167782/782 Ce.337H* CIRPAS (big overhaul maintenance)
167783/783 O-2A CIRPAS
762256/256 UV-18A CIRPAS
*) this Cessna 337 has been modified to the same standard as her sistership (167783), and therefor both O-2A registered now. Both are actualy different then the standard O-2A, as the nose engine is removed and the nose has been stretched to house a camera and measuring equipment. The enginebay in the rear has been refitted with an enlarged and more powerfull engine to compensate more or less the absence front engine.
Both O-2As are called "Pelicans" by the USN and not Skymaster, and they both have the MAWTS-1 badge applied, it is also carried by the crew. I forgot to ask about it, but I know find out this is new information to most of us.
MAWTS-1
I can not recall now if the UV-18 Twin Otter was wearing the same badge (beside several NASA, University and company stickers) as both O-2A Pelicans did, but all sould belong to Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS, more info cirpas.org) which is part of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. CIRPAS also possesses several USN (Predator) UAV's for there research flight activities. About 5 of them where in crates, also in the hangar and a couple where planned for assembly later next week.
All aircraft regular go on (long term) deployments in- and outside the country, mostely for sea, coastal research and air measuring (smog control). Different places in CA, AZ, FL are regular, but also places like Panama, Chili and even the Canary Islands (with an O-2!
) have been visted I have been told.Perhaps I'll post some pictures when I'm back home.
