The SYERS sensor was a U2 bit of kit - the Canberra version was called RADEOS.
Unfortunately for In Tor Wot's differences post, both RADEOS and RAPTOR use(d) the DB110 Sensor (110 being the focal length in inches), as indeed does the SYERS nose on the U2. In each guise the DB110 is modified and has slightly differing capabilities.
It was of RADEOS that the "Big Ben Time" quote was made in an article in Air Forces Monthly. It was my understanding from speaking to people who did the trials for RADEOS that the Isle of Wight bit was put in to give an idea of the distance involved to the audiences at presentations and was not the precise location of the jet.
Raptor couldn't do the Canberra job for 2 reasons:
1. The datalink is utter crud
2. If a GR4 altimeter ever hits 47,000ft the aircraft actually travels back in time to the 50's , leaving only 2 flaming tyre marks in the sky.
How is sunny Shefford nowadays anyway? Still smell of onions?
