The oldest operational RAF Aircraft not type but actual Aircraft?
 

Apart from the BBMF.
What is the oldest serving operational RAF Aircraft?

Type and actual aircraft.

e.g Nimrod XV244 as an example.

Probably the BBMF Chipmunk which is still a working aircraft, earning it's living in its original training role (as opposed to the BBMF display aircraft). As for front line types, I agree, some of those Nimrod airframes are knocking on a bit.

Does Martin Baker still operate its Meteors out of Chalgrove? Thinking civvy for a moment, there are still many DC-3 Dakotas that still turn a profit commercially, and do so in style.

Almost certainly a VC10 C1K, I'd have thought - XR807, perhaps? First flew 25 March 1966 according to the Boys' Bumper Book of the VC10. VC10.net suggests that it is still in service, although I'm sure someone from BZN can correct that if wrong.

Boscombe Down's Harvard? 1944, I believe.

Maybe some hair splitting involved though, are the Boscombe aircraft technically RAF?

If you exclude the ancient MB Meteors (WA638 and WL419).

Probably the oldest Herc would be marginally older than the oldest Nimrod (both XV serials), and the oldest VC10 C1K older still (are XR807 or 808 still airworthy?).

The Dominies had XS serials (starting XS709)

There are a few XS-serialled Andovers, too. (eg XS596)

Samuraimatt,

my point being that although most people think of the BBMF as consisting of Spit, Hurri and Lanc, these aircraft are display aircraft only. The lesser known BBMF Chippy is still serving in its original role.

Thanks for your input anyway - very informative. Dick.:rolleyes:

This one looks like it could be a winner:-

XS712 Dominie T1 d/d 18/08/1965

Still in service with 55 Sqn at Cranwell AFAIK.

(Info from www.ukserials.com)

See i thought it would be a vc10 or a Nimrod.

lets exclude the Whole of the BBMF.

This is a quest for all you ppruners have a look when you get back to work someone must know.

And lets forget all the test aircraft and focus on true Operational RAF aircraft.

and trainers, and those still in the UK and those who haven't dropped a bomb in anger, and those......blaaah.

Any of the Andover CC MK2's around, still? The one's that went from TQF to 32 SQN were 1962, I believe.

None of the old winch-gliders around either, right? Sedburghs, etc.

Otherwise, the Doms. And their crews. :}

At risk of being told off again, until 2 years ago the answer would probably have been 39 Sqn's Canberras. Some of those airframes had, I believe, been in operational service with the RAF for over 50 years. Since their disbandment, the aircraft have been privately commercially operated and have been leased back by the RAF for certain tasks.

I think the dom is the winner good work!

but it must be close with a C130 or VC10.

It'll be an Open Skies Andover, mark my words!

C-130's were collected from Marietta GA from 1966 onwards...

I have no idea how old the RAF's 2 Islanders at Northolt are, if they are re-modeled BN2's or purpose-delivered Defenders...just a thought.

Jackonicko wrote:-

"It'll be an Open Skies Andover, mark my words!"


Not so Jacko, as it looks like this Andover is not quite as decrepit as some of the Dominies.

XS596 Andover C1(PR) d/d 01/06/1966

Knackered RAF airframes
 

Don't forget the Puma! Its been around a long time too and unlike the Dominies, VC10's, has been down in the weeds and getting shot at for nearly 40 years.

Most of the RAF a/c I ever flew in were older than their pilot! (Chipmunks, JP3's, Herks).....the youngest was the Jetstream and even they have been retired now!

Oh, what it must have been like to get to fly new ac every five years or so when new generations etered service; successive orders for upgraded capabilities then meant a new jet rather than a new "black box". viz. Hunters Mks 1-9, Javelins 1-9, Canberras B2 to ?, Vulcans B1 - B2, Victors B1/2, Lightnings F.1 - 6 etc.

This at least meant that you got a new Fatigue Index.....no restrictions on g, :) or added weight := caused by strengthening mods - remember the F4 limits in the 1980's just when NATO were getting new & agile F16's.....

I know were trying to go "green" but the RAF is taking re-cycling its ac a bit far.......time for some new kit and a few attrition replacements too, Hercs x4, Nimrod x1, Puma x4 the list goes on...

The real question though is not the individual age of certain airframes but the % Fatigue Index remaining in each fleet. I suspect that there is a lot less than everyone planned on and that with delays in new procurement (A400 M, Nimrod 4 etc.) the situation will only get worse, with little "light at the end of the tunnel"....

BTW - I made my exit in 1989.:ok:

Must be a few Sea Kings competing for the honour!

808 or 'Bob' is still flying, although she's currently in maintenance 'til mid April.

A Dominie delivered in '65 seems unbeatable - if we exclude all the MB Meteors, BoBMF Chipmunks, A&AEE Harvard et al.

But still some way to go to rival the Canberra - the last PR9s retired after 47 years (XH131 served from March 59 – 31 July 2006) and the last T4 (WJ874) clocked up just short of 51 years, from 24 December 1954- 1 Sept 2005.