born”. If not, I shall attach it here.
Kind Regards,
John Clarkson.
(Armourer extraordinaire – 9SQN Vietnam)
This is a little long at 48 minutes, but well worth watching.
The GAU-8 Avenger, inspired by the 19th-century Gatling gun, boasts seven rotating barrels powered by hydraulic motors. Its unique self-sustaining firing system ensures uninterrupted operation, even after misfires. The gun’s ammunition, including armor-piercing and high-explosive variants, packs a punch comparable to a standard Coca-Cola bottle in size. With a staggering firing rate of up to 4200 rounds per minute, it penetrates armor effortlessly, making it a formidable weapon. Integrating the GAU-8 into the A-10 aircraft posed significant challenges due to its weight and recoil, but engineers overcame these obstacles with innovative solutions like windscreen washers and automatic engine igniters. The iconic A-10 “Warthog” equipped with the GAU-8 Avenger remains a legend in aviation, with the U.S. Air Force committed to its service until 2040.
A recent report paints a bleak picture of Australia’s housing plans, warning that the current unaffordable and undersupplied market is unlikely to improve anytime soon. According to the report, only 13 percent of homes sold in 2022-23 were considered affordable for families earning the median income of $6,650 per month.
The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council released its findings, projecting that Australia will fall short of its target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029 by 300,000 units. This shortfall exacerbates the existing gap between homeowners and aspiring buyers.
The report highlights significant challenges within Australia’s housing system, including 170,000 individuals on public housing waitlists, 122,000 experiencing homelessness, and widespread housing stress among vulnerable communities.
The rising population is identified as a key factor driving increased demand, pricing out many first-time buyers. Delays and escalating construction costs, along with unaffordable mortgages due to high interest rates in recent years, further compound the issue.
Prospective homeowners face an arduous task, with the average time to save a 20 percent deposit for an average dwelling stretching to around 10 years. Even with a deposit, the report notes that only a small fraction of homes sold are within reach for median-income households.
This year’s historic hotel tour has been nothing short of extraordinary, with each stop revealing layers of history and community spirit. Among the many gems we’ve uncovered, the Royal Hotel in Manilla stands out as a favorite, its age and charm speaking volumes about the rich tapestry of New South Wales’ country life.
Our journey took us further to the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, a place that has blossomed and expanded since our last visit a quarter-century ago. But amidst all these wonders, it was ANZAC Day in Dubbo that truly stole the spotlight, etching itself into our memories as the most remarkable commemoration we’ve ever witnessed.
Credit must be given where it’s due, and the RSL Sub-Branch in Dubbo deserves every accolade for orchestrating a commemoration that was nothing short of breathtaking from start to finish. As we joined the solemn procession behind a community band, marching 1.5 kilometers through the city streets, the palpable sense of pride was almost tangible. Veterans, impeccably dressed in their suits, marched alongside us, embodying the spirit of sacrifice and service.
The memorial service itself was a masterclass in reverence and respect. Absent were the often-divisive speeches of politicians, replaced instead by a poignant address from a serving Air Force officer. There were no ceremonial gestures of welcome to country or acknowledgments, just a pure and unadulterated focus on honoring the fallen and preserving the true essence of ANZAC Day.
It’s a program that transcends politics, a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and remembrance. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our travels, it’s that ANZAC Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a sacred opportunity to pay homage to those who have given everything for our freedom. And in Dubbo, that sentiment rang louder and clearer than ever before. Truly, a model for all Sub-Branches to emulate, ensuring that ANZAC Day remains untainted by the agendas of the day, and instead, serves as a beacon of unity and reverence for generations to come.
Home again on Wednesday.
Prepare to set sail on a linguistic adventure! This video explores the surprising ways the world of sailing has enriched the English language. We’ll delve into nautical terms that have become everyday phrases, from “weather the storm” to “go overboard.” Get ready to uncover the fascinating history behind these expressions, how they evolved over time, and how they continue to influence our communication today. So, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber curious about language, this video is sure to float your boat!
