Aircraft Carriers III

SouthernSky said:

A few pics for Popeye.

Four MRH 90 helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment join HMAS Canberra off the northern coast of Queensland for Exercise Sea Series 2015.

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Thanks, those are great pics.

That top one with the two handler crews working around the helos is just the type of thing I know Ihave been waiting for.

I am sure as time goes on we will see even more intensive operations off of those decks.

Seeing four helos, with their handlers on deck, and troops moving into the helos, is something we will be treated to sooner or later.

Hats off to the Aussies as they work their new Canberras up to full operational capabilities.

Great photos SouthernSky.. one thing I notice is that the flight deck appears to be absent of non-skid...It appears to be painted with some sort of epoxy paint that better be very durable.

Once again excellent photos.

test bd said:

Great photos SouthernSky.. one thing I notice is that the flight deck appears to be absent of non-skid...It appears to be painted with some sort of epoxy paint that better be very durable.

Once again excellent photos.

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Popeye, zoom in on the foreground of this pic, near the tie down.

I believe there is some form of non-skid coating. it is just not as coarse as what we are used to.

SouthernSky said:

A few pics for Popeye.
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let me add one

Jeff Head said:

Popeye, zoom in on the foreground of this pic, near the tie down.

I believe there is some form of non-skid coating. it is just not as coarse as what we are used to.

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test bd said:

...It appears to be painted with some sort of epoxy paint that better be very durable.

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... excuse me, but what's the point (about that coating)?

Deck safety for operations while underway, especially during high sea states.

Jura said:

... excuse me, but what's the point (about that coating)?

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Everybody gets a better "grip", particularly arriving and departing aircraft, and tugs, people and things on deck to handle, move, set up, tie down aircraft. It needs to be very durable and requires replacement as it gets worn smooth, particularly on the aft arresting cable area.

The F-35B brings a whole new set of challenges to "non-skid" coatings!

Thanks Guys.. maybe they have a new type of coating to withstand the blast of an F-35B exhaust? ..As far as I know the USN is still using standard non-skid.

test bd said:

Thanks Guys.. maybe they have a new type of coating to withstand the blast of an F-35B exhaust? ..As far as I know the USN is still using standard non-skid.

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That could well be, Aus insists they will not be operating F-35 off these girls??? Such a shame? such a shame?

Sey what!?!! I will visit Aussie defence talk..err I mean Defense Talk to see what the fellows from down under think...

What a minute.. what then is the purpose of the ski ramp? C'mon now...