OneShot
05-29-2005, 02:44 PM
This post is just about how-to drop them systematically, if you want to learn more about Sonobuoy patterns check out the P-3C OWTOP manual. It has an entire chapter about them.
There are two ways, either manually or you use waypoints.
Manually:
Decide where your base line should be and how do you want it oriented. Place a marker ("ENTER") where you want to have the first buoy. Hit "R" - Range tool, then drag the line to the distance and direction for your next buoy. Left click then hit "ENTER" again to place another marker. Continue this till you have your baseline done. Use the Range tool ("R") to space the next line in the distance you want and do the same procedure as with the base line on the 2nd line, and so on and so on. Either fly manually or by using waypoints toward the first buoy and from there on along your buoy lines. Altitude should be 300ft and speed set to 154kts (effective 180kts mostly). This gives the buoys only a short time in the air and you should be able to place the where you want. Now all you have to do is drop them from the TACCO station whenever you are on (actually shortly before) one of your markers.
Using Waypoints:
Select the buoy type you want to use for the pattern. Click on the buoy waypoint 4 (or more) times to generate the wpts for your base line. Place them where you want your baseline. Make sure to have a straight line along your bearing of choice. Sit back and enjoy the show.Once you are done with your baseline use the same procedure to make up your 2nd line. Again use the "R" - range tool to space the buoys right. Remember you can always pick and drag waypoints by left clicking on them until the very last moment.
There are two ways, either manually or you use waypoints.
Manually:
Decide where your base line should be and how do you want it oriented. Place a marker ("ENTER") where you want to have the first buoy. Hit "R" - Range tool, then drag the line to the distance and direction for your next buoy. Left click then hit "ENTER" again to place another marker. Continue this till you have your baseline done. Use the Range tool ("R") to space the next line in the distance you want and do the same procedure as with the base line on the 2nd line, and so on and so on. Either fly manually or by using waypoints toward the first buoy and from there on along your buoy lines. Altitude should be 300ft and speed set to 154kts (effective 180kts mostly). This gives the buoys only a short time in the air and you should be able to place the where you want. Now all you have to do is drop them from the TACCO station whenever you are on (actually shortly before) one of your markers.
Using Waypoints:
Select the buoy type you want to use for the pattern. Click on the buoy waypoint 4 (or more) times to generate the wpts for your base line. Place them where you want your baseline. Make sure to have a straight line along your bearing of choice. Sit back and enjoy the show.Once you are done with your baseline use the same procedure to make up your 2nd line. Again use the "R" - range tool to space the buoys right. Remember you can always pick and drag waypoints by left clicking on them until the very last moment.