Vickers VC-10
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Cheshire
ICAO Callsign: Ascot/Kittyhawk
IATA Code:
ICAO Code: RRR
Known As: RAF-HQSTC (Air Transport)
Full Name: RAF-HQSTC (Air Transport)
Country: United Kingdom
Web Site:
ICAO Callsign: Kittyhawk
IATA Code:
ICAO Code: KRF
Known As: UK Royal / VIP Flights
Full Name: UK Royal / VIP Flights (in military aircraft)
Country: United Kingdom
Who is HRHTQ? - HMQ?
IATA Code:
ICAO Code: RRR
Known As: RAF-HQSTC (Air Transport)
Full Name: RAF-HQSTC (Air Transport)
Country: United Kingdom
Web Site:
ICAO Callsign: Kittyhawk
IATA Code:
ICAO Code: KRF
Known As: UK Royal / VIP Flights
Full Name: UK Royal / VIP Flights (in military aircraft)
Country: United Kingdom
Who is HRHTQ? - HMQ?
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 710
Likes: 26
From: Leeds
Originally Posted by PMN
You certainly did see a military aircraft parked at Multiflight. It was a Saudi Air Force Hercules. We had one in a few weeks ago that was diverted from MAN, and one again the other day. I understand they're using both LBA and MAN from now on, although I have no idea what they're actually doing!
As for flying, I don't fly privately. I just do 50-60 commercial flights a year, mostly originating from LBA. How often are you up there?
Paul
As for flying, I don't fly privately. I just do 50-60 commercial flights a year, mostly originating from LBA. How often are you up there?
Paul
They're ferrying arms to the USA for re-certification. They don't want to buy new weapons.
This is all I know, but it'd be nice if someone knew more and could tell. God knows why they don't use somewhere like Leeming or another military base.
The press would love this if they got hold of it, just because they'd make a real meal of it. It'd make a great sensationalised tabloid story.
Bring out the NIMBYs!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: on the edge
I had the honour of flying on the flight deck jump seat of VC10 XV101 in 2003 AKT/HAJ/BZZ. Simply a wonderful and unforgetable experience. The noise, the power and the knowledge that I was experiencing a very special couple of sectors.
Ah, those were the days....
Ah, those were the days....
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From: UK
I know why the VC-10 was there. I was on the crew . .. . . .
It was indeed a compassionate case from Germany. As mentioned, it's one of the good things the Forces do. Depending on how severe the emergency, aircraft will be re tasked or even diverted on route to pick up people and drop them off at the most convenient and practical airport.
As for the turnaround, we carried enough fuel out of Hannover to be able to hop back to Brize Norton afterwards, so the GE had a quick look around outside and we we're off. Being 6000` long, we needed to make sure we we're light going in so we could stop in time. Herc was scheduled to do the task, but was unable in the end for a variety of reasons.
Tried to be as quiet as possible when we left, but she's a noisy girl and it's difficult. We have procedures that help to minimise the noise and keep as much as possible on the airfield, but she was light and went up damn quickly !!
Did anyone get any pics ??!??!?!
It was indeed a compassionate case from Germany. As mentioned, it's one of the good things the Forces do. Depending on how severe the emergency, aircraft will be re tasked or even diverted on route to pick up people and drop them off at the most convenient and practical airport.
As for the turnaround, we carried enough fuel out of Hannover to be able to hop back to Brize Norton afterwards, so the GE had a quick look around outside and we we're off. Being 6000` long, we needed to make sure we we're light going in so we could stop in time. Herc was scheduled to do the task, but was unable in the end for a variety of reasons.
Tried to be as quiet as possible when we left, but she's a noisy girl and it's difficult. We have procedures that help to minimise the noise and keep as much as possible on the airfield, but she was light and went up damn quickly !!
Did anyone get any pics ??!??!?!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: EGBG & LPPR
VC-10
For me always has been and will remain my favourite aeroplane. Remember seeing them as a common occurrence at LHR and LGW in the late 60s and 70s. BOAC/BA, Ghana, EAA, MEA, BUA, British Caledonian, Air Malawi, have I missed anyone?
My father flew as a PAX quite a lot in that period and has always said that his flights in the 10 were far and away the best for ride and comfort.
I travel regularly myself now but will always likely be limited to an Airbus or Boeing variant. Have since childhood only really wanted to fly on only two types, a Tu-134 (I know,
) and by far and away the most, a VC-10. Achieved the former a couple of years ago as part of a 40th birthday pressie but sadly more chance of winning the lottery than achieveing the latter.
I agree it will be a sad day when the last of these graceful ladies lands for the last time but hey, thanks for memories
My father flew as a PAX quite a lot in that period and has always said that his flights in the 10 were far and away the best for ride and comfort.
I travel regularly myself now but will always likely be limited to an Airbus or Boeing variant. Have since childhood only really wanted to fly on only two types, a Tu-134 (I know,
) and by far and away the most, a VC-10. Achieved the former a couple of years ago as part of a 40th birthday pressie but sadly more chance of winning the lottery than achieveing the latter.I agree it will be a sad day when the last of these graceful ladies lands for the last time but hey, thanks for memories
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by foxile
For me always has been and will remain my favourite aeroplane. Remember seeing them as a common occurrence at LHR and LGW in the late 60s and 70s. BOAC/BA, Ghana, EAA, MEA, BUA, British Caledonian, Air Malawi, have I missed anyone?
