RAF Chipmunks
Coff:
Thanks, it's getting clearer now - how can such a simple little aeroplane get so complex?
DHSL have acknowledged my query and will get back to me "later" - however my Air-Britain source came up with the following (which more or less supports what's already been said):
I'm still eagerly awaiting your latest photos, Coff!
Thanks, it's getting clearer now - how can such a simple little aeroplane get so complex?
DHSL have acknowledged my query and will get back to me "later" - however my Air-Britain source came up with the following (which more or less supports what's already been said):
Yes you are correct the RAF Chipmunks "progressed" from VHF to UHF radios for greater range and frequency coverage. But as always there were exceptions. The key one being where RAF Chipmunks operated from airfields where the control tower operated on VHF. Two that spring to mind were 12 AEF operating from RAF Turnhouse which was/is also Edinburgh Airport and 4 AEF that operated from Exeter Airport. These towers operated on VHF for the airline traffic and the civilian GA aircraft and the Chipmunks had to fit in.
Dealing with your photos.
WG307 was used for radio trials [SLIM 3519] at the AAEE Boscombe Down in 1969 and was with Birmingham UAS later that year.
WG480 served with 4 AEF Exeter for a short period at the turn of 1993/4 and would have required a VHF radio installation.
WD310- this is not what it seems at first glance-a RAF Chipmunk next to a single seat Hunter and what could be a RAF Puma helicopter at an active RAF station with the RAF flag flying.
But it is not. In its RAF service life it did not acquire a code B until late 1994, when its code with 3 AEF changed from H. It was stored from March 1996 and sold at auction in late May that year and placed on the UK civil register as G-BWUN in July 1996 with its first certificate of airworthiness being issued in the November. The owner applied for and was granted the right for the Chipmunk to fly in its former military marks and colour scheme and continue the B code. In such cases the UK the authorities do not require the civilian registration to be marked on the aircraft-so it still looks as if it is still with the RAF. As a civilian aircraft it would be and was based at airfields with VHF communications and hence would require a VHF radio fit.
The Hunter would have been retired from RAF service years before WD310 was coded B and will also have been sold to the civil market and was operating in "exempt" military marks, if it was airworthy.
As well as the RAF flag, other flags can be seen, as can a tent. As this Chipmunk's owner is based in southern England, I would guess that the photo was taken at a major air show in the late 1990s or the 2000s -possibly a Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford. The aircraft has not had a c of a since 2012
Dealing with your photos.
WG307 was used for radio trials [SLIM 3519] at the AAEE Boscombe Down in 1969 and was with Birmingham UAS later that year.
WG480 served with 4 AEF Exeter for a short period at the turn of 1993/4 and would have required a VHF radio installation.
WD310- this is not what it seems at first glance-a RAF Chipmunk next to a single seat Hunter and what could be a RAF Puma helicopter at an active RAF station with the RAF flag flying.
But it is not. In its RAF service life it did not acquire a code B until late 1994, when its code with 3 AEF changed from H. It was stored from March 1996 and sold at auction in late May that year and placed on the UK civil register as G-BWUN in July 1996 with its first certificate of airworthiness being issued in the November. The owner applied for and was granted the right for the Chipmunk to fly in its former military marks and colour scheme and continue the B code. In such cases the UK the authorities do not require the civilian registration to be marked on the aircraft-so it still looks as if it is still with the RAF. As a civilian aircraft it would be and was based at airfields with VHF communications and hence would require a VHF radio fit.
The Hunter would have been retired from RAF service years before WD310 was coded B and will also have been sold to the civil market and was operating in "exempt" military marks, if it was airworthy.
As well as the RAF flag, other flags can be seen, as can a tent. As this Chipmunk's owner is based in southern England, I would guess that the photo was taken at a major air show in the late 1990s or the 2000s -possibly a Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford. The aircraft has not had a c of a since 2012
Guest
Posts: n/a
Stock Image so costs a bit of dosh but might be worth it
The duke of Edinburgh stands on the port wing of wp861
Imagegear
The duke of Edinburgh stands on the port wing of wp861
Imagegear
The mortal remains of TMk10 WK620 which was written off at Middle Wallop on 19th May 1993 is currently for sale. It's advertised as being 95% complete if anybody fancies a retirement project 
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Looks like you'll need a fair bit of spondulix though (wings, tail and rudder appear to be stored separately ... nose/engine ?) 
Enstone July 2014
Image Credit : Mr David Kelly
Accident Report ...
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=139848
Enstone July 2014
Image Credit : Mr David Kelly
Accident Report ...
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=139848
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 23rd Mar 2015 at 15:55.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Dora-9 ...
Further pics as promised
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...ml#post8912729
Best ...
Coff.
Further pics as promised
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...ml#post8912729
Best ...
Coff.
