PREPARATION FOR FLIGHT

The drone should be spotted on the launch area and secured to the deck with the pre-launch tie down device, which is equipped with a remotely actuated release (see figure 3 below in “Description” section, item 33).

FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Refer to “Operating Limitations” and “Flight Characteristics” sections for operating limitations and flight characteristics, respectively

Wherever reference is made to "true airspeed", refer to the airspeed calibration data in “Performance Data” section for the command readout required to produce the desired true airspeed of the drone.

MISSION PLANNING

  Determine the drone gross weight with full fuel load. Obtain pertinent weather information, including ambient conditions. Determine which transmitter-coder combination and which antenna is to be used for the mission. Determine the mission envelope by referring to the performance data in Appendix 1.

    The elapsed time indicators on both the control monitor and CIC control should be used to register total engine running time for each mission. The timer on the control monitor starts when the engine starting cycle is initiated, and should not be reset to 0 after the engine has started. The timer on the CIC control should be reset to 0 when the deck controller initiates the engine start cycle so that both timers are synchronized.

Check the number and type of weapons to be carried, weapon depth settings, and weapon turning direction.

Search the target control system frequency for interference.

Check the operation of the interphone system between the deck and CIC control stations. Check the operation of the interphone system between the control stations and the target control system test set monitoring room (DASH transmitter room).

COMMAND MONITORING AND RECORDING 

Throughout all drone missions, continuous voice communication should be maintained between the drone controller, deck or CIC, and the technician monitoring the Audio Frequency Decoder KY-433/SRM (BCD-24) (part of Target Control System Test Set AN/SRM-4). The controller must announce each command or change of command and the technician must affirm a satisfactory decoder readout or report a discrepant readout. The technician must also report any deviation from a steady state command.

During the entire drone mission, except during launching and landing, the technician should maintain a continuous record of all new commands and resultant test set readouts, together with the mission time or real time at which made.

In the event of deterioration of the data link, refer to the "Emergency Procedures section". Attempts should be made to return the drone to the ship and land it on the deck if possible.

PREFLIGHT CHECK

Check the preflight inspection completion report to determine drone status. Make certain that the preflight avionics functional check has been completed (MRC J- 54 R- 2). Check the date of the last weekly avionics functional check (MRC J-54 W-2). Check the date of the last target control system test and inspection (MRC J-31 W-1).

PRELIMINARY CONTROL SETTINGS

  Set the shipboard guidance controls at the deck station as follows:

Make certain that any drone undergoing test in the hangar has its decoder address selector set at a different address from the drone being flown, so that it will not respond to flight commands.

1.  Control Monitor:

a.  MASTER switch--OFF.
B.  TRANSFER switch- -DRONE.
c.  AUTO-PURGE-MANUAL switch--MANUAL.
d.  GYRO switch--OUT.
e.  DRONE ANGLE REL TO SHIP pointer--aligned with drone (pointer indicates engine air inlet).
f.   ELAPSED TIME indicator--60.

2.  Transmitter Control (Deck):

a.  HV switch--OFF.
b.  CODER switch--EXTERNAL.
c.  KEYED CARRIER-CONSTANT CARRIER swit6h--CONSTANT CARRIER.
d.  ANT. SEL switch--STBD.
e.  XMTR 1-XMTR 2 switch--XMTR 1.
f.   PWR switch--ON. (Wait one minute, minimum.)
g.  HV switch--ON.

3.  Deck Control:

a.  CRUISE-MANUV switch--CRUISE.
b.  MEMORY-STATION switch--STATION.
c.  WEAPONS JETTISON switch--off.
d.  SPARES ON switches--off.
e.  ENG OFF switch--on.
f.   CABLE REL switch--off.
g.  ADDRESS knob--at drone address.
h.  PWR ON switch--on.
i.  ALTITUDE knob--at 000 readout.
j.  AIRSPEED knob--at 00 FWD readout.
k.  HEADING pointer--aligned with drone.

