XL426 on eBay - that got your attention didn't it?

[Ramshornvortex]

From the VRT's latest Newsletter:

"The VRT is offering, on eBay, the unique opportunity to sit in the co-pilot’s seat of XL426 and take the controls during a full-power engine run.

On Saturday 12 June, the Vulcan Restoration Trust will carry out a full power engine run on Avro Vulcan XL426 at London Southend Airport, Essex, England. This is part of the Trust’s programme to return the former Royal Air Force Cold War bomber to high-speed taxiing condition. Sitting beside an ex-RAF Vulcan captain, the winning eBay bidder will be at the controls as the Trust’s Engineering Team tests the Vulcan’s four mighty Olympus engines to full power.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190402120233&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1136


The winning bidder will need to arrive at Southend Airport by 10.30 a.m. for a full safety brief. An emergency drill will then be held. The winning bidder must be agile and fit enough to evacuate the Vulcan’s cockpit within 20 seconds – this requires squeezing through a narrow gap between the two pilots’ seats and climbing down, at speed, two ladders with a total of 16 steps. If your general physical condition would prevent you doing this, or if you have any physical impairment that restricts your movement, please do not bid. Bidders must be over 18 years of age.

Please allow most of the day for your visit.

The engine run will be subject to serviceability and operational conditions. In the event that it does not take place, the winning bidder will be entitled to a full refund. However, the Trust cannot be responsible for any travel or accommodation charges incurred.

All proceeds from this auction will benefit the Vulcan Restoration Trust."

Nothing to do with me by the way, I just thought I'd pass it on for discussion, comments (or bids)

[Mayfly]

They've done it before not sure how many times tho' I believe one winning bid was £500, Martin Withers was the pilot on one of the occasions.

[Sooty655]

Let's hope they've got all four end caps finished and refitted this time. They took quite a risk doing power runs without end caps last time.

[Dougs]

Why what happens do the jet pipes come flying out without them?

[Mayfly]

Not wanting to steal Sootys thunder & I'm sure he'll correct any duff info -

I think they act like an extension pipe - the jet pipes end inside the airframe so the end caps ensure the heat & gases are directed into clear air.

[Crew chief]

The engines should not be run over 40% power without end caps.The end cap helps control jetpipe temperature and the airflow around it.Running engines at high power without them may damage the jetpipe itself .I'm sure sooty will add more info on this. I hope the auction goes well for them and they raise lots of dosh.


cc.

[Sooty655]

To add to what has already been said, the space around the jetpipe (inside the tunnel formed by the airframe) is cooled by ram air collected by the scoop in the No 2 door under each engine. When the aircraft is stationary, there is obviously no ram air, and the only cooling is provided by the close fit of the end cap around the jet pipe forming an eductor. In other words, the jet efflux "pulls" cooling air through the jet pipe tunnel.

All the other engine spaces and services which use ram air cooling have blown eductors driven by compressor bleed air to provide cooling when the aircraft is stationary, but the jet pipe tunnel relies solely on the end cap eductor effect.

As crew chief has said, running at power without the end cap fitted can lead to distortion of the jetpipe or a fire in the tunnel.

[Jogger321]

I wonder if the chap that was sitting next to the pilot in the Victor high speed run (and fly) at last years Cold War Jets open day will bid?

[RLN]

I know it's not a strict venturi effect, but would I be right to presume the higher the throttle setting, the greater volume of cooling air is pulled through?

[Crew chief]

I wonder if the chap that was sitting next to the pilot in the Victor high speed run (and fly) at last years Cold War Jets open day will bid?

You may find he is still trying to get the stain's out of his underpant's.

[Sooty655]

I know it's not a strict venturi effect, but would I be right to presume the higher the throttle setting, the greater volume of cooling air is pulled through?

Yup, that's the general idea - when you need more cooling, the flow goes up.

[Dougs]

Thanks for the explanation , funny enough my outboard engine has a very simular system on the prop to 'pull' the exaust gas's through the prop sounds like they took one hell of a risk though

[Ramshornvortex]

Well, £375 raised for the VRT.....

Does anyone know how it went?

[Jack]

another item from 426 on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0462968032

[Xplumberlives]

another item from 426 on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0462968032

From the link above;

All copies of the booklet sold out within just a few years and its is now rarely seen for sale. This particular copy was discovered by the Vulcan Restoration Trust (owners of Vulcan XL426) during a recent check of its old stock items and is being offered for sale to raise funds for the Trust's 'Return to Power’ restoration programme.

[Mayfly]

ahhh you meanie XP!!!

[Xplumberlives]

ahhh you meanie XP!!!

I wonder how many they printed!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mayfly]

£62 for the book I believe

[Xplumberlives]

Well done!