BPAG Chairman Paul Wright reports back on last weekend’s resumption of activity at Manston.

“After 4 frustrating months away, a sunny Saturday finally saw the return of BPAG to Manston and our F-4J(UK), ZE360. The nature of the work needed, added to the short notice of access permission, meant that only two members were onsite, Clive Hammond and myself. We had several tasks lined up, with the principal one being to change the nosewheels. For as you can see, the ones that have been fitted for the last 28 years are past their best, to say the least. This job would have taken around half an hour ‘back in the day’ but owing to the bearings being corroded onto the axles, it took the best part of four hours and some creative engineering to achieve.

The next priority was to assess what else we needed to do before towing the aircraft out of its current position. The grass will need cutting, it has grown considerably since we already last here and the remnants of a Canberra are in the way, but easily moved. Both speed brakes will have to lifted up otherwise towing bridle will impact them. The LH one was moved quite easily, but the RH one is currently seized and an attack of bees stopped any further work there. The plan to pull the aircraft back using heavy duty strops was assessed and found to be sound. This is very similar to the procedure we used in the RAF, if an aircraft came off the runway or taxiway.
 
The final task would have been to remove the CL tank, but as it is currently resting on the ground, this will have to be done once the aircraft is out of the hole into which it has sunk. This tank is the property of Ulster Aviation Society and will be going to Belfast at their convenience.
 
One final curveball was thrown at us, when it was discovered that the R.H mainwheel, which was changed in February, has deflated during the time we have been away. Fortunately, we have a spare ready to go on as a replacement”.

Many thanks to Paul and Clive for giving up their spare time.

Sometimes, it’s not just about the aircraft. There is also the support equipment and other less glamorous bits and pieces that play vital roles behind the scenes. Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre recently contacted us regarding a piece of UK Phantom history that they had in their possession. What they were offering was the hydraulic systems trainer, which in its working life was installed in the Phantom Servicing School (PHSS) at Coningsby. This rig has been used to train countless numbers of airframe technicians in the complexities of the hydraulic system as fitted to UK Phantoms. As it’s specific to the F-4K we can be fairly confident it’s the only one in existence and as such is a unique and valuable addition to the group’s collection.
So, on 2nd July 2020, BPAG members took a 700 mile road trip to collect the items and see them safely tucked away in our storage container. The British Phantom Aviation Group are extremely grateful to CAHC for contacting us and generously donating the rig and to Paul Wright and Matt Gilby for undertaking the journey. Special extra thanks to Matt, for the use of his trailer and towing vehicle and for doing all the driving (and sorry about the tail light Matt…)

ZE360 UPDATE

While actual physical restoration work on ZE360 has had to be put on hold due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, this has given the team an opportunity to address other aspects of the campaign and make some choices that probably wouldn`t have been due until a little further down the road. One such decision was the aircrew names that would adorn the canopy frame of ZE360 once complete and restored. We can now share our plans in this regard, as we have opted for two sets of names- one set placed on each of the right & left sides.

Of the 15 F-4J(UK) delivered to 74 (F) Squadron only one aircraft (ZE358/H) was lost, during a low level interception training sortie near Aberystwyth, West Wales on 25th August 1987. Both aircrew- Ewan Murdoch and Jeremy Ogg- were unfortunately killed in the accident. In order to honour the memory of Ewan and Jeremy, their names will be placed on the right side of ZE360`s canopy. We would like to thank our partners, the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association (and Squadron Secretary Bob Cossey in particular) who retained contact with the relatives of the aircrew and has received their blessing to pay tribute to Ewan and Jeremy in this way. In addition, Paul West (BPAG member and ex-74 Sqn Air Radar) is in the process of restoring two flight helmets, sourced from original 74 Sqn new old stock by fellow ex-Tiger Richard Proctor. These will be complete with masks, bags and embroidered name tags, which will also feature Ewan and Jeremy’s names. Many thanks to Paul & Richard for their hard work and generosity. We believe both these methods will be fitting ways to honour the memories of two airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of their country during the Cold War.