Are we living in a time where intelligent people are silenced so that stupid people won’t be offended?
• Why is it that when archaeologists find human remains, they can determine whether they’re male or female but none of the other dozen genders?
• How is it that the government can’t control petrol prices…but the weather is something they can fix?
• We’re churning out a generation of poorly educated people with no skills, no ambition, no guidance, and no realistic expectations of what it means to go to work.
• Why are we told to lower Air Conditioner usage on hot days to prevent overwhelming the electric grid while simultaneously being told to trade in petrol cars for electric vehicles?
• Why is cancelling student debt a good idea? Does it make sense to reward people who do not honour their financial commitment by taxing people who do?
• Why is talking sexually in the workplace considered sexual harassment to adults…but talking about sexuality to children Grade 3 at school considered education?
• If your electric car runs out of power on the motorway, do you walk to a charging station to get a bucket of electricity?
• Why are we running out of money for Medicare and not for welfare?
• Mice die in mouse traps because they do not understand why the cheese is free. Just like socialism.
• The most powerful governments on earth can’t stop a virus from spreading…but say they can change the earth’s temperature if you pay more tax.
• If you don’t want to stand for the National Anthem, perhaps you should give your legs to a veteran who lost his. That way a real man can stand in your place.
Thanks Ted
Robert Dougherty – Defence Contact
Team Defence Australia will showcase a new prototype infantry rifle and domestically produced bolt action sniper rifle at the upcoming 2024 Special Operations Forces Week in America.
NSW small arms manufacturer Southern Cross Small Arms (SCSA), a Team Defence Australia member, will present the prototype short stroke gas semi/automatic infantry rifle and bolt action sniper rifle at the 15,000-attendee annual conference in Tampa, Florida, from 6 to 9 May.
The international special operations forces community event, sponsored by the United States Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation, is expected to draw around 15,000 attendees.
SCSA operations manager Daniel Sherwood, speaking with Defence Connect, said domestic manufacturers understand the critical importance of sovereign capability for Australia’s defence needs.
“At Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa, Florida, under Team Defence Australia, we will showcase our defence capabilities, including a prototype short stroke gas semi/automatic infantry rifle featuring patented technology and a patented bolt action sniper rifle,” he said.
“As a company, we actively pursue opportunities in defence sectors, prioritising initiatives that align with our core competencies and values.
“While specific projects remain confidential, we are open to collaborations emphasising innovation, security, and bolstering international stability within the defence sector.
“Each project undergoes stringent evaluation to ensure it upholds ethical standards and responsible business practices.”
The NSW manufacturer has previously shown their pump-action Taipan-X rifle for consideration to the American commercial market at the 46th SHOT Show held in Las Vegas during January this year.
“The Taipan X received remarkable reception at SHOT Show 2024, with individuals from various sectors praising its ergonomic design and features,” according to Sherwood.
“It’s compliance with regulations across all 50 states and its straight pull/pump action combination ensured widespread comfort and accessibility for most users when handling the rifle.
“Sharing similarities with other rifles allows users to leverage their familiarity with the interface and tailor their rifles to meet their specific requirements.
“The construction of the Taipan X differs from commonly available options in America. This was done to ensure compliance in most states and territories nationally.
“Although Americans have access to a wide range of firearm options, they have lacked a 50-state legal straight pull/pump action combination. The Taipan X platform offers extensive accessory compatibility, enabling users to customise it according to their preferences and requirements.”
Sherwood said the high quality and innovative design of domestically manufactured defence and commercial products provides opportunities for Australian companies to export into American and other international markets.
“We see great potential for exporting our products to international markets. We are committed to quality and innovation, which positions us well for global expansion,” he said.
“We continually assess market demands and seek strategic partnerships to enter new territories.
“By maintaining high standards and meeting diverse customer needs, we aim to grow sustainably and strengthen our presence worldwide. We are actively pursuing opportunities to enter the Canadian and European markets this year.”