4.  Turn motor-generator output circuit breakers off.
5.  Connect the AFC set and engine umbilical cables.
6.  Turn motor-generator output circuit breakers on.
7.  Turn control monitor MASTER switch to ON and turn TRANSFER switch to AUX.

When Telemetric Data Transmitter T-1014/AKT-20 is installed and energized, a radiation hazard exists within 2 feet of Antenna AS-1886/AKT-20.

8.   Press RESET switch to return the ELAPSED TIME indicator to 60.

9.   Monitor auxiliary generator output voltages by turning the VOLTAGE MONITOR knob to positions 1 through 9. The meter should indicate within the acceptable band at each position, except that on position 1, the indication may be to the left of center. After monitoring voltages, leave the knob set at position 6 (40 volts DC from the airborne power supply).

Make certain that the VOLTAGE MONITOR meter pointer remains in the acceptable area on the meter at each position.

Set the shipboard guidance controls at CIC as follows:

1.   Transmitter Control (CIC):

a.  CODER switch--EXTERNAL.
b.  KEYED CARRIER - CONSTANT CARRIER switch--CONSTANT CARRIER. 
c.  ANT. SEL switch--STBD.
d.  XMTR I - XMTR 2 switch--XMTR 1. 
e.  PWR switch--OFF. 
f.   HV switch--ON. 

The deck station transmitter control (C-2801/SRW-4) PWR switch must be turned on before the CIC transmitter control (C-2804/SRW-4) PWR switch in order to provide initial command authority for the deck drone controller. The CIC transmitter control PWR switch should remain in the OFF position until just prior to the transfer of command.

2.   CIC Control:

a.  WEAPON ARM switch--off. 
b.  SPARES ON switches--off.
c.  MEMORY-STATION switch--MEMORY. 
d.  WEAPON RELEASE switches--off. 
e.  ADDRESS knob--at drone address. 
f.   PWR ON switch--on.
g.  ALTITUDE knob--at 000 readout.
h.  AIRSPEED knob--at 00 FWD readout.
i.   HEADING pointer--same true heading as at deck station. 
j.   ELAPSED TIME indicator--running.

Make certain that the airspeed readout at both deck station and CIC is at 00 FWD (the right-hand side of the AIRSPEED window). If 00 shows at the AFT (left) side of the window, it is equivalent to a 100 knot aft airspeed command!

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

Observe the following precautions before starting the engine:
 
Refer to figure 2 for danger areas and ground clearances. 

Make certain that the ADS OPERATE lights on both deck and CIC transmitter controls are on and that both engine and AFC set umbilical cables are connected.

Make certain that the ALT SYNC and GYRO SLAVING meters are nulled. Pinch the rubber tube near its point of attachment to the barometric altitude control mounting bracket. The pointer of the ALT SYNC meter should oscillate slightly as the tube is pinched and released. If the pointer does not oscillate, the drone should not be flown until the discrepancy is corrected.

The GYRO SLAVING meter should indicate within the green band or oscillate uniformly and equally beyond each side of the green band (not hitting the stops) before power is transferred to the airborne generator.

Make certain that the cyclic control locks are engaged.

Make certain that the launching area is clear of personnel and equipment.

STARTING ENGINE (AUTOMATIC SEQUENCE)

Allow a 2 minute cooling period between each 30 second cranking cycle. After cranking for a total of 90 seconds, allow the starter- generator to cool for 10 minutes minimum.

STARTING ENGINE (AUTOMATIC SEQUENCE) - CONTINUED

1.  Set AUTO-PURGE-MANUAL switch to AUTO.

2.  Momentarily depress the AUTO START button.

3.  After the engine has been running for 6 to 9 seconds, check for an indication of rising exhaust gas temperature on the EXH TEMP meter of the control monitor.

4.  Check the engine OIL PRESS indicator on the control monitor. If, after 25 to 35 seconds of engine rotation, there is no engine oil pressure indicated, shut down the engine. If the TRANSMISSION PRESS indicator light fails to go out within 25 to 35 seconds of the engine start, shut down the engine. If the transmission oil temperature light goes on, shut down the engine.

