BBC4 Tonight - Page 4

chipsceola · 29th August 2012, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrorfex

Blame the end of the Cold War. Without the threat of the Soviet Jackboot marching across Europe, what need did we have for two types of strategic bomber and an entire field army waiting on the banks of the Rhine?

Three types in fact, You have not taken Valiant into account with the Vulcan and Victor, all three were in service with RAF at same time, all of course designed by different UK manufacturers against a design brief 'challenge'.

Chips

Terrorfex · 29th August 2012, 23:14

There were few Valiants still in their original strategic bombing roles by the time of the Victor roll-out circa '63 - most had been converted into tankers. So while it's true to say there were three strategic bombers (aka "The V-Bombers) only two flew with each other, as bombers, for any real length of time.

Essentially each new V-Bomber relegated the one that came before it to tanker duty. Some spent longer tanking than bombing, ultimately. The Valiant remains the only British aircraft to drop a nuclear (and then thermonuclear) weapon, of course.

Ched · 30th August 2012, 12:18

Thanks for heads up on this, I watched the first part on iplayer and it was a very nice surprise to see the lightning had much more than the usual token mention,oh how I'd love to see one take to the skies again, vulcan eat your heart out !!
I'm looking forward to watching part 2 when I get home.

VVC-Geeza · 30th August 2012, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ched

it was a very nice surprise to see the lightning had much more than the usual token mention,oh how I'd love to see one take to the skies again,

You could have taken a spin in one until recently if your pockets were deep enough http://www.incredible-adventures.com..._electric.html

Terrorfex · 30th August 2012, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

You could have taken a spin in one until recently if your pockets were deep enough http://www.incredible-adventures.com..._electric.html

XS422 is being restored to flight by the Anglo-American Lightning Organisation. See their low-tech website here, or their Facebook page here.

Due to stringent CAA regulations, this Lightning - or any other - would never be allowed to return to flight. However, the U.S. has an entire category of aviation dedicated to keeping museum pieces like this operational, hence its restoration stateside rather than over here.

Ched · 30th August 2012, 12:56

I had looked into it and it would have cost £5000 for a flight and had every intention of doing it.
Then came the terrible crash which ultimately turned out to be cost cutting on maintenance,Mike beachy head has not forgiven himself for the death of his very dear friend, hence why it all came to an end.

Ched · 30th August 2012, 13:00

For the lightning to be returned to flight it would, like the vulcan need to be maintained by professional engineers and not volunteers, maybe one day,just never say never.

Terrorfex · 30th August 2012, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ched

For the lightning to be returned to flight it would, like the vulcan need to be maintained by professional engineers and not volunteers, maybe one day,just never say never.

You can be a "volunteer" AME - it's just the organisation you're working for must comply with all legislation regarding maintenance. That organisation can be not-for-profit or an airline. Doesn't matter. Most of the work on the Vulcan is carried out by AMEs working directly "for" the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.

The Vulcan's advantage though, is that it's subsonic. No supersonic aircraft has ever been granted RTF status in civilian, non-revenue flight. The accident and incident record of the Lightning is also far, far worse than the Vulcan. The Lightning was an intrinsically unstable aircraft, always on the verge of flying apart. It was at the bleeding edge of the cutting edge of airpower back in the day.

It was like building something today you'll think of tomorrow.

If anyone's interested, the Accident Report on ZU-BEX is now available. It's a very long read but it offers an interesting insight into those not in the industry.

South African Civil Aviation Authority Accident Report on EE Lightning "ZU-BEZ"

VVC-Geeza · 30th August 2012, 15:25

"The Last Lightning Show" at Binbrook is probably the most spectacular airshow I've been to.That very wet day is one I will never forget

Still got the video.

Ched · 30th August 2012, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

"The Last Lightning Show" at Binbrook is probably the most spectacular airshow I've been to.That very wet day is one I will never forget

Still got the video.

Yes I've seen that,wish I could have been there.

Many years ago when there were airshows at greenham common about 2 mins after the show had finished the announcer said over the loudspeaker to the crowd," Heres a real bonus,the 2 lightnings here are about to do a real scramble as they are needed urgently at there base in lincolnshire and will be there in approx 3 mins "
It looked as tho' they were going to take off on the taxiing strip,and I'm so glad I didnt rush to leave that day.

29th August 2012, 23:14	#32
Terrorfex Gets stuck in Kia Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Hitchin, Bedfordshire Posts: 749 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	There were few Valiants still in their original strategic bombing roles by the time of the Victor roll-out circa '63 - most had been converted into tankers. So while it's true to say there were three strategic bombers (aka "The V-Bombers) only two flew with each other, as bombers, for any real length of time. Essentially each new V-Bomber relegated the one that came before it to tanker duty. Some spent longer tanking than bombing, ultimately. The Valiant remains the only British aircraft to drop a nuclear (and then thermonuclear) weapon, of course. Last edited by Terrorfex; 29th August 2012 at 23:19..

30th August 2012, 15:25	#39
VVC-Geeza This is my second home 2005 Connoisseur SE 1.8 Turbo,2004 45 1.8 Connoisseur and my beloved 1998 VVC Coupe. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Derby. Posts: 8,797 Thanks: 2,022 Thanked 1,016 Times in 739 Posts	"The Last Lightning Show" at Binbrook is probably the most spectacular airshow I've been to.That very wet day is one I will never forget Still got the video. __________________ Last edited by VVC-Geeza; 30th August 2012 at 15:27..

30th August 2012, 12:18	#33
Ched I really should get out more....... MG ZT V8, MGZT 135 derv ,MG TF 135 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Romsey Posts: 2,298 Thanks: 553 Thanked 573 Times in 385 Posts	Thanks for heads up on this, I watched the first part on iplayer and it was a very nice surprise to see the lightning had much more than the usual token mention,oh how I'd love to see one take to the skies again, vulcan eat your heart out !! I'm looking forward to watching part 2 when I get home.

30th August 2012, 12:56	#36
Ched I really should get out more....... MG ZT V8, MGZT 135 derv ,MG TF 135 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Romsey Posts: 2,298 Thanks: 553 Thanked 573 Times in 385 Posts	I had looked into it and it would have cost £5000 for a flight and had every intention of doing it. Then came the terrible crash which ultimately turned out to be cost cutting on maintenance,Mike beachy head has not forgiven himself for the death of his very dear friend, hence why it all came to an end.

30th August 2012, 13:00	#37
Ched I really should get out more....... MG ZT V8, MGZT 135 derv ,MG TF 135 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Romsey Posts: 2,298 Thanks: 553 Thanked 573 Times in 385 Posts	For the lightning to be returned to flight it would, like the vulcan need to be maintained by professional engineers and not volunteers, maybe one day,just never say never.