Moving onto the left side of ZE360, this will display the names of Ian Hargreaves and Simon Hindmarsh, who delivered the aircraft to Manston in 1991. At that time both held the rank of Flying Officer and it was very rare to have the same rank as aircrew together. The original canopy markings reflect this joint status and will be replicated as a finishing touch at the close of the restoration, adding another unusual detail to the only F-4J(UK) to survive in RAF colours, anywhere in the world. .

Look out for more updates on the ZE360 restoration project in the coming weeks ahead.

Recently dug up from the archives by one of our members. A throwback to March 1966, when Flight magazine reported on the early days of the UK Phantom procurement. Many thanks to John Kendal for the pic.

In view of yesterday’s instructions from the Government, we have taken the decision to close the BPAG webstore until further notice. The new lock down rules mean that we cannot currently access the merchandise storage facility and- of course- we will not be expecting our volunteers to leave their homes to dispatch packages.

Closing the store will also save the BPAG a monthly standing charge, at a time when we are unsure when fundraising activities will be able to recommence.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far by purchasing items. The store will return when the current emergency passes.

We can also confirm that the new Cold War Call Up event, due to take place at Newark Air Museum in May and which would have featured XV490, has now been cancelled. The inaugural Cold War Call Up will now take place in 2021.

This month’s issue of Aeroplane magazine has a four page article on ZE360, how the preservation effort came about and the progress so far, written by our colleague from the 74 Squadron Association, Tony Clay. Many thanks to the magazine and staff at Key Publishing for the inclusion. In the shops now.

Another busy couple of days at Manston recently. BPAG and 74 Sqn Association volunteers made more progress with ongoing issues and an important step forward.

Side panel removal is continuing successfully, despite corroded fasteners eating through drill bits in a matter of minutes and the tailcone is now also partially disassembled.

The RH aileron finally gave up its fight to stay in place and was removed and we have gained access to the leading edge flap actuators on both sides.

However, the biggest achievement of the weekend, which simultaneously gave us a milestone moment and an end to a major area of concern, was the replacement of both mainwheels. Using a custom built puller fabricated by the BPAG, the LH was the easiest of the two to remove, exposing the brake pack (which is free enough for towing purposes but will need cleaning and restoring later) pressure plate and bearing, which is turning nicely. RH wheel put up more resistance and had to be forced free with old fashioned muscle power. RH brake pack seized unfortunately so had to be disassembled for further attention. RH bearing also turning OK but will need around 10 new rollers due to damage from water ingress.

With the main wheel replacement taking priority, the outer wing and CL tank removal had to be left for another time. This was a price worth paying though, as resolution of the wheel issue has removed what could have potentially been either a serious hinderance to the restoration effort or, in the worst case, put it in jeopardy entirely. We are all collectively breathing a sigh of relief. Many thanks to all our volunteers for giving up their weekend to further the cause. Thanks also to Tony Clay & Nigel Hodgson for the photos.

Finally, needless to say, all this activity unfortunately comes at a price. Our volunteers are generous enough to meet their own expenses and provide their own tools and materials but the aircraft still requires parts, equipment and resources that we will have to provide. So, this is a general appeal for support. The BPAG and the 74 Sqn Association would be extremely grateful if you would consider donating funds to the ZE360 Restoration Fund. Any amount, however small, will be much appreciated and will really make a difference. You can donate via bank transfer to the following-
Account Name – Tiger360
Sort Code – 30-96-26
Acct. Number – 53212368
Alternatively, donations can be sent via PayPal to the BPAG merchandise address- phantomerchandise@outlook.com Please include a note that your donation is for ZE360.

We have reached a landmark point now that the main wheels are changed and with your support, we can reach the next one and be closer to moving the aircraft to safety. You are all as much a part of this as we are. Thank you.