Sterling Trans Atlantic Caravelle operations
In 1967 Sud Aviation began to deliver Caravelles fitted with P&W JT8D-9 which raised the MTOW to 123,460 lb MTOW meaning Sterling could carry 109 pax 4,000km. These aircraft had a modified fin for twin Collins HF transceivers and a belly tank. With these they commenced transatlantic flights ( on a twin long before ETOPS !). First service 23/6/70 Copenhagen - Omaha Nebraska via tech stops at Kevlavik and Gander. In December 70 they flew Oslo- Gander direct 2,268 nm ( 4,200 km )in 5 hr 33 mins. Long range cruise was around 280 kts IAS between FL310 and FL350. The aircraft were fitted with HF SELCAL and LORAN carried in the side pockets of the cockpit. Later the aircraft were fitted with VLF Omega navigation.
50 flights were operated in 1971 and fifty in 1972 in 1972 MTOW was raised to 125,660 lbs, but 1973 only twenty flights were undertaken as the opposition started to field higher capacity 4 engined aircraft in competition.
Above info from John Wegg's previously mentioned book.
Sadly the only one I could find for sale is £435, the French editions are a bit cheaper and more numerous.
Hope it helps.
Be lucky
David
Last edited by The AvgasDinosaur; 21st Dec 2016 at 21:36.
Reason: Overrule spull chucker