Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 - Where did it go

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 - Where did it go?

Over the last fifty or sixty years, there have been scattered reports of planes and other aircraft simply vanishing without a trace. While you would imagine that this is pretty hard to do, as a plane is a fairly large object, it has happened before and it looks to have happened again.

On the 8^th March 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished into thin air. It was en route between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing International Airports. It’s last noted contact with any form of traffic control is less than an hour after it took off.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The plane, which carried 12 crew and 227 passengers made up from fourteen nations, has been subject to the largest search and rescue effort in human history. This S&R mission took place across the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea. The search has since been expanded to the Strait of Malacca and the Indian Ocean.

Around a week later, on the 15^th March, it was believed by experts that the plane had carried across the Malay Peninsula, and then headed north or south for roughly seven hours. The next day, the 16^th, saw satellite images pick up debris in the southern Indian Ocean. Following additional searching and activity, the Malaysian government confirmed that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch had concluded beyond “any reasonable doubt” that the plane had crashed into this part of the Indian ocean.

Further searches in the area, as of the 30^th March, have shown additional debris show up across satellites from different nations. However, nothing has yet to be positively, 100% confirmed as the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. On the 28^th March, the search area was moved 1,100 kilometers north-west of the previous site.

The last words heard spoken were “All right, good night” from the co-pilot. While the search continues, and speculation arises about what may or may not have happened, it’s certainly difficult to pinpoint any more information than what is currently out there.

Facts change daily as more information comes out and images and footage is either heard or seen for the first time. Unfortunately, it looks as if all crew members and passengers have tragically been lost, as the grieving families search for answers through the media.

While there have been mysterious plane disappearances in the recent and distant past, few have as much mystique about them as the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. 

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom

One of the finest flying weapon systems in the entire world, the F4 Phantom has long be hailed as a key part of America gaining and maintain air superiority since the early 1960s. First entering service with the US Navy, the F4 Phantom was quickly adapted and modified for service in the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force just a few years later. Designed, developed, and constructed by McDonnell Douglas (one of the industries finest aeronautic companies) this aircraft proved itself not only in training exercises but also in the harsh and difficult Vietnam War.

Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 2.2, the F4 Phantom is still classified as a large and long range fighter aircraft. Packing a maximum payload north of 18,000 lbs installed on nine external areas, this machine was built for one thing and one thing only – to dominate aerial and surface combat and achieve complete and total air superiority over a given area. One of the biggest bonuses of the F4 Phantom is its ability to readily adapt and reconfigure to suit an mission objective – the weapon platforms can be air-to-air, air-to-surface, air-to-ship or any configuration of those options.

But it’s not just the weapon payload or options that make the F4 Phantom one of the most feared aircraft in the sky today – like many other interceptors she was designed for incredible speed. Unlike many other interceptors, the engineering team at McDonnell Douglas was able to pull it off. Setting 15 world records for performance while flying plus holding the title of world’s fastest aircraft for several years, the US military could rest confidently knowing that they had a machine that was able to get in and out of conflicts faster than anyone else – giving them an incredible edge in the air.

The F4 Phantom was able to not only prove itself during training and testing but in actual combat, and was a big part of the offensive and defensive planning for the Vietnam War. This machine was the go to aircraft for pilots in the Navy and Air Force as was key in providing close air support to millions of men on the ground. Also a capable recon aircraft because of its in flight capabilities, the F4 Phantom was able to deliver important intelligence that otherwise would never have been able to be collected. The last aircraft platform to record an “Ace” status (pilots and crews become an ace after shooting down 5 or more enemy craft in aerial combat), the F4 Phantom was feared and respected by both sides throughout the conflict.

Use of the F4 Phantom platform would continue in peace time throughout the 1970s and 1980s but would be phased out for more modern and technologically advanced platforms like the F-15 and F-16. A handful of craft were still used for recon roles in the first Gulf War, but by 1996 the machines were officially removed from service to the US. Now used by the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds in their aerial displays, the F4 Phantom is also the main aerial weapons platform for 11 US allied countries and nations around the world. 

