Originally Posted by
steve-de-s
Would it be possible to replace or have these systems repaired?
Steve,
Been there, done that.... about 40 years ago.
I've blown up a Bendix Lateral AP supply on 002, at about 2 a.m...... through a mistake (they had no current limiting).
Outside the aircraft (luckily), because we had the computer on a "break-out" (call it a long extension cord...).
Impressive little mushroom cloud (I kid you not).
I still remember taking it back to the lab, and a college asking why.
I quipped... "Smoking in the hangar is prohibited. This one smoked"...
Once we opened the box the next morning : nice mess.... silicone grease from the rectifier diodes and 'muck' from the electrolytic capacitors 'smeared' all over the power supply unit. Had to be seen to be believed....
At that time, of course, we had all the manuals (circuit diagrams, circuit layouts, test specification), a test set, and enough spare parts on site to do the repair.
To answer your question... could it still be done ?
Maybe.....
IF the manuals and test specifications for the equipment in question can still be found somewhere.
IF enough odds and ends can be found to wire up a new test set, or at least a "break-out" box.
IF replacements can be found for the 30+ years old components, or equivalents.
Interesting "challenge".... but I doubt "BA Wales" would be willing to take it on, and I doubt the manufacturer would, either, unlike the OEMs for the Vulcan....
CJ