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Old 19th Mar 2017, 21:38
  #3326 (permalink)  
Lima Juliet
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 4,334
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In "Horizons - The History Of The Air Cadets" it says that 10x ASK21s (known as Vanguards), 5x ASW-19s (known as Valiants) and 2x Schemp-Hirth Janus C (known as Kestrels) were ordered initially as the first 'glass' gliders for delivery in 1983. Then an order for 100x Grob G103 Twin Acro was placed. It also states thathe order for Grob 109b (Vigilant) was placed. 53x Vigilants were initially ordered and were 'topped up' through the purchase of some extra civilian Grob 109b that were converted to Vigilant standard (it doesn't say how many).

The K-21s were foolishly sold and still fly today. Some with the RAFGSA. The ASW-19s were also sold - as they were single seaters they offered Cadets the chance to fly at the next level. All are flying except one that came a cropper at Bicester. All of the Janus C are believed to be flying.

Of course, the loss of all 53+ Vigiliants and over 50% of the Vikings is a scandal, but as ever no one or organisation will be held accountable. If they are selling them off and they end up on the civil register then someone should be held accountable; or the senior leadership should confess that they no longer have the appetite for the risk of flying tens of thousands of Cadets every year. Whichever it is, the truth has to be pressed.

LJ
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