Copyright New Century Components @ 2012

More information on the C-130 Hercules

Superior online NSN (national stock number) database and locating service

Superior online NSN (national stock number) database and locating service

When you are trying to source very specific materials and items from a reputable dealer, it is important that the business you are choosing to work with has access to an up to date NSN database and location service. The benefits of such a database and locating service are many and varied, but hopefully this quick article will give you all of the information you need to make certain that your vendor will be able to not only supply you with the correct parts the first time you place your order, but also locate them in a timely manner and get them to you as soon as possible.

Proprietary NSN databases allow for quick searching and location of hard to find items

When you choose a business to supply you with hard to find US or NATO items, you are really relying on their ability to quickly find the items you’re looking for (the correct items you’re looking for) and then deliver them in a timely manner. Our New Century Components (NCC) NSN database gives us a powerful advantage over other companies in our industry, and after much research and careful planning we’ve built a very efficient process for locating even the most difficult to find items in a very short period of time.

NSN databases help laying out time tables and milestones for big projects

When you are ordering the type of products and materials that NCC can assist you with, our customers are most often looking for not only large amounts of parts and products that will go into a pretty sizeable and time consuming project, but they would also like to have an idea of when they can expect them to arrive on site. Our NSN database allows us to get the kind of important information that will help you in determining a flexible but effective time table and milestones for laying out your project, helping you get everything in order to complete the work necessary. This gives our clients incredible peace of mind and helps keep the flow of things moving in just the right direction.

NSN databases allow for easier accounting of products and parts

Our NSN database also allows NCC to keep close tabs on the amount of parts and products throughout the entire supply chain, helping to give our clients important intelligence on whether or not specific parts or products will be available in the time frames that they will need them – or if they will be available at all ever again.

All in all the NCC NSN database and locating service is a mission critical piece of our infrastructure, and allows us to better serve our clients who are looking for the right parts in a timely manner. As with just about everything else in life, the more intelligence and knowledge you have, the better prepared you are for handling each and every eventuality that may come up along the road of your particular project. 

Copyright New Century Components @ 2012

Mil-Spec Standards for Fasteners and Hardware

Mil-spec Standards for Fasteners and Hardware

When it comes down to it, there are fewer customers more demanding than those who are expected to protect our country, our rights, and our freedoms than the United States Military. These men and women in uniform are asked to protect these sacred things with their lives if necessary, and they willingly volunteer for the service. The deserve equipment that is going to protect them and allow them to do their duty to the best of their ability, and should never have to worry about something failing our not working properly due to a breakdown in hardware or fasteners. This was the main push behind the design and implementation of the military standards (MS or MilSpec) that govern whether or not a product is fit for use from the best men and women are country has produced.

Everything from manufactured goods, weapons, supplies, aircraft and vehicles all depend upon the strength of their weakest link – and in the case of our military’s tools and weapons that almost always boils down to the hardware and fasteners used to keep them operating at the highest levels of efficiency. The last thing a man or women in uniform wants to worry about in a combat situation is if their equipment is going to fail, and so the Mil Spec standards were implemented to make certain that nothing was allowed to go to our servicemen and women until it had been rigorously tested and approved for use.  Not only do the materials need to be tough and durable, they also have to be of uniform size, shape, and function so as to allow uniformed personnel all over the world access to the same supply of parts. You can’t run anything of this size – a business, military, or government – without having some uniformity and access to like parts and materials for repairs and maintenance.

And we’re not just talking about the most important kinds of hardware that our men and women of the armed services use (things like their weapons and combat equipment) – we’re talking about everything from the rivets they use to fasten material together to the carabineers that allow easy and secure connections right down the to the parachute cord which has at least a million different uses. Each and every item in the supply chain for the armed services must be up to the high standards that we ask of our men and women in uniform, and at least if not exceeding the MS standards set forward by our leaders.

The important thing to take away from this article is that when you’re looking for hardware or fasteners that will absolutely not let you down in a variety of adverse conditions, then you need to make absolute certain that you’re getting your hands on MS standard equipment. When quality is of the utmost importance, and failure is not an option, turn to the same kinds of solutions that our servicemen and women turn to – MS and Mil-Spec grade hardware and fasteners.

