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Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 12:00
by PeteP
I was rooting around in the photo library at Tangmere looking for photos of the FD2 when I found this evocative shot which I thought might be of interest to some of the regulars here.
The caption reads on the back, "Fairey Gannet AEW.3 XL497/041/R (849 Sqn B Flt)" and is stamped "Photo Section HMS Ark Royal 9 Jan 1975". Although it's marked as Crown Copyright, I hope no one will object to me posting it here in the cause of stirring a few memories.
Pete
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 12:22
by DaveB
Ah.. swing those lamps
I was in Hong Kong on HMS Blake at the time but we met up with the Ark Group in Rio some months later (May 75 I think). Nice shot and tks for posting it ;-)
ATB
DaveB :tab:
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 13:01
by Seaking
Great shot, I was on board the Ark at that time for my second tour. It would be great to have a new Gannet
for the sim.......one day maybe.
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 13:31
by SkippyBing
Is it just me or is he doing a free take off?
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 13:41
by basys
Hi Folks
SkippyBing wrote:Is it just me or is he doing a free take off?
If he is
he won't get very far.
He's gotten caught up on a wire.
ATB
Paul
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 14:03
by SkippyBing
He's gotten caught up on a wire.
I thought that initially, but the two behind him are still laid straight across the deck. The one where his main wheels are just doesn't appear to be there and is too far forward anyway.
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 14:33
by DaveB
Yeh.. it's an odd shot isn't it that. Studying it (with my glasses on
) it looks like she's just caught the wire which is taught (toward the pointed end though it looks like it's going the other way)
Don't ya just love the wing LE's on the Gannet. They look strong enough to fly through a mountain and out the other side
Seaking.. you weren't one of those drunken matelots wandering about Copacabana were you :think:
ATB
DaveB :tab:
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 14:47
by basys
Hi Folks
Only guessing here,
but look for similar in original pic
HTH
ATB
Paul
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 15:08
by DaveB
Which is what I said in my last post
She's just caught the wire and as such, is still attached. The line of the wire corresponds exactly to the end of her tailhook :drinkers:
ATB
DaveB :tab:
Re: Gannet on the Ark
Posted: 29 Mar 2008, 17:55
by SkippyBing
Ahh, see what you mean, I thought it didn't look dramatic enough for an arrested landing. Obviously that's because it's all just about to happen!