FighterControl

As we all know there was a bit of a problem with the old girl yesterday so there is a delay on this weeks Tuesday newsletter
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Just received an update.

http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/wlnk/c/1216/r/3632/e/381" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It gives the initial findings of what happened the other day. It seems someone is due a massive slap on the wrists because of what happened!

Joe

Well the good news is it was caused by FOD. The bad news is it sounds like it's self imposed as I seem to remember they use bags of silica gel in the engines when not in use.

I feel sorry for the team they must gutted it obviously wasn't deliberate...sadly it is the best news we could hope for if we want 558 to continue flying.

At least it seems that the airframe is ok.

Replace engines, review procedures, lessons learned.

How many spare engines do they have?

At least 4 (So I heard , it may be wrong though)

beefsteak wrote:At least 4 (So I heard , it may be wrong though)

2 that are readily available IIRC.

Yeah, I believe they still have two unused zero timed engines available, and two low timed ones that were previously removed for precautionary reasons.

I don't know whether either of the two that were previously removed from the airframe will be allowed back into service though.

Hurn wrote:Yeah, I believe they still have two unused zero timed engines available, and two low timed ones that were previously removed for precautionary reasons.

I don't know whether either of the two that were previously removed from the airframe will be allowed back into service though.

That'll be four then !!

Four engines yes. Whether or not all four are usuable I couldn't say. Perhaps you can?

With out wishing to state the bleeding obvious, the question was "How many spare engines do they have"
To which I replied "At least 4, so I heard, but I may be wrong"
What I had heard was then proved to be correct, so what's your problem ??

Well Wikipedia says "the trust still has several replacement engines in their stocks". And I'd rather trust that information than either of you.

beefsteak wrote:With out wishing to state the bleeding obvious, the question was "How many spare engines do they have"
To which I replied "At least 4, so I heard, but I may be wrong"
What I had heard was then proved to be correct, so what's your problem ??

Beefsteak, to me 'spare' engines would mean usuable as otherwise there's little point in them being spares, at least in this case.

I stated I knew two were definitely usuable and could go into the airframe, and two were in an 'unknown' state and asked if you knew otherwise.
I thought perhaps you may have heard something that meant all four were now ok for service. There's no problem here and I hope not at your end either.

davedubya wrote:Well Wikipedia says "the trust still has several replacement engines in their stocks". And I'd rather trust that information than either of you.

They have two fully serviceable "zero hour" engines, and two further "questionable" zero (or very low) hour engines. Of the two questionable engines one is more than likely recoverable, (it was removed as a precaution on RR advice years ago). The second questionable engine has signs of more significant issues, and so may ell be a gonna.

Ahh , good old reliable Wikipedia, that fount of all knowledge,.......LOL

And Hurn there may be a clue in the fact that I said "I may be wrong though " !!!

Whatever, I really can't be arsed to discuss it further.

Please remain courteous fellas, many thanks.

Never been know to be otherwise, me ......................

Todays newsletter

http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/wlnk/c/1216/r/38672/e/382" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sorry folks , it looks like Waddo misses out again this year

My understanding is that when the project first started VTTS obtained 8 zero-houred engines from RR, but they were told that it was very unlikely they would ever get any more. The plan was that each engine would last 10 years, so 8 engines would be enough for 20 years displaying.

One engine was removed a couple of years ago on advice from RR (and it does have damage), leaving 7. I wasn't aware that a second had been removed, but it sound's like this was precautionary, and it might still be servicable.

But the loss of two engines in one incident this week is a huge blow. It probably means they only have 5 servicable engines left. At the current engine 'usage' rate they'll be lucky to reach 10 years in the air, never mind 20. That is, unless RR can be persuaded to supply more engines.

Cheers
Malcolm