Harrier delivery to Halton 1992

[Talk Wrench]

Great pics of some decomissioned Harrier GR3's final flights and delivery to what was AFTS at RAF Halton. (ca 1992)

I don't remember this at all but others may.

http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=111191

 

[Obi Wan]

Good find TW. very interesting

 

[justintime129]

Look at all that metal matting. The sappers delight. Memories of rafg harrier force with that stuff.

 

[Tin basher]

Blimey that long ago! Some faces on there I recognise, from memory getting through the trees was the difficult bit not much space either side.

 

[propersplitbrainme]

I remember taking a couple of sets of APs from Wittering down to Halton in 1992. We were informed that they intended to use the aircraft for blowdown checks and were going to cut holes in the side of the fuselage so that a nitrogen feed could be sent to the release valve to replace the squib that was used on in-service aircraft. It was an odd feeling at the time to think that one of the very aircraft I'd spent many a shift maintaining to the required standards was consigned to having holes cut in it just so trainees could see the undercarriage emergency lowering in operation. It all makes perfect sense to me now in my current job but back then it seemed like nothing short of sacrilege.

 

[propersplitbrainme]

Christ, imagine the Risk Assessments and fcuk around that would be involved in doing that today!

Same thing occurred to me. Wouldn't be done would it? Probably be landed in the field and then towed all the way. Or dismantled and shipped by road.

 

[Talk Wrench]

I think the photographer (credit to them) has captured the moment perfectly and the snaps have got that "we can do it" feeling about them.

I wonder how many ex harrier bods doing their fitters courses were chomping at the bit to get involved or actually were involved?

 

[kilted_sparky]

Looks fantastic in those pics. Shame it's not looking as good these days, still looks amazing sitting there on the parade square but could do with a good scrubbing and lick of paint to bring it back to its former glory.

 

[Talk Wrench]

Looks fantastic in those pics. Shame it's not looking as good these days, still looks amazing sitting there on the parade square but could do with a good scrubbing and lick of paint to bring it back to its former glory.

Methinks you could be confusing airframe types?

 

[kilted_sparky]

Methinks you could be confusing airframe types?

Yep I think your right TW, I'm talking about the Tornado GR1. Wow what a Muppet. Oh well could do with a clean anyway haha.

 

[ninjarabbi]

All I can think is on why on earth did we ever need an aircraft you could land on a penny and operate from anywhere? How very silly!