helicopter blades

[TinTrump]

Regarding equipment. We should recall the Falklands War was in part precipitated by the intended withdrawal of HMS Endurance, by the Tory government, to save money. It gave the signal that the UK wasn't interested. The Task Force wouldn't have been possible if the war had started just a few months later as a carrier was to be sold (we only had 2) to, I think, Australia.

Where that gov. got it right was in having a defined and limited aim. When force of arms is required, a short, successful war is an ideal outcome.

EO's right in his observation. Brown goes for detail when he should look at the big picture. Major failing in his position.

[EternalOptimist]

The King used to do it.

With his very own rubber stamp*... .



*(c)R. Waters.

Ah. it was just before dawn, one cold winters morn , in black '44

[Churchill]

Don't we have night over here also? It's a helicopter - you can pick your own altitude. If it's not higher, then go up a bit more!

Mountain flying is a little more complicated, there are the following to consider :-

- High altitude wind finding procedures including identification of Anabatic, Katabatic, convective and mechanical winds.
- Introduction to long line slinging and vertical reference flying.
- The circle & figure 8 reconnaissance.
- Determining precise landing spots.
- Contour flying.
- Mountain approaches and take-offs.
- Saddle, ridge, ledge, and pinnacle landings.
- Mountain heli-pads and platforms.
- Cirques and steep sloping valleys.
- Deep snow landings and whiteout procedures.
- Illusions and positive airspeed control.
- Boundary air movement.

These can be simulated at altitude in the UK but the Yanks have the real mountains to play with.

[Churchill]

Do they also instruct on how to play "Ride of the Valkyries" at 130dB on the way in?

Yeah, the correct answer is "On your iPod when you get home"!

[Mich the Tester]

Yeah, the correct answer is "On your iPod when you get home"!

Except if you're a yank. Shock and awe and all that. Cretins.

[EternalOptimist]

Except if you're a yank. Shock and awe and all that. Cretins.

??

The idea is that when you get into a conflict, you dont want a fight, you want a walkover. You want it over quick and cheap.
If you frighten the other guy enough, you dont have to fight.

It's the follow-up where they screwed up, not the initial phase.

[Moscow Mule]

Do they also instruct on how to play "Ride of the Valkyries" at 130dB on the way in?

I believe the modern choice is something from the Rap genre, perhaps "Momma said knock you out"?

[Pondlife]

Didn't they blast AC/DC Back in Black from the helicopter whilst searching for the Black Hawk Down pilot?

[Moscow Mule]

Didn't they blast AC/DC Back in Black from the helicopter whilst searching for the Black Hawk Down pilot?

Well, he was a redneck so he probably wouldn't have been that keen on LL Cool J.

[Churchill]

Well, he was a redneck so he probably wouldn't have been that keen on LL Cool J.

That and the fact you would've confused the locals, they'd all start smacking their bitches up!

(Just thought I'd address one stereotype with another...)