Jump to content

wellen1981

Members
  • Posts

    16
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Personal Information

  • Flight Simulators
    DCS World, A-10C, FC3, CA, Lockon, Falcon 4.
  • Location
    UK
  • Interests
    Computers, guitar.
  • Occupation
    Soft dev
  1. 3 vids - first 2 as a bonus Sorry if these have been posted before (let me know though if they have). 3 vids, consider the first 2 as a bonus as they have music on them but to be fair they were posted by the pilots/squadrons. If the music isn't to taste, still the footage is good. 1. Bat Cruise Video 2012-2013 (F/A-18 Bats) 2. F/A-18 $hit Hot Break https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYeTVed-qAY And the last vid is in the UK. Eurofighter Typhoon RAF, from I believe the (Welsh?) base heading out low and fast North-East then due North along the Lake District. Complete with textbook Britishness calm, detailing steps he is taking during the flight eg fuel check, master caution reset etc. 3. Flying the Typhoon Through the Mach Loop at Low Level
  2. Every time I go to post I read the warning at the top regarding politics. War is ugly business and in the moment of survival civilians (most of them anyway) don't even factor in that for those that serve, it is about survival on an individual, per-person level at that precise moment - then in the following moments about making sure those around you survive. You comment on ROE is something I have been looking into a lot recently (given my recent knowledge of what was done to a captured female pilot out in Iraq and also what was done to Iraqi enemy forces in trenches using earth-moving vehicles) and from what I can tell, it only serves to protect you all - from the backlash you would each face personally when getting back on homesoil for your actions out there. Completing objectives is one thing, but being hated by those you fight for is too big a price to pay for each and every one of you, regardless if it would get the job done easier and quicker/safer. I for one am glad they don't let you all loosen the rules of engagement but I completely understand that you and I might not agree when for you that could mean a child outside a base informing the enemy of your activities through phone or radio. I really don't think any of you guys on the ground want to be the one who takes that childs life and then have the media (and then the public) find out. While I would be the last person to want secrets kept from the public regarding what goes on, even I find it difficult to argue that the public knowing more would maintain freedom (which can only be kept through military existence) going forward. Everything comes at a price, some people enjoy the freedom without realising where it comes from and who gave their lives to buy it. I hope from the posts I have made in here it shows that while I very much dislike war, (having spent a lot of time researching what specifically happened in both Iraq and Afghanistan) even I realise war at times is a necessary evil and politics and the realities of war are two totally different things. Thanks for the short reply, I appreciate the honesty. On topic and to all... (not sure if this will be classified but I can always ask I guess (I hope?) Radar in military use, in for example the F-15 and F-16, is it true that before launching a missile the pilot does something in relation to the radar or jamming systems that could cause lights to flicker below on the ground eg in buildings etc? The on-topic bit (and possibly classified again), do these systems in planes also make it into the likes of the Apache eg the featuresets. Or, as they are made by totally different airframe manufacturers is the tech in certain airframes only included in other airframes by the same manufacturer or do the military (through the undertaking of the contract) get to utilise tech from an airframe in future airframes made by different companies - so in a very unclear way I guess the last bit I'm asking is, does the military own total rights to the tech to use in future products regardless of which company wins the contract to manufacture future airframes. :huh:
  3. Haha, yeah cheers although it is handy that it kinda counts as research of-a-sort workwise, so I will even have an excuse for 'some' of the time spent in-game. :joystick:
  4. Yeah, being a spectator to all the things you all go through you could be forgiven for thinking I would be careful and diplomatic about my views on it but I honestly have to say I genuinely feel bad for all involved in those incidents - wiki has 8min cockpit video of another incident going wrong and although the outcome was strained for US-UK relations I have to say that while I am saddened that lives were lost in error, the pilots real-time genuine words were said to offer no thought for the lives he had taken. To my ears I just heard human shock at what he had done. It is too easy for civilians to judge from the comfort of chairs but only you all watching out for each other and yourselves truly know what you are up against. Thanks for the reply. And your service. Also, the media which folks at home get fed has a very deliberate angle when it comes to covering conflict and it never truly captures the full story of war. As those that actually serve, how would you all feel about the general public actually having an accurate handle on the things that happen during conflicts eg the successes AND the failures - would you prefer civilians to have accurate coverage of what you all go through or do you actually prefer that they don't know the half of it? My phrasing at the end there is lacking and could be read badly but I just mean would you all feel better if civilians knew more about what you go through or do you prefer the public are not given the very bad stuff - eg kinda shielded from the very bad details? Anyone could argue that it is all online (eg on wiki) to find and read but the average person would never go out of their way to find out about such subject matter and the only way the average person learns of such things is through mainstream media eg tv shows, films, video games. Back to ah64s.. you think it will be the 64-d or the 64e?
