Help identifying this signage (RAAF F/A-18A)

[hughlb]

Circled in red in the below image. I can't find high resolution reference of this sign. It only appears on certain Hornets, at certain times - namely A21-35 and A21-32. Does anyone have some high resolution imagery, or any idea what it reads?

 

The small sign to the immediate left reads: "WARNING - Pyrotechnics installed under structure do not cut"

 

The larger sign below that (just below the canopy fairing), reads: "WARNING - This aircraft contains a cartridge actuated emergency escape system equipped with explosive charges. See applicable maintainence manual for complete instructions".

 

Edited April 16, 2018 by hughlb

[DefaultFace]

Not high res enough but seems to be the same marking on A21-20. Got it from here http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/

 

A21-46 seems to have had it as well https://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/cache/5003/DefenceImagery/2016/S20162448/20160824raaf8178707_066.t57bc9882.m800.x12df1a79.jpg

 

If there is a higher res version of the one you have that'll probably be where it is. Maybe try searching for aerial refuelling pics of the aircraft, sometimes they do some close up shots there.

 

[RhineHornet]

Could it be that it has the same text as shown in the dashed-line box painted below the LEX? It reads like

 

"WARNING

STATIC CHARGE HAZARD"

 

and three more lines which I cannot recognize, too low resolution.

 

 

Here's the closeup I made my above conclusion from:

 

http://aviationspottersonline.com/30th-anniversary-hornet-scheme-walk-around-2/#gallery/a1dbcac2ed97c4d377dcca72b81b54ae/22159

[Esac_mirmidon]

In this pic i can read " Pyrotechnics installed under structure do no cut"

 

 

 

I cant find anything about the other sorry

Edited April 16, 2018 by Esac_mirmidon

[hughlb]

Unfortunately Esac Mirmidon, the sign is not actually in those two high res images. The "Pyrotechnics installed under structure do no cut" sign is on every Hornet, however the sign I'm looking for is next to that sign. It is larger and has more text on it.

 

Yes, DefaultFace, A21-20 has the sign on it too - it's a shame the images aren't high enough to make out a few words.

 

Anyone else have some high res images?

 

Here is another angle:

 

Edited April 17, 2018 by hughlb

[flyco]

Are you sure it doesn’t read “if you can read this, you are flying too close”?

[MustangSally]

Have copied the pic and sent out to few mates who work on classic Hornets.

 

Just heard back...mate will get down to the 3sqn line this week and have look for you.

Edited April 17, 2018 by MustangSally

[RhineHornet]

@hughlb did you see my post above?

 

I did some more research and I am 99% sure that sign you're looking for reads as follows:

 

WARNING

STATIC CHARGE HAZARD

DO NOT TOUCH CANOPY AND WINDSHIELD

TRANSPARENCIES PRIOR TO DISCHARGING

STATIC CHARGE

Edited April 17, 2018 by RhineHornet
typo

[hughlb]

That does seem to match the layout of text in the ref images, RhineHornet - you might have cracked it.

 

MustangSally, that would be an incredible help, cheers for looking into it for me, and be sure to pass on my thanks to your mate :)

[Naijel74]

@hughlb Did you ever hear from MustangSally on this? I'm working on another Hornet skin, A21-2. It doesn't have this particular sign but it's hard work researching all the labels. I'm keen for any info on some other signs. Perhaps we can share sources.