Defence jets join Abby Sunderland's rescue (yes, I *know* - I didn't write the headline)

news.com.au ^ | 12th June 2010

[alexander_busek]

If the Sunderland family want to make some sort of donation after they make a lot of money selling their story, that’s fine with me - but you help where you can. That’s the way it works.

I think that the fundamental criticism is that "free" rescue missions should be reserved for emergencies for which the parties in distress bear no special blame and were not negligent (e.g., rescuing the crew of a commercial ship hit by a series of extremely unlikely and unfortunate circumstances for which they are not, themselves, culpable).

In contrast, missions to rescue adventurers and thrill-seekers (e.g., millionaires' 16-year-old daughters undertaking reckless stunts in order to garner prestige and fame) should be billed to the responsible parties.

I know that, in the case at hand, the Australian gov't, no doubt as a gesture of good will, has said that they won't expect compensation (though they have said that they would hope that the U.S. would reciprocate if the situation were reversed - i.e., if some bored Australian debutante intentionally puts herself in harm's way, etc. and needed rescuing), but there is still a violation of fundamental conservative principles, here.

Regards,

[valkyry1]

Nice looking bird, a P3 right?

[Star Traveler]

Allison T56

The Allison T56 is a single shaft, modular design military turboprop with a 14 stage axial flow compressor driven by a four stage turbine. It was originally developed by the Allison Engine Company entering production in 1954, and is now produced under Rolls-Royce which acquired Allison in 1995. The commercial version is designated 501-D. Over 18,000 engines have been produced since 1954, logging over 200 million flying hours.

[Star Traveler]

AP-3C Orion

The Lockheed AP-3C Orion is a variant of the P-3 Orion used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for tasks such as naval fleet support, maritime surveillance, search and survivor supply and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. The 18 AP-3C Orions were upgraded from P-3Cs between 1997 and 2005, with the program taking three years longer than expected due to systems integration problems. All 18 AP-3C Orions are operated by No. 92 Wing which is based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. Aircraft from the wing have seen service as part of Australian Defence Force operations in Australia, South East Asia and the Middle East.

[naturalman1975]

Yes - specifically an AP-3C, an Australian variant of the P-3.

[kenth]

You should see what the media considers a president.

[onona]

[M-cubed]

Don't you know nothing about aeronautics ;^) <<

I do now!!...That's what i like about FR...always someone around to ‘splain things...

Now that the mystery is out of it...I'm thinking ‘bout getting one of them there Aeronautical degrees

just not sure if i want to major in Celsius or Fahrenheit

[lowbuck]

Here in the states the P-3 squadron that has the “ready” will be launched for Search and Rescue (SAR). That is one of the missions they are tasked for.

For our allies in Australia using their P-3 (really long legs and can spend a lot of time on-station) not only fulfills their mission, but, gives them a lot of positive press. In the budget battles good press is nice to have on your side!

[valkyry1]

Does the AP-3C Orion have air to air refueling capability to augment its long legs?

[Psalm 144]

I’m not convinced the girl should have been allowed by her parents to go, but the people going on about the cost do annoy me.

*******************

And it is certainly a trend. If emergency services are going to be coin operated ‘user fees’, I want the bastards to stop collecting taxes.

[Quiller]

Does the AP-3C Orion have air to air refueling capability to augment its long legs?

No, but when 12+ hours in the air is possible, I think IFR capability would be overkill.

[meyer]

do jets usually have the spinny things on the outside?

Well, they don't actually appear to be spinning, so maybe it is a jet. The props are just, well, props...

[meyer]

A slower shutter speed would show some blur to give the impression that the props are actually spinning (which they are)...

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

It is a turboprop, not a piston engine, though I agree, a turboprop is not a jet.

[Hot Tabasco]

If your neighbour’s house is on fire, do you rent them your hose?

Well of course I would, after all, the gasoline was free.......

[Smokin' Joe]

In contrast, missions to rescue adventurers and thrill-seekers (e.g., millionaires' 16-year-old daughters undertaking reckless stunts in order to garner prestige and fame) should be billed to the responsible parties.

Well, bill whoever is responsible for the storm that broke the mast on her vessel.

Regardless of the age or origins of the mariner, that sort of stuff happens, and the fact that she is alive after such a storm is likely a testament to her ability as a sailor.

[Celtic Conservative]

The props are there to keep the pilot cool...if they stop, he breaks out in a sweat.

CC

[bytesmith]

The Australians are mostly of white European ancestry as we in the US are. It is quite plausible that Emperor Zero would ignore any request for help from them in the same way he is stong arming red states here (see LA oil spill, TN flood). Also look how he has treated our treasured allies, the British.

[bytesmith]

Now that the mystery is out of it...I’m thinking ‘bout getting one of them there Aeronautical degrees

You are half way there, you can already spell Aeronautical. :)