Moon, Stars and Beyond   A Chronicle of Fact, Fiction and Fantasy

I’ll admit I’m the first person who hates flying, but I do it anyway.  That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the vessels that transport people from A to B.  However, the winged method of transportation I’m talking about here are joyrides of a different kind – military style.

Yes, this past weekend Stewart Airport hosted the New York Air Show, a parade of the latest and vintage military aerial vehicles dating back to World War II.  My husband, Andrew Chattaway, a photographer, shot all of the pictures you will see (except the one above – I did that).  Andrew, me and our son Matt braved the heat and crowds of 15,000 people to get up close to classic planes and helicopters.  I even had the chance to go inside a Chinook and sit in the pilot’s seat.  Despite $3.00 bottles of water, parking about a two days’ journey away and standing the entire four hours we were there, we had a magnificent time.

Here, let me show you some of the sights of this fantastic show.  And if anyone’s looking to do research for space vehicles, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

This is a beautiful example of a B-Class Bomber from World War II with its payload doors open.

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

Here’s a U.S. Marine Corps AV-88 Harrier.  This bad boy’s totally cool feature is that it hovered over the runway for what seemed like ever, much to the crowd’s appreciation.

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

U.S. Army helicopter rescue demonstration, achieved in mere moments.

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

Geico Skytypers do an amazing job of scrolling trails and daredevil stunts

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

Old-fashioned stunt flying that made everyone, us included, hold our breath.

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

The U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet flies gracefully in just about any direction – straight, sideways or upside down.

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

Here’s a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor really showed everyone that it pretty much could do anything, including blast out our eardrums.  It went past us at 700 miles per hour and left such a retort that my ear, blocked by my hands, banged anyway.  Take a look at this thing – it really seems like some kind of alien attack vessel, you know, the kind that comes down by the millions from the mother ship hovering just above our atmosphere.

Credit: Andrew Chattaway

At the end of the show flew a top-of-the-line WWII fighter plane next to the F-22 Raptor.  At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much of a comparison.  Yet both flew proudly and with such grace, it really was a marvel to watch.  The F-22 slowed to keep in time with its much older companion, but it didn’t take away from the fact that both protected our nation and allies.

Well, I hope  Andrew’s photos  inspire you to write some really good speculative sci-fi, military sci-fi, what your father did during the war (any) or present you with the opportunity just to marvel at some really incredible feats of aviation engineering.  Enjoy!