NSF/NCAR C-130 Investigator Handbook

• Chapter 1: Request information. Aircraft request, Project Support Services, Requesting speciaized instruments, Field site data support, Engineering support, Operational and Scientific support.

• Chapter 2: Basic Specifications, Observer Positions, Loading, Weight and balance, Pressurization, Communications, Navigation, Radars.

• Chapter 3: Research Systems Description. Structural mods, Aperture plates, Optical ports, Hardpoints, Radiometer boats, Wing stations, Research exhaust, Drop chutes, Power system, Data interfaces, Networks, Data recording, Data displays, Data broadcasts, SATCOM.

• Chapter 4: Performance. Runway requirements, weight. Operation rules: IFR, VFR. Cruising range.

• Chapter 5: Flight Operations. Crew duty, Operating Policies and flight Planning, Altitude restrictions, Cancellation of IFR, Weather forecasts, Formation flights. Personnel fitness requirements, Emergency procedures.

• Chapter 6: Investigator Equipment Packages. Instrument design criteria, Structural considerations, Materials, Hazmats, Fasteners. Equpment Mounting Racks - C-130 two-bay and G-V single bay, user-supplied racks. Batteries, electric motors, UPSs, heaters, high voltage.

• Chapter 7: Standard instrumentation overview. State parameters, Radiometers, Cloud physics, Chemistry, Special request sensors.

• Chapter 8: New instrument certification and approval. New instruments, Instruments previously flown. Feasibility review of proposed campaigns, Flight test opportunities.

• C-130 UPS information: Power transfers between GPU, APU and engine power on the C-130 are not seamless. For sensitive instruments, the use of a UPS is recommended. This document should help investigators with selection of a flight worthy UPS.

Or, you can download the complete Investigators_Handbook in PDF format.