On 35 in the late 1970s, a 'weapon response simulator' and a 28 lb bomb was about the maximum ever carried in the UK.
One squadron conversion trip was supposed to be with 4 x 28 lb on a UK range; I never had that trip because I'd dropped bombs at TWU on the Hunter and on the Bucc OCU.
A 'shape' (simulated WE177B) might be carried occasionally to Strike Force Dispersal, but never routinely. A pain it was too, as the unlucky crew had to 'accept' the thing and adopt the full 2-man principle throughout and were usually the last to be sprung at Endex, due to having to return the thing to the special weapons custodians back at Scampton.
We didn't have anything to do with 1000lb HE from 1977-1980. Primary role was nuclear strike, secondary role was boat-spotting (MRR).
Training routes were hardly secret - usually just a bimble around the UK on a hi-lo-hi profile, with a little fighter affiliation after the low level element. The V-force was mostly restricted to the 'main route' around the UK to avoid conflict with other low level area users, until the low flying system changed at the end of the 1970s. For exercises from the UK, we might fly down to the south of France or up to Norway / Denmark. On a Goose or Offutt Ranger, we just flew the usual STCAN or OB (later 'IR') routes in Canada / USA.
All simulated weapon drops were scored by either RBSU or release point photographs analysed after flight by the Wing Weapons staff.
Last edited by BEagle; 13th Aug 2017 at 13:21.
Reason: Wrong bomb - thanks LOMCEVAK!