Hopelessly but hilariously confused journalist
 

The dangers of writing about stuff that you don't actually understand. Quite amusing in this case. Glad to see the MRA4 is useful for something.

Personally I only write about things that I do understand. Which is why I do so little writing.

Bit like the "Hats of to Widow 67" thread appearing 32 minutes after the "Prince Harry fighting in Afghanistan" thread................ nothing like researching your subject :ugh:

Well I expect the crews do think about the weather, doing iceing trials;

I especially like the term ' proven maturity ' ( or similar ) - must remind my girlfriend of that one when I buy my replacement indoors radio controlled airship which drives the cats mad !

I reckon the Comet is even older than I am, though I realise the MRA4 is a big change - one can't help wondering why not have a new airframe while they're at it...

Oh dear can we expect a further protracted development period?

Some of us remember "Weather Reconnaissance" aircraft ?:)

They sure do write some crap in some of these articles don't they. BAe aren't known as WasteofSpace for nothing.

Quote "...after a journey of over 4,500 nautical miles with overnight stops in the Azores and Bermuda"

Surely it needs better range than that as a MPA?!

"the trials will demonstrate the aircraft's continuing maturity"

We all know its mature.

Slightly surprised it wasn't illustrated with a photo of "Snoopy".

Can someone Photoshop "Snoopy's" nose onto a Nimrod??

Quote "Oh dear can we expect a further protracted development period?"

Jetex,

This was always in the test schedule along with all the other airworthiness checks and tests agreed by MOD.

Article's still sh:mad:t though!!

Really.

Why does it have to go all the way to Nashville, doesn't it rain in England anymore?

Jetex Jim, you should no the answer 'its the wrong type of rain' :)

MRA4 Icing Trials
 

I think these are the probes they're refering to...

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/RT199...0miller-f2.jpg

And here's two more I prepared earlier in the windtunnel...

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/RT199...0miller-f3.jpg

And on a Twin Otter...

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/RT199...0miller-f1.jpg

BTW the Twotter has some interesting characteristics with the tailplane iced up and greater than 10 flap! - about 80 lbs out of trim and a right wing stall - way hay!

I suspect that the reason for testing over here in the Good Ole USA is that there's lots and lots of weather in the contiguous 48 and only one controlling authority and one set of overflight paperwork to write.

BAe known as ' Waste of space ' - let me tell you it took damn hard work to achieve that title, it's not easy getting rid of people who know one end of an aeroplane from the other, let alone finding bean-counters & milk float drivers to run the show ( which is why I left )...

I expect the trip to the U.S. will involve some nice expenses too.

If I could go back in time, I'd put a long time bet on Goering/Thatcher ( same thing) after all - if I couldn't do something to prevent it all.

FlightTester...
Looks like you play with the same kit as us on the UKs new Snoopy. See the wing pylons on this.

Serpent


:ok:

I thought the thing went out to Eglin for icing trials last year?

Environmental trials. They stuck it in a freezer the size of Base Hangar and did 'stuff' at -40C.

I'm a hopelessly but hilariously confused journalist at the moment.

and gutless enough to edit my post to this!

:mad: :rolleyes: :{

American rain is cheaper right now due to the collapse of the dollar...
what a hopeless piece of reporting. LAJ-BDA...? Why? Even the 146 could go further than that. Bit of a jolly, if you ask me...

Great post RRAMJET....

Any involvement with the development of trials aircraft? Any idea of the mitigations that have to be in place when flying developmental software? Any idea of the weather conditions that have to be encountered in order for the ice and rain protection system to be fully qualified?

Jeezz.....