MK5 Golf GTI
General => Random Chat => Topic started by: B3n on October 25, 2010, 07:20:04 pm
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Hey folks just thought a few peeps would be interested in watching this
Frontline Battle Machines
EPISODE 1 - OFF TO WAR
Mike Brewer heads out from the RAF's Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire, 4,000 miles to the front line in Afghanistan.
His mission: To test out front line battle machinery currently being used by British forces in their struggle against the Taliban.
He wants to find out whether British and American manufactured kit is really up to the job.
His two-month journey will see him drive, fly and fire some of the most fearsome and sophisticated weaponry currently in operation and bring him into direct contact with the enemy.
In this episode, Mike flies into a fire-fight with Taliban forces in a Chinook helicopter and comes within a hair’s breadth of death.
Featured Battle Machines:
Tristar – The plane Mike and the troops fly out to Afghanistan in.
Panther – Used by the airforce that protects Kandahar airfield.
Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) – A derivative of a WW2 veteran machine gun that is still in active use today.
Tonight 10pm Discovery channel
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He gets on my tits. nothing worse than a TV presenter being overly enthusiastic and fake
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I shall be watching it. The Mighty King makes an entry.
:party:
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ill be watching too, the ad makes it look good :happy2:
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I shall be watching it. The Mighty King makes an entry.
:party:
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
By that do you mean SeaKing?
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Yes indeed the Sea King Commando MK4. Played with a few in my time.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F2655%2F10021501axw600h6001.jpg&hash=2a66a956d9d67a81681f993a53ed4c2a5ae08f08)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwaronterrornews.typepad.com%2F.a%2F6a00e551d9d3fd8833012876499203970c-320wi&hash=bc1994c7e500621501926e59548996e009e3ed8b)
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No way!!!! If i knew that i would of talked your head off about them. They are my favourite aircraft
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The merlin is better in every way.
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Yes indeed the Sea King Commando MK4. Played with a few in my time.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F2655%2F10021501axw600h6001.jpg&hash=2a66a956d9d67a81681f993a53ed4c2a5ae08f08)
^^^^ Excellent pic! One of yours, Dave?
Unfortunately I don't have Discovery channel so I'll have to watch the Katy Perry Russell Brand prog on ChFive instead.
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F2655%2F10021501axw600h6001.jpg&hash=2a66a956d9d67a81681f993a53ed4c2a5ae08f08)
Look at the mess it's making. Turn that fan off ffs. :grin:
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fxx202%2Fsimonskerton%2Fn1012809702_30014229_2245.jpg&hash=7899958c428ce05304a24a4fca53b5c6710c858e)
im the bottom left guy with my face in my hands. We got tasked with providing force preotection and cover for the helicopter landing sirte in Al Amarh. this was happening about every 15 minutes.
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The merlin is better in every way.
In what way? Care to expand?
We (the FAA) are due to take over the MK3 merlin when the Sea King goes out of service (2016) and quite frankly, I am not overly enamoured. Still this is my last job, I will resign soon
25 years on Sea king Mk4 and well happy, just sad to see it go.
The Merlin is however the only helicopter I have fallen asleep in, flying from Sarejevo to Banja Luka, very smooth ride, with its active vibration damping.
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its faster, can carry more people, MUCH easier to get on and off fully loaded, comfier, roomier etc etc.
I used to be thredders when we got shipped out in a sea king or yank black hawk because it was a pain to get off and retrieve all our tool boxes. The merlin you can literally get up, grab your boxes and leg it off the back off.
that said the worst helicopter ride i have had is on a black hawk. the americans feel the need to remove all the window panels, i was sat back right next to the window for 30 minutes in the pitch black getting blasted with airand kept getting whipped by the seat belt next to me. i also sh!t myself at the speed her came down and hit the deck
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here here merlin all the way :)
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fxx202%2Fsimonskerton%2Fn1012809702_30014229_2245.jpg&hash=7899958c428ce05304a24a4fca53b5c6710c858e)
im the bottom left guy with my face in my hands. We got tasked with providing force preotection and cover for the helicopter landing sirte in Al Amarh. this was happening about every 15 minutes.