  5. I live near to the main UK hospital that treats all people who serve (was actually visiting the ward a few months back due to a family member) and earlier this week 3 chinooks flew overhead on their way to the hosp (made my heart sink although I'm really hoping it was something like readiness training...). Here in the UK the BBC have been running a series called Our War and the final episode covering leaving Afghanistan aired this week. I had seen the first 2 seasons of it and it mainly uses helmet cam footage and interviews from actual infantry members and it also covered the honest aftermath of certain incidents during operations. One incident in particular has me asking in this thread again... There was an incident whereby a UK Apache was called in to support troops taking the fight to a compound and the troops marked the building with smoke and their position also with smoke. Tragically the Apache crew fired upon the troops injuring 9 and leaving 1 lad paralysed. I will understand if this doesn't get responded to but I wondered if I could ask how you guys feel about friendly-fire or blue on blue incidents as the 3 of you (rcjones, nightmare515 and alphaonesix) each come from very different perspectives of serving. rcjones - I think I am right in understanding you are US infantry? nightmare - Having been in tanks and then moving to apache your thoughts from the tank perspective regarding the risk of airborne attack friendly incidents would be insightful and through your previous role I would guess going forward will only help to serve you in future to safeguard against those incidents given the fact you know what it is like to be on the ground at risk from airborne friendly-fire (if you are in the apache co-pilot gunner seat during deployment). alphaonesix - I think from your posts your role is primarily non-combat, have I got that right? It is saddening to know that UK troops do not have the beacon US troops have to identify themselves as friendly when targetted by other units eg aircraft. How do US service people feel about the added pressure put on you in identifying friendly troops knowing the risk is there that you could be aiming down on UK friendlies unknowingly due to them not being equally equipped like yourselves? Don't worry I didn't read anything into it political or otherwise - I just thought it must relate to a cancelled DLC and thought I would ask to clarify ta.
  6. I could quote you both like before but just hitting new post is easier, sorry. Nightmare and Alpha... Glad I didn't offend and yeah it is a delicate subject I guess when you speak about it on personal levels, 'to each their own' really does factor into it in reality. Since the Apache is a 2 crew machine and since the front gunner can also pilot from the front, can the rear seat pilot also use all weapons eg hellfire, hydra etc or can the rear pilot only slave the gun to the helmet and use that weapon only from the rear seat? I have said already I'm no fan of war and hearing what those that take lives say, it is always the same thing - No one ever says they enjoy taking a life but they always say they are glad that they can offer a lifeline to troops on the ground etc in times of need eg A10 pilots and Apache crews. In fact, I can only think of 1 interview where someone has actually acknowledged they are killing and that is Harry (As he is from the UK maybe I should understand slightly, but that individual is very much a unique person in every sense - and the exception to every rule). Finally, I did try to tread carefully with my previous post given the sensitive subject matter but I should have been a bit clearer (as I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong impression) - to me, the airframe appeals, the role appeals, the on-board systems appeal. I don't desire to take lives but I could accept it is potentially a big part of the role (as the pilot by the way, does the crew alternate roles or is the copilot gunner always the copilot gunner for a tour?) and I am sure not every engagement would be to support troops in contact in the Apache either - that would be naive of me. Also I try to be able to understand if, on an individual level anyone sees it differently pulling the trigger/dropping bombs in a jet/chopper (I don't even know where to factor in UAVs) from afar compared to if they were pulling the trigger on foot up close and personal. Not sure how much more I can/should say on this subject but the psychology involved is something that is often not covered understandably. If I think about it personally, it does present a moral dilemma. I guess it all comes down to each individual how they manage to justify it to themselves enough to be able to perform their duties and carry on afterwards. It can't be easy. I should also add that given UK/US cultural similarities, society over here doesn't have guns in civilian life and this is a fact that must make a huge difference on an individual level for people who serve. My honest take on the US from here is that you guys are able to handle these implications better than we are over here as you grow up exposed to the responsibility and the ability to take a life easily with the pull of a trigger. Over here society in general does not give people the opportunity to appreciate this until they are actually on tour serving. I have family and close friends in the forces (some front line, some not) but that means very little on a personal level - I mean, the fact they serve in no way can influence my own take on things. I am still not sure how to answer the question of the moral dilemma to myself - maybe there is no answer. I know I have rambled (for sure too much), this is an aspect no one likes to dwell on or discuss and I understand why. This element deserves more consideration/recognition than it gets for the effects it has on some after-the-fact. Again, sorry for going there. Being a civilian I probably have no right to even bring up the things I have but I wanted to be honest as I have never had the opportunity to discuss things with people who serve(d) who were not only willing to talk about it, but also as honest about things as you both have been.
