The demise of the RAF E3 fleet.

[JAWS]

Didn't the USN buy one for a E-6 Mercury pilot trainer?

Yup, ZH104.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/n ... ne-trainer

[capercaillie]

Good diary project Mike
Could never understand why at least the refuelling booms were not 'robbed,' for integration into the three RC135 during their lengthy conversions - forward Boeing fuselage must be very similar if not same.
Instead we have a tanker fleet that cannot support some of our key assets, and have to wait on other Boeing jets to offer refuelling support.
Thanks for posting
3Greens

Completely different aircraft and airframe as has already been said.

Excellent diary Mike, sad though to see another type with over thirty years service to the Force with no preservation of an airframe.

[Neil-Mercia]

Sad to see E3s cut up for scrap but we all know the Government likes to waste money.

[Vulcanone]

Sad to see E3s cut up for scrap but we all know the Government likes to waste money.

They probably made something £££ wise back by selling 1 to the US Navy, and 2 to the FACh along with bucket loads of spares. The contractors that parted some stuff out may make something from it also.

As I'm not an accountant I have no idea

[XWP29]

Great set Mike of a sad end for these work horses scrapped before their time.

[reaper493]

Sad to see E3s cut up for scrap but we all know the Government likes to waste money.

They probably made something £££ wise back by selling 1 to the US Navy, and 2 to the FACh along with bucket loads of spares. The contractors that parted some stuff out may make something from it also.

As I'm not an accountant I have no idea

The E3s were gifted to Chile on the proviso they bought some ex RN Frigates I believe...

[Rob666]

The E3s were gifted to Chile on the proviso they bought some ex RN Frigates I believe...

Well that won't happen like in business sprat to catch a mackerel.

[Everett1285]

Excellent set of pics of such a sad sight and another aircraft to add to the RAF Museum list of failures to preserve.

[Vulcanone]

Excellent set of pics of such a sad sight and another aircraft to add to the RAF Museum list of failures to preserve.

Nowhere to put it, as Cosford and Hendon already have more aircraft than then have room for. Thus had they got one it would have had to sit outside.

And as a none flyer the ones left were ripe for spares recovery, aside from that who was going to move a spare recovered hulk??

You never know maybe the Chilean will gift one back when they retire them...

[RubyRoo]

How were the E-3s taken to that part of the airfield?

Were they dragged over the grass like so?

[FlyingFairy]

RubyRoo,

As you suggest, aircraft crash matting was placed on the grass, then the aircraft were slowly towed across it . The moves occurred in early February this year.

HTH

FF

[RubyRoo]

RubyRoo,

As you suggest, aircraft crash matting was placed on the grass, then the aircraft were slowly towed across it . The moves occurred in early February this year.

HTH

FF

Thank you very much, appreciate that.