But as always there were exceptions. The key one being where RAF Chipmunks operated from airfields where the control tower operated on VHF.
Well over 90% of the movements were our Chipmunks plus Marshall's Vampires and Piston Provosts, which provided aircraft for the baby controllers to practice on. We all operated on VHF, so apart from the occasional practice diversion by Gnats or Hunters from Valley, everyone was fully aware of what was going on.
Then in 68, after the summer break, we came back to re-painted Chipmunks ( the light grey with white canopies scheme ) with new UHF radios and therefore our situational awareness dropped dramatically!
Coff,
I remember that the UHF switch box had a position for homing (I can't remember the exact terminology), but it was not used. Why was that there? Was there a plan for some future equipment?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Hi I42 ...
I believe the PTR170 had the capability to be linked to a Plessy Homer PV141 (hence the control caption) ... But I don't believe it was fitted or was planned to be fitted to the UK Mil Chipmunk.
Homer AKA 'Violet Picture'
Best ...
Coff.
I believe the PTR170 had the capability to be linked to a Plessy Homer PV141 (hence the control caption) ... But I don't believe it was fitted or was planned to be fitted to the UK Mil Chipmunk.
Homer AKA 'Violet Picture'
Best ...
Coff.
Coff:
Lovely! Thank you,
Dora
Further pics as promised
Dora
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Kemi,Finland
Age: 69
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to add something. My first flight was in the backseat of a Chipmunk,at the age of 7. Strapped very loosely,and barely eye-level from anything. Even now,i remember that smell of an airplane...
Even now,i remember that smell of an airplane...
Coff,
Thanks. I hadn't heard of the PV141 before and while I was looking it up, I saw that the PTR170 UHF set was also a stand-by radio for other aircraft. I hadn't realized that.
It still amazes me that limited-channel crystal-controlled sets were still being produced in the 60s. The technology for frequency-synthesized radios had been around for a while and could have been used to produce a much more flexible radio.
I remember having a conversation with the tower at Syerston, trying the convince a very surprised Air Trafficker that even though I had a UHF radio, I could not change to her Local frequency and would have to stay on 362.3 (sad that I can remember that, I know).
Thanks. I hadn't heard of the PV141 before and while I was looking it up, I saw that the PTR170 UHF set was also a stand-by radio for other aircraft. I hadn't realized that.
It still amazes me that limited-channel crystal-controlled sets were still being produced in the 60s. The technology for frequency-synthesized radios had been around for a while and could have been used to produce a much more flexible radio.
I remember having a conversation with the tower at Syerston, trying the convince a very surprised Air Trafficker that even though I had a UHF radio, I could not change to her Local frequency and would have to stay on 362.3 (sad that I can remember that, I know).
A heady mixture of oil/sweat/leather/vomit - not sure of the ratio!
rjtrt - going to Echuca next weekend?
rjtrt - going to Echuca next weekend?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
I42 ...
Yes ... you're right about frequency synthesis over crystals ... but I guess it all came down to size and weight at the time. Which is a bit ironic given that the TX198x Vhf radio sets used a 'Dynamotor' (which weighed a figurative 'ton') to produce the required HT
The inside of a TX1985.
Image Credit : Mr M Lambert
With the kind help of PPRuNe Member, Dan Winterland, here is the Dittel ATR720B 720 Channel Vhf radio set fitted in RAF EFTS Chipmunks during the late 80's/early 90's ... just shows how far technology had progressed by the 90's
Best ...
Coff.
Yes ... you're right about frequency synthesis over crystals ... but I guess it all came down to size and weight at the time. Which is a bit ironic given that the TX198x Vhf radio sets used a 'Dynamotor' (which weighed a figurative 'ton') to produce the required HT
The inside of a TX1985.
Image Credit : Mr M Lambert
With the kind help of PPRuNe Member, Dan Winterland, here is the Dittel ATR720B 720 Channel Vhf radio set fitted in RAF EFTS Chipmunks during the late 80's/early 90's ... just shows how far technology had progressed by the 90's
Best ...
Coff.
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 23rd May 2015 at 06:49.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Good evening all ...
I understand there was a 'Fly In' at Old Warden today of Chipmunks ... Which included, I believe, an 18 ship formation
I hope some pics will be along soon for us to enjoy
Coff.
I understand there was a 'Fly In' at Old Warden today of Chipmunks ... Which included, I believe, an 18 ship formation
I hope some pics will be along soon for us to enjoy
Coff.
Coff:
Not quite Old Warden, although given the types present this could have been taken in the UK (if you ignore the colour of the grass that is).
Antique Aircraft Association fly-in at Echuca in March:
Not quite Old Warden, although given the types present this could have been taken in the UK (if you ignore the colour of the grass that is).
Antique Aircraft Association fly-in at Echuca in March:
