On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 19:32:47 +0000, Peter Kemp
wrote:

On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 13:34:02 -0500, wrote:

On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:21:11 +0000, Peter Kemp
wrote:

Interesting. I'm of the opinion myself that for the USN's purposes,
the best replacement for all of these is another production run of
E-2, plus an updated C-2 (turboprop powered, naturally) fitted out as
required for the S-3 and tanker missions.

Two problems with the E-2, and they're called "props." Nobody likes
them on a flight deck (for obvious reasons). Peformance wise, though,
you might be right.

Are props really that much more dangerous than a sucking inlet? And is
that a perception thing or are they demonstratably so (i.e. is it just
that props make more mess?).

I never spent any time on a CVA. On a CVS you had lots of
Stoofs and Fudds and helos and (maybe) an A-4 det. My impression is
that a jet at idle will not suck you up; a prop at idle will chop you
up.

It's also my impression that the "zone of danger" in front of a jet
was somewhat smaller than the arc of an E-2 prop (which is rather
larger than it's Fudd predecessor). Of course the jet WILL suck you
up; you must be more "proactive" to meet a spinning prop. Or have
some help from wind generated by either nature or turning aircraft.

I've never done any safety center research on the subject, however.

That's not a rhetorical question, I've never been on a flight deck
during air ops, but I'd assumed you always have to have your wits
about you with the deck edge, landing and taking off aircraft, jet
blast etc etc etc.

During the day it's about the most dangerous place you can be, short
of a fire fight. And at night under red lights...

Props also get "dinged" regularly, which can mean maintenance. They
get eroded by debris. Their size and weight make them difficult to
handle. They must be pulled prior to an engine change. I suspect
there are lots of other issues, too.

Not that jets can't have their issues as well.

Oh, and a jet that's shut down poses no danger; you can still raise a
fine knot on your head walking into a still prop! :-)

Like I say, most flight deck personnel I've ever known say they don't
really like prop aircraft on a carrier deck. Whodda ever thunk you
might ever hear wisdom from an Aviation Boatswain?!?!?!?!?! :-)

Bill Kambic