Gannet XL500s progress report.
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how would she compare to a modern AEW platform today?
i recall a study regarding possible return to service during the falklands conflict, was this a serious study or just wishful thinking?
i recall a study regarding possible return to service during the falklands conflict, was this a serious study or just wishful thinking?
There was a feasibility study about getting a Shackleton (also with APS-20) to the Falklands post the recapture. Sadly, the only way of getting one there was by staging through Buenos Aries (which was not politically wise) or by taking it apart and rebuilding in situ.
ps the Badger is more bold than the Chockhead 
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From my course notes...AN/APS 20F. 10cm set. Range 200 miles.
Aerial Rotation Speed 15, 6 or 2.5 rpm. Susceptible to sea returns, ground wave out to about 50 miles at 10,000'. Radar relay AN/ART 28. Relay Range 100 miles. Terminal Equipment 2 SPA 8A displays. etc etc. I don't ever remember using the relay on the ship, only the voice link.
Last edited by goofer3; 6th Apr 2011 at 21:10.
I served on 8 Sqn Shacks too and was fortunate to have 5 trips in the Gannet AEW3 (inc. XL500). I was surprised at the superior radar performance enjoyed by RN operators compared to the same kit in the Shack.
The sea return was never a show-stopper. I'd suggest that the Prob of Detection of more modern search radars is lower in that region also.
The APS-20 was designed to operate in a maritime environment but even then, overland performance was not out of the question if handled intelligently. For example, in Viet Nam the EC-121s sometimes operated offshore barriers at v low level looking inland using earth curvature to screen the land.
As goofer3 says, the Gannet had a system for transmitting the radar picture back to 'Mother' - <creaking of gears in memory> was it known as 'Bell Hop'? Or am I thinking of something else? (Edited to add it was Bell Hop)
mr fish - I think the RN would have jumped at the offer of a few Gannets during the Falklands campaign. Of course, as might be expected, modern AEW platforms (E-3, E-2, SK ASaC7, Saab 2000 with Erieye et al) offer superior levels of performance (quantity & quality). In its day though, the Gannet served the RN well.
The sea return was never a show-stopper. I'd suggest that the Prob of Detection of more modern search radars is lower in that region also.
The APS-20 was designed to operate in a maritime environment but even then, overland performance was not out of the question if handled intelligently. For example, in Viet Nam the EC-121s sometimes operated offshore barriers at v low level looking inland using earth curvature to screen the land.
As goofer3 says, the Gannet had a system for transmitting the radar picture back to 'Mother' - <creaking of gears in memory> was it known as 'Bell Hop'? Or am I thinking of something else? (Edited to add it was Bell Hop)
mr fish - I think the RN would have jumped at the offer of a few Gannets during the Falklands campaign. Of course, as might be expected, modern AEW platforms (E-3, E-2, SK ASaC7, Saab 2000 with Erieye et al) offer superior levels of performance (quantity & quality). In its day though, the Gannet served the RN well.
Last edited by PPRuNeUser0139; 7th Apr 2011 at 10:14.
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Pure coincidence here. I was sorting out my copies of "Air Pictorial " this week and had a casual nostalgic browse through some.
July 1985 page 276 Aviation Bookshelf.....at the bottom of the page is a shot of XL 500 " arriving ar R.N.A.S Lee-on-Solent after the last flight, piloted by Lt.-Cmdr Ken Lamprey ".
Article goes on to say she would be preserved at Lee and displayed at the Air Day 20th July.
There was a Gannet at Bruggen when I was there in the late 70's kept on 17's revetments...no idea as to it's eventual fate however.
July 1985 page 276 Aviation Bookshelf.....at the bottom of the page is a shot of XL 500 " arriving ar R.N.A.S Lee-on-Solent after the last flight, piloted by Lt.-Cmdr Ken Lamprey ".
Article goes on to say she would be preserved at Lee and displayed at the Air Day 20th July.
There was a Gannet at Bruggen when I was there in the late 70's kept on 17's revetments...no idea as to it's eventual fate however.
Gannets
Any idea of using the Gannet in the Falklands was pie-in-the sky thinking, I'm afraid. While the Gannet was capable of a free take-off (ie without the use of a catapult), it wouldn't have survived a launch over the ski-jump.
Re the flaps. It was usual to use full flap in most aircraft off the cat, and I assume the Gannet was no different. After all, it gave max lift, and drag is hardly a problem when you have several tons of boost from the cat behind you.
Re the flaps. It was usual to use full flap in most aircraft off the cat, and I assume the Gannet was no different. After all, it gave max lift, and drag is hardly a problem when you have several tons of boost from the cat behind you.
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XL500 update
For those interested we hope to get Gannet XL500 flying this year. Wings are on (and fold) and all control rods refurbished and fitted. The major jobs are all done apart from the propeller overhaul which is in progress with Deltair in Portsmouth. There are still an inevitable number of small jobs to do but these are being completed in the next two months we hope.
We will keep you posted as progress is made. There should be updates on the Horizon aircraft website and also on facebook as we complete the task list. This has been a very long restoration!
We will keep you posted as progress is made. There should be updates on the Horizon aircraft website and also on facebook as we complete the task list. This has been a very long restoration!
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the update and all the effort being put in to getting XL500 back in the air where she belongs!
Talking to some of your team at CU air day last year, I understand the props were taking much longer than anyone had anticipated... is this genuinely back on track now?
Can't wait to see her back in the air - I witnessed her 2nd maiden flight back in Sept 1983 from Culdrose.
Best wishes,
NickB
Thanks for the update and all the effort being put in to getting XL500 back in the air where she belongs!
Talking to some of your team at CU air day last year, I understand the props were taking much longer than anyone had anticipated... is this genuinely back on track now?
Can't wait to see her back in the air - I witnessed her 2nd maiden flight back in Sept 1983 from Culdrose.
Best wishes,
NickB
