I recognise the quiet bravery and professionalism that has been an enduring quality in the Royal Air Force over the years. Prior to the flight, the first since an FRS coupling change, the Captain and crew member had taken the time to locate the new coupling and obviously made a mental note of the possibility of its failure in flight. This cool, methodical approach in the planning of this mission gives a clue to the way Nimrod crews must be thinking.
The refuel was carried out IAW the revised procedure reducing the possibility of a pressure spike. The Carter pump was turned on after contact and fuel pressure did not exceed 35 psi. The fuel spray was spotted almost immediately. Almost as though the crew were expecting it. The breakaway and VFR descent carried out with speed but I can't help but imagine what the crew were going through in that descent. On landing the TAC crew smelled fuel and a ground evacuation was ordered.
20 minutes later an inspection was carried out, revealing that the bomb bay heating mixing chamber cladding was soaked with fuel, the fuel had even reached the roof of the bomb bay.
Of course the fuel ground testing procedures could not replicate the environmental conditions. It has never been able to.
We have reached a new low in the modern Royal Air Force. AoC 2Gp, CAS, send Nimrod crews up on a Wing and a Prayer. Our crews carry out missions expecting things to go wrong. How on earth did we get to this situation?
Please don't shoot the messenger. They must be very brave and very desperate to get the word out from the front line.
I salute you.