|
|
Post by alanw on Jan 22, 2011 10:39:14 GMT 12
Hi All
Just a quick technical question
I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but if
someone give the technical yea or nay would
be of help.
On ARC the question was raised do RNZAF
P3K's have the turret retracted or lowered
when on the ground.
Most photos I have are at the open days
where they are showing it extended, and many
on the net photos show it extended
(RNZAF publicity shots)
However in normal day to day ops it would be
retracted in its well for protection when on the ground,
True or false (to me, true)
TIA
Alan
|
|
|
|
Post by alanw on Jan 22, 2011 11:25:28 GMT 12
The P-3K IRDS turrets (both the old and new ones) are fixed and do not retract like a P-3Cs turret does. Originally the P-3B did not have a turret and when it was fitted on Project Rigel they didn't make it retractable. Not sure why but perhaps it was easier from an engineering perspective? Someone here is bound to know though! Hi Mike Thanks for that. Poses another question for me this, photo link is from the 5 Squadron association gallery. www.5sqnassn.org.nz/rhb10.jpgI gather that this P3 is not an RNZAF one? This one threw me, as I thought it was an RNZAF P3 and caused me to suppose they do retract TIA Alan |
|
|
|
Post by alanw on Jan 22, 2011 12:30:56 GMT 12
Nope, not one of ours. My guess is that its either an Aussie or US one. There's a few different bumps on it and the colours aren't the same. Cool! Thanks for that |
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Jan 23, 2011 5:54:45 GMT 12
that is a USN aircraft by the colours etc.
as for the turrets, i am pretty sure the reason behind them being fixed in the down position was that the USN were having problems with then not retracting etc
|
|
|
|
Post by felyne on Feb 17, 2011 14:17:07 GMT 12
The retract mechanism was very expensive and it had given some problems. Having it retractable is mainly of use to reduce drag on long transits.
The IRDS down has about the same drag count as the searchlight, so the tradeoff was in favour of non retractable.
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Feb 17, 2011 16:48:12 GMT 12
We had aircraft using both for a while  searchlight and IRDS turret |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 17, 2011 17:25:24 GMT 12
Welcome to the forum Felyne. Are you a member of No. 5 Squadron?
|
|
|
|
Post by felyne on Feb 18, 2011 4:32:01 GMT 12
Hi guys. Thanks Dave, no I'm just the princess daughter of someone who was.  Sorry for the confusion - the trade off wasn't for the searchlight - their drag counts were about the same so in evaluating the retractable vs fixed IRDS option the aircraft's performance with the searchlight was taken into account. The tradeoff was a fixed IRDS with a drag count in favour of a possibly problematic, expensive retractable one. |
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Feb 8, 2012 21:20:50 GMT 12
Whats all the differences between the old irds and the new starfire.
Take it the new one still has infared for say night time action. is it way more effective, ie more range, clarity etc.
How many different sensors are actually on the turret and do or will we use them all.
|
|