  7. Thanks for the reply and you echo what most people say when asked about lomac (eg get latest version) The thing is people asking about the older version may have good reason to, in my case I am just trying to use a dual core laptop with dedicated graphics from 2008 so lomac specs are possible on this, but dcsworld/fc3 would be too much for the old laptop. I have already bought A-10C FC3 and CA just so you know ;) but haven't got my new build yet to be able to run them. Cheers for replying and the advice - I read the LOMAC patch-notes and they have good fixes I'm now on 1.02 but I also read the FC1 patch notes and they fix a lot on LOMAC - I am very tempted... Might have to look into pricing up FC1 addon but I get the feeling it would be cheaper for me to just buy a used copy of LOMAC Gold on Amazon.co.uk or eBay.co.uk maybe? Thanks again.
  8. No love for the mosquito Could there be any other reason(s)? Given the role of the Apache the lower flight time is not only to be expected but also a reflection on how exact its duties are in my mind. Am I missing something here? Aren't the Chinook and black hawk roles more logistical, even if they are more often... Also piloting a large chinook and getting shot at has got to be less appealing than the nimble Apache from a pilot perspective. If after all is said and done, most pilots agree it is just flight time that sorts the desired order of roles I am genuinely surprised. I guess it just comes down to mindset eg some may not see the Apache role down-time as a bad thing if they are good at keeping occupied. I wouldn't want to offend anyone by saying this (just my preference I guess) but the amount of flying would not factor in comparing moving things around and being able to pilot Apaches. In fact, for planes would it be inverted (would plane pilots want the transport roles over the combat jets) eg transport plane pilots and fighter jet pilots... Also Flagrum, I've been meaning to ask - your sig has red X through the one emblem, wondered why.
  9. Am I being a bit thick here (and sorry if this is in the wrong section, feel free to move)... I have original Lock On CD bought in UK back in 2003. Installed on Win 7 64bit using the CD fired it up, played fine - even in 1440x900 no problem. Then I found changing the settings in details doesn't actually save the changes even when you choose MAX it still reverts. So I went looking for the patch... Ended up on lockon.co.uk website headed for patches section no patches for Lock On UK retail CD version just Flaming Cliffs etc so I got a roughly 200MB patch installed it then it gives Starforce error. I can tell from that I have likely downloaded the wrong patch but can someone clarify... Is Flaming Cliffs 1 what the original Lock On is being called these days? Where is the official place to get support for the original UK CD retail of Lock On - I even went on Ubisoft site and they treat it as though Lock On never existed Cheers! EDIT: yep just me being poor at finding it - the ubi.com support site has the lock on patches in the advanced search on the PC section for anyone else who struggled to find them like me in the official place. Also I now realise that Flaming Cliffs 1 is its own thing but I'm not completely sure if it is just a free addon for lomac, or if it is paid as on the lockon.co.uk website i can download it, but for some reason i cannot find any mention of cost/price for flaming cliffs 1 if you already own lomac... any thoughts?
