Unusual aircraft today

[primreamer]

Was out walking this morning and from a distance saw, and heard, what appeared to be a large prop aircraft travelling roughly west-east across Sussex at low altitude. Time was about 10.45am. Although sunny, conditions were a bit hazy so couldn't identify but seemed too large for any civil type I know of and didn't look like a military transport like a Hercules. To the ear it sounded very similar to the old Shackletons but I know there aren't any of them around anymore. Anybody else see it? Any ideas what it was?

[treadigraph]

Might it link in with the possibility of a DC-6 night-stopping (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3308706&postcount=19) at Gatwick last night?

[vespasia]

Quite right - it was the Red Bull DC6 ( carrying the Scissor Sisters apparently! ). Beautiful aeroplane, and a beautiful sound as it rumbled over Sussex this am.
:)

[The SSK]

Gawd, my first trip to Gatwick, DC6 was the commonest type there, in more liveries than you could imagine. Glad to hear the old place can still pull 'em.

[primreamer]

Most likely this is the aircraft I saw. Many thanks for all replies.

[Mr Grumps]

This was the lovely old plane
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u98/dracks3/DSC00056.jpg
Sorry about the quality it was taken on my phone.

[barit1]

My alma mater used to operate a pair of sixes:
http://www.ait.net/technos/images/103gibson1.jpg

That's a retractable TV transmitter antenna (http://www.ait.net/technos/tq_10/3gibson.php)under the ship.

[seacue]

Ah, Stratovision, trademarked, probably by Westinghouse. But the original Stratovision used modified B-29s around 1947, if I am correct. Surely the DC-6 was a better, more reliable, choice.

I think a similar scheme was used in Viet Nam for entertainment broadcasts to the troups.

seacue

[treadigraph]

Wasn't the Lockeed Constitution also used for TV broadcasts at one stage..?

Mr Grumps, that is a fantastic pic - mobile phone, really?

[jedigtr]

I was pleasantly disturbed from my diy when that a/c flew over my house on friday morning:)

[Dream Land]

Sorry about the quality it was taken on my phone Great pic, what kind of phone do you have? :ok:

[Mr Grumps]

It's a Sony Ericsson W850i and the picture was taken at its highest setting ( 2MP ). Doesn't allow zoom at that resolution so taken without and through the van windscreen.