A little more flying quality info on Dino's T-45

[average_joe]

Stretch,

I'll second good luck in your career. By the way if you get Growlers, don't fret ... it's more than just hauling black boxes around the sky. You will have your hands full. I remember fighter guys saying how easy the RF-4 mission was until they had to escort us low level into the target area.

Good point about drag index. In fact I was looking at the F18 NATOPS supplement section where you compute drag indeices for various weapons load outs. Would be great if drag index could be converted to coefficient of parasite drag. But then we might get a visit from your friendly Intel officer.

[SpazSinbad]

Stretch, thanks. I think Dino (& me) would be interested particularly in the landing config KIAS/weight Optimum AoA chart. I'll keep looking on the net....

[Stretch32]

SpazSinbad,

I found the chart your wanting. I'll try to find a scanner (possibly tonight) and send it your way. I'm off to TCL for the day so I'll work on it when I get home.

Stretch

[SpazSinbad]

Stretch, just happened on this info about changing the Hawk for USN use as T-45C (I guess?):

"...Here is the USN just "marinising" something simple like the Hawk...

http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-285968.html

Changes from the standard export Hawk Mk 60 comprised a deeper profile forward fuselage to accommodate a new stronger twin-wheel nose landing gear, with catapult launch bar and improved nosewheel steering; new long-stroke main landing gear stressed to withstand carrier deck landings; main landing gear doors sequenced to close after wheels locked down; twin lateral perforated air brakes on the sides of the rear fuselage, in place of the single ventral air brake; a substantially strengthened airframe and intermediate engine casing; revised US Navy standard cockpit instruments and radios; On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) and Martin Baker Mk 14 NACES ejection seats. SMURFs (Side-Mounted Under Root Fins) - small curved surfaces mounted ahead of and below each tailplane - provided a beneficial aerodynamic tweak which was soon introduced on the Hawk Mk 100 and Mk 200.

Although the T-45 met the original VTX requirements, detailed operational flight testing and evaluation by NATC identified a number of performance and flying shortcomings which would adversely affect its ability to safely conduct day-to-day training operations. Accordingly a modification programme was put in place to rectify the perceived deficiencies. The F405-RR-400 turbofan originally fitted, (a derated version of the original 5,450 lb st (2472 kg) Adour 861 engine), was replaced by the 5,845 lb st F405-RR-401, based on the Adour 871 used in the Hawk 100 and 200. The -400 engine had been derated to meet Navy demands for fuel economy and longevity, but it was determined that more thrust was needed in the critical high drag carrier approach configuration. Full-span wing leading edge slats were added, (to improve stall characteristics), and the wing-tips squared off, while a 6-inch (0.152 m) extension to the tail fin was added, and an increased span tailplane with squared tips fitted. A single ventral fin was added in front of the arrestor hook hinge fairing. Control harmonisation was also improved, and airbrake/tailplane movement interconnected."