Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules
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Thanx for explaining what Condec stood for AA62. I never knew. I think the latest ones were called Atlas Mk 2. Not to be confused with the A400M or are they Grizzlys.
Your pic at #1269 brought back memories of loading the 108" MSP. probably the coldest day I remember at Lyneham. The thing got stuck in the K we had to remove every single skydel pin one by one to get it out and remove the rubbing strips to get it in the J. An interesting day.
I note the TROC was pre the George Rogers satchel. I would love to know who George was and the story. AA62 has already explained much about the TROC.
Also how many of us have had a bit of kit named after us. We have had Norah Batty, I can imagine the Smudge hammock, or the AA62 Toe ramp, a certain Test Pilot trim switch guard, Dolly Parton gets a mention on another thread.
Your pic at #1269 brought back memories of loading the 108" MSP. probably the coldest day I remember at Lyneham. The thing got stuck in the K we had to remove every single skydel pin one by one to get it out and remove the rubbing strips to get it in the J. An interesting day.
I note the TROC was pre the George Rogers satchel. I would love to know who George was and the story. AA62 has already explained much about the TROC.
Also how many of us have had a bit of kit named after us. We have had Norah Batty, I can imagine the Smudge hammock, or the AA62 Toe ramp, a certain Test Pilot trim switch guard, Dolly Parton gets a mention on another thread.
dragartist,
GM also owned the makers of the 'K' engine the Allison T56-15. Hence the nickname 'Detroit Diesel'. Now of course owned by RR.
When loading the heavy drop it was essential to have the CONDEC lined up exactly with the ramp of the a/c. If it was not straight you could easily get it stuck, usually as the platform transited from the ramp to the main floor. On a light training load it was possible with sufficient manpower and judicious use of chains to straighten it. Not so on a max AUW one. You also had to take care that once the platform was moving inside the a/c to prevent a runaway. We did use chocks but they would be no match for the kinetic energy of a max AUW platform gathering speed. The only thing left to absorb this energy would be FS245 ! Not a good solution.
I can well picture your problems with the stuck platform. I still have physical and mental scars from wresting with drop nose pins.
GM also owned the makers of the 'K' engine the Allison T56-15. Hence the nickname 'Detroit Diesel'. Now of course owned by RR.
When loading the heavy drop it was essential to have the CONDEC lined up exactly with the ramp of the a/c. If it was not straight you could easily get it stuck, usually as the platform transited from the ramp to the main floor. On a light training load it was possible with sufficient manpower and judicious use of chains to straighten it. Not so on a max AUW one. You also had to take care that once the platform was moving inside the a/c to prevent a runaway. We did use chocks but they would be no match for the kinetic energy of a max AUW platform gathering speed. The only thing left to absorb this energy would be FS245 ! Not a good solution.
I can well picture your problems with the stuck platform. I still have physical and mental scars from wresting with drop nose pins.
The JATFOR (Joint Air Transported Force) series. These are all taken when I was off flying for a short while with a sprained ankle. I am still searching for my airborne shots. We used to get 37 a/c away in 2000 ft stream, with a mix of para and stores. If you were near the rear when taxiing you really needed to be on oxygen. Even then the fumes could make your eyes water despite the use of goggles.
Last edited by ancientaviator62; 29th Aug 2014 at 08:07. Reason: corection
Dengue Dude,
a lot of the evacuees were still in their holiday outfits and some outfits were indeed very skimpy. A dastardly trick was to invite the ladies on to the flight deck and then cool it down ! Disgraceful ! Would not happen now would it ???????
a lot of the evacuees were still in their holiday outfits and some outfits were indeed very skimpy. A dastardly trick was to invite the ladies on to the flight deck and then cool it down ! Disgraceful ! Would not happen now would it ???????
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Ref JATFOR.
I think that I mentioned in the very early days of this thread that I was fortunate enough to be part of the weather a/c crew during these JATFOR sorties and as such had the most unique views of the start procedure, taxi plan, run up proceedures etc. Imagine 132xAllison T56-15 turning & burning in very close proximity.
I recorded all of this on Super 8 cine film which has been gathering dust in the loft and it would truly be a shame not to air and share this historic footage. Alas the days of Super 8 are well behind us as is my trusty projector but if anybody knows of a source/unit capable of reserecting said film I would be more than happy to act on this information. Current location Wiltshire but prepared to travel.
Upgently
I think that I mentioned in the very early days of this thread that I was fortunate enough to be part of the weather a/c crew during these JATFOR sorties and as such had the most unique views of the start procedure, taxi plan, run up proceedures etc. Imagine 132xAllison T56-15 turning & burning in very close proximity.
I recorded all of this on Super 8 cine film which has been gathering dust in the loft and it would truly be a shame not to air and share this historic footage. Alas the days of Super 8 are well behind us as is my trusty projector but if anybody knows of a source/unit capable of reserecting said film I would be more than happy to act on this information. Current location Wiltshire but prepared to travel.
Upgently
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Upgently ...
Not wishing to be put on jankers for blatant advertising by the Mods
Try a quick Google with this as the search "Professional Transfer of 8mm Cine Film to DVD"
Depending on how much footage you have ... costs are seemingly quite reasonable to preserve those precious memories
A simple matter to then upload to something like YouTube ...
Coff.
Not wishing to be put on jankers for blatant advertising by the Mods
Try a quick Google with this as the search "Professional Transfer of 8mm Cine Film to DVD"
Depending on how much footage you have ... costs are seemingly quite reasonable to preserve those precious memories
A simple matter to then upload to something like YouTube ...
Coff.
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AA62
We were sitting on the ramp . . . similar effect old chap, oh boy, oh boy (especially to young hormone-charged aircrew wannabee).
Happy days, for us at least.
Dengue Dude,
a lot of the evacuees were still in their holiday outfits and some outfits were indeed very skimpy. A dastardly trick was to invite the ladies on to the flight deck and then cool it down ! Disgraceful ! Would not happen now would it ???????
a lot of the evacuees were still in their holiday outfits and some outfits were indeed very skimpy. A dastardly trick was to invite the ladies on to the flight deck and then cool it down ! Disgraceful ! Would not happen now would it ???????
Happy days, for us at least.
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AA62 ... @ #1292 ... You only need three more Hercs in that pic and someone to shout "Smoke On GO!" on the RT ... and we've got a formation team 
