RAF Reapers in Afghanistan
So if it flies IFR in theatre, do you file a flight plan? Follow SIDs and STARs?
How do you know if it is getting iced up?
And by the way, I am TA officer and (recently unemployed) bizjet pilot - any chance of volunteering to fly one?
How do you know if it is getting iced up?
And by the way, I am TA officer and (recently unemployed) bizjet pilot - any chance of volunteering to fly one?
Trim stab
Suspect icing? Then use the very expensive camera turret (MTS-B) to look at the leading edges or pylons, where ice should start first. Also, stay away from icing conditions (that needs high humidity and a range of cold - ie. certain levels in clouds, where the main sensor doesn't work very well for seeing the ground anyway!!!). Can't remember if there is an ice detection capability but I do remember that the intake has anti-icing. Also, Flight reported that GA's new version of MQ-9(Guardian) has "New features slated for first use on the Guardian include an electromagnetic expulsion de-icing system for wing and tail leading edges, an onboard traffic alert and collision avoidance system, a laser altimeter-based landing guidance system for pilots at altitudes below 100ft (30m), and a Jeppesen electronic flight bag for mission planning and weather information in the ground control station. " - see Guardian leads Predator B modernisation push
By the way, I'm sure most know, but for the slightly confused, you can fly Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in Visual Met Conditions (VMC) but it is pretty tricky to fly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Instrument Met Conditions (VMC) - Reaper normally flies IFR in VMC and IMC in peacetime airspace (ie. USA et al). In warzones the rules for flightplans are somewhat different (most call them an Air Tasking Order request!!!).
LJ
How do you know if it is getting iced up?
By the way, I'm sure most know, but for the slightly confused, you can fly Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in Visual Met Conditions (VMC) but it is pretty tricky to fly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Instrument Met Conditions (VMC) - Reaper normally flies IFR in VMC and IMC in peacetime airspace (ie. USA et al). In warzones the rules for flightplans are somewhat different (most call them an Air Tasking Order request!!!).
LJ
Thanks for the clarification on the IFR operating rules theatre v peacetime - your original posting raised a lot of questions...
But I reckon operators will still get caught out by icing if all they have to rely on is
because I can guarantee after several thousand hours of chugging around at medium levels in all weathers in a Beech that those rules of thumb are not always reliable.
But I reckon operators will still get caught out by icing if all they have to rely on is
stay away from icing conditions (that needs high humidity and a range of cold - ie. certain levels in clouds, where the main sensor doesn't work very well for seeing the ground anyway!!!).
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The MQ-9 has an ice detector located somewhere near the nose.
OAT readings are supplied to the pilot and WSO.
Crews will use the forward looking EO/IR camera and the Turret/Pod/MTS-B to determine if cloud or precipitation is in the area.
The Turret/Pod/MTS-B is also used to visually inspect the airframe to detect icing.
Will that do?
OAT readings are supplied to the pilot and WSO.
Crews will use the forward looking EO/IR camera and the Turret/Pod/MTS-B to determine if cloud or precipitation is in the area.
The Turret/Pod/MTS-B is also used to visually inspect the airframe to detect icing.
Will that do?
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Is there any reason for the Reaper crew in that photo to be wearing flying clothing?
Unfortunately all other options were discarded, a bloke down the pub that knows one of the geezers sisters boyfriends stated that:
1. More appropriate attire for the location such as t-shirts and flip flops during the day and more formal evening wear (think Liberace) were considered inappropriate and might smack of fun in an age when the serious business of warfighting is ongoing.
2. No1's, whilst certainly encouraging the impression of an altogether more romantic/glamorous/dashing* era of the RAF was deemed likely to be too uncomfortable for more than 1-2 hrs at a time, particularly for the older aircrew (read too fat).
3. No2's. Nope No1's or nothing. And naked was right out, at least til a Bootie gets his foot in the door.
4. Desert DPM. Good God Man and look like Percy! Apart from the rugged jawline, good looks and masculine charm (including the females? You decide!) how will anyone know they are aircrew
5. Temperate DPM. Sooo Cold War.
6. Specific UAV attire to be developed at exhorbitant cost, under a UOR, to fill a niche in this thrilling new and exciting branch of aviation. Still in the process of cost and evaluation apparently. Rumours have it that this will be delivered some time after its required and considerably over budget, but as I say, only rumour at this time so hush hush.
