Buccaneer question

[david parry]

Could someone please tell me. What are the two AEs protruding out of the tail Fin , next to the SSB AE tuning unit on the MK 2 Buccaneers .Never had them on our squadrons in the 60s.

[sargs]

I'm not a Buccaneer expert but they look like ILS localiser aerials. I would guess you didn't need them for carrier ops?

[PTR 175]

Yes they are the Pt and Stb Localiser antenni. They were also used by the radar guys to stand on ;) to gain access to the Fwd RWR RF unit. They were attached to a rather nice, for the time, Cossor ILS receiver.

[david parry]

Thanks ARC 52;). Just found this...NOTE * A18, *A19 ILS Aerials optional fit
These are part of the 'Instrument Landing System' fitted to Buccaneer S.Mk.2D's - usually fitted during 'Shore-Base' operations and parts of 'Home Waters' Cruises aboard HMS Ark Royal

While Buccaneer S.Mk.2D aircraft were 'Carrier-Based' aboard HMS Ark Royal, these were usually removed and small 'Blanking Plates' fitted instead of the Aerials to both the Front Accessory Bay Door and either side of the Tail Fin.

[Out Of Trim]

Why would you go to the trouble of removing them, once fitted?

Unless, you had less antennas than aircraft! :ugh:

[dat581]

Two less pieces of most likely expensive metal sitting in corrosive sea air for months on end.