November 5, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I have just come across http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm?l.
All runways are not dead flat/level. This program gives one the ability to put a line down any runway and to produce a cross-section of the rise/fall of that runway (in UK). The Canberra (and Valiant) Pilots used to say that at Wittering (when taking-off to the west with a full load) you could get very nearly airborne just before the “dip” in the runway. Then, you hit the other side of the “dip” and, basically, “bounced” the aircraft into the air (provided the undercart would take it!!)! Whether, or not, this has any credence I know not! But, having been Pax (or Supernumary Aircrew), from a number of UK airfields this might be a reasonable vehicle to test (and/or confirm/refute) some of the extant “stories”.
HTH
Resmoroh
By: Lindy's Lad - 5th November 2009 at 20:26
Having just been to RAF Morpeth last weekend and measured the rise and fall of the runways, I can say that the data here is good. Nice programme!
By: PeterVerney - 5th November 2009 at 20:15
That is a fascinating site. Excellent for planning a walk, let alone worry about runways going up and down. Let the drivers do the worrying LOL