UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT NWP 4-01.4 - Historic Naval Ships ...

NWP 4-01.4WARNINGRotor downwash created by the CH-53E helicopteris greater than that produced by anyother fleet helicopter. Potential downwashhazard may extend as much as 300 feet fromthe CH-53E. Under zero wind conditions,maximum average velocities occur at 49 feet(15 m) from the rotor center (1.25 X rotor radius)and can vary from 50 to 95 knots, dependingon aircraft gross weight. Thisdownwash is sufficient to blow aircraftchocks, tiedown chains, and tow bars aboutthe deck or overboard, and cause possible injuryor death to personnel. The presence ofhigh relative winds may increase the hazardouseffects of turbulence from rotor downwashto personnel and equipment not securedto withstand these wind velocities.10.13 EMERGENCY PROCEDURESEmergency landing occurs when the helicopter hasmajor difficulties and must land immediately. Onlythose personnel essential for a safe and rapid recoveryshould be present on the flight deck. Emergency procedureswill be carried out in accordance with the appropriateNATOPS flight manual.10.14 SUBMARINE VERTREPVERTREP may be conducted on submarines duringday VFR conditions and then only as operational commitmentsdictate. Since submarines do not have standardVERTREP deck markings, the drop zone shall beagreed upon and briefed between the VERTREP controlofficer and the pilot prior to commencement of theevolution. The final decision as to the feasibility andsafety of the operation rests with the pilot in command.10.15 VERTICAL ONBOARD DELIVERYVOD with the CH-53E helicopter significantlyenhances the air logistics capability of the fleet and supplementsthe H-46 helicopter and C-2 aircraft with logisticsand utility services previously not available withthose aircraft.10.15.1 CH-53E Helicopter. The CH-53E is a daynight,all-weather aircraft capable of landing aboard allaircraft carriers and numerous amphibious, MSC, andfleet support ships. It normally seats 35 but can carry upto 52 passengers with centerline seats installed. An externalcargo load of up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg) may becarried using either a single-point or dual-point suspensionsystem. Normal flight radius of action with internalcargo or passengers is 50 nm.10.15.2 Preparations for VOD Services. RequestVOD services as far in advance as possible throughCOMNAVAIRLANT, COMNAVAIRPAC, COMFAIR-MED, or COMFAIRWESTPAC as appropriate.Specific procedures are promulgated in separate instructions.Standard airlift procedures and format arecontained in OPNAVINST 4631.2. Liaison with VODaircraft squadrons is recommended prior to requestingservices.Due to the limited availability of low-speed tankeraircraft, inflight refueling shall not normally be used toextend the radius of action for logistic missions exceptin an emergency.10.15.3 VOD Operations. Supported ships shallprovide load requirements, position and intendedmovement, overhead data, and communications planby message to the supporting squadron and naval airstation with information to all concerned. For extendedoperations, ship beach detachments should be assignedat the attended air station to:1. Process and handle incoming and outgoing U.S.mail, courier mail, passengers, and cargo2. Maintain liaison with the VOD aircrew to informthem of planned shore-to-ship passenger,mail, and cargo load requirements.To ensure that unauthorized personnel are not transported,passengers must be manifested prior to every flightper OPNAVINST 4630.25 (DOD Regulation 4515.13).All flights shall be conducted under positive radarcoverage to the maximum extent possible. Considerationshould be given to using approach control orship’s radar, airborne early warning radar, and accompanyingship’s radar.Though the CH-53E is not certified for overwaterrescue missions, it is an excellent search platform utilizingits Omega navigation system, tacan, and long endurancetime. The CH-53E is limited with only oneUHF radio, but it can act as on-scene commander forany search and rescue effort or conduct an active searchand provide a raft for survivors.10.15.4 Internal Cargo Transport. Internal cargowill normally be banded on standard 40-inch (101.6 cm) X48-inch (121.9 cm) pallets with a load height not to exceed10-31 ORIGINAL