Decca 424 Airfield Radar
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Bath
The thought occurred to me whether this is the only radar head in captivity. Are these things usually preserved in museums (we'll discount Lasham as a museum of course...).
I guess you guys are more interested in the functionality of the electronics system at the other end of the wire, and so this comment perhaps is better suited to Spotters' Corner. Apologies if so.
I guess you guys are more interested in the functionality of the electronics system at the other end of the wire, and so this comment perhaps is better suited to Spotters' Corner. Apologies if so.
Joined: Nov 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 12,456
Likes: 368
From: Wildest Surrey
Joined: Dec 2020
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 298
Likes: 237
From: Home
Sorry to hear that, Talkdownman - about both you and the radar. But as you hang up your headset for the last time you must have been able to smile about the career, and the records that you have broken and set over the years.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 1
From: On the wireless...
Thanks for that! Yes, it has been a long and very varied career on which to reflect. I dunno about records, but I wouldn't mind a quid for each validation. I wish I had kept an air traffic diary, and taken more pictures, of co-workers in particular. The 424 did its job, quite adequate for getting the jets onto the ground enroute to the hangar. Watching the crews now (trying to) do it themselves is providing some good spectator sport on occasions. If you go down there, don't forget your tin hat...
Last edited by Talkdownman; 5th May 2021 at 08:43.
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 31
From: Herefordshire
TalkdownMan
Malcy,
Time to write your memoirs!
If you can be a bit more discrete than Clint ( RIP ) was, you may even find a publisher.
Enjoy your 'retirement'.
Brian W
Time to write your memoirs!
If you can be a bit more discrete than Clint ( RIP ) was, you may even find a publisher.
Enjoy your 'retirement'.
Brian W
Last edited by Brian 48nav; 5th April 2021 at 12:37. Reason: missing comma
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,123
Likes: 23
From: London Whipsnade Wildlife Park
Thanks for that! Yes, it has been a long and very varied career on which to reflect. I dunno about records, but I would mind a quid for each validation. I wish I had kept an air traffic diary, and taken more pictures, of co-workers in particular. The 424 did its job, quite adequate for getting the jets onto the ground enroute to the hangar. Watching the crews now (trying to) do it themselves is providing some good spectator sport on occasions. If you go down there, don't forget your tin hat...
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: UK
We finally decommissioned the Yeovil Westland Sperry 424 last November, it had not been used for 4 years, as the last validated ATCO using it I spent most of my time conducting SRA's for currency. The narrow beam felt like I was doing a PAR rather than a SRA most of the time.
Joined: Nov 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 12,456
Likes: 368
From: Wildest Surrey
We finally decommissioned the Yeovil Westland Sperry 424 last November, it had not been used for 4 years, as the last validated ATCO using it I spent most of my time conducting SRA's for currency. The narrow beam felt like I was doing a PAR rather than a SRA most of the time.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 1
From: On the wireless...
