Originally Posted by
Mogwi
Yes, I will admit to downing a few 2/3 HNs during the foggy days! On 3rd June we were passed an intercept of an Argentine signal saying that a Harrier strip was being built in San Carlos. This confused us, as we thought that all the PSA1 planking had gone down with Atlantic Conveyor - but imagine our surprise when we were told the following day, that the strip was ready for use! I gave the SHAR pilots a quick brief on strip ops and launched on the 5th to try it out.
We flew 1hr 40mins on CAP during the afternoon, for less than one hour transit time - a huge improvement over our normal ratio of 80mins transit for 10mins on CAP. We didn't have any trade but we did RTB with 2 upland geese in the back hatch. These (together with many more) became the main course for our victory dinner - Goose Galtieri!
The 850' strip allowed us to launch with full internal fuel (5000lbs), which gave us one hour endurance and the CAP stations were only a couple of minutes away. We landed on the pad at the start of the strip and then taxied round to the pillow tanks to refuel/rearm. The turnround, without weapons, took about 5 minutes - amazing how quickly it can be done when there is an incentive!
The geese were a very real hazard, as they loved the warmth of the tin strip and paid no attention to arm-waving or even kicking. 7.62 worked though.
HMS Sheathbill
Thank you for the reply Mog with the insight on operating from the plank strip.