P-3 Systems Upgrade
By A/SGT Ray Watts
The P-3 Systems Upgrade (P3KII) project has started another big step on its way towards completion with around 20 more RNZAF personnel joining the team in Greenville, Texas.
Aircrew and Maintenance personnel
This highly talented group of ground crew and aircrew now has the task of learning about the new systems fitted into this upgraded aircraft.
Arriving in Texas, the first thing noticed is the temperature. The weather is very hot compared to what we’re used to, but we were informed this was actually cool in comparison to the previous few weeks. The week before the detachment arrived, the temperature was over 100 F (about 38 C) every day, but our first week was only into the high 80’s (29-32 C).
Like people say, everything really is big in Texas. The vehicles are monsters, and the car parks and shopping areas are huge. The number of fast food joints is excessive and the food portions match, but the locals are very friendly and have been hospitable towards us.
Before arriving, we heard rumours of local police questioning people for just walking around the town. It sounded a bit far fetched but, sure enough, after three days here, a group of us were stopped by the police. One got out of the car to question us, hand on his holster, and asked what we were doing walking down the road. He was pretty good about it once he’d heard our strange accent and realised we were just walking. Hopefully, after a number of months here and a few more stops, they will have gotten used to groups of Kiwis choosing to walk instead of drive everywhere!
On the work related side, NZ4204 is looking a bit lonely in the big hanger, but it will be back outside again soon. As for the Avionics systems, it only takes one glance in the aircraft and it’s instantly noticeable just how much work has already gone into the electronics systems on this frame. When we have completed the training on the systems and seen all the systems running together, I think we’ll really start to understand the capabilities that this project is enabling.
After the aircraft tour, the detachment was shown into the Systems Integration and Test Lab (SITL) and the new Flight Deck Trainer (FDT). The full motion FDT is a huge leap in functionality and technology from the previous trainer. All personnel had the chance to fly the FDT from take off through to landing.
It may seem a bit heavy at the controls to begin with, but once you get it up in the air, it doesn’t seem to matter. We were even bombarded with ‘problems’ ranging from turbulence, to simulated fire warnings and bird strikes during the flight!
Eventually we’ll be able to practice flying an entire mission, with the flight crew in the FDT and the back end on the SITL. But that’s another day!
Our introduction to the new, improved NZ4204 was exciting and informative, but now it is time for us to knuckle down and help the project team get the publications and training into A-Class form. Soon we will begin training on the new systems. Look out Air Force – here we come!