Buccaneer In-Service Firings of TV MARTEL
TV Martel was delivered from a LL launch at a range of circa 10nm from the target. After launch the mx climbed to 2000ft and flew autonomously towards the designated position until the target hoved into view on the nav's TV screen. At that point and on selection of 'Terminal Phase' the mx entered a pre-programmed 8 degree dive that the navigator controlled by use of a joystick into the target.
On the very last launch of Mistico 74, F4s from Leuchars had been cleared as part of the trial to try and intercept the mx in flight by using their CW radar; their was 8/8ths cover at about 2500ft and the F4s were above it. All went well with the mx launch until the 12 Sqn nav (actually an Obs on RAF Exchange) selected Terminal Phase and the mx, rather than entering its 8 degree dive decided to climb vertically, through the cloud and towards oblivion. The mild expletive from the Bucc Obs was nothing compared to the reaction of the 2 F4 crews who saw their target pass between them at a range of about 200ft past the port wing of one of them
- a quick return to LUK and a change of trousers was required. Unfortunately, their words are not available for print!
Foldie
