True enough, the RAF used to cruise at 1010 TIT, and got about 3500 hrs out of a turbine module.
Then we dropped back to 985 and immediately the overhaul period increased to about 4800 hrs (remember this is in the early/mid 70s).
If we long range cruised, we started at up to 1010 (Max Cont.) and progressively throttled back - usually aligning inboard and outboard torques as pairs to whatever was lower. By doing this, you could all but remove trim drag (bear in mind these airframes did tactical low flying and a fair few were a bit bent).
Centre section problems were caused in the RAF by NOT taking the offered protection against Cladosporium Resinae (you'll have to Google the spelling, I can't be bothered). So 'we' paid the price.
Ah well, nostalgia over, I have to go and sort out a recently decorated bedroom - how mighty are the fallen . . .
Last edited by Dengue_Dude; 8th Aug 2010 at 09:47.
Reason: Being anal