Control systems

[ProwlerPilotGirl]

Hi

Having watched the best bits of Prowler Piloting and worn out the freeze-frame on the DVD -- and read the Admiral's comments here, I just want to outline how I see the controls and functions of the Prowler in operation.

Flight direction is obviously under the control of vectored thrust and the ship flown with what resembles a conventional 'modern' control column. It doesn't appear to tilt forwards and backwards. Maybe the foot pedals provide 'pitch' (with activation of either left or right to provide lateral attitude) and the column 'yaw' and rolling?

Some switches abound, but I like the idea of some controls being activated like the Tech diagnostic equipment, where they place their hands into an electromagnetic field to induce a level of control. That would follow through.

What do you think, ML??

PPG

[More Light]

Interesting topic PPG!

On several of the episodes that show Aeryn piloting her prowler all it seems she does is push buttons and slide levers and throw switches. I couldn't remember what they did use for pitch so I reviewed "Premiere" and just after Crais orders the prowler pilots to "Terminate assault" you see a clip of one of the pilots pushing forward on the yoke and when they cut to the prowler external shot you see the ship move forward and down. I am assuming now that these controls resemble the Cessna piper controls which have one of those steering wheel configurations and when you push it forward it performs the same function as pushing forward on a modern fighter jet control "stick." The only difference is the steering is turning and not moving the stick to the left or right. Seems that is not a very good method for a fighter craft so perhaps we can change the controls in the Mk. 2 to a more conventional "stick."

[ProwlerPilotGirl]

Sounds good.

My fic is rooted in the period leading up to 'Premiere' so I'm stuck with the 'steering wheel'

I'll incorporate your observation. The first chapter in the fic is Aeryn internalizing after the Velorek execution, but chapter 2 gets heavily into the action, so I want to get the 'flying' right!

Have you ever flown? I've only had brief control of a Cessna 172 and a couple of trial lessons in gliders. I've loved every second of it, and my ambition is to talk my friend in the RAF to get me a passenger flight on a fast jet. It's a distant hope, but you never know...

I'm researching my Step Father's RAF career, too. He was assigned to a deHavilland Mosquito training squadron in Canada in the late years of WW2. Fascinating stuff...

PPG

[More Light]

I've had even less hands on than you PPG as I have only had control of a Schweitzer Glider for about 3 minutes of flight. I've been able to tour 2 aircraft carriers (the USS Intrepid in NY that was a floating museum and the USS John F Kennedy - still on active service). I also have about 80 hours of simulated flight time from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 - A Century of Flight and I've always been interested in flight and aircraft.

I hope you get your chance on a jet.

I look forward to reading the story and you are inspiring me to pick up on my own story as well!

[ProwlerPilotGirl]

I share your passion for aircraft, ML.

I try to get to RAF Duxford every year for the 'Flying Legends' Air Show. Sadly, I was there when the P38 Lightning crashed, and when the 'Black 6' ME 109 Gustav made its last flight Maybe I should stay away...

My Brother was an aeromodeller, and I'd help him build, trim and fly his planes. I've always been a major TomBoy!! Perhaps that's why Aeryn Sun feels like a birth sister!!!!

PPG

[More Light]

I loved the airshow in Duxford, but I was only able to see it back in 1994 (did they even have jets back then? ) At the time I was living in Portsmouth and took a trip via good ol BritRail to Duxford. I still have a baseball cap from there!

You definately fit the Aeryn Sun profile you could be her long lost sister from Erp!

OT a bit, if you ever see anything from the U.S. that isn't available in the UK like magazines or general SciFi stuff (or if it a lot cheaper here) just ask me and we can work out a swap. Don't be afraid to ask me but I am away from home nearly every weekend on business but I can still post stuff on the weekdays usually.