Wot Xwind limits?
 

Quick question please guys.....debate in the pub (two civilians) one says the Herc has no Xwind limit but is limited by the pilots rating.....the other says a/c itself does have Xwind limit.....Who is correct and what are the limits? (For sake of argument we'll say C130K OK). Thanks :ok: :ok:

Way it Up
Yes it does have limits, but it is a long time since I last flew, and I can not recall what they are.

I do know that for the UK release to service, the limits were set by AAEE, based upon the highest cross winds that occured during the trial. There is a film still in existance of it, and all I can say is thank goodness for the extra wide runways at EGDM! :eek:

Isn't google amazing?

<<The crosswind limit for the C-130 under icy conditions is only 10 knots, while the wet crosswind limit is 25. Regardless of which runway we chose, the crosswind component would still exceed our limit if the temperature dipped below freezing.>>

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...1/ai_n16126223

Pontius Navigator
 

Thanks for taking the time looking this up for me...however I was really hoping for a reply from an ex/current truckie to validate the answer. Also I should perhaps add that argument parties agree on the fact that limits vary relative to prevailing surface conditions ...so have agreed on requirement for 'runway dry' conditions. Thanks guys:ok:

The Herc does have a crosswind limit, and a max wind speed for taxiing.

For your question though I think you are both right to some extent.

RAF Hercs do have a crosswind limit to be observed at all times, usually encountered quite often way down south. When the runway is contaminated there are more restrictions. And when the aircraft is being flown by inexperienced crews then there are further limitations.

I reckon you both owe each other a beer.

From an ex K driver, dry crosswind limit for A,B & C rated Captains and A & B Co-Pilots (or whatever combat ready status that relates to these days) was 35 knots. Otherwise it was 20, there were other limitations for wet, icy etc. runways but my memory is not that good.

35kts aircraft limit. (curiously, 40kts limit for taxying).

LCR Captains & LCR Cos have half that limit (17kts).

Contaminated runway halves whatever limit you are operating to, as does a narrow runway.

This is for the K. J limits are similar (except I believe LCR pilots use 20kts vice 17kts)

Are we talking about ac crosswind limits or pilot's crosswind limits?
Initial design spec is not based on a pilot's abillty in a crosswind
An experienced P1 on a P3C or Herc can "dip" the wing into a crosswind of 35 knts with skillful use of aileron to effect a good landing
This is taught at OCU level and practised in the Sims
I accept that LCR and co-pilots may be supervised to a lower limit for safety reasons
Contaminated runways is another issue - depends what's on them
9 times the square root of the tyre pressure springs to mind with lots of water. Having to land at 126 knts on a sandy runway when you are on minimums with a piss poor diversion is another matter
There again, depends on ac type