Over the last few weeks the MAM blokes have been working on their HS125 ‘Hydraulics Demonstrator’. This airframe (the 2nd prototype I’m told) has sat on stilts next to the main hangar for some years being used variously as a classroom and/or storage locker. Well, that’s changed (or changing).
The interior has been cleared out and is being re-trimmed (including the toilet with its gold taps and upholstered bog seat); cockpit panels have been re-fitted and populated with their clocks; hydraulic systems have been re-fettled and the components serviced so that they are truly interactive again – albeit via a hand-pump, but that is the whole point of the exhibit. Fair amount of work carried out on the single retractable main leg, the nose leg, the flaps and the air brakes. All these can now be ‘upped and downed’ using the hand pump on the external low pressure instructional control panel at the rear of the ‘frame.
This is a worthwhile exhibit which, to me, is one of the things aviation museums should be about. It allows visitors to watch the complex mechanical movements and the geometries in action as well as getting an appreciation of the ingenuity of design inherent on fairly modern undercarriage retraction systems. Watching the action as the 125’s slatted flaps are gently lowered and raised is worthwhile as well.
Anyway, it’ll be something worth trying for next summer on your visit . . . you are going to visit, aren’t you! Yes. Of course you are. 🙂
There’s a need to source contol column yokes for this airframe. Know of any?
Some pix for your interest.
MAM’s HS125 Hydraulic Demonstrator
Cockpit panels/instruments under restoration
Main undercarriage retracting
Nose undercarraige retracting
Close up showing the work that’s gone into cleaning and repainting the nose wheel mechanisim and bay
Gratuitous Vulcan (XL360) in the fog.
By: robmac - 24th December 2006 at 15:11
Indeed she is. First prototype was G-ARYA and third prototype, G-ARYC, is preserved in much more complete form at Salisbury Hall.
I was lead to believe that G-ARYA and G-ARYB were both the first and second prototype airframes. Their was no third prototype airframe as such.
G-ARYC was the first pre-production Series 1 airframe, which had played a major part in the development of the Viper engine.
It is right what Les has said about us working on G-ARYB. It is intended to be used as a demonstrator for schools. Work is still going on frantically, but she is coming on fine.
By: Bruce - 22nd December 2006 at 21:07
G_ARYC
Yes, in fact, all three initial aircraft are preserved in some form.
The first prototype, G-ARYA is preserved at Salisbury Hall, but at present is a stripped cockpit only.
G-ARYB is discussed here – it was preserved at Astwick Manor until the closure of Hatfield. MAM ‘stole’ it from under our noses! (Not really, it would have been broken up to provide parts for ‘YC)
‘YC sat outside at Bristol after being retired from service, and subsequently spent many years on outdoor display at Salisbury Hall. Although she is mostly there, and has been repainted in the past 5 years, she is not a happy airframe. Much work is required to ensure her survival for more than 10 years…
Bruce
By: Lee Howard - 22nd December 2006 at 17:37
This airframe (the 2nd prototype I’m told)….
Indeed she is. First prototype was G-ARYA and third prototype, G-ARYC, is preserved in much more complete form at Salisbury Hall.
By: Rlangham - 22nd December 2006 at 17:02
Good stuff – may be doing a degree in something aviation related next year, so that’d be a good excuse to visit! (Like I ever needed one!) – how’s the Whirly coming along?
By: Steve Bond - 22nd December 2006 at 15:21
Fantastic, many thanks. I will give you a ring next term.
By: bostin01 - 22nd December 2006 at 15:04
Shouldn’t be a problem at all Steve.:)
That’s just the sort of thing the MAM is about.
Give the museum a ring on 02476 301033 to arrange, or just turn up.
However by just turning up, we wouldn’t be able to ensure guides etc, are available.
See you soon.
Kev:)
edit:- Les beat me to it…lol
By: LesB - 22nd December 2006 at 15:04
This is great. I would like to bring our first year Aeronautical Engineering students up to see you en masse next year, so that they can get some sort of “hands on” of real aeroplanes. What do you think?
This is exactly why MAM are making it usable again.
Although personally I’m not part of MAM, I’m sure the blokes there will be more than pleased to accomodate you and the studes. Methinks it would make an excellent field trip and day out, with (possibly) even cockpit visits. MAM of course is also home to an extensive archive (with exhibits) of Fank Whittle’s work and times.
Probably best to pre-arrange with a phone call or an e-mail to ensure best attention on the day.
.
By: Steve Bond - 22nd December 2006 at 14:02
This is great. I would like to bring our first year Aeronautical Engineering students up to see you en masse next year, so that they can get some sort of “hands on” of real aeroplanes. What do you think?
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 22nd December 2006 at 13:40
wow! great museum exhibit – well done MAM – you guys have been seriously busy this year!
As for control coumns… WV438…..
TT
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December 22, 2006 at 1:27 pm