FOAM BLANKET
On an ATC summer camp many years ago at Manston, I spent a day with the Fire Section. In those days, Manston was one of the 2 MEDAs, had a huge runway and could lay a foam blanket that was supposed to be useful for putting down an ac without undercarriage. Not sure how useful the blanket was; I don't think they are currently in favour.
Back to the thread, the thing that sticks in my mind was that they had Boards all over the walls commemorating crashes at the Unit. A bit like the list of stn cdrs you see on the wall at Handbrake House, but these were huge and all round the walls with dates. I seem to remember they went something like:
Victor
Victor
Vampire
Victor
Victor
Vampire
Victor
Vulcan
Victor
Victor
Victor
Vampire
Vampire
Vampire
Victor
Victor
Victor
Victor
Vulcan
Victor
Victor
Victor
I remember thinking the people flying them must have been hugely optimistic or brave if these boards were indicative of the reliability of the aircraft listed. Manston also had a huge 'ac graveyard' with all sorts for us to clamber around. If it's still there, I don't suppose cadets are allowed anywhere near.