If combustion occurs but the engine fails to accelerate to flight idle rpm, stop the engine immediately using data link, to prevent damage to the engine.

During the starting cycle and until the rotor speed is stabilized, the exhaust gas temperature should not exceed 1200º F. Refer to the "Performance Data" section for charts of stabilized exhaust gas versus ambient temperature.

5.  Observe the % ROTOR RPM meter. If the pointer moves past a point approximately 1/16 inch beyond the extreme right-hand graduation of the scale (approximately 115%), press the control monitor engine STOP switch immediately. After the TRANSFER switch has been turned to DRONE, use the deck control ENG OFF switch; do not use the control monitor engine STOP switch.

6. Increase altitude command until COLLECTIVE FOLLOW UP POSITION meter on the control monitor indicates 10.

PURGING ENGINE

After a start failure and prior to a new start attempt, the engine must be purged of accumulated fuel. To purge the engine, proceed as follows:

1. Set AUTO-PURGE-MANUAL switch on control monitor to PURGE position.

2. Momentarily depress AUTO START switch. The engine will purge itself and automatically stop after 30 seconds.

3.   If the engine does not stop after 30 seconds, depress STOP switch.

Allow a 2 minute cooling period between each 30 second cranking period. After cranking for a total of 90 seconds, allow the starter to cool for 10 minutes.

MANUAL ENGINE START

Observe the same precautions during a manual engine start as would be observed during an automatic engine start.

1.  Set AUTO-PURGE-MANUAL switch on the control monitor to MANUAL. 

2.  Move the START-PREHEAT switch to START and hold.

3.  Wait 4 to 6 seconds, and momentarily depress the FUEL ON button.

4.  Continue to hold the START-PREHEAT switch in the START position until the ELAPSED TIME indicator reads 25 to 30 seconds, or until the % ROTOR RPM meter pointer enters the green area, whichever occurs first.

5.  Release the START-PREHEAT switch.

6.  Repeat steps 3 through 6 of automatic start procedure.

DRONE CONTROL SYSTEM PRELAUNCH TESTS

Prior to launching the drone, the operation of the flight control system and the data link should be checked while the drone is tied down on the deck. The tests to be performed are listed in figure 3.

In performing the pre-launch command tests, do not allow any of the follow-up position meters to remain at full scale deflection any longer than is necessary; under no circumstances, more than an absolute maximum of 3 seconds. Severe damage to the magnetic clutches in the servo actuator may result if this limit is exceeded.

In performing the pre-launch command tests, do not exceed 100 feet of altitude command.

If the ship changes heading before the drone is launched, the heading card and pointer in the deck control will remain fixed with respect to true north, creating a relative mis- alignment between the pointer and the drone. The heading pointer on both deck and CIC controls must be readjusted accordingly as soon as possible. When the ship is maneuvering this must be monitored continuously and readjustments made accordingly.  

    Make certain that the % ROTOR RPM indicator pointer is between 95% and 110% before turning the TRANSFER switch to DRONE.

      If the cyclic control locks do not disengage when the TRANSFER switch is turned to DRONE, do not attempt to disengage them manually. Stop the engine by moving the ENG OFF switch on the deck control in the direction of the arrow. If this fails to stop the engine, return the TRANSFER switch to AUX and press the control monitor engine STOP switch.

PREPARATION FOR TEST

Before starting the pre-launch command tests set forth in figure 3, the following preparatory steps must be accomplished.

1. With the TRANSFER switch still at AUX (control locks engaged), turn the CRUISE-MANUV switch to MANUV. Check for roll and pitch command response by moving the maneuver stick slightly. The ROLL and PITCH FOLLOW UP POSITION meters should indicate a small deflection in the appropriate direction. Leave the CRUISE-MANUV switch at MANUV.

