122 Flashcards
(148 cards)
SSBN/ SSGN VERTREP
Day VERTREP operations are feasible on a routine basis aboard SSBN and SSGN submarines.
Night VERTREP operations are considered feasible on a more limited basis provided that the LSE, sail, sail fair-weather diving planes, and the VERTREP area are clearly illuminated.
VERTREP Winds
A relative headwind of 15-30 KTS is considered ideal. Aircraft should takeoff, make approaches, and land into the relative wind. Other relative winds are acceptable under differing conditions.
VERTREP with high winds, excessive ship pitch and roll
In these conditions it is normally better to steam down sea to provide a steadier deck. Although this course will probably be downwind, the relative wind may still be suitable for VERTREP, and cargo handling conditions will be better for the crews on the exposed deck.
However, increased rotor downwash from hovering aircraft will create additional hazards for both the aircraft and flight deck personnel in the form of high winds, flying debris, and salt spray.
Methods of VERTREP
There are three methods of load pickup utilized by H-60 aircraft.
Method I: As the helo hovers over the load, the pickup man raises the pendant, slips the eye over the helo’s hook, then clears the area by moving toward the LSE.
Method II: The hookup man hands the pendant to the aircrewman positioned in the open cargo access hatch and then clears the area moving toward the LSE. The aircrewman will then slip the pendant over the helo’s hook, ensuring the load is secured and ready for lifting.
Method III: The hookup man holds the pendant up until the aircrewman in the open cargo access hatch guides the pendant on to the helo’s hook. Hookup man then clears toward the LSE.
Retrograde
As pallets, nets, triwalls, cargo containers, and hoisting slings accumulate on the receiving ship, they are assembled into loads for return to the UNREP ship.
Max retrograde length shall be limited to two pendants with legs (approx. 35 feet).
Note: retrograde shall be returned at the request of the transferring ship.
Night VERTREP
One or more of the following conditions shall exist prior to conducting night VERTREP to appropriately certified ships:
- A natural horizon is present
- The drop/pickup zone of the ship to be worked is clearly visible from the aircraft’s cockpit when over the drop/ pickup zone of the transferring/receiving ship
SSN VERTREP
VERTREP may be conducted on attack submarines during day VFR conditions.
Since submarines do not have standard VERTREP markings, the drop zone shall be agreed upon and briefed between the VERTREP control officer and the pilot prior to commencement of the evolution.
Final decision to feasibility and safety of the operation rests with the PIC.
Ships that can conduct VERTREP at night
Level 1 or 2 or ships with a waiver
Hot refueling during VERTREP
May be performed with authorization from ship CO or duly appointed representative, usually VERTREP control officer.
VERTREP with ship in a turn
Pilots shall be notified prior to any course change. VERTREP operations may be continued through the turn provided the aircraft commander and HCO deem such operations to be safe.
Wave reinforcement phenomena
Two ships operating in close proximity may generate disproportionately large waves in moderate sea states
Ship stationing for night VERTREP for an air-capable ship
Air-capable receiving ships should be abeam at a distance of 300-500 yards
Overflying ships with external cargo
Never do it unless you have operational necessity
Title of 80T-122
AIRCRAFT OPERATING PROCEDURES AIR-CAPABLE SHIPS NATOPS MANUAL
Airborne Stores
Items intended for carriage internally or externally by aircraft, including racks, launchers, adapters, and detachable pylons, which are not normally separated from the aircraft in flight, such as tanks, pods, non-expendable training weapons, and targets.
Air Capable Ship
All ships other than CV/CVN or LHA/LHD from which aircraft can takeoff, be recovered, or routinely receive and transfer logistic support
Levels of Operation
- Level I — IMC day/night operations.
- Level II — VMC day/night operations.
- Level III — VMC day only operations
Class 1
Landing area with support (service and maintenance) facilities for the types of aircraft certified.
Class 2 and 2A
- Landing area with service facilities for the types of aircraft certified
2A. Landing area with limited service facilities for the types of aircraft certified.
Class 3
Landing area for the types of aircraft certified; no service facilities
Class 4
VERTREP/hover area (minimum hover height of 5 feet) for types of aircraft certified
Class 5
VERTREP/hover area (high hover with a minimum of 15 feet authorized) for types of aircraft
certified
Class 6
HIFR facility capable of delivering a minimum of 50 gallons of fuel per minute, at a pressure of
20 psi, to a height of 40 feet above the water
Class 6R
HIFR facility capable of delivering only 25 to 49 gallons of fuel per minute, at a pressure of
20 psi, to a height of 40 feet above the water