Ed, I seem to recall reading that the Tri-Jet is the fastest tanker, requiring higher power settings for Nimrod to keep up. Would the figure of 94% be about right, thus giving the 400 deg+ temp in the pipework?
Also, and I believe this is not uncommon, the Nimrod uses engine air to actually dump fuel in an emergency. This positive air pressure is used directly in the fuel tanks. I am a pilot with very limited engineering knowledge, but is there any concern about this procedure? Where is this air tapped from?
Apologies if I am going off track a bit and also if my techy bits aren't quite right.
Finally, with a temp reduction of only 16 deg, surely the auto-ignition could have occurred anywhere the fuel was in contact with the damaged insulation?
I am not specifically referring to XV230, if you see what I mean.