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Old 4th May 2006, 15:31
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Opssys
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
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SAAF Buccaneers - Permanently Installed RATO

The Buccaneers of the South African Air Force were delivered with Bristol Siddeley B.S.605 HTP Twin Chamber Rocket Motors with 8000ib static thrust to provide for Hot and High take-offs at full weight.
I think this makes them unique in that the installation was permanent and they were one of the few RATO units to use liquid fuel and almost certainly the only in service example of the use of liquid fuel since the Luftwaffe of WWII.

A historical curiosity query:
I seem to remember the Comet prototype (the Big Main Wheel Aircraft) had fittings for RATO units. Is this a case of too little Beer and too many Dried Frog Pills, or am I right?
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