I was in Iraq in 2003, and again in 2004-2005
The Sea King pictured is fitted with Non-Carson blades, slightly different profile. But as you can see the Dust/sand gets everywhere, currently playing havoc with the Merlin engine.
Al Amarah was an awful place, spent quite a bit of time there.
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not heard of sand being a issue with them unsure how a sand filter could be designed on one like the seaking has , blades yes but most are on berp mk4 . was at benson today in fact for a quick visit .
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We are talking from differing perspectives. I am looking at the availability percentage. Sea King beats the Merlin hands down. Sea King average Serviceability % of around 75% in theatre.
I have carried out structural repairs on many a Sea King/Apache/Chinny/Some fixed wing in the field Previous Job), and with all you can carry out a great repair, however the Merlin requiring a bonded repair due to the composition of the frames mean a far more complex repair requiring utmost cleanliness, which is just not viable in the field.
The Merlin is a great ASW aircraft, but not a battle field aircraft.
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We are talking from differing perspectives. I am looking at the availability percentage. Sea King beats the Merlin hands down. Sea King average Serviceability % of around 75% in theatre.
I have carried out structural repairs on many a Sea King/Apache/Chinny/Some fixed wing in the field Previous Job), and with all you can carry out a great repair, however the Merlin requiring a bonded repair due to the composition of the frames mean a far more complex repair requiring utmost cleanliness, which is just not viable in the field.
The Merlin is a great ASW aircraft, but not a battle field aircraft.
Ps it has Royal Air Farce down the side! :evilgrin: :fighting: and a pink gin fridge!
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im presuming your Navy :grin:
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all depends on what and how you are trained tbh , i have worked with alot of sqd's that use the merlin mk1/mk3 etc and if the team running it knows what they are doing then they are always on the pad . i really dont understand the mod in the way the move people around , jack of all master of none springs to mind !
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im presuming your Navy :grin:
25 years, only worked on the Sea King MK4, apart from my time carrying out structural repairs.
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Still this is my last job, I will resign soon
....Is it not better to retire than to resign?
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Still this is my last job, I will resign soon
....Is it not better to retire than to resign?
I have to resign, not retiring just yet!
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fed up with it ? or wanting in at westlands lol
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im presuming your Navy :grin: Anything you like as long as it's finished in pussers grey... :signLOL:
25 years, only worked on the Queenie MK4, apart from my time carrying out structural repairs.
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im presuming your Navy :grin: Anything you like as long as it's finished in pussers grey... :signLOL:
25 years, only worked on the Queenie MK4, apart from my time carrying out structural repairs.
:laugh:
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We are talking from differing perspectives. I am looking at the availability percentage. Sea King beats the Merlin hands down. Sea King average Serviceability % of around 75% in theatre.
I have carried out structural repairs on many a Sea King/Apache/Chinny/Some fixed wing in the field Previous Job), and with all you can carry out a great repair, however the Merlin requiring a bonded repair due to the composition of the frames mean a far more complex repair requiring utmost cleanliness, which is just not viable in the field.
The Merlin is a great ASW aircraft, but not a battle field aircraft.
Ps it has Royal Air Farce down the side! :evilgrin: :fighting: and a pink gin fridge!
Standard fitment in civvie street mate get used to it ! lol - made a tech log entry the other day "Pink gin fridge too warm / popcorn maker not distributing toffee sauce thoroughly"
Oh and I realised at the end of that tv programme that I'd practically been holding my breath for the last 15 minutes of it.....
Just one question.....in the final part of the programme where the RafReg were down the ramp firing the SA80 and the sqishy carbon based autopilot actuator was getting shot - why was there nobody on the minigun on either side of the a/c? Please tell me that they're serviceable?
For all the squaddies/military types who are out there/been/going :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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For all the squaddies/military types who are out there/been/going :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
.... x 2 !!
Though I don't think they should be out there at all, but that's politics. They're certainly heroes :notworthy: - To hell with 'queen and country', they're heroes for each other.
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For all the squaddies/military types who are out there/been/going :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
.... x 2 !!
Though I don't think they should be out there at all, but that's politics. They're certainly heroes :notworthy: - To hell with 'queen and country', they're heroes for each other.
+1
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For all the squaddies/military types who are out there/been/going :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
.... x 2 !!
