"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
04/01/2014 at 16:51 • Filed to: Planelopnik
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"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
04/01/2014 at 16:51 • Filed to: Planelopnik | 3
| 8 |
My brother has a good friend who is a retired P-3 Orion driver. They were discussing the search for MH370, and the assets deployed in the search. When the discussion turned to the P-8 Poseidon, my brother's friend, in an email, said of the Poseidon, "Quicker getting on station but can't stay out as long. With the P-3, longest flight I flew was 14.5 hours - good deal of that was with 1 then 2 engines shut down. Try that with P-8."
LappingLuke
> ttyymmnn
04/01/2014 at 16:53 |
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My old boss was an ex P-3 pilot. He was a schister and a dick haha
Jcarr
> ttyymmnn
04/01/2014 at 16:56 |
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I've never been a huge fan of the 737's looks, but I must say, it looks quite good in Navy dress.
Interesting take on the loiter time. I wonder how much of the gap is closed by it's ability to get on station faster. Curious what the consumption rate difference is between the two.
Dunnik
> ttyymmnn
04/01/2014 at 17:03 |
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If Lockheed was still making the Electra, the P-3 would fly on forever. Your brother's friend tells you why: time on station is the prime characteristic of a long range patrol/search/anti-submarine plane. But the airframes are half a century old now.
The RCAF also operates Orions, and we thought about getting the P-8 to replace it, but it's very expensive and the gov't later shelved it. So I guess we fly the Orion for another 50 years?
Maybe that wedge tail the RAAF has is the way to go. Australia faces similar defense challenges to Canada, often spends about the same as we do, yet gets way more bang for their buck.
Or maybe Lockheed should just make an Orion II using the original plans as a basis.
Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
> ttyymmnn
04/01/2014 at 17:06 |
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Obviously, the P1 is superior to both.
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Jcarr
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 17:15 |
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Maybe a dumb question, but was the C-130 ever considered since it is similar in size to the Electra and also turboprop-powered?
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Dunnik
> Jcarr
04/01/2014 at 17:26 |
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It's similar but still not optimal. The Herc serves many air forces as a SAR aircraft and could probably be rigged for ASW in a pinch, but I don't think it has anywhere near the range and staying power of the Orion. The RCAF uses Hercs for SAR, but not for long range patrols or ASW.
I'm no expert, but I'd assume the Herc's engines are more powerful as befits a military transport. The Orion was an airliner, the Lockheed Electra, designed to carry just people and light cargo. More power just means you'll have to RTB sooner or break off the search and meet up with a tanker.
I'd also bet that the Electra's wing and tail design allow it to fly more easily over long distances. Again, airliner vs. a plane that is designed to carry combat-loaded light tanks and such.
TA4K
> ttyymmnn
04/11/2014 at 18:54 |
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Apparently the RNZAF managed 21+ hours with their P3K's (NZ only variant, extra cameras, upgraded equipment) with 3 engines shut down.
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ttyymmnn
> TA4K
04/11/2014 at 19:09 |
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The P-3 is simply a damned fine aircraft. It's a shame that bean counters are so enamored with jets.