2. Turn MEMORY-STATION switch to MEMORY. Turn the TRANSFER switch to DRONE. The AUX light should go out and the DRONE light should go on. Turn MEMORY-STATION switch to STATION. If necessary, readjust the altitude command to produce a COLLECTIVE FOLLOW UP POSITION meter indication of 10. Record the altitude readout. This setting is referred to hereinafter as "10% collective. "

If the VOLTAGE MONITOR meter pointer does not register within or drifts out of the acceptable area, stop the engine immediately by moving the deck control ENG OFF switch in the direction of the arrow.

3. Check for control lock disengagement by moving the maneuver stick slightly in pitch and roll to produce approximately 10 percent displacement on the related FOLLOW UP POSITION meter. 

If 10 percent displacement cannot be achieved (due to failure of the control locks to disengage), stop the engine immediately by moving the deck control ENG OFF switch in the direction of the arrow.

4. Turn the VOLTAGE MONITOR knob to positions 1 through 9. The meter pointer should indicate within the acceptable area on the meter at each position, except position 1 which may indicate to the left of center.

5. Turn the VOLTAGE MONITOR knob to position 6. The pointer should remain in the acceptable area.

6. Proceed with the prelaunch command tests shown in figure 3. Control response indications should follow the command inputs without jerkiness or discontinuity.

Make certain that the VOLTAGE MONITOR knob is at position 6.

PREPARATION FOR LAUNCHING

    The manner in which the drone is launched from the deck is dependent upon the direction Of the relative wind. The maneuver stick should be deflected in the direction toward the relative wind, regardless of drone heading, so that, as the drone lifts off the deck, it will hover over the deck. Thus, its "airspeed" will be equal to the velocity of the relative wind. This airspeed must be maintained until the drone is clear of the ship, then increased as the drone climbs out.

When using the maneuver stick in flight, avoid prolonged large displacements. For all normal flight operations in the maneuver mode, a maximum of approximately 30 percent of maneuver stick displacement from neutral should be adequate.

Completion of the prelaunch command tests listed in figure 3 chart, above, will confirm drone readiness for launching.

In order to assure that the controls and switches are in their proper positions, the left-hand column of the Deck Controller's Check List (figure 4-at bottom) should be checked immediately before launching. The check to be made for each item is listed below. The applicable controls and switches should be synchronized between deck and CIC prior to launch and transfer. (The explanation of the right-hand column of figure 4 appears under the paragraph heading RETURNING COMMAND TO DECK in this section.)

DECK CONTROLLER'S CHECK

See figure 4, Left-hand column

Make certain that the airspeed readout is at 00 FWD (the right-hand side of the AIRSPEED window). If 00 shows at the AFT (left) side of the window, it is equivalent to 100 knot aft airspeed command.

    The left-hand column of the CIC Controller's Check List (figure 2-5) should be checked before launching. The check to be made for each item is listed below. (The explanation of the right-hand column of figure 5 appears under the paragraph heading RETURNING COMMAND TO DECK in this section.)

CIC CONTROLLER'S CHECK 

See figure 5, Left-hand column

LAUNCHING THE DRONE

In launching the drone from a rolling and/or pitching deck, the launch should be made as the ship passes through an even keel attitude in roll, in the direction into the relative wind, and at a stern high attitude in pitch.

The remaining steps required to launch the drone are, in the order listed:

1. Increase altitude command, by rotating the ALTITUDE knob, until the COLLECTIVE FOLLOW UP POSITION meter indicates 15.

2. Press UMBILICAL RELEASE switch. (The umbilical cables should disconnect.)

3. Move ALTITUDE RATE switch up momentarily. (The tie down device should disconnect.)

    As soon as the tie down device falls to the deck, release the ALTITUDE RATE switch and use the ALTITUDE knob and maneuver stick to keep the drone 5 to 10 feet over the launching spot for approximately 20 seconds. Using the maneuver stick, move the drone away from the ship in the direction into the relative wind. Twist the maneuver stick as required to head the drone fuselage into the relative wind while maintaining the drone flight path into the relative wind. Make certain that the antenna is in its downward position.

Do not allow the drone to drift downwind since this has the effect of a reduction of airspeed, with the accompanying reduction of lift and/or increase of horsepower required.