Copyright New Century Components @2012

Acquire Discontinued F4, F5, F16 Parts

While the US has continued to innovate when it comes to their aviation based weapons systems, they have established a history of creating some of the world’s most effective defense based aircraft. Several of her allies have incorporated these weapon systems into their armed forces, and there is always a need for legitimate parts for repairs and modifications. Here are some of the platforms that New Century Components can supply parts for.

F4 Phantom II

The F4 Phantom II is a jet fighter that first was introduced in 1960, just a few years before the US would enter into the Vietnam conflict. The US Navy was the recipient of the first crafts, and then after its effectiveness was demonstrated the US Marine Corps and Air Force also began to order their own. At one point this one was one of the most popular weapon system platforms, and for good reason – this tandem (two seat) twin engine aircraft could fly in all weather, and was easily modifiable for use as an interceptor or as a fighter/bomber. Incredibly quick and nimble for its size, the F4 could easily push Mach 2.2 even with a payload of over 18,000lbs of weapons.

Seeing much combat in the Vietnam War, the F4 distinguished itself the world over as one of the most effective fighting platforms. She has the distinction of being the last US jet fighter that was able to reach “Ace” status (you must down 5 enemy aircraft in air to air combat to become an Ace), and was a critical part of the military actions in theater. The F4 was so effective and ahead of its time that it was still in use all the way through the 1980s, only to be phased out in favor of the F-14s, F-15s, F-16s, and the F/A-18. The F4 is still in use in US allied militaries all over the world, and for good reason – its still and incredible effective and powerful weapon platform.

F5 Tiger

The F5 Tiger was a supersonic jet designed and built by the Northrup (now Northrup Grumman) in 1959 – and due entirely to its incredible success as a weapons platform it is still in use in militaries around the world today. The Tiger was originally conceived of and created to be a lightweight trainer and fighter, but saw widespread use in US Cold War allies during the 70s and 80s. It was also used (and still is today) as an “Adversary Trainer” – or a weapons platform that acts as the enemy in real life simulations and trainings. Quick, light, and aggressive, the F5 Tiger is a formidable foe in the air.

F16 Fighting Falcon

First introduced in 1978, the F16 Fighting Falcon was originally designed and built at General Dynamics.  The US was looking for a new, high tech, high speed day fighter and GD was able to go above and beyond by developing a fantastic fighter as well as an all weather aircraft. Even though the US ceased ordering F16s for its Air Force, General Dynamics sold its aircraft division to Lockheed, who continues to produce planes and parts for customers outside the US. 

Copyright New Century Components 2012

1670-00-725-1437, FE12687C240, FE11003C240, FDC1040M1, TIE DOWN, CARGO, AIRCRAFT

Request a Quote for this Tie Down, Cargo, Aircraft

1670-00-725-1437, FE12687C240, FE11003C240, FDC1040M1

Cargo tie down for Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion.

The Sikorsky Sea Stallion was introduced in 1966 for the United States Marine Corps for heavy lift cargo. It is now used by the United States Army, German Army, and the Israeli Air Force.  

Definition: AN ITEM CONSISTING OF ROPES, CHAINS AND/OR CABLES, OR THE LIKE, HAVING SUITABLE HOOKS AND/OR ATTACHING PARTS AND EQUIPPED WITH A TIGHTENING DEVICE. DESIGNED TO SECURE OR RESTRAIN MOVEMENT OF CARGO CARRIED ON AIRCRAFT.

