Total Brake Failure on 2004 E320
09-15-2009, 10:51 AM
#51
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09-15-2009, 11:33 AM
#52
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03 E500 and Corvette
Whoa VetteDvr, I fly F-16s and it didn't get the "lawn dart" monicker because of its fly-by-wire flight control system. It's a single-engine fighter; and, when that engine flames out and you can't get it restarted it heads downward like the proverbial lawn dart. There were a fair number of non-hardware engine-related problems in the early years but over 50% them were caused by pilot error...guys getting the jet on the edge of the performance envelope followed by a flame out. Better training and increased simulator use solved that.
Now that it's a mature weapon system, we find most F-16 mishaps occur because of factors other than an engine failure; i.e., running into the ground or a wingman (or training adversary) accounts for more than ¾ of the F-16 accidents.
The four-channel flight control system (especially now that we have a digital flight control computer) has been extremely reliable since it can lose channels and continue flying...leading to the weapon system being affectionately called the "electric" jet.
Of course, I have one backup a driver with total brake failure doesn't have...a rocket-boosted ACES II zero airspeed/zero altitude ejection seat.
Now that it's a mature weapon system, we find most F-16 mishaps occur because of factors other than an engine failure; i.e., running into the ground or a wingman (or training adversary) accounts for more than ¾ of the F-16 accidents.
The four-channel flight control system (especially now that we have a digital flight control computer) has been extremely reliable since it can lose channels and continue flying...leading to the weapon system being affectionately called the "electric" jet.
Of course, I have one backup a driver with total brake failure doesn't have...a rocket-boosted ACES II zero airspeed/zero altitude ejection seat.
Not trying to offend if so I apologize, my info was from E9 retired many years ago who worked through the First issue F16. My seat was 120 / 0.
On the sbc lots of opinions and I respect them as that is how we all learn.
I consider three things on reliability.
1) Frequency of occurance -- SBC LOW
2) Consequence of occurance -- SBC High in my opinion
Granted statistically there are many who may never fail like jet engines. (I flew P&W with GE's along the way). But when one fails the risk could be high.
Compared to vac boost
1) Frequency of occurance -- Low my opinion much lower than SBC as this is usually a gradual loss in pedal control vs instant with electronic failure
2) consequence = to SBC
Given the MODE of failure I believe the SBC puts you at more risk than the gradual failure in a vac. system.
But that is only my opinion of course. So have a great day. Bye!
2)
09-15-2009, 04:25 PM
#53
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M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
No problem Chief (VetteDvr)...guess I'm just a bit touchy when people use "Lawn Dart" to refer to the F-16. Been a good jet to me...same number of Viper takeoffs and landings.
And that's a good thing as you know...no one likes to have to jump out.
Also been an Eagle + Strike Eagle and Aardvark driver.
BTW, bought a Vette when I graduated from from the (USAF) academy. Loved that car! But subsequently moved to Porsches. This GLK is my first M-B and I like it. Should be just right for getting us to the ski slopes this winter.
Glojo, thank you for those kind words.
And that's a good thing as you know...no one likes to have to jump out.
Also been an Eagle + Strike Eagle and Aardvark driver.
BTW, bought a Vette when I graduated from from the (USAF) academy. Loved that car! But subsequently moved to Porsches. This GLK is my first M-B and I like it. Should be just right for getting us to the ski slopes this winter.
Glojo, thank you for those kind words.
09-17-2009, 09:36 PM
#56
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Build date 2-04 E500
Dang, some things never change...... All these years and the SBC debate is still alive and well... lol... I've owned our E since new (77K now) and love the brake system. By far the best "emergency slam on the brakes" stopping power I've ever experienced. Late
09-17-2009, 10:05 PM
#57
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Yeah, extremely confident and superb system all fail worries aside, I feel very "safe" when in panic stop situations due to it.
09-18-2009, 10:46 AM
#58
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