South Korean - Black Eagles

[Alf]

Were they freighted last time?

Yes into Manchester by Korean Airlines 747F. And they will be this time too, probably again by 747F... into where is not yet certain.

[Northsky]

Note Korean 747F also go to LHR

[effects]

Note Korean 747F also go to LHR

Bournemouth is the closest and has cargo handling facilities.

[Supra]

If the 3 Korean Herc's currently enroute as 'Argo 104' are actually destined for Boscombe Down Then surely the subsequent KAL 747F's carrying the T-50's could go direct to the substantial 10,538 ft (3,212 metres) runway at EGDM & avoid road transport from Stansted. R/w length 10,003 ft (3,049 metres). Perhaps it's just a Customs Clearance issue?
Clearly the Black Eagles European Air-show Tour might mean departure homeward could be from another Country....unless Boscombe Down remains their FOL base?

[STN RAMP RAT]

Were they freighted last time?

When they came over to Waddington in 2012(?), the T-50s arrived into Manchester by Korean B747F and were then roaded out to be rebuilt. The only Korean Air aircraft they will fit in is the B747F (they need the opening nose, the B777F side cargo door will not accommodate a T-50), so once we see Korean Air B747Fs headed for the UK we know it is game on. As to where the B747s end up, I don't have a clue!

And for the spotters the airframes were all wrapped up when they arrived in Manchester so the inevitable discussion about whether you can take them or not.

[Malcolm]

If the 3 Korean Herc's currently enroute as 'Argo 104' are actually destined for Boscombe Down Then surely the subsequent KAL 747F's carrying the T-50's could go direct to the substantial 10,538 ft (3,212 metres) runway at EGDM & avoid road transport from Stansted. R/w length 10,003 ft (3,049 metres). Perhaps it's just a Customs Clearance issue?
Clearly the Black Eagles European Air-show Tour might mean departure homeward could be from another Country....unless Boscombe Down remains their FOL base?

You need the kit to get the cargo off the freighter. It's a long way up to the cargo nose of an 747F - you can't just push it out the front and let it drop to the ground.

[STN RAMP RAT]

If the 3 Korean Herc's currently enroute as 'Argo 104' are actually destined for Boscombe Down Then surely the subsequent KAL 747F's carrying the T-50's could go direct to the substantial 10,538 ft (3,212 metres) runway at EGDM & avoid road transport from Stansted. R/w length 10,003 ft (3,049 metres). Perhaps it's just a Customs Clearance issue?
Clearly the Black Eagles European Air-show Tour might mean departure homeward could be from another Country....unless Boscombe Down remains their FOL base?

You need the kit to get the cargo off the freighter. It's a long way up to the cargo nose of an 747F - you can't just push it out the front and let it drop to the ground.

I was present when they were offloaded at Manchester last time. It was a very complex process involving some very specialist kit only available at a few airports in the UK as well as a large crane. Staff were flown in from Korea to supervise as any mishandling can over stress the airframe leading to a total loss.

At a guess Stansted, East Midlands and Heathrow are the only locations with the kit at the moment.

[mirage 2000]

I'll be shocked if they go into Manchester. Swissport know longer have there dedicated cargo team. This said team only ever dealt with special freight I.E. An124 747's and the Lufthansa Cargo 777's and MD11's etc etc. Why a standard ramp guy like myself couldn't do it (although a diffrent firm i am at then swissport) i don't know but for years Swissports cargo team dealt with all the special freight.

And unless Bournmouth have a new 747 towbar they won't go there. The last Longtail 747 that went there snapped it.

Anyway slight if topic so sorry, Be good to see where they go the 747's. I have also heard a rumour the C130's are due into Waddo on saturday? Anyone else heard the same?

Regards mike

[effects]

Hearing Stansted is the place for the 747s

[reaper493]

Stansted ties in with what I've heard.

No mention of a trip to Waddo either.

[Supra]

Fair point guys! Guess I'm not cut-out for freight-forwarding cargo logistics? I stupidly imagined it was easier to transport ONE scissor high loader like these (https://www.aeroexpo.online/aeronautic- ... r-352.html) to Boscombe Down...rather than move multiple jets by road. My bad!

[POL]

I don't think "ONE scissor loader" is quite sufficient for the job.

Thankfully, those involved have already done it once and there's plenty of photo evidence if people care to look for it! https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu2112/7260642188/

[BigWillp75]

Can anyone still confirm if the 3 x C130'S are still due into Boscombe Down tonight?

MTIA

[Mike]

Keep an eye on this thread :- viewtopic.php?f=342&t=220562

[reaper493]

Stansted at some point today for the first (or all?) 747s, jets to be trucked to Boscombe, and the team operating out of there for the duration apart from RIAT week is that latest I've seen.

[STN RAMP RAT]

Just to reiterate my earlier posting, last time they arrived the airframes were “bagged” so not visiable. I would query if they are actually arriving today though as the Asiana B747 flight is a scheduled service to Stansted not a special charter.

[StrawdogUK69]

OZ793 now descending over Bruges .... is this your flight ??

[EdC]

Stansted at some point today for the first (or all?) 747s, jets to be trucked to Boscombe, and the team operating out of there for the duration apart from RIAT week is that latest I've seen.

The team operating out of Boscombe would make sense, otherwise why send the support equipment there ?

[Albion143]

Just spotted an Asiana 747 is due into Stansted tomorrow at 13.15. Maybe the first of the jets will be on board???

[norm3392]

Word has it the T.50's will be trucked into Boscombe Down. No reason given why!