Weapon System: HELICOPTER, CH-53 D/E

NMF Description: STRAPS LEATHER IMITATION LEATHER

Part Numbers

C12687C240

MIL-T-27260TYPECGU1B

MIL-T-8652TYPEMC1

CGU-1/B

FE12687C240

42435-240

0376-013

AS27260

SP4067

3114100C240

FE11003C240

SP-4435-2

SP4212-1

CGU-1-B CLASS 2

FDC1040M1

MILT27260CLASS2

10045035

7745720G1

CGU-1/B

MC1

MRC	REQUIREMENT STATEMENT	CLEAR TEXT REPLY
NAME	ITEM NAME	TIE DOWN,CARGO,AIRCRAFT
AKEL	MATERIAL AND LOCATION	POLYAMIDE NYLON WEBBING AND STEEL CONNECTOR SNAP OR ALUMINUM CONNECTOR SNAP
ALMG	COMPONENT LENGTH	20.000 FEET NOMINAL WEBBING
ALMK	COMPONENT WIDTH	1.719 INCHES NOMINAL WEBBING
ALML	TIGHTENING DEVICE	RATCHET W/INTEGRAL HOOKS
FEAT	SPECIAL FEATURES	240" LONG AND OPERATING STRENGTH IS 5000 LBS
ZZZT	NONDEFINITIVE SPEC/STD DATA	NO. CGU-1/B TYPE

New Century Components @2012

Fast and Effective Ways to Search for Aircraft Parts

In the aircraft industry, aircraft maintenance is just a normal part of everyday life. Those who have been in the business for many years usually already know how to locate aircraft parts for maintenance and repair facilities. They can easily get their hands on every fastener, screw, bolt, and rivet ever known to aviation. Yet, send a newbie out to request for quote with a list that reads MS27576C4-, NAS1101E06-, NAS6607-, NAS1109-, MS9487-, and so on and they might be in for a very hard time. To buy aircraft parts is a job unto itself. That aircraft is not going to get off the ground without the missing screw fasteners and castle nuts! There has to be a method to make getting all the right components easier. These methods are well-known to any NSN parts procurement manager, but these are not the only ones that every have to do a stock number search. Here are the various methods of locating aircraft hardware so that those panel inserts, bearings, and AN fasteners can be located easier.

Aircraft parts, such as MS9504-, NAS1031-, NAS1703-, NAS1709-, NAS1735-, NAS1919-,  can be found quite simply by doing a national stock number search. If you find yourself asking, "what is a national stock number?", then you are probably glad you found this article. Many suppliers of military aircraft parts and parts for aircraft maintenance in general list their parts in the catalogs and on their website by the national stock number. That number is just an easy way of making sure you have the right part. Aircraft parts cannot simply be picked out by their pictures or descriptions because many of them seem very similar.  A national stock number search pulls up the exact need part by its national stock number. A search like this can easily be done online. However, it is important to make sure all of the digits are correct when ordering, or you might end up with a machine screw instead of a clevis pin. Whenever you do an NSN search, make sure that you copy the number down right.

Not all aircraft parts require a NSN search in order to be located. Many places that have to order aircraft engine parts frequently usually have a few catalogs around. In these catalogs the parts can be located first by category and then by description. In them you are not likely to see a listing for pop rivets in with the aircraft bolts, so it is easy not to get the parts confused. Many of these catalogs also display the national stock number of the aircraft parts just so that users can make sure they have the right one. These catalogs can contain just about every item needed to get an aircraft back up to military standards. This includes items such as federal supply class, circuit cards, transformers, special fasteners, shaft seal, and even ground support equipment. Some people like to search through the catalogs for military aircraft parts just because they are able to find additional helpful items.

If locating aircraft supply is still a challenge to you there are professional aircraft parts search services that can do the locating for you. Just contact them and tell them the parts you are looking for and they get to work having the items shipped directly to you. Rather you need a new end shaft or a whole engine transmission  they can find what you need really fast. These specialized experts can get you all the connectors, spring pin fasteners, and stainless steel cables you need to complete the job. Instead of you spending hours starting at a national stock number trying to figure out what to do next, you can let these experts handle the job while you get other things done. They are a great resource for who work in avionics assemblies and aircraft maintenance because they save them time and headache. They know the difference between an AN bolt and a stud bolt so they can get you just what you need.

While just owning an aircraft might mean the occasional need to locate aircraft parts, there is no need for it to be a complicated process. Those who have not had practice in picking out what they need from a valves catalog or doing a NSN search might get intimidated at the idea but it is really not a hard thing to do. If you have a need for aircraft supply, try out some of the methods presented in this article and see which ones work best for you.

New Century Components Copyright @2012