As the drone accelerates from a "no-wind" hover into horizontal flight, it passes through a brief transitional period. A slight settling may be observed due to the change in the function of the rotors. For this reason, it is important that the altitude and airspeed commands be coordinated smoothly to prevent inadvertent contact of the skids with the deck.

A safe minimum altitude must be maintained at all times that the drone is airborne. 

    As the drone moves out over the edge of the deck, another brief settling may be noted. This is due to moving out of ground effect as the vertical space under the rotors is abruptly increased by approximately 19 feet.

It should be remembered that, in the maneuver mode, the drone moves through the air in the same direction as the displacement of the stick, regardless of the heading of the drone fuselage.

LOW PRESSURE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE TECHNIQUES

In launching the drone under conditions of low barometric pressure and high temperature, proceed as follows:

1.  Launch the drone into the relative wind, applying the minimum altitude and airspeed commands required to become airborne. Hover the drone 5 to 8 feet over the deck for approximately 20 seconds, then gradually increase airspeed and altitude.

2.  Do not make downwind turns below a minimum of 20 to 25 knots airspeed. 

MANEUVER TO CRUISE SWITCH-OVER

    The switch-over from the maneuver to the cruise mode may be made after the drone is clear of the ship. Normal operation in the maneuver mode should be limited to 300 yards, maximum.

To accomplish the switch-over, proceed as follows:

1.  Adjust the airspeed command (FWD) to equal the velocity of the relative wind. (See airspeed calibration data in “Performance Data” section)

2.  Turn the drone to a heading into the relative wind, plus or minus 30 degrees.

3.  Hold the drone at a hover and turn the CRUISE-MANUV switch to CRUISE.

4.  Increase true airspeed to 50 knots. After 5 seconds turn the drone to a heading in the direction of the target.

Do not fly the drone directly over the transmitting antenna.

While in the cruise mode with aft airspeed commanded, do not command any turns. 

FLYING THE DRONE

Refer to "Operating Limitations", "Flight Characteristics" and "Performance Data" sections for their respective information relating to flying the drone.

In the cruise mode, the drone is controlled through the AIRSPEED and HEADING knobs and the ALTITUDE knob or, on the deck control only, the ALTITUDE RATE switch. In the cruise mode, turns are automatically coordinated. In the cruise mode, the maneuver stick should not be used for commanding turns.

In commanding turns greater than 90 degrees, in which either a full white or a full black sector will be spanned, the drone heading must occupy the sector being spanned before the heading pointer is turned out of that sector.

For example, if a turn from 80 degrees to 190 degrees is to be commanded, the drone heading must actually have passed 90 degrees before the pointer is turned past 180 degrees on the dial. Failure to observe this caution will result in an inadvertent turn reversal and may result in the loss of the drone. Deliberate heading command reversals should be avoided. Refer to the paragraph headed TURN LIMITATIONS in the "Operating Limitations" section.

Do not make downwind turns at less than 20 knots airspeed and less than 100 feet of actual altitude.

Except as otherwise required during launching and landing, a forward true airspeed of 30 to 60 knots should be maintained during ascents, and 40 to 60 knots during descents.

Avoid high g-load maneuvers such as rapid changes in airspeed commands and sudden large changes in altitude command, except as required during launching and landing operations.

    After switching to the cruise mode, command the drone to execute a smooth climb-out to a minimum commanded altitude of 300 feet, and prepare to transfer command to CIC. The best climb speed is approximately 50 knots, true airspeed.

TRANSFER TO CIC

    Whenever possible, transfer of control should be made while the drone is visible to the deck controller, Transfer of control from deck to CIC may be made after the CIC controller has made positive identification of the drone on his radar display. Identification may be confirmed by having the deck controller command an identification pattern.   The transfer should be made at a true airspeed of approximately 50 knots. Since this constitutes the best climb airspeed of the drone, the CIC controller can immediately command mission altitude. The transfer is accomplished according to the sequence set forth below.

In transferring command from one station to the other, it is essential that continuous voice communication between the two stations be maintained, and that each action taken be announced; e.g. "I am switching to STATION   --- NOW." 

