Tonight's Timesonline;
RAF Nimrod puts out Mayday call after 'major fuel leak'
We could be issuing condolences tonight for another crew who could have been killed in the same place. I believe 12 months is worth the price to pay to provide proper protection for Nimrod crews.
MRA4 design frozen or otherwise?
"Nige,
'a double skin system'?
It's never too late to design whatever, However, the MRA4 design was frozen as of last December. Any changes will only be at the customers request(& funding). Realistically it won't happen given the current situation re funding and bearing in mind there is no requirement to qualify the AAR system at this time.
...The AAR system on MRA4 is the retained MR2 system. That means what the MR2 has, MRA4 will have also. That said, there are some differences, mainly where that fuel enters tanks in the Bomb Bay.
The AAR system will not be qualified on delivery. It has to be available ready to use at short notice.
The system does carry fuel though, and it is pressurised (& yes we have had the odd leak during ground refuel).....As I said, there is no design for foam in tanks (neither Flight Deck Armour funnily enough). It will only go on MRA4 at the request of the customer.
..........I can confirm that there is no intention to fit foam to MRA4 fuel tanks (unless the 'customer' requests (& comes up with the funding for) it...).
The aircraft is designed to a customer specification.
The specification doesn't call for foam in tanks..........
......As to the fire in the starboard wing root...............
Sorry on that one.... all I can say is that there was an uncontrolable fire reported in the Bomb Bay, and......... In my opinion... , any such fire may have involved Tank7 (the closest fuel tank to the rear of the Bomb Bay which would explain a 'wing' explosion). A fire involving tank 5 & 6 would have surely led to a 'tail' explosion....
Footnote, Herc Ks are a bit tired and close to OSD but every single one now has foam in the fuel tanks. If you are so concerned about the state of MR2 why aren't you calling for bomb bay fire protection and fuel tank protection in MR2?
Last edited by nigegilb; 8th November 2007 at 17:01.