Though I don't think they should be out there at all, but that's politics. They're certainly heroes :notworthy: - To hell with 'queen and country', they're heroes for each other.
+1
+2
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fxx202%2Fsimonskerton%2Fn1012809702_30014229_2245.jpg&hash=7899958c428ce05304a24a4fca53b5c6710c858e)
im the bottom left guy with my face in my hands. We got tasked with providing force preotection and cover for the helicopter landing sirte in Al Amarh. this was happening about every 15 minutes.
I was in Iraq in 2003, and again in 2004-2005
The Sea King pictured is fitted with Non-Carson blades, slightly different profile. But as you can see the Dust/sand gets everywhere, currently playing havoc with the Merlin engine.
Al Amarah was an awful place, spent quite a bit of time there.
mate i was in Al Amarh then aswell with 16 air assult brig we were on the main airfeild 63sqn R.L.C
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fair play to the chopper pilot though. fair play to Mike brewer as well. he was sh!tting himself, we obviously go out there prepared and knowing what to expect. I bet he didn't expect to be in that situation at all when they were planning the series.
Just one question.....in the final part of the programme where the RafReg were down the ramp firing the SA80 and the sqishy carbon based autopilot actuator was getting shot - why was there nobody on the minigun on either side of the a/c? Please tell me that they're serviceable?
it didnt sound like it was firing. you would here that thing if it was. normally its the air crew who would operate them. you can guarantee the 2 apaches weould have been giving it some though.
I prefer the ross kemp series so far though IMO. its a much more REAL time idea of how it is there.
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I can't help noticing that 2.0T FSI platform cars are very popular among those guys in the Services - Quite a few of you guys on this forum :drinking:
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they're obviously paying us to much :grin:
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without blowing smoke up your arses, its nowhere near enough and no doubt money isnt the motivator when you're out there its your mates. But I'd be hoping that they're taking care of your wives and kids properly when you're away.
Good mate of mine is based at Middle Wallop but in previous postings the Married Quarters weren't "sparkling" by any means - you'd hope that would change in this day and age and the families have nothing to worry about apart from the obvious when you're away.
Spoke to QD about this a couple of times, I think everybody not involved in the military sometimes forgets theres a war on.......
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For all the squaddies/military types who are out there/been/going :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
+1 :congrats:
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no money is enough to justify the losses out there. Dave Barnsdale a very very good friend of mine was the last soldier to die out there, its his repatriation on thursday. Lived in the same room as him before i got my house, did 2 iraq tours with him and spent many a night on the piss with him, but never got to see him before he went back out to afghan. He is the first guy i known personally die out there and nothing prepares you for that.
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The Merlin is a great ASW aircraft, but not a battle field aircraft.
Ten down..engage caterpillar drive and you wafu's cant find us for toffee :P
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Ten down..engage caterpillar drive and you wafu's cant find us for toffee :P
Maybe not the aircraft but on the right platform with 2087 and you'll get a run for your money :fighting: :signLOL:
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I love working with Blackhawks. Awesome machine especially if you get decent crews, which most of them are and will quite happily put a multi million dollar machine between you and the enemy.
Thats me sat in the doorway going out on a job
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FOnTask.jpg&hash=d5b2ae36acb1e2d55fd29706b825aa94a168789d)
However there is nothing more comforting than having one of these in your back pocket. The crew were showing off and followed us for around 10 miles like that. Quite amusing watching TT looking up in the air only to find an Apache appear at head height :signLOL:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FBringthePain.jpg&hash=0f993053f31d1c9291c93bfcccc2fe7e8c71f17a)
This particular baby saved me and my mates a few times. Oh and she has a female pilot who im sure is on permanent Jap Flag week with the kill count she has. Even Rambo would be impressed :grin:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FLeanMeanKillingMachine.jpg&hash=c1d61e447c40d71a229f8a3adc595de2077fc397)
This was a particularly close call from one of my trips :laugh:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FCloseCall.jpg&hash=eb29944fff26e64952e1e69de264b59da5a36877)
no money is enough to justify the losses out there. Dave Barnsdale a very very good friend of mine was the last soldier to die out there, its his repatriation on thursday. Lived in the same room as him before i got my house, did 2 iraq tours with him and spent many a night on the piss with him, but never got to see him before he went back out to afghan. He is the first guy i known personally die out there and nothing prepares you for that.
