Re: CH-46E

I asked that myself when we were flying new "F" models in Santa Ana with HMM-163 in 1969/70. I was told it had to do with the electronics that the "E" models have that wasn't ready when they brought out the "F". Hope that helps.

Re: CH-46E

The CH46F models were produced with the D engines. They had many blanks in the pilots' panel for anticipated additional avionics. The idea was that the aircraft would fly hands off in IFR icing conditions in large formations.

That system was never installed in the fleet. It would not surprise me if those who learned of it - me - had a little heart ache just thinking about it.

I was issued a full CH46F NATOPS manual that described the equipment. Just reading about it was out of my league.

The F had a huge gyro in the belly. After shut down, the aircraft was supposed to sit for 30 minuted before it could be moved. Tell that to the Air Boss!

Legend was that if you tried to remove that gyro while it was still spinning that it would take you spinning too.

We learned to ignore the 30 minute wait.

Saw a V 22 in the pattern at NAS Norfolk last week. The Reserve Unit HMM 7XX was scheduled to receive some. I presume it was one of theirs.

Guess we need to get used to that sight, Ray..... They're all VMMs now...