JEM60

Chubby little Dermot was there to do a business report, not a commentary on distant historic aircraft. Doubtles there will be a report on the flying display that will mention it, if that's what you need.

603DX

According to websites concerning the Eastbourne Air Show, there was a possibility of XH558 displaying next month (Aug. 14th - 17th). Does anyone know what happened to this laudable ambition? (I'm going to the show, and would have loved to have seen her!)

surely not

Get a life Stormin!!!!

Farnborough is more to do with modern aircraft and selling them than it is identifying old pieces of history. It isn't held every two years to celebrate any victories in wars of yesteryear, it is an International commercial exhibition.

If you want remembrance, go to a BoB Air Display or similar!!

VfrpilotPB/2

Surely not, sorry I was going to say something but I mis-read your handle as ....."Surly Not", but I wont let it happen again,


Vfrpilotpb

Blacksheep

A strange comment for someone wandering about this particular forum.

If you want to buy a new aeroplane, shove off to a chalet for some champagne and caviar and leave we relics of aviation history to our mumblings.

Kieron Kirk

Well said Blacksheep.

For the first time since I have made contributions to this "Aviation History and Nostalgia" forum, I feel considerable irritation and a little anger.

"Shove off" is perhaps an appropriate comment.

Ciarain.

PFR

Re the "Bee B" report at Farnborough Monday - to be fair to Dermot (It was Declan on the outside broadcast)it did get a mention - I think the one prior to 08:00, if memory serves me right.
Albeit a few lines to the guy he was interviewing as to why the Vulcan (which could be seen in the background) had a cover over the cockpit. The reply I thought was cute - something on the lines that it was shy having not been out for a while
Well done Decurs The more publicity the better.......The "old girl" needs money and lots of it

S'land

Nice one. Personally I thought that it was a rain hat, just in case.

Pontius Navigator

Just a note on the 'rain hat'. It is not of course a new toy. The Vulcan came with the full range of ground protective covers and these were all on the aircraft inventory.

Intake blanks, tail pipe covers, all the usual covers for pitot/static, wheel covers and even a sleeve (possibly home made) for the AAR probe. However the size of the aircraft meant that all these extras were also on the large side.

By 1964 it was usual for aircraft to sit on the line without their engine covers and no canopy cover. After all, if it could sit on QRA for a month why did it need a cover. The canopy, unlike fighter aircraft, was not opened on a daily basis and the inflated canopy seals usually kept the cockpit dry. Occasionally a seal would fail and there would be water on the side consoles.

We flew overseas with blanks to places like El Adem but even that stopped. I don't know if there had been a study that showed they were unnecessary given the height of the intakes or the sheer inconvenience was the determining factor.

I know that when we delivered aircraft back to the factory they got might p1ssed off as we didn't bring all the covers.

Now however, as one of a kind, I guess they do wrap her in blankets.

Rocket2

To those who live nearby or are lucky enough to be at the show, 558 is flying at Farnborough today - great to see her on the pan yesterday & many thanks to the lads for allowing me & Mrs. R2 into the cockpit - now she can understand the unique smell that I keep telling her about & wish I could bottle.

Blacksheep

We did put the bungs and blanks in for an A/F servicing, but take them off during a B/F. Thus if we did the usual A/F-B/F service plus snags - which was nearly every flight - the bungs and blanks stayed off. At the end of the week's flying early on Saturday morning, the Back Shift would bung and blank them all for the weekend as each aircraft had its A/F. The next week's Swing Shift came on again at 2359 on Sunday to B/F the morning programme, taking the blanks off those aircraft. The rest would be opened up during their first B/F of the week. Even on QRA the pitot-static blanks were always fitted.

I only ever remember the cockpit cover being used when there was a U/S canopy seal - but it was a hell of a fiddle getting it up there on your own.

chevvron

On the programme for today between 3 and 3.20pm; the Red Arrows arrive after it takes off.

surely not

Wow......... sorry if my comments offended all you 558 fans.

I also used to enjoy the Vulcan displays when it was in RAF service, and saw it at many airshows. Fact is it will not display like that ever again as the CAA are unlikely to allow it to loop or roll in civvy hands.

I guess I was 'surly' because poor old Dermot of the Beeb was belittled for not mentioning the Vulcan. Well he wasn't there to act as PR man for 558 so why should he? Vulcan supporters tend to be blind to anything other than their lovely aeroplane, and it seems they are very prickly if someone is slightly critical of them.

I came on this thread because there are some fantastic photos of 558, and I very much enjoy looking at them, they evoke some excellent memories.

forget

Spend some time on Spotters Corner. You were watching the wrong aircraft.

PPRuNe Pop

SurelyNot,

I suspect you have realised that people on this forum are as fond of 558 as you are. That said, it is unwise to offer opinions outside those which most consider acceptable.

I am sure you will agree this is a rare treat and a rare event. Long may it continue.

This forum is for enjoyment only.

PPP

whiz

What is the purpose of the fairing towards the rear of both starboard engines ? I note that there is nothing between the port engines.

forget

It's to mount the Electronic Counter Measures aerials, three of them. Blue Steel aircraft had two plates.

BEagle

It's the lower part of the Chemtrail tank. Subjugating agent was discharged from the tank into the atmosphere on high level trips to keep the general public suitably under government mind control.....














No, actually it's the ECM antenna mouting plate.

whiz

Thankyou BEagle and forget, a swift and robust response as always.

aviate1138

Refuelling on the Hog's Back and looked up and saw 558 leaping skywards. The Reds did a nice formation pass along the Hog's Back before bending around for a smoke on run and break/stream landing.

Bit distant but heartwarming nonetheless!

PS 558 doesn't seem as smoky now. Is that just judicious use of the throttles or are they running it on [God Forbid it!] bio fuel?