1. CIC synchronizes airspeed, altitude, and heading controls with deck and turns the CIC transmitter control (C-2804/SRW-4) PWR switch to ON.

2. Deck turns MEMORY -STATION switch to MEMORY.

3. Deck turns deck transmitter control (C-2801/ SRW-4) PWR switch to OFF, then immediately re- turns PWR switch to ON. Deck turns MEMORY-STATION switch to STATION in the event it becomes necessary to make an emergency return of command to deck.

4. CIC turns MEMORY-STATION switch to STATION, informing the deck controller as he does so. CIC then controls the drone using the AIRSPEED, ALTITUDE, and HEADING knobs. The deck controller observes the drone to make certain that CIC has acquired control.

5. CIC commands an identification pattern to confirm control. The pattern should, if possible, be observed by both CIC and deck controllers.

6. When CIC control is confirmed, deck turns transmitter control (C-2801/SRW-4) PWR switch to OFF.

The modulated fm carrier, which controls the drone, and the radar beam, which tracks the drone, require line of sight contact. Thus, as the drone distance from the ship increases, drone altitude must be increased accordingly. Refer to the "Performance Data" section for altitude versus range (distance to horizon) data and to "Operating Limitations" section for data link control range.

TRANSFER TO CIC IN LOW VISIBILITY

    Under conditions of low visibility or extensive sea return on the radar, the deck controller may lose visual contact with the drone before the drone can be identified on the radar display. Under such conditions, the drone should be commanded to climb out to a minimum actual altitude of 150 feet. When the drone appears on the radar display, transfer of command to CIC may be made in the normal manner as described above. An identification pattern may be commanded to confirm control.

A dead reckoning plot of the drone track should be maintained by CIC until the drone is picked up on radar and positively identified. In the event that radar contact cannot be established, the drone can be directed back to the ship and landed by the deck controller.

CHANGING ADDRESS

If more than one drone is being controlled from the ship, the 'MEMORY-STATION switch must be turned to MEMORY before the ADDRESS switch is turned to any other position. After the alternate address has been selected, return the MEMORY- STATION switch to STATION.

Before switching from one address to another, record the existing airspeed, altitude, and heading of the drone before it is placed on memory. Reestablish these settings before reassuming command of that drone.

LOSS OF CARRIER

    If carrier is lost while the drone is under station control, the drone will assume a "no-wind" hover at its commanded altitude. If carrier is lost while the drone is executing a turn command, the drone will complete the turn to the commanded heading. If carrier is lost while the drone is executing an altitude change command, the drone will complete the execution of the command. If carrier is lost while the drone is on memory, the drone remains on memory, and continues to obey its last commands.

Do not switch to the alternate transmitter and/or antenna while the drone is airborne, except in an emergency. 

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS

    Information on the flight characteristics of the drone is contained in “Flight Characteristics” section. For performance data, refer to the “Performance Data” section.

WEAPON DROPPING

    Arm the weapons by actuating the WEAPON ARM switch. Release the weapons by actuating the WEAPON RELEASE switches 1 and 2, as desired.

Turn the WEAPON RELEASE switches off within 5 seconds to prevent damage to the release solenoids!

    Refer to the “Performance Data” section for the drop envelope of the Torpedo Mark 44 or Mark 46. The drone should be maintained at constant airspeed and altitude within the envelope at time of weapon drop. 

RETURNING COMMAND TO DECK

    Transfer of control from CIC to deck should be made after the deck controller has made visual contact with the drone. In order to assure that all controls and switches are in their proper positions prior to transfer, the right-hand columns of the Controller's Check List (figures 4 and 5) should be checked. All applicable controls and switches must be synchronized between CIC and deck prior to returning command to deck. The check to be made for each item is listed below.

As the drone approaches the point of transfer, the deck controller must turn the deck transmitter control (C-2801/SRW-4) PWR switch to ON.

CIC CONTROLLER'S CHECK 

See figure 5, RIGHT-hand column