Unknown Boeing 727 at LHR 01/01/10.

[Malaysian28]

As the title says their was an Unknown Boeing 727 at LHR today it came over my head approx 16:10 on finals for 27R.

I am waiting for Heathrow & Gatwick Airport Movements (http://www.lhr-lgw.co.uk/) to update in a few days maybe that will explain a few things but for the mean time your suggestions are welcome.

p.s. The Reg would help if anyone knows it as I Managed to get a few Snaps.

[trident3A]

I think these 2 are fairly regular visitors:
A9C-BA
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/small/7/4/1/1630147.jpg

HZ-SKI
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/small/5/8/7/1594785.jpg

[Malaysian28]

Many Thanks Trident3A i think it was A9C-BA operating a Bahrain Amiri Flight.

[Avman]

A little late, but I can confirm beyond doubt that it was A9C-BA.

[Flight Detent]

Being an ex-727 flyer...

I'm wondering if the winglets are the only changes here,

or have they also made changes in the flight deck.

seems like the engines are still stock, probably -17s,

anybody know about these airplanes....

Cheers...FD

[trident3A]

I think I read somewhere that these are Valsan conversion a/c

The Valsan program was intended to make 727-200s compliant with the
Stage 3 noise rules. The outer (#1 and #3) JT8D-9, -11, -15 or -17s are
replaced with JT8D-217s, which have a higher bypass ratio and are
quieter. The -217s are the engine found on the MD-82. The center (#2)
engine, being buried in the tailcone, could not be easily replaced, so
instead it looses its thrust reverser and gets an internal (bypass/core)
mixer, to lower its noise signature. The first modified aircraft, for
Sterling Airways of Denmark, re-entered service in October 1988.
Aircraft modified have included some Continental aircraft and high
gross-weight Federal Express -200s (late model aircraft). After
certifying the modified -200, Valsan also certified a similarly modified
727-100. I believe that the first aircraft was a corporate aircraft
owned by the Limited. Stories I heard indicate that the reengined -100
is a real hotrod. Since this time, Valsan has also certified and put
into service winglets on the -100 and -200. These are intended to cut
cruise fuel burn. A 5% improvement is claimed.

[Malaysian28]

Are the Flightdecks the same?
Someone once told me some 727's that went in the hands of private and government operators got re-fitted with glassy cockpits similar to those on 737NG's.
I have searched around abit but cannot confirm that.

Here is the only Link I could find on 727's with glassy cockpits.

Boeing 727 — Civil Aviation Forum | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/26349/)
727 Glass Cockpit? — Civil Aviation Forum | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/2729889/)