The 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨 𝟐𝟐𝟗 (also known as the Gotha Go 229) - the precursor to the stealth aircraft

The 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨 𝟐𝟐𝟗 (also known as the Gotha Go 229) - the precursor to the stealth aircraft, was a German fighter/bomber prototype developed at the end of World War II and the world's first jet-powered flying wing.

This revolutionary aircraft was designed by the Horten brothers (Walter and Reimar Horten) to fulfill Hermann Göring's "3x1000" ambition: to carry a 1,000 kg bomb 1,000 km at a speed of 1,000 km/h.

The aircraft had no fuselage or tail (vertical or horizontal), so its entire surface served as wings. This design closely resembles modern stealth bombers like the B-2 Spirit.

Powered by two Junkers Jumo 004B turbojet engines embedded within the wing structure.

Claimed Stealth Capability: Although often cited as the precursor, or even the first, stealth aircraft due to its unique shape and the use of a mixture of wood glue and charcoal in the nose to absorb radar, experts at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum state that this feature was likely not its primary design objective.

The aircraft never saw combat, as the war ended before mass production began. Only a few prototypes were successfully built and flight tested.

A third unfinished prototype (Ho 229 V3) was captured by US forces during Operation Paperclip and is currently stored and on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

MIG Alley - the first large-scale jet fighter dogfights in history

"MiG Alley" was the nickname given by UN fighter pilots (primarily the United States) to the airspace over northwestern North Korea during the Korean War (1950–1953). This area, located along the Yalu River bordering China, became the first large-scale jet-versus-jet air combat zone in military history.

"MIG Alley" is named after the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet aircraft, which frequently operated in the area from air bases in Manchuria, China.

This location is famous for fierce dogfights between Communist MiG-15s (North Korean, Chinese, and disguised Soviet pilots) and U.S. Air Force F-86 Sabres.

MiG Alley marked the end of the propeller-driven aircraft era and the beginning of jet dominance in aerial combat.

The MiG pilots had a geographic advantage because they could quickly escape to a "safe zone" in Chinese airspace across the Yalu River, where American pilots were prohibited from pursuing to avoid open warfare with China or the Soviet Union.

Although the MiG-15s often outnumbered them, American pilots in F-86 Sabres achieved air superiority due to superior training, with a claimed victory ratio of approximately 8:1 to 10:1.

Operational Plans for the Giuseppe Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier in Indonesia

The operational plans for the Giuseppe Garibaldi in Indonesia will focus on transforming the ship into a base for combat drones (UCAVs) and helicopters, given the current limited availability of compatible fixed-wing fighter jets. The following details the air weapons plan for this ship: Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Fleet: The Indonesian Navy's primary focus is to transform the Giuseppe Garibaldi into a drone carrier to strengthen surveillance in strategic areas such as the North Natuna Sea.

Bayraktar TB3: Indonesia reportedly plans to deploy Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drones on this ship. This drone was chosen because it has folding wings and is specifically designed for takeoff and landing on ships with short runways.

Fleet Size: There are plans to procure approximately 60 TB3 drones, some of which will be locally produced in collaboration with Baykar. Mission: These drones will be used for surveillance and precision strike missions with a flight range of up to 24-50 hours.

Operational Helicopters: This ship will carry a combination of helicopters for various mission needs:

Anti-Submarine Helicopters (ASW): For example, the TNI-AL's AS565 MBe Panther, to detect underwater threats.

Transport & Utility Helicopters: Used for logistics mobilization and humanitarian assistance in Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) missions.

Capacity: The ship's deck can accommodate up to 18 helicopters in full configuration.

Fighter Aircraft (Fixed Wing)

The use of fighter jets on the Giuseppe Garibaldi faces technical challenges because the ship requires STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) capabilities.

AV-8B Harrier II: Technically, this ship was designed for the Harrier aircraft. However, procurement of this aircraft is difficult due to its global obsolescence.

Rafale: Although Indonesia acquired the Dassault Rafale, this jet requires a much longer runway or a catapult system, which the Garibaldi lacks.

F-35B: Currently, there are no official plans to deploy stealth fighter jets like the F-35B on this ship. 🥲

Next Steps: The Indonesian government is finalizing the domestic retrofit process to adapt the ship's deck and control systems to optimally operate the TB3 drone before its arrival in late 2026.

source: Tempo.co Indo Pacific Strategic Intelligence #tnial #navy #carrier #kapalinduk #angkatanlaut

MV-75 Cheyenne II vs V-22 Osprey

 Cheyenne II is the official name recently given by the United States Army to its newest tiltrotor aircraft, the MV-75, announced in April 2026.

While both use tiltrotor technology, the Cheyenne II (MV-75) is a next-generation evolution designed to address the shortcomings of the V-22 Osprey.

Cheyenne II

Here are the differences:

1. Main Differences

Tilt Mechanism: On the V-22, the entire engine housing (nacelle) rotates during flight transitions. On the Cheyenne II, the engines remain stationary (horizontal) and only the propeller shaft (rotor) rotates.

Tail Configuration: The V-22 uses a double "H"-shaped tail, while the Cheyenne II uses a more agile and easier-to-maintain "V-tail."

V-22 Osprey

Cabin Access: The V-22 relies on a large rear ramp door. The Cheyenne II uses a side sliding door (similar to the Black Hawk) to speed up the loading and unloading of troops on the battlefield.

2. Advantages of the Cheyenne II over the V-22

Easier Maintenance: Because the engine is not rotating, its mechanical and hydraulic systems are much simpler and have lower operating pressures than the V-22.

Cheyenne II

Speed ​​and Range: The Cheyenne II is designed to fly faster (up to 520-556 km/h) and have a range of up to 3,900 km, surpassing the standard V-22.

Operating Costs: With advanced composite materials and a simpler, straight-wing design, its production and flight costs are targeted to be significantly lower than the very expensive V-22.

Integrated Safety: The Cheyenne II includes a built-in particle separator on the engine to prevent damage from dust during landing, a feature that had to be manually added on the V-22.

V-22 Osprey

3. Disadvantages of the Cheyenne II Compared to the V-22

Carrying Capacity: The Cheyenne II is about one-third smaller than the V-22. It can only carry 12–14 troops, while the V-22 can carry up to 24–32 troops.

Payload Capacity: The V-22 can lift up to 6,800 kg (15,000 lbs) of external payload, while the Cheyenne II is limited to about 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs).

Storage Flexibility: The V-22 features self-folding wings for stowage on cramped aircraft carriers, a feature not a major focus of the Army's Cheyenne II design.