Originally Posted by ABK MAN (Post 354068)

this is interesting, this pinky size antenna ya'll speak of. Please elaborate, what would the techincal name be of such a contraption?

Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer (Post 354093)

VLF--a frequency so low, the waves will actually propagate through earth---and water. The Navy uses it to communicate with subs, for National Command and Control of nuclear subs and ICBMs. The wavelength is something measured in miles (2-4; can't remember).

The wire is as fat as your pinky because it is about 2 miles long!! (So it needs to be that thick to support the weight of 2 miles of cable). I believe it is weighted-down with about a 50lb weight on the end, so, as the E-6B (TACAMO) circles overhead, making the weight almost stationary, the antenna wire scribes a cone above it--remaining almost vertical.

I'm pretty sure each antenna is used one time, then snipped-off--too hard to reel back in.

Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer (Post 354093)

I'm pretty sure each antenna is used one time, then snipped-off--too hard to reel back in.

Originally Posted by Clue32 (Post 353810)

We've got a maneuver in the Army called a flat turn and I'm wondering if anyone else in the flying world has cause to do them.

The goal is to turn 360 degrees in 12 minutes with out exceeding a 3 degree bank or 5 degree pitch.