Posted on 12/03/2009 7:59:31 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
‘Natasha’ alerted Sukhoi pilots of fire
Rahul Singh, Hindustan Times
The second-ever crash of a Sukhoi-30 fighter jet in Rajasthan on Monday may have been caused by engine fire, air force sources said, ruling out the possibility of human error.
A female voice warning system in the twin engine Su-30 cockpit, called Natasha in the Indian Air Force, alerted the pilots about the engine fire.
The air force sources said on Tuesday, “The pilots also spotted the fire and took a decision to eject. The cause of the fire will be established by a Court of Inquiry.”
The plane’s flight data recorder or black box has been sent for an analysis.
Natasha, a voice information and reporting system (VIFR), warns fighter pilots if they are flying too low, if the engine develops a snag or the aircraft is running low on fuel.
The female voice warning system is known as the Bitching Betty in the US fighter aircraft. It is believed within military aviation circles that most male pilots would respond more quickly to a female voice.
Su-30s, inducted in 1997, were grounded for a day on Tuesday pending a preliminary inquiry. The fighter jets will resume flying in a day or two.
Defence minister A.K. Antony had attributed the first Sukhoi crash, on April 30, to a likely failure of the fly-by-wire system. This means the pilot could not get the plane to respond to his command. The air force has lost 13 aircrafts in accidents this year.
The Sukhois are due for an upgrade in their weapons package, radar and avionics. The IAF has around 100-odd Sukhoi fighters scattered across fighter bases in Pune, Bareilly and Tezpur.
Is Natasha related to Bitchin’ Betty?
I don't think so, but I do know which one I'd like to take to dinner!!
I don't think so, but I do know which one I'd like to take to dinner!!
"Natasha"
Yes, she flies a Sukhoi stunt plane!
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