Bye bye Ten

I also looked around 808 this year. The flight crew mentioned that most of them had other jobs to go to in the C-130, Voyager etc fleets.
They also said that Ten’s flouting of EU noise legislation was getting to be quite a problem for staging around Europe.

Corrosion is also an issue. ZA150 retired yesterday to Dunsfold has some quite advance corrosion that needs addressing long term for preservation.

The type has done well and I doubt when designed it was ever considered it would live this long.

Wonderful piece of engineering.

I thoroughly enjoyed looking around XR808 at Waddington. N[ATTACH=CONFIG]221229[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]221230[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]221231[/ATTACH]o doubt her crew have been made redundant. They were putting a brave face on…

WD bit of a rare one that, 10 Sqn frowned on having the probe fitted as it “ruined the clean lines” so we used to chuck it on ONLY when reqd.

Agree about the scheme. OPEC have cut production now it’s grounded.

Anyone know the average airframe hours of those being retired? Just curious…are they worn out or are they being retired as (another) economy move and to make way for the A330s?

The refridgerant used in the cabin conditioning system is outlawed in. 2015, there are noise penalties that are incurred when it uses non- military uk airfields and the economies of scale with regard to operating cost are literally from another century.

Many happy trips in Tens, and a pleasant time working on them in Base. So long Vicky …

[ATTACH=CONFIG]221228[/ATTACH]

I always thought the aircraft looked better in these colours

The interior shots bring back some great memories. The best flights were always those where the walking freight was out numbered by the non walking and unable to answer back freight. I too have many hours in these wonderful beasts. Gone but never forgotten.

The A330 was always scheduled to replace the Tristar and VC-10 . Both the types are significant challenges in parts availablility – maintainance and the overall cost of fuel consumption with the VC-10.

Anyone know the average airframe hours of those being retired? Just curious…are they worn out or are they being retired as (another) economy move and to make way for the A330s?

I wrote this earlier

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?126700-VC10-ZA147

I sat out by the gate on our grass airstrip in Wiltshire and had my Lunch early at around the Time ZA147 was in her last moments of Freedom and was landing. I could picture the VC10 flying as I have seen many times here in the UK dating back to the British Airways ones at Heathrow. You will be Missed

What Great Pics of an incredible aircraft on a Very Sad Day.

I was lucky enough to be at the Brize Enthusiasts day, were I reveled in the engineering and Construction of this very aircraft. What a great piece of engineering. Even after all these years after she rolled of the Production line, she is still looking fresh. A tribute to the RAF Mechanics and Flight Crews and to the original Designers and Builders.

Lest hope that ZA147 IS the one to Go to Cosford, she deserves it being the very last ever VC10 to fly.

Regards
Mark

Thanks for posting Tony.

What a beautiful, reliable, nostalgic and capable aircraft. They’ve served the RAF faultlessly for 48 years, which by my book is superb value for money.
Let’s hope this one goes to Cosford, and gets a hangar built over it. It’s the least it deserves!

Lovely pics Tony – thanks for posting !
I was so sorry not to be able to get to Dunsfold yesterday to see the 10 land…very pretty a/c.

rgds baz