- Reaction score
- 21,287
- Points
- 1,360
I don't think the S-92 is a bad deal, Sikorsky makes a nice machine and I think the boys will be very happy with it.
Some guys keep metioning the JSS helicopter...there is no such thing as a "JSS helicopter". There are helicopters that can can be embarked/disembarked as well operate from the JSS. Some helos will be the Cyclone and some will not. The Cyclone should be reasonably expected to operated fully from JSS, i.e. hauled down if so equipped, stored in hangars, etc...anything the SK does now on the AORs. Other helso will be expected to land-on and depart under certain conditions, taking into account a variety of factors. Some Canadian "army" pilots have in the past, and can now operate from ships under certain conditions. They would use the same techniques that they use operating to planes, trains, 18-wheelers, etc... we don't rock back and forth trying to match the motion of a heaving deck, although more likely we'd conduct a spies-rig extract or insert. The US Army and Navy conducted a trial of all the army's in-service helos operating from a range of US Navy ships from frigates and destroyers up to CVNs. The Joint Shipboard Helicopter Integration Process (JSHIP) trialled all the combinations of ships and helos and how to best help them operate on board when (not if) they did. The trials included OH-58/KW, UH-60, C/MH-47, A/MH-6J, etc...
Intersetingly, the pic shown earlier of the Twin and SK shows CH135144, one of VU-32's Twins that made it's way to 450 Sqn that we flew with the Horseymen and the lads. 144 was the Twin that some of us flew off a CG icebreaker as a trial in the early 90's to work out some TTPs on operating to vessels at anchor...and we trialled a bit of "underway" stuff as well. The teetering head of the Twin made landing not too bad (on a thick knotted rope/mat thing.)
p.s. The Griffy can fold its blades but it's not pretty...needs a premium blade folding kit and the locking pins weren't made to be used repetatively...
Cheers,
Duey
Some guys keep metioning the JSS helicopter...there is no such thing as a "JSS helicopter". There are helicopters that can can be embarked/disembarked as well operate from the JSS. Some helos will be the Cyclone and some will not. The Cyclone should be reasonably expected to operated fully from JSS, i.e. hauled down if so equipped, stored in hangars, etc...anything the SK does now on the AORs. Other helso will be expected to land-on and depart under certain conditions, taking into account a variety of factors. Some Canadian "army" pilots have in the past, and can now operate from ships under certain conditions. They would use the same techniques that they use operating to planes, trains, 18-wheelers, etc... we don't rock back and forth trying to match the motion of a heaving deck, although more likely we'd conduct a spies-rig extract or insert. The US Army and Navy conducted a trial of all the army's in-service helos operating from a range of US Navy ships from frigates and destroyers up to CVNs. The Joint Shipboard Helicopter Integration Process (JSHIP) trialled all the combinations of ships and helos and how to best help them operate on board when (not if) they did. The trials included OH-58/KW, UH-60, C/MH-47, A/MH-6J, etc...
Intersetingly, the pic shown earlier of the Twin and SK shows CH135144, one of VU-32's Twins that made it's way to 450 Sqn that we flew with the Horseymen and the lads. 144 was the Twin that some of us flew off a CG icebreaker as a trial in the early 90's to work out some TTPs on operating to vessels at anchor...and we trialled a bit of "underway" stuff as well. The teetering head of the Twin made landing not too bad (on a thick knotted rope/mat thing.)
p.s. The Griffy can fold its blades but it's not pretty...needs a premium blade folding kit and the locking pins weren't made to be used repetatively...
Cheers,
Duey