News of the Force=USAF Northcom Gives CAP new Assignment: Surrogate Predator

[lordmonar]

Glad those WWII B-24 pilots in CAP have the skills it takes to do this then.

Since when is a B-24 considered a fast mover?

[SarDragon]

Glad those WWII B-24 pilots in CAP have the skills it takes to do this then.

Since when is a B-24 considered a fast mover?

Compared to a C-182, almost anything with more than one engine is a fast mover.

B-24
Maximum speed: 290 mph (250 kn, 470 km/h)
Cruise speed: 215 mph (187 kn, 346 km/h)
Stall speed: 95 mph (83 kn, 153 km/h)

[Flying Pig]

I can definitely understand.  Its the same thought behind law enforcement agencies wanting cops flying their aircraft vs. civilians.  Military pilots being able to talk the talk goes along the same lines.  Now, like someone said before, once a civilian CAP pilot gets in the mix and gets the nod from his military "mentor" for these missions, things will probably change.  Seeing what could be on the horizon if this program is successful I would say anything we can do to hit the ground running is a good idea.

[bosshawk]

Since I am on the list of CAWG pilots to potentially fly on this mission, I have a little information.  I understand that only one of the planes has been converted, so training is going to go on over the next couple of months.  The 182 to be stationed at Las Vegas will be flown by NVWG and CAWG crews.

Other than that, not much in the way of info is being passed out.  Something about Secret Squirrels.

[lordmonar]

It's not secret squirel....it is just a stove pipe of information.  Even the main project officer is sometimes in the dark on a lot of things...no because of classification just poor communications.

As for aircraft.  The first Q model is off or very near the end of the re-firb line and will be delivered very soon.  When the second plane is ready NVWG gets the old plane and LAWG gets the new one.

[Eclipse]

Those of you with prior military are generally more inclined to SUAC, which leaves less room for us to step on...er...leave a bad first impression.

Let the A-Team pave the way on this so we all get a chance to play eventually.

[Ranger75]

As was mentioned in a previous post, information related to this initiative appears to have been stovepiped to select individuals and organizational elements.  Has the NOC issued any specific planning guidance, or operational directives related to the mission?  If a forum member has such, and the material has not been directed for restricted dissemination, could I ask for the holder to PM me with the document(s).  If not, I'll reach out to Ops at Maxwell looking for the same.  --  Regards

[Flying Pig]

That was a very official sounding request. 

[Smokey]

The informaation is somewhat selective.

We are just getting briefed and all the material has not yet been prepared.

But, from what I have...It will be a lot of fun (think kinda like CAP WWII missions but w/o real bombs). It will be high ops tempo, a week long + of training (we are talking long days)  and will take alot of work.   This is no slouch mission.  Folks must be able to get secret clearances. 

It will be a chance to play with the big boys, fast movers and the like. Very high profile. 

[Ranger75]

Smokey  --  As someone who works in a TS/SCI environment daily, the use of a term such as "somewhat selective" confuses me.  My query arises from personal inquisitiveness and my role as the Wing A5.  If you are able to share anything beyond the tantalizing tid-bits that have been posted to the board, I would welcome a PM.  --  Thanks

[RiverAux]

CAP News Release: http://www.capvolunteernow.com/todays_features.cfm/cap_pilots_to_fly_surrogate_predators_to_assist_military?show=news&newsID=5998

[Smokey]

There are portions that have not been released and some still under development.

But the news story pretty well sums it up.

[Gunner C]

I think the key word here is going to be "pilots".  Anyone see something for observers or scanners?

[lordmonar]

I think the key word here is going to be "pilots".  Anyone see something for observers or scanners?

The right seater is supposed to be a pilot as well (at least for the intial group). The back seater is supposed to be an experinced observer.

[Thom]

The first of the Surrogate Predator aircraft will be arriving at it's new home base in Louisiana later today.  Additional work on the Mobile and Fixed mission base locations will be commencing in the coming weeks.

I have no idea when it will be declared operational, but it is definitely moving forward.

I believe this falls within acceptable OPSEC parameters, even though this is a public website the information isn't terribly sensitive.

Thom Hamilton

[AirDX]

Interesting - the is obviously too big to hang from the belly, where I thought it might go.  I wonder how the asymmetric weight and drag will affect aircraft handling?

[flyguy06]

I have been a ground pounder at both NTC and JRTC.( they both suck) It sounds like a great mission I would love to be involved in.

[davidsinn]

Interesting - the is obviously too big to hang from the belly, where I thought it might go.  I wonder how the asymmetric weight and drag will affect aircraft handling?

[rjfoxx]

Go to the CAP homepage and click on the news section.  There is a photo of the aircraft with the "ball" mounted under the left wing.  The is also an article about the mission.

[RiverAux]

Or go to the press release I linked earlier.