theres (as iv accessed) at least 2 files relating to AFVG. on open access at Kew, interesting background material and well worth a looksee

cheers, joe

http://www.aviationancestry.co.uk/?home/&searchQuery=Sealand&startYear=…

Im guessing this is where the original note of a possible ‘Admirals Barge’ Sealand came from back on page 1 of the thread? Im assuming a ‘personal’ evaluation of the type for the role? 

Like others, i cannot see any documented use of the type by the Royal Navy in any other published papers :/

Many thanks for the feedback, i agree the ‘dot’ being an abbreviation anglacism, il hopefully remember to keep adding the ‘dash’ in the designator

One interesting snippet from the files at Kew re naming the F-111K for RAF. service was that it was to be called ‘Merlin’ after the bird of same (its wings changing geometry when diving)

Again many thanks, Joe

that Gulfstream sounds interesting, any piccies ?

cheers, Joe

does anyone out there have any photographs of XR221 (or indeed XR222) apart from during assembly? both aircraft were out of the jigs at cancellation, indeed according to the files XR221 was virtually a completed airframe awaiting checkout ???
‘XR222’ as delivered to Cranfield was pretty much a hybrid of a number of airframes, the main wings being definately XR222, the tips reportedly XR227? and the fuselage ? possibly that of the final test specimen? (the rear fuselage being unmarked is an interesting anomaly as there are photos in the files of the rear fuselage units painted and marked at the factory up to XS660 so XR222 should have borne its serial too!)
i have been looking for any confirmed images for over 15 years now in various archives, they definately seem to have been ‘weeded’ ? hoping someone on here may come up with something ?

cheers, Joe

a 10-15 minute walk from the main airport building (altho there is a carpark bus which can take you there too, just ask the driver, most speak good english)
definately well worth a visit, i go at least once a year, always something id previously missed to see too as theres soo many types crammed in (a ‘proper’ old fashioned museum!)
Sten Olaf the curator is a decent chap too and very helpful, if its a quiet day you may get a chance to have a loksee at the storage hanger too with Gnat, Mig, Valmet, etc.

the whole B.2 espionage thing seems to have been a ‘non story’ designed to grab some headlines with the great unwashed and securing defence funding in the US. the ‘story’ was ‘picked up’ by the media who gave it more credence that it deserved

as an aside, i know of a few institutions with actual panels from the aircraft as instructional pieces re which noone has expressed concern of possible misuse, grrr typical redneck reporting

re. Finnish ASM.’s

I noticed that the 2 seat MDD. F.18D at the recent Tampere air show had the Litening designator pod fitted to its centreline pylon, altho with what weapons being trialled with it i am unsure? any help?
recent magazines and press releases are also showing trials being undertaken with JSOW. altho as far as im aware no decision re purchase has been made as yet?

Does anyone out there know of any images showing other current Finnish Hornet weapons trials fitments? Taurus? SLAM-ER? JDAM? HARM? LGB.’s?

kiitos, Joe