Whatever the merits of the TriStar vs DC10, it is indeed fortunate that the financial momentum of the TriStar program forced the UK government to rebuild Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd after the failure of the carbon fibre fan.
It is interesting how the three engined configuration slotted into the large aircraft layout until the very large fan engines became highly reliable. Personally, I always appreciated having three engines, you still had two left after shutting one down:ok:.

OAP

Particularly when northbound from ASI!!

The Tristar/RB211 programme also gave rise to a popular saying around Burbank
and Palmdale at that time:-

"The Brits drink warm beer because Lucas makes refrigerators..."

A big thank you to the RAF Tristars as they were the reason I had 10 enjoyable years flying civvy after 216 Sqn. Northbound out of MPA was more popular than northbound out of ASI (personally). The only downside was a man named after the Visiting Aircraft Servicing Squadron . . . he was only trumped by his wife, a real charmer.

I really enjoyed the 3 man flight deck and it prepared me well for the years flying the DC10.

It will be sad to see them scrapped, but that's life. I hope the Voyager is half as successful as the Tristar was - so many years AFTER its expected out of service date.

Stuminisprite
 

I stand corrected. :ok:

BAe are indeed taking ownership of one of the hangars for the project. I believe work starts soon.

Dengue_Dude - I presume you're referring to 'Thrombo' (wandering clot) aka 'AWF' (avocado with feet) - one time OC twenty one and six?

Tristar
 

The Tristar was the last type I flew on in the RAF, from my perspective it was a wonderful aircraft.
We didn't seem to have the funding for spares but all the lads and lassies did their best.
For me the Tristars defining hour was its participation as part of the AAR element during Kosovo, made me feel we were actually doing a descent job of work and The Tri* never missed a trip during the whole campaign.

I will be sorry to see her go!

BEagle

Hmmm - that'd be the one. Funny as a pimple on the end of your nose and twice as irritating.

Servodyne

We opened that detachment out of Malpensa, HOTAC in Varese if memory serves. I loved the Tristar both in military and civil (under-powered) versions (22B).

I seem to recall issues were two fold

1. The high mounted tail engine on the dc10 gave pitch changes..... Mind you this was the savour of many at Sioux city when the centre fan let go and shredded the hydralics

2. I seem to recall there was an issue with one of the rear side freight doors loosing pressure and coming off.... But old memory is playing tricks and can't remember if it was dc10 or Tristar and there where a few crashes as a result


Just googled... It was dc10 with cargo door two crashes, then engine pylon problems and then slats issues... Amazed there have been 32 totall hull loses with over 1,200 people killed.

I understand that the MD-11 has an even worse record. Lufthansa only uses the wretched things as freighters and would gladly see the back of them.

On the subject of the DC-10:


....and that pigs and even DC-10s can fly...:hmm:

Droll, very droll.

Actually it was/is a good aeroplane even though my heart is with the 1011.

She's playing my other great love, a Martin D-28 guitar!! Just looked closer and he's playing a Martin D12-28 and I've got one of those too!

That AND I survived the DC10 - ahead of the game or what?