After help from meteorologist Katgan to plot their route, Commander Valentina and Captain Jebediah deploy dropsonde probes over a storm system out in the Kerblantic for the Kerbin Weather Service
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Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rather than repair the faulty prop governors that gave the Deuce issues last mission the engines are in the process of being overhauled completely - aircraft is due for servicing anyways after flying over 50 hours. Will end up saving mass with newer, lighter components
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce engine overhaul and general 50+ flight hrs maintenance overhaul have both been completed, making it available once again for KWS missions, dependent on the availability of Jeb & Val. The new engines have shaved off a significant 137.5kg each
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerblantic remains unusually quiescent with no major storms forming. Figures, as the Deuce remains flight ready and the crew still has ample availability for missions. Right now we are just backup in case of issues with another KWS crew stationed in Kravass or Sheltered Rock
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
potential severe storm is brewing out in the south Kerblantic according to marine vessels so the Kerbin Weather Service has called for the Deuce to scramble a flight over the area to check it out. Val & Jeb are getting suited up while meteorologist Katgan plans their route
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight plan is filed, aircraft is prepped, crew is briefed and heading out to preflight. Katgan will not be aboard this time, determining after the previous mission that her presence was not required as the aircraft is not flying into the storm itself at any time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in the right seat running nav/comm for the flight out, Cpt Jeb calls in to Flight Control to ask FD Lanalye for permission to taxi to the active runway. Rwy09/27 still closed for repairs but winds are light, choice departure to the southwest via Rwy21 is approved
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cdr Val has received clearance to back-taxi, position & hold, pulling out from taxiway B1 as dusk settles over KSC. Air traffic is still light while the larger commercial tarmac remains under construction & only small private craft currently visit every so often
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye granted the aircraft takeoff clearance but Jeb reports their flight computer decided to reboot itself for some reason. Lanalye said she'd notify them of any inbound traffic, to continue holding & call back when ready for renewed clearance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after reprogramming their waypoints & reconfiguring systems, Deuce was once again granted takeoff clearance. Departure was good, Val has the aircraft cleaned up and turned on course towards the storm area after passing thru 800m on runway heading (standard departure)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
loss of signal as the aircraft drops over the horizon, passing through 3.5km on their way to at least 5km for the dropsondes to get a good vertical slice as they descend towards the surface, transmitting their data back to the aircraft for storage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've just been hailed by Val (crew switches roles during flight to prevent fatigue), who reports they had good drops from all 4 probes, couldn't see much due to lack of munlight but lots of lightning. Data will tell KWS scientists if this system poses a threat to shipping
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has been vectored in for a 20km final approach, coming back down to Rwy21. Flaps to full, gear down. Slight crosswind has picked up since they departed but well within aircraft's tolerances. Cleared to land!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Katgan eagerly awaits as the Deuce taxis back towards the HAB after a smooth landing. HAB techs also await to check over the electrical system to track down the short that caused the flight computer reboot. Crew just happy to be home. Jeb says he's hungry (Val says he always is)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service has officially issued a severe storm alert for merchant vessels plying the waters between Umbarg and Sheltered Rock. We are glad to be able to help keep kerbs safe! In the future, we'll play an even more direct role with the launch of weather satellites
