Cl-44-o and swingtail merged
Bring back the Dak!
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Well, Shannon volmet, there is hardly enough activity to warrant two threads, so why not a combined thread for two long-time grounded aircraft ,which, thanks to the diligence of their supporters and owners, could be on the brink of becoming airborne for all we know.
The thing is we don't know, and only have the grapevine here to go on. A hint of progress on either would be of immense interest to this venerable old freighter fart, and probably quite a few other old freighter farts, as well as all others who scan here.
We can but vicariously prod and ask, and more often than not, "answer came there none".
Which is a great pity really.
The thing is we don't know, and only have the grapevine here to go on. A hint of progress on either would be of immense interest to this venerable old freighter fart, and probably quite a few other old freighter farts, as well as all others who scan here.
We can but vicariously prod and ask, and more often than not, "answer came there none".
Which is a great pity really.
EI-BND
How sad am I , just remembered the Heavy guppy reg' - had to do a repair scheme for the No 3 firewall in titanium sheet, very dirty task, oil & carbon mix from the snubber blocks, happy days (at Britavia then)
Join Date: May 2003
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Lack of Information
The CL44 Association (170 members-mostly ex 44 air/ground crew and-yes-enthusiasts too) is well aware of the continuing interest in the future of the Guppy. As everyone knows, in 2005 the Association leased the aircraft from its owners, Aviation Leasing Group in an effort to preserve the aircraft at Bournemouth (Hurn). The resident museum however, declined the offer and as a result the sole alternative was to agree to the requests of a German Museum to acquire the beast, dismantle it and barge it from Poole across The Channel.
In the nick of time, the aircraft was bought and as is common knowledge, efforts continue to restore the Guppy to flying condition. As the Association is involved in this work, it is obliged to maintain a 'low profile' with regard the nature of that restoration work. It is a difficult balance and we do realise the frustration this causes.
However, whilst we do continue to honour the owners wishes, we CAN say that definite progress IS being made and the minute that progress materialises, the 'fence watchers' will no doubt be letting everyone know.
We will NOT however, add to any speculation or rumour.
In the meantime-the Association always welcomes new members!!! A Tenner is all that it costs.
There ARE some copies of the video left-£12.50 to members and YES-it includes an engine start-up. The book 'Swingtail, The CL44 Story' is also available to members at a discount. Lastly, the 08 re-union will be a 2 day affair at the Royal Air Force Club with talks and seminars. Amongst the speakers will be Captain Jeff Seideman (Flying Tiger Line & Conroy Aircraft) who will include the original CVR of the flight test incident involving N447T when a piece of the MLG door embedded itself in the horizontal stab.
Others speakers will include Captain Marvin Beier (WranglerBlue Bell) and Mike Newman (Transmeridian Air Cargo).
If you would like to join us-simply send me a private message.
In the nick of time, the aircraft was bought and as is common knowledge, efforts continue to restore the Guppy to flying condition. As the Association is involved in this work, it is obliged to maintain a 'low profile' with regard the nature of that restoration work. It is a difficult balance and we do realise the frustration this causes.
However, whilst we do continue to honour the owners wishes, we CAN say that definite progress IS being made and the minute that progress materialises, the 'fence watchers' will no doubt be letting everyone know.
We will NOT however, add to any speculation or rumour.
In the meantime-the Association always welcomes new members!!! A Tenner is all that it costs.
There ARE some copies of the video left-£12.50 to members and YES-it includes an engine start-up. The book 'Swingtail, The CL44 Story' is also available to members at a discount. Lastly, the 08 re-union will be a 2 day affair at the Royal Air Force Club with talks and seminars. Amongst the speakers will be Captain Jeff Seideman (Flying Tiger Line & Conroy Aircraft) who will include the original CVR of the flight test incident involving N447T when a piece of the MLG door embedded itself in the horizontal stab.
Others speakers will include Captain Marvin Beier (WranglerBlue Bell) and Mike Newman (Transmeridian Air Cargo).
If you would like to join us-simply send me a private message.
thumbs up RAF club do
thumbs up for the RAF club do, nice place, last went there for the guinea pigs recption, I tried the private mail link RRTYNE but no joy ? I'll try again on box 2
Bring back the Dak!
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Thanks, rrtyne, for that explanation. Guess we'll keep schtum and await whatever. Just wanted to show there is a hidden as well as the more visible following for these threads.
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Is there any news that can be reported yet?
As an aside, did anyone ever consider using the CL44-O as a testbed for the A400M engines? Assuming they could be fitted, I'd have thought that the CL44-O could provide a more realistic loading for the new engine than the C130 that's currently scheduled to undertake the flight tests.
As an aside, did anyone ever consider using the CL44-O as a testbed for the A400M engines? Assuming they could be fitted, I'd have thought that the CL44-O could provide a more realistic loading for the new engine than the C130 that's currently scheduled to undertake the flight tests.
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A400m
At twice the SHP of the Tyne, with an 8 blade prop 18" larger in diameter, I assume you envisage a twin installation? The Guppy inboard prop ground clearance (loaded) is only abot 15"
It would certainly shift more than the envisaged 9 pallets/120 troops planned for the A400m, but it would look like a bloody great Budgie.
It would certainly shift more than the envisaged 9 pallets/120 troops planned for the A400m, but it would look like a bloody great Budgie.
Join Date: Jul 2003
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She was turning and Burning in late november, looked good!!..
A couple of weeks later, the Vanguard at Brooklands did it as well!!
Oh.. The sound of the Tynes...
Cheers
M5DND
A couple of weeks later, the Vanguard at Brooklands did it as well!!
Oh.. The sound of the Tynes...
Cheers
M5DND
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Sound of Tynes
Its about time somebody made a quality recording! There were days when I heard them for 12 maybe 13 hours or more nonstop and found the silence of a hotel uncanny, not that there were many silent hotels on the '44 route networks.
(73 de GI8AFS)
(73 de GI8AFS)
Last edited by Nineiron; 8th Jan 2008 at 00:48.
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I have seen the CL-44 website has been updated and very good it looks
My question is, as a person who is interested in the old props why is it so secret squirrel? I spoke to GE.com and he would'nt say anything?
Is there plans for the aircraft? I do hope so!
I even called the owner of heavylift to ask but no luck there?
Seems to be very secretive?
My question is, as a person who is interested in the old props why is it so secret squirrel? I spoke to GE.com and he would'nt say anything?
Is there plans for the aircraft? I do hope so!
I even called the owner of heavylift to ask but no luck there?
Seems to be very secretive?
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Just an aside had a close up look at the SEN Belfast last week and that is looking in a worst condition than this time last year with only 2 engines /2 props. Anyone know what the future holds for the a/c.
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The latest newsletter on the Swingtail web site (cl44.org) states that "a succession of problems prevented the aircraft from flying out of Bournmouth...." "...in 2006 the CAA imposed gounding order on the aircraft due to lack of clarity in the '44s maintenance programme..." "...it happened when the aircraft had amassed 40,000 hours and how many years ago was that? So we sit and wait."
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I was very reliably informed that Heavylift of Australia has abandoned the Guppy...
This newsletter should have stated as such...
This newsletter should have stated as such...
Last edited by Stratofreighter; 8th Apr 2008 at 22:43.