Non-Radar Observations 



• The current configuration of the HC- 1 30J 

 would not support IIP operations given that 

 the only control of the radar is at the hands 

 of the pilots. An Ice Patrol ready HC-130J 

 would include workstations at the rear of 

 the flight deck or a palletized sensor system 

 in the cargo compartment. Full control of 

 the sensors — without interfering with 

 routine flight-deck operations (navigation, 

 radio communications, etc.) — from the 

 flight-deck workstations or palletized 

 sensor package would be necessary for IIP 

 reconnaissance. While flight-deck 

 workstations and a palletized package 

 within the cargo compartment are design 

 solutions, they reflect the operational 

 requirement for independent control of the 

 sensor(s). This independent control is 

 critical to the existing ice-reconnaissance 



Figure 6. Graphical definition of Initial detection 

 range 



operational structure. While other solutions are possible, they must be measured against the 



proven success of the FLAR-SLAR-visual ice observer system currently employed on the 



HC-130H. 



Ice Patrol operations would require larger displays than those currently on the flight deck of 



the HC-130J (Figure 2). 



The existing windows in the paratroop doors arc not acceptable for IIP operational use; 



however, the integral stools arc an interesting solution to seating at future scanner windows. 



Large scanner windows would be required for IIP reconnaissance. Bubble windows would be 



ideal because they would provide ice observers with a dramatically wider field of vision than 



flat windows. 



The Heads Up Display available to both pilots suggests a possibility for the future of visual 



ice observation. Hypothctically, a Heads Up Display in the ice observers' windows would 



afford them the benefit of the radar operator's cursor placement and therefore help them focus 



their visual scanning. Obviously, this solution would benefit nearly all missions, not just Ice 



Patrol's. 



The Internal Communications System on the HC-130J is much improved over the HC-130H 



system. The lack of ambient system noise and voice-operated (VOX) selectivity provided 



clearer communication with less effort. 



Acknowledgments 



The International Ice Patrol extends appreciation to the crew of IRD 4 (LCDR Byron Willeford, 

 YN1 Tim DeVall, MST2 Allie Rodgers, and MST3 Jeromy Sherrill). Ice Patrol also thanks the 

 crew of CG2006 (LCDR Dan Walsh, LT Roy Eidem, AETCS Lester Ward, AET1 Robert 

 Sunderland, and AMT3 Shane Abshcr) for their professionalism during the experiment. The 



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