DC10/747 at LHR

[viking737]

Passing through LHR this morning, I saw what appeared to be a DC10 aft fuselage with the no.2 engine intact attached to a fwd B747 fuselage and wings. It had a green paint job.
Didn't get a chance to take a closer look as I was looking out a pax window.
Anybody know what this is?

[Top Loadie]

I believe it's the BAA Fire Service Training Rig. The sort that they can set fire to numerous times to simulate various types of aircraft fires. The configuration (Engine in the tail, high flight deck position) encompasses the majority of aircraft types that use LHR.

Caught me out when I first saw it a few years back!

[Alloy]

I know what you are talking about. Not working at LHR I have often wondered and concluded it is a generic aircraft for the fire fighters to practice on. Although, as you say, it seems to have a primer or undercoat of green. Can a LHR resident shed further light?

[BusyB]

For info, Its a computer controlled Aircraft Fire Simulator. When first introduced some years ago Tomorrows World had a program about it. There is also a red one in Hong Kong.

[QAR ASR]

Can anyone explain why the construction of the one at LGW seems to have been on hold for most of the summer?

[A300Man]

The builders are all away to Benidorm on holiday, I guess.....

[Muppit]

From what I remember, the LGW one was delayed due to contractual difficulties between GAL and the contractor. Should be up a running shortly.

[av8boy]

You can view the Tomorrow's World story at:

http://www.techtv.com/tomorrowsworld...349435,00.html


--dave