Hot, sandy and pretty tiring...

[Pringle]

These are a few photos I have taken of the country known to us as Iraq. It was during the months of June to August. 45 degrees was the average temperature with it reaching around 55-60 degrees on the ramp (Due to the exhausts)

These photos were taken within the first few weeks. After that I became quite tired and worn out. Photos became the last priority of a place I didn't really want to remember so much!

Hope you enjoy.

Me on day one of tasking


Same day, different crew position


Told you it was hot!


The girls working hard on one of the numerous dusty days

[Garry Russell]

Thanks for that Pringle

Certainly looks a torturous place

TBH I don't think I could survive as I flake at 25

Garry

[cstorey]

It's good to have a reminder that our personal problems at home really are rather trivial by comparison with yours, Pringle. May all your journeys be safe ones

[forthbridge]

yes indeed. Fascinating shots - and from myself also, take care Pringle (and all colleagues) and thanks for posting

[TSR2]

Great shots mate, thanks for posting them.

[jab]

Thanks for posting Pringle some good shots and yeah take care next time your out there and your crew.
Just one thing on the 2nd shot inside the Merlins on the right is that two yank soilders?

James :tab:

[jonesey2k]

I'd have loved to have a go on that gimpy :P

Yeh they are Americans, you can spot their ACUPAT a mile off

[Pringle]

Just one thing on the 2nd shot inside the Merlins on the right is that two yank soilders?

We transport all sorts. Not just military.

The Yanks also did us a favour one night and gave us a lift in a Blackhawk. We checked it wasn't a 'Super 6' callsign before boarding

[SkippyBing]

We checked it wasn't a 'Super 6' callsign before boarding

So slightly smarter than the Junglies who I've heard used the callsign Super 61 on the anniversary of the shoot down!

By the way is it true some of the green Merlins have air conditioning, and if so how does that work in a transport helicopter when you keep opening big holes in the side?

[Pringle]

We checked it wasn't a 'Super 6' callsign before boarding

So slightly smarter than the Junglies who I've heard used the callsign Super 61 on the anniversary of the shoot down!

By the way is it true some of the green Merlins have air conditioning, and if so how does that work in a transport helicopter when you keep opening big holes in the side?

Didn't know that about the Junglies! Silly sods!

The green Merlins can be fitted with an 'Environmental Cooling Pack' which I believe weights about 500kgs and sits in the bay behind the hook (If you know it). It gives a slightly cooler blast that the normal fans but I believe it still isn't that good at all. Never used it myself.

With 500kgs in that bay though, thats 500kgs less fuel (About 40 minutes worth) and more importantly 4 blokes left in the field. Which we don't like!