VC10 records in 1987

[Jhieminga]

I've now got most of the details together, see here: Record-setting days in the RAF (now with additional pictures...)

[BEagle]

An excellent summary!

I see that my navigator on the trip was dear old 'Admiral Zig-Zag' , so I'm rather surprised that it went as well as it did! Or that we found the UK again after tanking the C1P!

[Jhieminga]

Ever since publishing the account on my site, new info keeps turning up. Have a look at the link above, there are some new photos of the VC10s at Mount Pleasant and an account of the FAI assessor on XR806.

[moggiee]

Originally Posted by BEagle

FAI average speed equates to 445.114 kts, giving a flight time of 8:25. Add to that the requirement for island holding fuel and I'm still not sure how John managed it without AAR....

I have in my logbook a Cmk1 flight of 9.35 un-refuelled (Las Vegas - Brize) so the timing could be manageable.

[etimegev]

Interesting link J. And a name from my past, Mike Westwood, who was Dep Stn Cdr at Benson when I was OC A.

[Jhieminga]

Originally Posted by moggiee

I have in my logbook a Cmk1 flight of 9.35 un-refuelled (Las Vegas - Brize) so the timing could be manageable.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the additional requirement when operating to an isolated airfield is for two hours holding fuel in addition to the regular final reserve fuel I think. That means that you'd need some 11 hours of fuel in the tanks for the flight that was carried out to Ascension, is that possible? I don't have a manual around to check that right now....

Thanks etimegev! Glad you like it.