Viper Mk204 - Myth or Fable?

[Fonsini]

I know you guys are good, but this is one of those "always wanted to ask" questions that is a bit of a stretch.

The Armstrong Siddeley Viper engine was a nifty piece of kit, starting out as an ultra short life expendable target drone engine and eventually becoming a surprisingly reliable turbojet on many aircraft perhaps most notably the various versions of the JP.

The Mk202 version was installed in the T4 and T5, but there was a suggestion that the Mk204 was specifically designed with enhanced safety and durability features and installed exclusively in JPs that were used by HRH during his flying training.

Like I said, bit of a stretch but I figured that if anyone knew he would be on Pprune.

[NutLoose]

Mk.204 Evidence found on a surviving Mk204 engine suggests this is a Mk202 variant with increased temperature and oil pressure transmission capabilities. These are thought to be safety measures installed for use in Jet Provost aircraft used by HRH Prince Charles during his Royal Air Force flight training programme.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Siddeley_Viper

[Lima Juliet]

RAF Finningley used to be the 'home of the Viper' with JPs and Dominies fitted with them...

[Basil]

The JP4 one didn't like intake icing :ooh:

[chevvron]

JP4 still a lot of fun though.
So why were they phased out before the last of the JP3 fleet?

[JG54]

Chevvron: Time - expired airframes, I believe. They were heavily used due to their 'sportiness'. I know some have flown in private hands, but one assumes those to be few in number & not viable to be maintained as a service fleet.

Anyone know if any are still flying?

[Tinribs]

I flew for Eastern for five years 05/10 and the airline owner had a JP sometimes flew.
The main man was Dave Thomas I think

[RAFEngO74to09]

There are at least 2 x T4 in the USA that might still be flying:

N219JP - former XS219 in camo scheme - has an Experimental certificate valid to 31 Oct 18.

FAA Registry - Aircraft - N-Number Inquiry (http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=219jp)

N547XP - former XP547 in grey scheme - has an Experimental certificate valid to 31 Jul 17. It was all grey on 79 Sqn TWU until wfu.

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=547XP

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3496/5697692545_8aefcf1fef_b.jpg

In addition, there is a very smart red/white/blue T3 that has an Experimental certificate valid to 31 Jul 17 that was at the Aviation Nation 2012 and 2013 shows at Nellis AFB:

https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6346192105_5588868cdd_b.jpg

FAA Registry - Aircraft - N-Number Inquiry (http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=4421B)

There are also numerous other T5 and T5As:

FAA Registry - Aircraft - Make / Model Inquiry (http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=JET+PROVOST&PageNo=1)

[Brian W May]

I am aware of a friend's colleague that has a (grounded) JP with one of HRH's engines in it - they can run it.

More detail can provided with notice.

[RAFEngO74to09]

http://sg-etuo.de/media/xpb/27072007/JP_79_.jpg

[NutLoose]

Strange, one would have thought it would nave been more prudent to have updated the brakes for him given his (off) track record

[Fonsini]

You don't need updated brakes, just another pilot to shoulder the blame.

Tower of London here I come :oh:

[relight9]

Just spotted this thread......as has been noted there is indeed a Mk204 Viper, alive and well, currently installed in Jet Provost XS186 at Metheringham in Lincolnshire.
We have been running the engine (and operating XS186 in a taxiable condition) since 2010 and, Covona-19 dependant, we will continue to do so.
For more details,see:

jetprovostxs186restoration.com


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x832/086f232b_aef2_4a65_a638_a1ea5dee8fc5_aa4588b8904a34ed1499b3d a2f36d4ca664cbbea.jpeg

[Herod]

Thank you for that picture, relight. It's now my wallpaper, replacing a Vampire that has been there for many years. The closest I got was 183, a 2 FTS airframe, based at Syerston in '66.

[relight9]

Happy to oblige Herod, she’s a beauty alright, quite an achievement when you see how close she was to extinction in 2004.......


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x1200/4e29a239_753f_4739_97ba_34324306ca5a_683261c0f4822d0ec309332 41b67b67078f40d38.jpeg

[Herod]

Wow! You guys have done a brilliant job there. I volunteer at the Cosford museum, and I see the work the team does there, just to keep the exhibits in display condition. I'm hoping to be Skegness way once this virus is sorted. I'll keep an eye on your website.

[sycamore]

Herod, snap,4/3/64 ,FHT..
last Mk4 was XR673, G-BXLO now in Italy,or G-PROV ,a hybrid 4/T52,both flyers....

[relight9]

Wow! You guys have done a brilliant job there. I volunteer at the Cosford museum, and I see the work the team does there, just to keep the exhibits in display condition. I'm hoping to be Skegness way once this virus is sorted. I'll keep an eye on your website.

Let me know if you’re in our area any Saturday and we’ll put the kettle on (again).

[Herod]

Thanks, relight. Once this business if over, expect a call.