Ouch...The guy in the back only has room for one ball.
So NFO's only!
Ouch...The guy in the back only has room for one ball.
3 balls? 🤣🤣🤦♂️
AI...
Ouch...
So NFO's only!
Someone (I think Chuck) posted a video of a walk-around of this done by the chief pilot. He showed and even touted the three balls, and clarified that one of them would be run by someone on the ground.
Of course anyone who's done any kind of ISR knows that really doesn't work. Whether it's a wagon wheel or figure-eights/bow-ties, one of the turrets isn't going to be able to see...or at least is going to have a very occluded view. It seems like a really bizarre design choice.
That video had some other subtle take-aways, as well. It was almost like the chief pilot had just been briefed on the capabilities that morning. Or maybe he was just nervous.
That one is one of the prototypes but they are in full production now. It's like filling a 5 pound bag with 50 pounds of equipment, my arms are severely scared.Prototype only had 2.
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Someone (I think Chuck) posted a video of a walk-around of this done by the chief pilot. He showed and even touted the three balls, and clarified that one of them would be run by someone on the ground.
Of course anyone who's done any kind of ISR knows that really doesn't work. Whether it's a wagon wheel or figure-eights/bow-ties, one of the turrets isn't going to be able to see...or at least is going to have a very occluded view. It seems like a really bizarre design choice.
That video had some other subtle take-aways, as well. It was almost like the chief pilot had just been briefed on the capabilities that morning. Or maybe he was just nervous.
That one is one of the prototypes but they are in full production now. It's like filling a 5 pound bag with 50 pounds of equipment, my arms are severely scared.
Navy SH-34Js were repurposed as Air Force Reserve HH-34J operating in US during the 1960's and 70's. These Helos had a distinguished career doing all weather open ocean SAR. These helos were retired when HH-3's were freed up after SEA/Vietnam service.I've posted quite a few photos in this thread but have not given much respect to helicopters. Here are some photos of early Navy helos:
1) Sikorsky HO3S-1 utility/plane guard/SAR helo
2) Piasecki HUP-2 utility/plane guard/SAR helo (later UH-25B)
3) Kaman HUK-1 utility helo (later UH-34C). This design was not bought by the Navy in great numbers, but the Marine Corps used the same aircraft -- designated HOK-1 -- in observation squadrons. The USAF put a gas turbine in the H-43 and used it for rescue/SAR, including hairy CSAR missions during the early years of the Vietnam War.
4) Sikorsky HO4S-3 utility/SAR ashore and the early carrier-based ASW helo. Used widely by the Marine Corps.
5) Sikorsky HSS-1 and -1N (SH-34G and -34J) carrier-based ASW helo. In HUS-1 form, the backbone of Marine airlift for years.
All of these were replaced by turbine-powered aircraft in the early/mid 1960s.
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Nice catch, little known piece of the -34's history.Navy SH-34Js were repurposed as Air Force Reserve HH-34J
I’ve always like the shape of the H-34. When I was very young it is THE helicopter you’d see until the UH-1 became so ubiquitous. Must be “vintage” look. I know @IKE has flown one.These Helos had a distinguished career doing all weather open ocean SAR.