Rollout at FBW 32 - The new Tornado ECR/LMV
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Today, 01.04.2003, the former Tiger Jet
46+44, comes back from depot maintenance at EADS in Manching.
Coincident with the return to the wing, the newest modification
of the Tornado ECR is presented to public: |
"The advantages (reduction of phisical restraints and stress) will already be obvious during this year's crossing 'over the pond' to Goose Bay Labrador for lowest level training", said a fighterbomber wing 32 spokesman. Or, like a squadron member brought it to the point: "why should we accept the lack of comfort which every hot dog seller already owes in his container."
The new program brings the following changes to the Tornado ECR:New equipment for the rear cockpit
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Central Catering Unit CCU,
with the LRUs (Line Replacement Units)
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| Of course all details of the new
components are well designed and thoroughly thought over! Microwave combined Information Display Unit MIDU A HiTech Microwave unit as replacement for the righthand computer monitor. Integrated into the door of the unit is a modern multi-color TFT display which serves the following selective display purposes:
The filling of a cup is exclusively possible with bank angles
below 15 degrees. But in all situations, the WSO can rely on the
automatic features of the subsytem, which ensures, through a
constant data exchange operation with the CSAS flight-control
computer, that all parameters like waterpressure, amount of
powder and amount of water, are kept within the limits. By just changeing the software, this system can be refittet
for the needs of different airforces. The version for the Royal
Airforce differs mainly by providing tea instead of coffee. |
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Real HiTech is the can holder with integrated digital
controlled cooling coat, which, according to outside
temperature or climatic conditions in the cockpit,
maintains the selected beverage temperature to one tenth
of a degree. It also checks every 5 seconds the amount
remaining in the can. The empty can is automatically
redrawn and replaced by a modern gattling gun type
mechanism. This principle, also known as "Drink-and-Forget"
was invented by Texas Drinkinstruments. The type of the
served drink depends on the contents of the (from
outside serviced) can magazine.
This
subsystem of the catering unit comprises a little drawer
in the middle of the righthand front instrument panel.
Major problems were encountered during the introduction
phase because the CA-90 was designed for standard US
type sandwich toast size. After construction of an
adapter system by WTD 61 (the german wing for
experimental aviation purposes) the unit underwent
adaptation to european standards and was cleared for use
on the line.
The lefthand computer monitor was placed one story lower
and combined with the SMS display. At his position is
introduced now an italian type espresso machine which
was modified for the needs in military jet aviation
(coffee-lima-system).
Modifications applicable for both cockpits:Introduced to both cockpits is the Human Rest Unit HRU which is mainly an extension of the ejection seat system. Both HRUs are controlled by the HRC, the Human Rest Controller. Upcoming trim and ballast problems are automatically compensated by the CSAS fly-by-wire flight control system. To use the HRU system effectively the respective flight suit KFJ-11 together with the right underware has to be used. |
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Operational and Training Consideratios |
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| It is obvious, that the ECR does not loose any
capabilities or firepower by the mentioned modifications. All
mission relevant information remain fully available or are
extended in a clever way as like by the computer display in the
microwave door. "It is quite the opposite situation"
briefed a ministery spokesman, "what we loose in
performance through the increase in weight we win back in form
of much more motivated crews". "Everything goes
right if you eat like you fight", says an old West
Point proverb which of course is also true for highly
specialized aircrews.
Special Attention was given to the quality of the used components to keep the rates of failure or even breakdown to a minimum. All units and components comply with
The flight surgeons of all wings are committed to regular hygienic inspections of all cockpits. For flight and mission planning the crews are committed to know and to follow those rules and regulations:
It is enjoyable that this time the aircrews get 2 weeks of time (instead of the usual one week) to study and learn the rules and regs up to exam level. With all humanization of work in the cockpits, one thing will obviously not been accepted so readily by the crews: They also have to prove the secure handling of the equipment and procedures during the annual checkflight. When so far simulated emergency procedures like "Double Generator Failure" or "Single Engine Approach and Landing" caused the stress on checkrides, now the emergency scenarios may be extended by the instructor pilot with attributes like: "... with spilled coffee in cockpit", or "... with unlocked toaster". Remark by the writer: Landing with activated toaster, unlocked toaster drawer or an open KMAex is due to safety restraints not possible and the gear may only extended to landing position by a special emergency procedure.
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