Things that make you go hmmm....
 

Ran across this just now surfing the web...FedEx on the leading edge?? Anyone ever heard any rumors about this??

http://www.dsd.es.northropgrumman.co...tos_index.html

I heard during new hire training in July that they were looking for test pilots to head this project up. That's the last I heard of it, though.

FedEx and other airlines (United) received funding for the anti-MANPADS testing. There are several work groups through out the industry that are still collecting/analyzing test data. I'm pretty sure that most of the intial testing is completed.

I think you're right. The testing is complete. If I remember correctly, the testing was done at Edwards AFB. What I find interesting is that the same company that is always complaining about a lack of heavy lift somehow found an airplane to release for this testing. And it took more than just a couple of days.

The aircraft was a former Delta PAX MD11 waiting to be converted to a freighter. If you take a close look at the picture you'll notice there is NO cargo door.

Yea, look for trips in open time. Bagdad here we come!!:eek:

OK. But it's wearing purple paint so I assume that it belongs to FedEx. If it belongs to FedEx and is doing anything other than being converted to a freighter configuration, it impacts that freight hauling thing. Like I siad, they complain about lack of lift and have an airplane testing a system that may or may not be used or even work. But I guess that's why it's called "testing".

Only so many airplanes can be converted at any one time. It makes a lots of sense to use an airplane that would otherwise be in storage awaiting conversion.

The counter-MANPADS program is currently in phase 3, operational line testing. Northrop and BAE are both "renting" time and space aboard various airlines with an extensive international route structure. The rental fee is extremely high and well worth any down time encountered. The pod is designed to be operated without pilot intervention. Pilots will receive notification when the pod has been activated. UPS was approached but wasn't interested and is therefore not being included in initial line tests. Hope this helps.