Radar Altimeter ... why a separate power switch?

[Flagrum]

Why has the radar altimeter be powered on by flipping a separate switch? Why isn't it just connected to the appropriate electrical bus - like all other instruments?

 

Is that how it is/would-be done in RL? I can actually imagine that this could be done that way for intruments that are retrofitted to the helo, but tbh it really looks a bit like some sort of semi-professional tinkering.

 

I mean, it gives our Huey some kind of "personality" - a helo that is used and in active service as opposed to a brand new helo right out of Bell's hangars. The bright and colourful LEDs do actually not really fit into the intrument panel with all those other, analogue instruments - quite similar to the ABRIS in the Blackshark ... :o)

 

On the other hand, this is (mainly) an army helo and all and everything is regulated by inch-thick manuals. Would those allow such kind of handiwork?

 

Ahhh ... I don't know. Don't know if I love or hate it, but thanks for listening to my rant! :o)

[lorenzoj]

I imagine the Radar Alt is supposed to look like an updated retrofit I think not originally in the Huey. In the world of the sim game it seems a necessary addition to allow low level missions in crap weather to be possible

[sorcer3r]

I imagine the Radar Alt is supposed to look like an updated retrofit I think not originally in the Huey. In the world of the sim game it seems a necessary addition to allow low level missions in crap weather to be possible

 

The real UH-1H can have a radar altimeter.

Also mentioned in the 80's manual:

 

http://www.anythingaboutaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bell-UH1H-Flight-Manual.Stamped.pdf

 

[lorenzoj]

I was referring to earlier VietNam models where I didn't think it was common but I could be wrong. Nice cockpit photo

[Gixxuki]

When the Radio Altimeter is turned on you can be detected much more easy by air defence units. This is why you have always the option to turn it off in aircraft that might be involved in combat situations.

[Flagrum]

When the Radio Altimeter is turned on you can be detected much more easy by air defence units. This is why you have always the option to turn it off in aircraft that might be involved in combat situations.

Hrm, that's a good reason, indeed.

[TimeKilla]

I don't like the look of the switch would rather it was a push in button that looked close to the circuit breakers at first and i still think its just a place holder and will be fix later.

[VBS_Nero]

Sorcer nice manual very very thk's

[Griffin]

When the Radio Altimeter is turned on you can be detected much more easy by air defence units. This is why you have always the option to turn it off in aircraft that might be involved in combat situations.

 

What is that based on? Air defenses use passive radio receivers? How do they detect low energy radio waves pointing directly below a helicopter?

[thrawn]

In most aircraft the radar altimeter is on its own manual switch. The reason is that the radar altimeter can deliver hazardous radiation to ground crew working around the aircraft. The radar altimeter is usually turned on immediately before take off. In fixed wing this is usually part of the runway entry checklist

[Flagrum]

In most aircraft the radar altimeter is on its own manual switch. The reason is that the radar altimeter can deliver hazardous radiation to ground crew working around the aircraft. The radar altimeter is usually turned on immediately before take off. In fixed wing this is usually part of the runway entry checklist

Hrm, allright, makes sense. But turning on/off could easily be accomplished with the left rotary knob already.

[TimeKilla]

I really like the new radar altimeter its great how its made just for the Huey looks really smart love the low and high warnings.

[HuggyBear]

In most aircraft the radar altimeter is on its own manual switch. The reason is that the radar altimeter can deliver hazardous radiation to ground crew working around the aircraft. The radar altimeter is usually turned on immediately before take off. In fixed wing this is usually part of the runway entry checklist

 

In most aircraft the radalt is turned off using the LO knob rather than an additional switch. The danger area of the radalt is quite small, about 1 metre from memory. I think there might be a diagram of all the radiation hazards in the flight manual.

 

- Bear

[Focha]

In most aircraft the radar altimeter is on its own manual switch. The reason is that the radar altimeter can deliver hazardous radiation to ground crew working around the aircraft. The radar altimeter is usually turned on immediately before take off. In fixed wing this is usually part of the runway entry checklist

 

Mmm... Not always the case. I've flown helicopters were you don't have a switch to toggle it. However you always have a switch or other kind of system to toggle the weather radar.

 

Regards.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

What is that based on? Air defenses use passive radio receivers? How do they detect low energy radio waves pointing directly below a helicopter?

 

The only info I can give you is an example of the F/A-18C: it has an EMCON (emissions control) button; it turns off anything that may give it away including radar, transponder and, the radar altimeter.

[Griffin]

Interesting, thanks. I've seen the EMCON button in the cockpit but didn't know RadAlt is part of it.

[rassy7]

Ok, I hate to ask, but I feel I've done due diligence and looked at every knob, switch and dial in the Huey and I simply can not find this switch. Where and how do I turn it on?

[pj]

Ok, I hate to ask, but I feel I've done due diligence and looked at every knob, switch and dial in the Huey and I simply can not find this switch. Where and how do I turn it on?

 

It's on the overhead console, all the way towards the back past the circuit breakers, by itself - it's a single toggle switch

[rassy7]

WoW. Behind the breakers. They really did look for an off-the-map location for that didn't they? Thanks.

[Scrim]

Well, if it's retrofitted I suppose it makes sense. I mean, why restructure a bunch of things if you've got a free space to stick it in. Assume they went of a real Huey when they added it.