Originally Posted by
Bonkey
Is there anything left at Bedford of the steam catapult used for trials of carrier aircraft? I seem to recall that new FAA pilots of Sea Vixen, Buccaneer, Phantom etc in the 60s and 70s would have to experience a couple of launches from the land-based steam catapult at Bedford before embarking on a carrier?
Was this true?
I think all the catapult and arrestor gear has gone as this area is now part of Jonathan Palmer's driving school.
Sea Harrier pilots were sent there to experience the 'ski jump' too.