  10. Don't worry about find out the sort of paint used, I just wondered about decals as the painting of aircraft is almost the total opposite of the strict sense that military seems from the outside. Also practicalities seem to be ignored, I mean the main paint of the aircraft offers a degree of masking yet some of the custom paint possibly compromises this. See, I don't understand this and maybe you could shed some light on it from your perspective and possibly others you trained with... The only reason I can think of for not wanting to fly Apache over the others is the constant engagements/being an aggressor (up close and personal), and the fact that the systems eg operational are tougher and (possibly?) more involving. Any idea the actual reasons why people put it lower down the list of preference? Sorry for posting this here but I was doing some research into female fighter pilots (since you mentioned that nasty Apache crash was a female pilot) and I was amazed at just how many female pilots there are - I found some interesting footage of an F-15E Eagle pilot (front seat) on youtube and looking at other vid thumbnails on the right of the page, made me realise just how common it is (especially in the US). The reason I mention all this is because I have just read a few articles online regarding "killer chick" and her mission in April '03 that she was lucky to survive (and extremely talented to make it back to base and land safely). A-10 I know, but seriously shows just how hardy the Warthog is and also shows just how good some pilots are. Got me thinking though... call signs/nicknames who picks them? Others pick yours or you pick your own? When are they used? At what point in your service do you get one/pick one?
  11. Thanks for the welcome and the roadmap thread link. I have checked and double-checked and apart from learning that a P-51 variant was called an Apache also, I failed to find the helo AH-64 Apache anywhere on that thread, not even in a planned section.
  12. Sorry this was in the UK back in about '94 or '96 and while you could climb into a BAE Hawk trainer jet and sit in the cockpit (of course I did!) as no one was standing by it. The airshow was the RIAT at Farnborough if I recall correctly, they did have SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 and F-111 Stealth fighter and a Stealth Bomber. Those 3 were well and truly cordoned off with barriers and 2 service men stood in front of each with arms folded. Looking back now I have to laugh realising how lucky I was to see those 3 up close and can appreciate why I wasn't able to get anywhere near to the actual air frames. Such insight, thanks. Would you even want to be seen in the Dutch display Apache livery though? (For the record I like it, even if it does look a bit Fast & Furious Film paint job). A trivial question but context would help me appreciate more, the materials used to paint the aircraft with custom art - is that paint that is always on site anyway or do they have to go out of their way to get it and do it in their own time etc? Being a guitarist I know what you mean about muscle memory. As for the classified elements, it is an interesting aspect as my assumption is that the only elements that would be classified are the weapons systems and their procedures and controls. What I wonder is how someone such as yourself keeps right by this rule eg when going through training are you advised what is classified and is it a lot to keep track of mentally or is it more of a general 'any knowledge about procedures that can be used to harm is classified' and if it is the latter, is this how commercial flight sims get away with it as the only knowledge gained from over-the-counter sims would be the flying of the aspect? I ask this in the knowledge that A-10C DCS dlc is supposed to be as accurate as permitted and I recall your post about a friend who had kittens when he saw your Lockon A-10A representation and he couldn't believe it was allowed. I realise this subject is delicate and I don't wish to dwell on it too much given the risks but mainly find it interesting to look at from the commercial flight-sim point-of-view angle and how they 'get away with it' rather than causing you to post something that you shouldn't! An interesting thing to note is that I believe the game Medal Of Honor Warfighter had specific weapons in it used by special forces that was deemed classified but I fail to see how just the names and a 3D render of said weapons is an issue and how those weapons could be deemed classified - unless it was just due to them being new and possible using new tech. But even so, this never filters down into games to the point were it is usable info surely? It was a member of a specific unit that was helping the devs and he disclosed the weapons used that were only specific to the unit - they weren't standard issue if I recall correctly. Very much appreciate the insight into your comments about headaches and brightness settings during your early training using the HDU, that is a real insight. Guess that makes me a bit of a nerd. I have ArmA and ArmA 2 but have yet to get ArmA 3. There is an 'introduce yourself' sticky thread in the 'chit chat' section which I posted in the other day when I registered on here. It just so happens that I have obsessively been finishing PS3 Apache Air Assault on hard mode. My PSN id is the same as on here, and if you are snowed in with any free time and have your PS3 still - all I'm saying is I only have the co-op missions to do still... nudge nudge, wink wink ;o) Would be interesting to see how the Hind noe valley mission goes. The only final question I have really is how does someone go from being in a tank to making the move to an Apache pilot - my assumption about the military has always been that once you are in at any role there is no room for totally changing your role. On a personal level how did you arrive at the decision to focus on going for the Apache role, are you very accomplished and were you offered the chance on that basis or did you just get to apply for the role (my assumption there is that many people would be going for the Apache role so the selection process even for the training opportunity would be very lucky to be accepted against all the other applicants as I should imagine the training slots are very few compared to number of applicants) I'm sorry I'm being so nosey, be reassured I'm quickly running out of questions now! Also yes, you really should write that book. I would read that for sure. The navy seal training book you mentioned in a post previously is fascinating. Now I know that 2 bone breaks are permitted as part of the training, but must be minor eg a rib and a finger hehe. Thanks again for the willingness to share your insight. I will have to do some searching to try and find out, thanks for narrowing down the year it helps. Lol, when I first read your post for some daft reason I thought you were saying that you spent time in the sun loading the rounds and in my ignorance it sounded like a tedious task eg you were just prepping the weapon for future use by someone else, so I felt bad for you. But now knowing that you were the one doing the firing I realise you had the better day. As against conflict as I am the irony is that I have always been interested in the parts that make up the picture whether it be the aircraft and vehicles used (the technological accomplishment is impressive always), or even the ground footage that has been high quality and numerous and cleared for viewing. Without annoying anyone from anywhere on here, the difference between how the UK forces operate and how the US forces operate is a stark contrast, especially the 'troops in contact' footage from those on the ground that I have seen. This forum does have a clear message hoping that people steer clear of politics and I think I am staying within this but I was aware of Marcus Lutrell through the film and made a point of actually doing enough research into finding out what exactly happened compared to what the film told and the difference is staggering... Any other subject matter and a film would play it up, in war films they can only play it down and that film is no exception.
  13. get to da chopper Blaine Yeah sorry I should have mentioned your nickname on here so you knew I was also referring to you. Let me be the first to say your job is/was just as important. Same goes for troops on the ground everywhere, all have their part to play. You are probably quite unique in the respect that you have had apache flight time but are not a pilot. What years did the single pilot rules apply and what made them change (if you can say). Also regarding the M134 I really feel bad for you now as I quickly googled to find that they can fire 6000 rounds per minute so I guess after.... in fact, i have just reread your sentence - are you saying you unloaded that gun with the trigger? :doh:
  14. mind blown This is definitely my favourite thread of choice on this forum... I don't want to be yet another person interrogating actual pilots on here but it is hard to resist the chance to speak to actual Apache pilots. I always felt intimidated in my youth going to airshows and I don't ever actually recall seeing the pilots of aircraft being on standby for the public to speak to and never knew if it was ok to do so. I have read every page in this thread and just wanted to say that it is very easy for me (and maybe others) to forget that there is a real person behind the controls of an Apache as from an external viewpoint it is easy to fall into the trap of focusing on the beast of a machine as it whizzes by making that pulsing sound. I had the pleasure here in south Birmingham, UK on the 11th of 2 AH-64D's (likely UK AH-1s I guess with the radar dome atop) flying low overhead going somewhere possibly for the events of that day (I assume). The sound was unique compared to civilian copters. And of course a few questions if I may, firstly wondered if I could clarify something... Is the other poster who mentioned the Apache Nightmare flew also a pilot/ex-pilot and if yes would they be willing to give any insight into their experiences? (if there is already a thread on here i would be interested) And to Nightmare, are you aware of decals on military aircraft in modern times - I am wondering how they happen, things like is it an approved thing like tradition in the military, who puts them on the aircraft, are they always permitted? Also, are you not slightly concerned that exposure to home sims will have a negative impact on your real world operation of aircraft eg if you were to use an Apache commercial sim, then get into the real thing - will that not just introduce confusion regarding controls etc? No one likes war, in an ideal world peace would prevail. I completely am against it but it will never stop me from saying and meaning the following... To all who do what you do, Thank you for your service.
  15. would be a crime not to Any or all Apache would be perfect but if i could pick it would be ah-64e
×
×
  • Create New...