Just a quick update on the progress of XL500. At the moment all the rear fuselage up to the wings has had the structure inspected and where necessary replaced. This included replacing the whole of the rear cockpit floor and with that done most of the rear cockpit has been re assembled. Apart from a couple of control rods and the trim cable to replace we are then in a position to fit the last big piece on the rear. The rudder.
The starboard inboard part of the wing is fitted and when the port casting arrives in the next two weeks the port side will follow, meanwhile the starboard undercarriage leg is removed and the new one is ready to fit with all the bolts now passed NDT. Before we fit it all the paint in the undercarriage surrounding areas is nearly all removed and a coat of etch primer will be sprayed by the end of this week so that the new leg can go on.
We are still trying to trace tools to remove the props and engine which may bring us to a stop in the future, but meanwhile there is still plenty to carry on with. A visit with Dave Morris at FAA museaum last week was very helpfull with the possibility of a set of tall jacks being loaned to us so that the whole aircraft can be jacked instead of one leg at a time, he also mentioned that he can not recollect seeing the prop tools but will endevour to have a look for us. Thanks Dave.
We also had a visit from Neil Moffatt last week to have a look at progress and it is nearly time for him to start talking to the CAA about getting his license updated to be able to fly G-KAEW . Neil was the owner and pilot of XL502 and he will be the pilot for 500 when she is ready.
The intention is to restore her to 849B squadron colours when she is ready. With Prince Charles a patron of the aircraft excitement on realistically seeing the aircraft flying again is building.
I will say that we are not asking for any money from anyone as we are doing this for the satisfaction and love of seeing her airborne but we are going to have some plain T shirts with a picture and XL500 on printed soon and come and see me at the shows this year with Team Viper if anybody wants one.
John
By: Phantom Phil - 20th May 2020 at 14:41
CFS Aero at Coventry used to overhaul many rare and wonderful props… I wonder if they could help?
By: pogno - 8th May 2020 at 07:18
Likewise I too would be disappointed if this Gannet were to not be made airworthy, I know Dowty Propellers were unable to help for what reason I dont know, I also thought the prop was similar (obviously not the same) to the ones used on the F27 and that gave some hope that an overhaul agent somewhere in world might be found. I don’t doubt that everything has been investigated but for those who have got the project this far it must be soul destroying.
By: trumper - 5th May 2020 at 11:46
I hope this isn’t so , it would be such a shame to get this far.
By: cometguymk1 - 5th May 2020 at 07:48
It would be a huge shame if so. I have looked forward to see this fly for ages having missed them before.
By: Wyvernfan - 4th May 2020 at 22:37
I’ve just read that because of the prohibitive costs of overhauling the propellers, after around ten years of restoration to flying condition the work on Gannet AEW.3 XL500 has stopped completely.
As this was probably one of the most anticipated new Airshow acts (pre-Coronavirus) at least by me anyway, can someone please confirm if this is the case, whether temporary or permanent?
Rob
By: Piston - 14th August 2015 at 04:42
Hello Nad,
What’s the latest in the Gannet please? Do you have any footage of the wing fold operation?
By: Wyvernfan - 6th March 2015 at 21:52
Thanks for the update Nad and well done to all involved. Please keep us informed of any further progress. Also any restoration photos that you could post would be welcome!
Rob
By: DragonRapide - 6th March 2015 at 20:12
Keep up the good work!!
By: mike currill - 6th March 2015 at 19:58
Fantastic news, good luck with the rest of the work.
By: Nad - 6th March 2015 at 19:26
Just a quick update on the aircraft. yesterday was a big milestone with electrical power being applied to the aircraft and there were no burning smells and three greens showing on the undercarriage. Today was another big jump in progress with hydraulic power being applied and flaps working after a few adjustments. Not bad for over twenty years. Few more things to get sorted (leaking hyd pipe for one) and next week possible wing fold under hydraulic power instead of assistant from the crane.
By: Bruce - 12th February 2015 at 10:03
nad,
Have you tried Bruntons of Musselburgh, or Aero Vintage for your cable? Given the appropriate dimensions, they should be able to manufacture one.
Bruce
By: WH904 - 11th February 2015 at 23:43
Good luck with your efforts Nad. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Gannet back in the air again. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing (and hearing) her many years ago and it will be great to hear those Mambas buzzing again 🙂
By: mike currill - 10th February 2015 at 19:45
It would as the Alize was designed to fulfill the same role about the same time.
By: Oxcart - 10th February 2015 at 16:07
Would be great to see it fly with that newly restored Alize!
By: mike currill - 10th February 2015 at 12:57
Whilst I think the AEW variant looks ugly I would love to see any variant flying again. More important for me would be the chance to hear their unusual sound once more. The wing fold system on them always makes me think of some strange avian beast.
By: Nad - 10th February 2015 at 12:45
This may be a longshot but we are delayed in putting the cockpit back together due to an elevator trim cable which runs the whole length of the aircraft. We are having trouble tracking down any one that can supply 4BA turnbuckles (swaged on to cable) and barrels. I think that we will have to manufacture this as i cannot find anywhere that can supply the made cable. Just in case here is the part number. DQ/71H/1113 REF NO 6085.
By: Nad - 6th February 2015 at 07:38
We are really hoping to get XL500 flying in 2015. I will try and keep you posted or you can go to Horizon Aircraft Services website where XL500 has a section of its own.
By: CIRCUS 6 - 5th February 2015 at 21:39
Thank you for the update Nad. Although I’m not keen to force your hand, is there a possibility that 2015 could be the year that 500 gets to fly? I have a real soft spot for the Gannet, the AEW3 in particular.
By: Nad - 5th February 2015 at 16:19
Sorry everyone for the delay in updating progress on XL500. last week we did a feature on the aircraft on ITV Wales which you can see on the 849 facebook page. The wings are on and all mechanically connected, All the flying controls are on and connected. all the electrics are being installed in to the cockpit and hopefully soon we will be powering up the electrics to be able to start functionals on all the systems. The props are away at Deltair for overhaul but i think they are having problems getting some overhaul tools. We have all the removal / refit tools but obviously overhaul is a bit more in depth. Dowty were the last company to have these when Deltair overhauled the props for XL502, since then they have been mislaid. Engines are all in and connected and we will keep them inhibited until such time we are ready to fire them up. Progress is going great at present and we are expecting a visit from members of 849 when they have their reunion at Haverford West in April. KeithM3 flickr page has some progress pictures.
By: CIRCUS 6 - 5th February 2015 at 08:52
What’s the latest on XL500?
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May 8, 2011 at 4:51 pm