TAT Probes

[1103]

The VC10's in military service seem to have sprouted a couple of extra TAT (Total Air Temperature) probes that weren't there in civilian days. One behind the FD windows on the LHS which I believe is used to calculate True Airspeed. There is another one low down on the LHS - what is that for?

Paul

[petet16]

There's an ice detector on the l/h lower fuse.

[1103]

There's an ice detector on the l/h lower fuse.

I know - a rotary ice detector and a hot rod by a Capt's window.

My question is about Temp probes, not ice detectors

[Jelle Hieminga]

I know that A4O-AB has a TAT probe that appeared to be non standard. We found that it was installed together with a newer inertial navigation set. I know that the RAF have upgraded the nav fit on their '10s too, could it be because of that?

[petet16]

There's an ice detector on the l/h lower fuse.

I know - a rotary ice detector and a hot rod by a Capt's window.

My question is about Temp probes, not ice detectors

In that case I'll mind my own business then

[1103]

The probes in question are seen above.

The two probes aft of the radome casting the long shadows I assume are part of the set four originals.
Another (I assume) temp probe is slightly forward and above the rotary ice detector - Purpose ?
Finally there is another temp probe aft of the #4 LH window which I assume is the one for calculating true airspeed.

What is the extra probe for?

petet16 my apologies for coming across so blunt - it wasn't meant that way.

Paul

[petet16]

Thank you Paul, let's move on

The same probe is visible on the VC10 at Brooklands, there's a picture in the Tech Section.

[Jelle Hieminga]

As for the A4O-AB setup, indeed the photo petet16 found (I've enlarged it a bit) shows the three probes on the left side of the nose. I've got a clearer picture as well:


On the first flight of the prototype Super, the configuration was like this:


Note that there is a fifth 'Penny & Giles temp head' on the right side of the nose, is that still installed on the K3?

The K3 tankers have a new FMS like navigation computer which is mounted in the navigator's station, I wouldn't be surprised if the probe next to the no.4 window is attached to that. The one on the bottom left as on A4O-AB would then be for the same system in the front. A bit of guesswork from my side but perhaps there's a grain of truth in there somewhere.

[1103]

Thanks for that photo petet16.

Based on that I am going to make an educated guess. As A4O-AB has the Rosemount Probe by the ice detector I will say that that probe is for the INS. The one behind the window is for the GPS?

Paul

edit: Thanks for your pictures too Jelle. Hopefully between us we have nailed it.

The K.3 doesn't have the Penny & Giles sensor on the RHS

[Jelle Hieminga]

My guess would be that the Rosemount probe next to the ice detector is used for the 'old' INS (grey box with white/orange keys) while the one next to the window is used for the 'new' FMS (large black calculator on the left).

I don't know the exact types for this stuff but I'm sure you guys can figure this out

[petet16]

The INS fit was salvaged from the Vulcan fleet when it was retired, the fit for the VC10 was done on the K2's by EWAU at RAF Wyton

[Tonkenna]

You are correct Jelle (as far as I remember... I don't re-read the manuals every day any more!). The old ones were left fitted when the new FMS's were fitted.

Tonks

[1103]

Thanks Andy,

That does solve the mystery of why apparently two TAT probes were needed.

Paul