Open Flight School

Ramp Fuel

The minimum fuel required to be in the airbase overhead prior to landing, or on deck if landing on a vessel.  

Rate of Climb or Descent Indicator

A Variometer.  It is a barometer based instrument that has a controlled leak that allows it to measure vertical speed.  

Further Information: Wikipedia

See also: VSI

Select, Hold, Trim

A method of correcting small errors in attitude.

SELECT - Adjust the aircraft attitude slightly to minimise the error that is developing

HOLD - Hold this new attitude against any stick forces. 

TRIM - Adjust the relevant trim to minimise the stick forces so that the aircraft will stay on the new attitude with little attention from you.  

Start Up, Taxi, Take-off

Primarily referred to the fuel required to start up, taxi and take-off from the airfield to a point at which the climb is established.  

It can also refer to the time taken to get from start to established in the climb.  

Tactical Air Navigation, military radio beacon, similar to the VOR/DME used for civilian purposes.

A ground (or air) based navigation beacon allowing display of bearing and slant range to the beacon.  It has greater accuracy than VOR / DME.  

Codes: 127

Bands: 2 (X and Y)

A limited version of TACAN can be implemented in fighters allowing reception of range Information only.  

See also: “YARDSTICK”

Further information:

• Wikipedia

VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range - Omnidirectional Radio Beacon which allows the pilot to determine his position in relation to the beacon, i.e. the radial of the VOR, via a display unit (RMI, HSI, etc.) in the cockpit.

Further Information: Wikipedia

Vertical Speed Indicator

A Variometer, which is a barometer that has a controlled leak so that it measures rate of climb or descent.

Further Information: Wikipedia

See also: RCDI

(AH-64D Apache) Aircraft Survivability Equipment (Page)

The ASE page provides a de-cluttered, azimuth-only display of any radar or laser threats detected by the aircraft defensive systems, and allows the aircrew to manage the survivability equipment onboard the aircraft, such as the RLWR and chaff dispenser.

(AH-64D Apache) Back-Up Control System

Normally, the pilot and CPG flight controls are mechanically linked. The mechanical linkages are protected by shear pins and mis-track sensors to prevent a control jam or severance from affecting both sets of flight controls. If the flight controls are decoupled by the shear pin, or a mis-track is otherwise sensed, the Back-Up Control System is automatically activated. The BUCS is a single-channel, four-axis, non-redundant electric fly-by-wire (FBW) system. The FBW system is designed to replicate the feel of the hydromechanical controls but does not replicate SCAS functionality. BUCS can only be active for the pilot or the CPG station. Either the pilot or the CPG can transfer BUCS control to their station if necessary, depending on the nature and location of the jam or severance within the flight controls.

(A-10C Warthog) Counter Measures Set

The A-10C has a defensive system that helps alert and protect you against enemy weapon systems with radar and laser illumination. This includes support for Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) pods, chaff and flare dispensers, a radar warning receiver set, and a Missile Warning System (MWS). These systems are combined to form the CounterMeasures Set (CMS). The CMS has two primary panels: the Countermeasures Signal Processor (CMSP) panel and the Countermeasures Set Control (CMSC) panel.

(AH-64D Apache) Environmental Control System

The ECS provides crewmember comfort through ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. Ventilation is provided by pilot and CPG gaspers, which can be opened to admit outside air into the cockpit. The ECS also powers ventilation fans that provide forced air exchange between the cockpits and for avionics cooling.

(AH-64D Apache) Electronic Control Unit

Detects overspeed and overcurrent anomalies, as well as abnormal oil pressure. The ECU will automatically shut down the APU when an anomaly is detected. The ECU also controls the power takeoff (PTO) clutch engagement to the accessory section of the main transmission.

(AH-64D Apache) Electrical Power Management System

Electrical aircraft power is managed by the EPMS. The EPMS is a fully redundant and automatic power system consisting of a distributor for battery, AC, and DC power.

(AH-64D Apache) Flight Management Computer

The FMC provides rate damping to smooth flight control inputs and command augmentation. It also provides limited attitude and altitude hold capability for hands-off flying.

(AH-64D Apache) Generator Control Unit

AC power is provided by two brushless, air-cooled generators. Each generator outputs 45 kVA three-phase four-wire power at 115 or 200 volts and 400 Hz. Each generator has its own Generator Control Unit. A single generator is capable of handling full flight loads without shedding. The generators are mounted to the transmission accessory gearbox.

(AH-64D Apache) Integrated Pressurized Air System

The IPAS provides pressurized air to aircraft pneumatic systems. Bleed air is drawn from two ports: a high-pressure port is exclusively used to pressurize the hydraulic systems, and a low-pressure port is used by all other consumers. Low-pressure air is used by the engine air turbine starters, fuel boost and transfer pumps, anti-ice system, ice detection probe, nitrogen inerting unit, vapor cycle cooling system, and environmental control system. IPAS bleed air can be provided by one or both engines, the APU, or an external source such as an AGPU.

(AH-64D Apache) Longbow Hellfire Modular Missile System

The LBHMMS provides precision fire capability against point targets at long range. The AGM-114K “Kilo” and AGM-114L “Lima” Hellfires were designed as modern-day tank killers, able to defeat any known armor on the battlefield.

(AH-64D Apache) Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight

The M-TADS is a long-range, precision engagement and pilotage solution for day, night, and adverse weather missions.

(AH-64D Apache) Nitrogen Inerting Unit

The fuel cells are inerted using nitrogen to reduce the risk of fire. The NIU is completely self-contained and automatic. It uses aircraft power and pressurized air and generates an inerted mix containing around 99% nitrogen. This inerted gas is used to pressurize the internal cells. It is also routed to the IAFS during fuel transfer.

(AH-64D Apache) Stability and Control Augmentation System

Hydraulic augmentation, which consists of hydraulic actuators controlled by the FMC. The command augmentation system provides consistent control feel across the full range of helicopter airspeeds. The SCAS also provides automatic turn coordination for turns above 40 knots airspeed.