It was a Nigeria Airways aircraft that crashed at Lagos on a flight from London, in 1969 or 1970. I helped to check it in at LHR.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: UK
I can remember seeing the 3 engined VC-10 at RAF Kemble around 1978. If I remember correctly it was due to be scrapped because of the airframe being twisted, the RB-211 overpowering the 2 Conways.
Sorry I can't offer any more.
Sorry I can't offer any more.
Joined: Nov 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 12,456
Likes: 368
From: Wildest Surrey
There was a plan to re-open the VC10 line with the build of 2xRB211 powered '10s; I believe the Chinese were particularly keen on them.
There was also one parked at RAE Bedford for many years; I seem to recall it had experienced a heavy landing and was deemed unairworthy; it was an ex BUA one with the cargo door.
There was also one parked at RAE Bedford for many years; I seem to recall it had experienced a heavy landing and was deemed unairworthy; it was an ex BUA one with the cargo door.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: ex Brooklands now Shropshire
VC-10 and RB-211
My Father was one of the team from Weybridge who, with the RR team, put the RB211 on G-AXLR ( I forget the mil reg). Work was done at Hucknell.
I still think the VC-10 is best looking aircraft around (Us guys like curves !!).
Cheer's
M5DND
I still think the VC-10 is best looking aircraft around (Us guys like curves !!).
Cheer's
M5DND
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: leafy suburbs
I think the military reg was either XR807 or XR809, certainly one of the XR's.
I too love the VC10. I flew on them a lot as an Air Cadet based at Bampton/Brize Norton, sometimes three times a week in the summer holidays.... sad but true.
My last VC10 flight was by BA from Cairo in 1980. It is a pity they were not re-engined with RB211's but at the time Twin Engine Ops over the pond was not allowed.
I too love the VC10. I flew on them a lot as an Air Cadet based at Bampton/Brize Norton, sometimes three times a week in the summer holidays.... sad but true.
My last VC10 flight was by BA from Cairo in 1980. It is a pity they were not re-engined with RB211's but at the time Twin Engine Ops over the pond was not allowed.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: EGBG & LPPR
Originally Posted by keel beam
I think the military reg was either XR807 or XR809, certainly one of the XR's.
I too love the VC10. I flew on them a lot as an Air Cadet based at Bampton/Brize Norton, sometimes three times a week in the summer holidays.... sad but true
I too love the VC10. I flew on them a lot as an Air Cadet based at Bampton/Brize Norton, sometimes three times a week in the summer holidays.... sad but true
You guys next to the stations were always the lucky ones. We just had one 15 min stint in a Chippy from Newton per year. Not that I am ungrateful but no comparison to your experiences.
Joined: Feb 2006
Aviation Qualifications: LAME
Posts: 36,138
Likes: 5,738
From: Falling off the end of the thread
Originally Posted by zarniwoop
I can remember seeing the 3 engined VC-10 at RAF Kemble around 1978. If I remember correctly it was due to be scrapped because of the airframe being twisted, the RB-211 overpowering the 2 Conways.
Sorry I can't offer any more.
Sorry I can't offer any more.
It was scrapped because after the trials some numpty filled the cockpit and cabin with ready mixed concrete to keep it from bouncing around in the wind........... from what I have been told by a Rolls Member involved, they went back to look at using it again and were told to look in through the DV window only to find the tops of the seats and instruments poking out through a layer of solid concrete..........
Joined: Feb 2006
Aviation Qualifications: LAME
Posts: 36,138
Likes: 5,738
From: Falling off the end of the thread
Worked on the C1 for some 6 years plus....... all of em at Brize............. Queen of the skies, And yup it was me, 
I fitted the trim cover over the baggage shelf fitting that fell off and hit Maggie Thatcher on the Head
I fitted the trim cover over the baggage shelf fitting that fell off and hit Maggie Thatcher on the Head
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Liverpool
Queen of the Skies
Had the pleasure of flying in one in 1980 one of the best rides ive ever had
I remember one came into Liverpool a few years back to drop some troops off,and when it powered up to move off the ramp it blew over a few boxes of live lobsters,ended up all over the apron with loaders wetting themselves with laughter as the airline staff rounded them (lobsters) up
I remember one came into Liverpool a few years back to drop some troops off,and when it powered up to move off the ramp it blew over a few boxes of live lobsters,ended up all over the apron with loaders wetting themselves with laughter as the airline staff rounded them (lobsters) up
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Noordwest
Originally Posted by foxile
I travel regularly myself now but will always likely be limited to an Airbus or Boeing variant. Have since childhood only really wanted to fly on only two types, a Tu-134 (I know, ) and by far and away the most, a VC-10. Achieved the former a couple of years ago as part of a 40th birthday pressie but sadly more chance of winning the lottery than achieveing the latter.
I agree it will be a sad day when the last of these graceful ladies lands for the last time but hey, thanks for memories
) and by far and away the most, a VC-10. Achieved the former a couple of years ago as part of a 40th birthday pressie but sadly more chance of winning the lottery than achieveing the latter.I agree it will be a sad day when the last of these graceful ladies lands for the last time but hey, thanks for memories
