Looking for gouge? Ask your Stupid Questions about Naval Aviation here (Part 1)

[Xtndr50boom]

Mostly correct.

KC-10s have boom and C/L drogue permanently installed. 15 or 20 jets (out of 59) can fit the wing pods, and usually 5-10 have them installed at any one time.

KC-135s only have a boom permanently installed. They can reconfigure to iron maiden on the ground, but they can't do boom work without landing and taking the beast off. 20 or 30 135s have also been modded with wing pods.

I've seen a picture of a KC-10 refueling 3 F-18s at a time, probably during testing. For whatever reason, probably wingtip clearance, we're forbidden to do 3 drogues at a time. Boom and the pods at the same time is possible, but since our books don't say we can we therefore cannot. I've seen a photo of an Israeli KC-707 refueling two A-4s on their wing pods with an F-16 or -15 on the boom, so it's very much possible. This picture is the closest thing I can find to it

 

[Harrier Dude]

but since our books don't say we can we therefore cannot.

The USAF in a nutshell.

 

[Xtndr50boom]

FWIW, Boomers can't really see you guys all that well during pod A/R. I open a small hatch from underneath my legs (I sit when I pass gas) and a set of mirrors allows me to watch whats going on... If I move my seat all the way back and contort.

 

[Xtndr50boom]

The USAF in a nutshell.

Yup. VERY frustrating for someone who actually gives a shit about accomplishing the mission.

 

[Flugelman]

FWIW, Boomers can't really see you guys all that well during pod A/R. I open a small hatch from underneath my legs (I sit when I pass gas and pee) and a set of mirrors allows me to watch whats going on... If I move my seat all the way back and contort.

There, fixed it for you. :icon_smil

Sorry, couldn't resist... From one enlisted puke to another. :icon_smil

 

[Xtndr50boom]

There, fixed it for you. :icon_smil

Well played, sir!

 

[SLAM]

Officer or Enlisted?

I hope this is the correct forum to start this thread. If not, Im sure someone will let me know....
On an aircraft carrier, are the "shooters" officers or enlisted?
Just wondering.

Thanks.

 

[scoober78]

O's.

 

[gotta_fly]

Officers. Try the search function for any other questions you might have.

 

[SLAM]

Cool. Thanks guys.

 

[ea6bflyr]

All shooters (Yellow Shirt/Green Helmet) are Officers and are responsible for the safe launch of all fixed-wing aircraft.

(Pic courtesy of BigIron)

Most of the Aircraft Directors (Yellow Shirt/Yellow Helmet) are enlisted and they are responsible for moving all of the aircraft on the flight deck (or hangar deck).

080416-N-7883G-044 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 16, 2008) An aircraft director signals a Strike Fighter Squadron 195 F/A-18C Hornet to taxi to launching position on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Aircraft directors are responsible for safely moving aircraft on the flight deck. Kitty Hawk is on its spring deployment – its last before it is relieved by the USS George Washington (CVN 73) this summer. Kitty Hawk operates from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. Carrier Air Wing 5 operates from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released)

-ea6bflyr

 

[Phrost_Bite]

I remember hearing somewhere that you must be a winged aviator to be a shooter. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[ea6bflyr]

Not true. IIRC, we had an LDO Shooter on the Ronnie.

-ea6bflyr

 

[SLAM]

So is that why the pilot salutes the shooter before launch? I know the salute most likely serves multiple purposes...pilot is good to go. But being that the shooter is an officer...would that be one of the reasons?

 

[ea6bflyr]

Maybe.

From CV NATOPS (NAVAIR 00-80T-105):
"When the pilot is ready for launch, he shall so signify by saluting the launching officer or, at night, by turning the navigation lights on steady."

-ea6bflyr