psychrometer, an aerograph, special work table for the observer, and the 

 addition of newer types of radar and radio equipment in the aircraft. 

 These flying observation stations also carry a radar altimeter in addition 

 to standard pressure altimeter. Numerous types of instruments to assist 

 in air navigation are required, as reconnaissance aircraft, when flying 

 fixed track missions, may not deviate from prescribed altitude and 

 course for weather causes. For example, as a computation of winds at 

 various altitudes is an absolute necessity, equipment must be available 

 in the aircraft whereby the navigator may obtain double drift winds 

 when the surface is visible, by Loran when flying in clouds, and by 

 radar when adjacent to chains, atolls, and isolated landmarks and Loran 

 coverage is not available. 



Secondly, the weather reconnaissance crew must be a very well- 

 trained team which must function as such in order to ensure rapid and 

 exact observations as well as rapid means of communication to centres 

 where the data may be disseminated as rapidly as possible. Pilots, 

 navigators, radio operators, engineers, and radar operators have all been 

 extensively trained and are among the best in the United States Air 

 Force. General requirements for pilot co-pilot combination calls for a 

 minimum of 2,000 hours in four-engine aircraft. Combat or transport 

 experience is desired. As some tracks flown are over a distance of 3,000 

 nautical miles where no land or land mark is available, navigators must 

 be extensively trained in dead reckoning, radar navigation, and celestial 

 navigation. In flying at high altitudes where ground speed often 

 approaches or exceeds 300 miles per hour the navigator is required to 

 calculate an exact position, wind direction, and ground speed at the 

 next fixed point as well as track made good every twenty minutes. 

 Flying inside typhoons does not eliminate this requirement. 



As reports are frequently relayed to one or more stations every 

 twenty to twenty-five minutes and observations generally include a 

 minimum of fifteen five-digit groups, radio operators must be capable 

 of air-to-ground communication where the rate of communication 

 desired seldom falls below twenty words per minute. The radio operator 

 must be familiar with all air-borne radio equipment as lack of communi- 

 cation with ground stations eliminates an 3^ value which observations 

 taken synoptically may have. Also the radio operator must be well 

 trained in procedure and have expert knowledge of all radio networks, 

 both American and foreign, in case alternates are required. 



As all missions are flown over water areas during fair and foul weather 

 the proper functioning of aircraft power plants and the utilization of 

 fuel is of paramount importance. For this reason aircraft engineers have 

 been extensively and thoroughly trained so that long missions may be 

 flown with the greatest possible saving in fuel and engine wear and yet 

 .obtain maximum cruising speeds. 



Radar operators must be thoroughly familiar with all types of scope 

 interpretation, especially that portion which pertains to clouds, precipita- 

 tion static, and other types of interference. They must be able to guide 

 the aircraft through the centre of tropical depressions and typhoons by 

 interpreting the radar picture they obtain by use of air-borne radar sets. 

 In addition, the radar operator maintains a constant search at all times 

 for extensive or odd types of clouds and atmospheric phenomena as well 

 as any or all air-borne objects, and must be able to inform the weather 

 observer of typhoon quadrants where the greatest precipitation, most 

 intense ground areas, and weakest areas of tropical storms and typhoons 



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