Unfortunately this required aircrew to look in their wardrobes for something to wear to work for prolonged periods of time. Fortunately however all aircrew have an excess of previously issued flying suits amassed through their illustrious careers on previous types. Given that aircrew are known to eat,sleep and drink in these things they were determined to be suitable for the task until something better can be sourced.
Hope this helps.
*delete as appropriate
Unfortunately all other options were discarded, a bloke down the pub that knows one of the geezers sisters boyfriends stated that:
1. More appropriate attire for the location such as t-shirts and flip flops during the day and more formal evening wear (think Liberace) were considered inappropriate and might smack of fun in an age when the serious business of warfighting is ongoing.
2. No1's, whilst certainly encouraging the impression of an altogether more romantic/glamorous/dashing* era of the RAF was deemed likely to be too uncomfortable for more than 1-2 hrs at a time, particularly for the older aircrew (read too fat).
3. No2's. Nope No1's or nothing. And naked was right out, at least til a Bootie gets his foot in the door.
4. Desert DPM. Good God Man and look like Percy! Apart from the rugged jawline, good looks and masculine charm (including the females? You decide!) how will anyone know they are aircrew
5. Temperate DPM. Sooo Cold War.
6. Specific UAV attire to be developed at exhorbitant cost, under a UOR, to fill a niche in this thrilling new and exciting branch of aviation. Still in the process of cost and evaluation apparently. Rumours have it that this will be delivered some time after its required and considerably over budget, but as I say, only rumour at this time so hush hush.
Unfortunately this required aircrew to look in their wardrobes for something to wear to work for prolonged periods of time. Fortunately however all aircrew have an excess of previously issued flying suits amassed through their illustrious careers on previous types. Given that aircrew are known to eat,sleep and drink in these things they were determined to be suitable for the task until something better can be sourced.
Hope this helps.
*delete as appropriate
Last edited by rathebelucky; 13th Mar 2010 at 09:00.
rathebelucky
Great post mate - some people, eh? I've never understood why so many 'Guins have issues with Flying Suits - I've heard less whining from an APU!
Although, given the Sqn's locale I would have thought some attire like this would be more appropriate? I think this might be one of the MACR WSOps?
Great post mate - some people, eh? I've never understood why so many 'Guins have issues with Flying Suits - I've heard less whining from an APU!
Although, given the Sqn's locale I would have thought some attire like this would be more appropriate? I think this might be one of the MACR WSOps?
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Can someone who understands how to use this "white man's magic" known as the "tinternet", Hyperlink the above response for all future UAV threads to save thousands of future posts from future twots asking: " Why are they wearing flying suits!?" or " I heard out in Vegas, they wear flying suits!" etc etc.....
So if someone could rustle that up and make it happen, it'd be much appreciated.
Edited to clarify: That is the post above The B Word's (who posted his a split second before mine!).
So if someone could rustle that up and make it happen, it'd be much appreciated.
Edited to clarify: That is the post above The B Word's (who posted his a split second before mine!).
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At last... and now moving on, anyone?
Outrageously good post from rathebe, with this level of banter I weep for the future of other forums...
Maybe the advent of Unmanned / Uninhabited / Remotely Piloted / Other aviation (and ground/sea-viation too) can now get on with the business of being the biggest change to the warfighting community since the last biggest change (I forget, but was that balloons, planes, tanks, gunpowder or machine guns... all laughed at in their time).
Oops, fell off the fence, sorry...
Maybe the advent of Unmanned / Uninhabited / Remotely Piloted / Other aviation (and ground/sea-viation too) can now get on with the business of being the biggest change to the warfighting community since the last biggest change (I forget, but was that balloons, planes, tanks, gunpowder or machine guns... all laughed at in their time).
Oops, fell off the fence, sorry...
Originally Posted by Heliringer
Is there any reason for the Reaper crew in that photo to be wearing flying clothing?
Is there any reason for the Reaper crew in that photo to be wearing flying clothing?
Seldomfitforpurpose
Yep, because they can
Yep, because they can
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The seats in the GCS are plenty comfy - they even go up and down and everything!
Now if only we could get some air con units that have temp settings other than "freeze your nuts off" and "cook all the computers", we'd be proper set!!
Looks even better in her blues, as I recall!!
Now if only we could get some air con units that have temp settings other than "freeze your nuts off" and "cook all the computers", we'd be proper set!!
BTW the chick in the picture is cute...
Last edited by TheInquisitor; 14th Mar 2010 at 04:47.
