Little Boy Bomb signed by Morris Jeppson Model

Little Boy Bomb History:

On August 6, 1945, shortly after the Enola Gay rose from its runway on Tinian Island in the Pacific, Morris “Dick” Jeppson descended into the bomb bay to commerce arming our weapon nick-named “Little Boy”. It was the first atomic bomb to be used as a weapon. The weapon was developed by the Manhattan Project during World War II. It derived its explosive power from the nuclear fission of uranium 235. The Hiroshima bombing was the second artificial nuclear explosion in history, after the Trinity test, and the first uranium-based detonation.

To order the Little Boy Bomb signed by Morris Jeppson Model, you may call 1-800-579-1207 or visit http://www.warplanes.com

Japan Airlines files for bankruptcy

Japan Airlines Corp filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday owing more than $25 billion and vowed to slash 15,700 jobs and unprofitable routes as part of a plan to survive an industry beset by volatile fuel costs and fickle flyers.

JAL, Asia’s largest airline by revenues, will remain in the skies thanks to almost 1 trillion yen ($11 billion) in support from a state-backed fund, but must go through a sweeping restructuring under a new board and management.

Shareholders will be wiped out and lenders will forgive a larger-than-expected 730 billion yen in debt as part of the deal with the fund, the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp of Japan (ETIC).

Bankruptcy will only be the beginning for an airline with depleted capital, facing headwinds such as rising fuel prices and shrinking passenger numbers, on top of hefty restructuring costs.

USS Carl Vinson to serve as ‘floating airport’ for Haiti operation

A US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier speeding towards Haiti serves as a landing pad for a fleet of helicopters rushing in emergency teams and vital supplies to quake victims.

Military officials said the USS Carl Vinson, a Nimitz-class super carrier, is designed for war and projecting American power but is well-suited for the humanitarian mission in Haiti after Tuesday’s massive earthquake.

The carrier is outfitted with water-purifying equipment, dozens of hospital beds, three operating rooms and a giant flight deck that can accommodate numerous helicopters, military officers said.

“They are going to serve as a floating airport for a lot of different helicopters,” Navy Lieutenant Nate Christensen told AFP.

Instead of its usual complement of fighter jets, the ship is carrying 19 helicopters, ranging from larger “heavy lift” CH-53 Sea Stallions to smaller Seahawk choppers, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

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NASA finds cocaine in shuttle hangar

NASA says it has launched an investigation after finding cocaine in a processing hangar for a space shuttle at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

A small amount of cocaine was found in a restricted area of the processing hangar for the shuttle Discovery, NASA said in a statement.

“This is a rare and isolated incident, and I’m disappointed that it happened, but it should not detract from the outstanding work that is being done by a dedicated team on a daily basis,” Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana said in the statement.

NASA has drug-tested employees who worked in that area, the statement said.

“There were about 200 NASA and contractor personnel who were around the facility at the time the drug was found,” the statement said.

CNN affiliate WESH reported that the cocaine was found this week in a small bag on the floor near a bathroom in the restricted area.

NASA is using its own security and law enforcement officials to conduct the investigation.

Discovery’s next launch is in March, NASA says.

“There is no reason whatsoever to believe this incident will have any impact on Discovery‘s upcoming launch,” Cabana said.