I know how you feel mate. I have lost quite a few friends out there (a few of which died in front of me) one of the hardest things for me was when myself & the other medic in the team personally kept 2 lads alive for 40mins on the ground whilst in contact (they had both lost both legs and an arm) only to find they died on the Pedro on the way to Bastion. The worst sound in the world is the silence after an explosion. At least if they scream you know they have a chance.
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I love working with Blackhawks. Awesome machine especially if you get decent crews, which most of them are and will quite happily put a multi million dollar machine between you and the enemy.
Thats me sat in the doorway going out on a job
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FOnTask.jpg&hash=d5b2ae36acb1e2d55fd29706b825aa94a168789d)
However there is nothing more comforting than having one of these in your back pocket. The crew were showing off and followed us for around 10 miles like that. Quite amusing watching TT looking up in the air only to find an Apache appear at head height :signLOL:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FBringthePain.jpg&hash=0f993053f31d1c9291c93bfcccc2fe7e8c71f17a)
This particular baby saved me and my mates a few times. Oh and she has a female pilot who im sure is on permanent Jap Flag week with the kill count she has. Even Rambo would be impressed :grin:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FLeanMeanKillingMachine.jpg&hash=c1d61e447c40d71a229f8a3adc595de2077fc397)
This was a particularly close call from one of my trips :laugh:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fww275%2FTaufe%2FCloseCall.jpg&hash=eb29944fff26e64952e1e69de264b59da5a36877)
no money is enough to justify the losses out there. Dave Barnsdale a very very good friend of mine was the last soldier to die out there, its his repatriation on thursday. Lived in the same room as him before i got my house, did 2 iraq tours with him and spent many a night on the piss with him, but never got to see him before he went back out to afghan. He is the first guy i known personally die out there and nothing prepares you for that.
I know how you feel mate. I have lost quite a few friends out there (a few of which died in front of me) one of the hardest things for me was when myself & the other medic in the team personally kept 2 lads alive for 40mins on the ground whilst in contact (they had both lost both legs and an arm) only to find they died on the Pedro on the way to Bastion. The worst sound in the world is the silence after an explosion. At least if they scream you know they have a chance.
I take my hat off to all still serving what ever service they belong too. :notworthy: I you don't realise what true friends are until you've served in the forces :drinking:
With both myself and Mrs Choppers now de-mobbed (although Mrs Choppers still works inside the wire... :smiley:) I still have active interest in all things aviation, Mrs Choppers still calls me a NATO Potatoe.. :signLOL: So the pictures are very welcome and give Joe Public an idea of the conditions out there in Afganistan.... :surprised:
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PC meets an Apache Pilot
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv211%2Fstokeballoon%2Fpost-873-1184260877.jpg&hash=064ab655139be10d60b51aced89bb2a40f6cec66)
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv211%2Fstokeballoon%2Fpost-873-1184260877.jpg&hash=064ab655139be10d60b51aced89bb2a40f6cec66)
....Not meaning any disrespect but that pic needs a caption! Just where is Charley about to place his hands!?
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Humbling Pics, just hope you all stay safe.
You see these young lads off to war aged 18-20 and then see hoody wearing little pricks that would key your car for a bit of fun.
I'd love to be in a position to help them out one day.
Moschops you in the RAF? were you a steeley eyed flyboy?
PS QD Great pic! :signLOL:
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if thats a uk apache i prob had a hand in building and testing it lol
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if thats a uk apache i prob had a hand in building and testing it lol
is that why they took so long to come into service :grin: worth the weight though, now we need to get hold of some A10 thunderbolts. will never forget the noise those make on a strafing run.
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Humbling Pics, just hope you all stay safe.
You see these young lads off to war aged 18-20 and then see hoody wearing little pricks that would key your car for a bit of fun.
I'd love to be in a position to help them out one day.
Moschops you in the RAF? were you a steeley eyed flyboy? Yes both myself and Mrs Choppers were RAF, no not a flyboy...just the minions who look after them... :happy2:
PS QD Great pic! :signLOL: