Jump to content

Sea Vixen Weapons


Selwyn

Recommended Posts

Guys and Gals.

Many many moons ago I was based at RAF Cosford training to be A RAF Armourer.

When it came to the Weapon loading phase of the course, we did our training on a Ex RN Sea Vixen FAW 2, which we used specifically for loading M155 SNEB launchers (not the ones in the kit they are RN 2" rocket pods!) and 1000lb bombs.

Question. Did the Sea Vixen carry 1000lb bombs when in service? I have never seen any pictures or seen any references to show this, but obviously they did "fit" as our load training proved.

If I remember the Aircraft we used had its wings folded so we only loaded the inner wing section stations.

also does anyone have any idea of the identity of the aircraft in question, or if it still exists.

Yours

Selwyn

PS I also remember that the aircraft in the training hangars were a better museum than the Cosford museum at that time. I remember seeing a Javelin, Canberras, (B2 and PR9) Shackeltons, (MR3)

A early lightning (Maybe a pre production A/C) lots of Ex red arrow Gnats (used for marshalling training) and a Hunter T7 that we also used for weapon training.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

PS I also remember that the aircraft in the training hangars were a better museum than the Cosford museum at that time. I remember seeing a Javelin, Canberras, (B2 and PR9) Shackeltons, (MR3)

A early lightning (Maybe a pre production A/C) lots of Ex red arrow Gnats (used for marshalling training) and a Hunter T7 that we also used for weapon training.

Not to mention Argosys, Canberra E15, Jaguars (later on)

As for your original question...no idea, sorry. But Cosford was a law unto itself in that respect...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guys and Gals.

Many many moons ago I was based at RAF Cosford training to be A RAF Armourer.

When it came to the Weapon loading phase of the course, we did our training on a Ex RN Sea Vixen FAW 2, which we used specifically for loading M155 SNEB launchers (not the ones in the kit they are RN 2" rocket pods!) and 1000lb bombs.

Question. Did the Sea Vixen carry 1000lb bombs when in service? I have never seen any pictures or seen any references to show this, but obviously they did "fit" as our load training proved.

If I remember the Aircraft we used had its wings folded so we only loaded the inner wing section stations.

also does anyone have any idea of the identity of the aircraft in question, or if it still exists.

Yours

Selwyn

PS I also remember that the aircraft in the training hangars were a better museum than the Cosford museum at that time. I remember seeing a Javelin, Canberras, (B2 and PR9) Shackeltons, (MR3)

A early lightning (Maybe a pre production A/C) lots of Ex red arrow Gnats (used for marshalling training) and a Hunter T7 that we also used for weapon training.

When I was there they also had a Bucaneer & Hunter for weapon loading & a couple of Aden gun packs for gun training.The Bucc & also a Lighning was used for seat training too.

On the marshalling (CFST) they also had a couple of Jet Provosts as well,one of them was camoflaged.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Forgot to add, the airframe I mentioned ended up derelict at North Weald in late 90s.

I've photos of a FAW2 fitted with small practice bombs but can't find any pictures of one in service with 500 or 1000-pounders.

Will keep looking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Regarding carrying bombs - did not Sea Vixens from Yeovilton take part in the bombing of the 'Torrey Canyon' back in '67 or when that was?

ID

I'm pretty sure that it was Buccs that did the bombing of the Torrey Canyon. I notice that the bombing from aircraft technique was one of the few things that BP didn't try in the Gulf of Mexico!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

my sea vixen tactical manual mentions both 500 lb (usual choice, 4 carried) and 1000lb but with reduction in range caused by removal of drop tanks, 2"RPs, firebombs (napalm?) nuclear stores and bullpups.

steve

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...