Lightning and Buccaneer Data Link
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Joined: May 2007
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From: England - Now
Lightning and Buccaneer Data Link
A question for Lighting and Buccaneer chaps. Did either of theses two aircraft have any form of Data Link fitted, possibly under OR 946?
Feel free to say they weren't.
Feel free to say they weren't.
Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
On the OR946 selector, there was a switch which included TAC and DL amongst its 4 functions. The others being ILS and I can't remember what the basic one was - 'compass' or something?
The 'TAC' position used the offset TACAN box (Folland's gift to every Gnat student) whereas the 'DL' position (which was intended to be for data link on the Frightning, but I don't think was ever actually incorporated) was for 'raw' TACAN which didn't go through the offset box.
Hands up which Gnat students didn't at some stage find themselves in the wrong place through a TAC/DL switch pigs.....??
No Data Link on the Buccaneer - just words of encouragment/abuse from the back!
The 'TAC' position used the offset TACAN box (Folland's gift to every Gnat student) whereas the 'DL' position (which was intended to be for data link on the Frightning, but I don't think was ever actually incorporated) was for 'raw' TACAN which didn't go through the offset box.
Hands up which Gnat students didn't at some stage find themselves in the wrong place through a TAC/DL switch pigs.....??
No Data Link on the Buccaneer - just words of encouragment/abuse from the back!
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 253
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From: South Central UK
Never fitted to the operational Lightning fleet and, whilst I cannot be categoric, I do not believe it was ever flown in a development Lightning aircraft.
The bay, just aft of the cockpit, that should have contained the DL equipment was used for one's aircrew holdall when travelling away.
lm
The bay, just aft of the cockpit, that should have contained the DL equipment was used for one's aircrew holdall when travelling away.
lm
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Adelaide Australia
Yep, Data Link did fly in a development Lightning, and if you get to talk to the wonderful Jimmy Dell, he'll tell you it was very impressive. But as 'Mate notes, just as well it didn't make it into service, otherwise we'd have had nowhere to stow the overnight bag.
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 253
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From: South Central UK
Thanks Teadriver for clarifying the development flight situation.
I suspect the main reason for Data Link not being fitted to the operational jets was the lack of a suitable Ground Environment to provide the data linked commands.
lm
I suspect the main reason for Data Link not being fitted to the operational jets was the lack of a suitable Ground Environment to provide the data linked commands.
lm
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
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From: Peripatetic
As an aside, I was researching the intended data link capabilities of the SLEWC system and found this article on professor Stephen Molyneux - An ASOp made good.
