MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Weather
Moderate turbulence forecast along route in this area. Cruising initially at FL340. Descended to FL300; then climbed to FL320; then 360 in attempt to avoid turbulence. At FL360; in light to moderate turbulence with no radar of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) to assist; experienced severe turbulence with associated loss of autopilot control; shortly followed by loss of auto throttle control. As First Officer was pilot flying; assisted in providing callouts and throttle control to maintain attitude of aircraft. Commanded heading to avoid area of increased returns. During this episode; we experienced a minimum of two 'stick shaker' warnings; and gained a maximum of 1;500 feet of altitude while maintaining control of the aircraft.The entire episode lasted approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Following; sent CPDLC message to controlling facility; including HF voice comm; followed by communications to company regarding flight and aircraft information.Weather conditions that were not foreseen with available onboard equipment.
MD-11 Captain reported a severe turbulence event in oceanic airspace. Captain stated they experienced a 1;500 foot loss of altitude during the event.