Ops-Normal.org

Wodrick wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 9:20 am

My telephone contract provider has insisted that we upgrade, two new phones being delivered today.

Magnus wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:12 pm

over a beer while I watch the washing getting wet on the line.

Boac wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 10:17 am

It appears she has in fact had 'Islanders' of one sort or another for a while (possibly since 1989 - the AL Mk1 with the brown jobs replacing the Beaver) and that the RAF has now 'snatched' them from dem Pongos: From Wiki:

"United Kingdom

In January 2004, the British Army placed an urgent order for four BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 aircraft designated the AL Mk 1 for ISTAR missions in Iraq. The Defender was to be configured similar to the Army Islander AL Mk 1 and Defenders in use with Hampshire Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police. In October 2004, the first aircraft was delivered to No. 1 Flight AAC and deployed to Iraq that month. The final Mk 1 was delivered in September 2006 to No. 651 Squadron AAC which had been reformed to operate the Defender. The Mk 1 was fitted with a Wescam MX-15 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) turret under the nose, cabin-mounted cameras, COMINT and C2 equipment. During the fleet's bi-annual return to the UK for in-depth servicing new ISTAR equipment was fitted.

A second order was placed for four fully re-designed aircraft designated the Mk 2 and a trainer. In September 2008, the first Mk 2 aircraft and also one Mk 1 upgraded to Mk 2 standard were delivered. The Mk 2 was fitted with TCAS, EGPWS, improved DAS, improved avionics suite and had ISTAR equipment enhancements. The Mk 2 had a longer endurance to the Mk 1 being able to carry more fuel and was also able to operate at a lower height. The training variant was also delivered in September 2008 designated the T Mk 3. The final Mk 2 aircraft was to be delivered by 2012 together with the three Mk 1s upgraded to Mk 2 standard.

In June 2009, the Defender's deployment to Iraq ended with 651 Squadron serving continuously since October 2004 in which time it had provided over 8,000 hours in support of UK Forces. In January to February 2010, the Defender was trialled in the Middle East with a Counter-IED capability for potential use in Afghanistan. Defenders deployed to Afghanistan from November 2010 through to 2012. In 2012, Defenders flew daily missions prior to and during the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

In April 2019, the Defender was transferred from the Army to the Royal Air Force with No. 1 Group. The aircraft was re-designated from AL2 (prefix AL for Army liaison) to R2 (prefix R for Reconnaissance)."

Magnus wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:12 pm

MrsP has gone off to M&S for some shopping. I was left strict instructions to replant one of the garden planters on pain of pain. Dilemma. The Gods are piddling in this area just now. Do I risk getting very soggy, or do I risk a bollocking? I may think on it over a beer while I watch the washing getting wet on the line.

CharlieOneSix wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 3:57 pm

Filthy weather here - NNW wind gusting 42 mph, intermittent rain and 8C. I escaped from 10 weeks of exile this afternoon to go to the village and post a birthday card. A 9 mile round trip in the car. Not a sign of anyone out in the village. T'was a bit worrying that the low screenwash warning illuminated when I turned on the ignition. It wasn't on when I put the car in the garage 10 weeks ago. Just hoping mice haven't chewed through the plastic tubing somewhere inaccessible. It's happened before. I now have mouse traps at each of the road wheels, probably too late though.

CharlieOneSix wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 3:57 pm

Filthy weather here - NNW wind gusting 42 mph, intermittent rain and 8C. I escaped from 10 weeks of exile this afternoon to go to the village and post a birthday card. A 9 mile round trip in the car. Not a sign of anyone out in the village. T'was a bit worrying that the low screenwash warning illuminated when I turned on the ignition. It wasn't on when I put the car in the garage 10 weeks ago. Just hoping mice haven't chewed through the plastic tubing somewhere inaccessible. It's happened before. I now have mouse traps at each of the road wheels, probably too late though.