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An
RAF Fairwell
To VC10 C130 Hercules &
Tristar |
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Farewell VC10
With just two days before the VC10’s final departure from Brize
Norton and RAF service. In order to bid this iconic aircraft
farewell a special photographic opportunity was arranged by the OC
of 216 Squadron and in doing so make some money for the RAF
benevolent charity.
Utilising 99Sqns PAN VC10 ZA147 was joined by two other iconic
aircraft that will soon be retired from RAF service.
A
C130 C3A XV303 & a Lockheed Tristar C2 ZE705. |
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The concept of the VC10 was that as an airliner it could operate
from short hot airfields, this most elegant of aircraft was taken
into service by a number of airlines who's routes operated from such
airfields. BOAC bought both the VC10 & the Super VC10. Of the
VC10cMk1s built, the RAF received 14 to use as transports however
this changed when it was deemed that they should incorporate a side
freight deck door. When British Airways withdrew the Super VC10 the
majority were acquired by the RAF and flown to Filton for conversion
five were converted into KMk4 variant and four were converted into
KMk3s these are
equipped with fuselage fuel tanks mounted in the passenger
compartment, and can carry up to 78,000 kg of fuel.
ZA147
ex EAA 5H-MMT Sold to RAF for conversion to tanker 1978 First
flight as a K3 tanker from Filton 1985
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VC10 Specifications |
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Crew |
4-6 |
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Length |
171ft 8in
52.32 m |
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Span |
146ft
2in 44.55 m |
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Max Speed |
505kts
935 km/h at 31,000ft |
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Engines |
4 x Rolls-Royce Conway |
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Deliveries of the iconic C130 Hercules to the RAF began in 1966 and
very soon became a venerable addition to the RAF. This most capable
of aircraft has served all around the world as
the workhorse of the RAF transport fleet. Over the years it has
proved to be a versatile and rugged aircraft, primarily intended for
tactical operations including troop carrying, parachuting, supply
dropping and aeromedical duties. The Hercules can operate from short
unprepared airstrips, but also possesses the endurance to mount-long
range strategic lifts if required.
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C-130K HERCULES Specifications
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Crew
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5/6 |
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Capacity
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92
troops or 64 paratroops or 74 medical litters
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Length C1
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29.79m
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Length C3
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34.69m
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Height
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11.66m
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Span
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40.41m |
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Max Speed
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374mph/602kph |
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Empty Weight
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34,287kg Max |
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Max freight capacity |
43,399lb/19,685kg |
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All -up Weight |
45,093kg Max |
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Service Ceiling |
13,075m |
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Engine
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4
x Allison T-56A-15 turboprops. |
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Tristars were
acquired soon after the Falklands War in an effort to bolster
its long range capability with transport and tanker
requirements. The aircraft used were ex-British Airways and Pan
Am L1011 500s. Of the nine obtained and all nine went to
Marshalls of Cambridge where the fleet were converted into four
variants. Two were designated K1's pure tankers, four were KC1's
which were both cargo and tanker aircraft, two were C2 and one
C2A all cargo four
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TRISTAR Specifications
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Passengers
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Up
to 265
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Length
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164ft 2.5in/50.09m
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Span
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164ft 6in/50.17m
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Max Speed |
545mph/872kph at 30,000ft |
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Engines |
3 x
Rolls-Royce RB211-524B4 turbofans |
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