A useful recent discovery under the skin of ZE360- an untouched section of the original blue paintwork. Should come in handy for colour matching.
The BPAG engineering team were at Manston again last weekend, continuing the work of preparing the airframe for towing onto firmer ground. This session was very much a battle against corrosion and seized parts. Also, due to rain and high winds, activities had to be curtailed around noon on Sunday. However, despite these issues, good progress was still made in three vital areas.
Outer wings- Both returned to folded positions using a combination of a handpump tapped into the hydraulic lines, penetrating fluid, 20 ton jack and brute strength manpower. Both wing sections are now ready to be progressed for removal next time.
Ailerons- Removal of dump masts is necessary to remove ailerons but again corrosion was an issue, forcing the decision to cut away masts as well as drilling out most screw heads. Hinge pin on LH eventually extracted and aileron removed. RH needs more persuading.
Fuselage panels- Removal of access panels started, in order to assess internal structure and to give eventual access to lateral control run and bypass ring areas to facilitate wing removal.
Finally, over the 20+ years that the aircraft has been at Manston, the undercarriage has sunk into the soft ground. With the main wheels needing to be changed before towing, the turf surrounding them was excavated to allow inspection and assessment. Wheels and brake packs currently refusing to separate so more work needed.
In conclusion, this was a difficult weekend. But as corrosion was predicted to be a hinderance at some point, it was not entirely unexpected. Resolving the outer wing situation is a major step forward and completion of work on the other areas was only prevented by the weather. Many thanks to the BPAG & 74SA members and volunteers who gave up their time and energies to further the cause. Thanks also to Nigel Hodgson, Tony Clay and John Kendal for the photos.
Extra manpower is always welcome on these occasions, so if you would like to volunteer to be part of any future BPAG work parties, please email BPAGvolunteers@gmail.com and tell us a little bit about yourself. Thank you in advance for your interest.
A couple of the Tiger 360 team attended Manston again on Monday, primarily to attend to other matters but the chaps were also able to put a couple of hours in on the airframe before the end of the day.
In order for disassembly to proceed, the outer wing sections will have to be removed. However, the wingfold system is hydraulic and the pins are still in place. Therefore, D101 L&R panels have to be removed in order to access the system, connect hydraulic power to withdraw the wing lock pins. Heavy corrosion of the panels unfortunately meant cutting into the wing instead. However, as the panels would have to be replaced with refabricated versions, this is of no concern. Opening the wing revealed the extent of the corrosion underneath.
Leading edge flap actuator access panel also removed. Again, serious corrosion underneath. Speedbrake lock and closure panels removed.
In conclusion- a useful and informative exercise and definitely time well spent, that has given us further insight into what we’re up against.
On a brighter note, we have received approval from DFTDC Manston to move the aircraft from soft ground and onto an area of hardstanding. This is an important step toward dismantling as being on hard ground will allow us to bring in lifting gear to faciliate stabilator removal and- vitally- will give access underneath the fuselage for the engine removal kit. Once the engines are out, we will have access to the main wing spar.
Next step will be to prepare a movement plan and risk assessment. Then once the mainwheels are changed and nosewheels inflated, the aircraft should be ready to move. Many thanks to BPAG Chairman/Technical Director Paul Wright and Tony Clay from the 74 Squadron Association for their hard work.
As the Christmas break will soon be upon us, the British Phantom Aviation Group would like to take a moment to send everyone our best wishes for the season. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm during 2019. We will return in 2020, in what is shaping up to be busy and eventful year. Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to all.
More shots of XT597 in the pre-Raspberry Ripple colours. Both taken at RAF Valley, ground shot 30/11/82 and approach shot 07/11/81. Many thanks to Steve Bond for the pics.
The British Phantom Aviation Group are pleased to announce our first confirmed events for 2020. XV490 will be appearing at two events at Newark Air Museum. Firstly- a new addition to the Newark calendar- is the Cold War Call Up, dedicated to remembering the years of the cold war. Secondly is the aircraft’s annual appearance at Cockpit Fest. XV490’s cockpit will be open for visits, the BPAG team will be in attendance, ready to chat and answer your questions and exclusive Phantom merchandise will be available. Hope to see you there!
A rare shot of XT597 in pre-Raspberry Ripple days. On show at RAF Coltishall on 15th May, 1982. Many thanks to Mark Taylor for supplying the pic.
A few selected images from the 74 Squadron Association archives of the British F-4J`s going through NARF (Naval Air Rework Facility) at NORIS (North Island) San Diego, California during the 1980s.
74 Squadron two-ship, during the 1980s. Our very own ZE360 in the rear. A good comparison of the original ‘duck egg’ blue colour scheme of the F-4J(UK) and the standard air defence grey.
The second Manston work party had a busy time over the weekend- vegetation cut back from under and around the aircraft to facilitate access to underside of fuselage and wing areas, then inspection and assessment of both, including centre line tank. Progress made on tailcone area (despite corroded fasteners being a major headache) including disconnecting the brake parachute operating cable- a awkward job with limited access- and aileron removal started. Finally, all hinges treated with penetrating oil.
XV490 recently played host to authors Philip Keeble and Dave Gledhill at the launch of Per Ardua:Training An RAF Phantom Crew. This new book describes how Cold War aircrew assimilated the skills needed to fly and fight the F-4 Phantom and follows every stage of a process that was long, arduous and beset with obstacles. Available now from Fonthill Media. More details here- https://www.fonthill.media/products/per-ardua
Sign In
