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Aviation History
1958
1958 - 0433.PDF
FLIGHT, 4 April 1958 449 SCIMITAR, R.N. Intensive Flying Trials by 700X Flight at Ford FOR those who like superlatives, theVickers-Supermarine Scimitar F.Mklis the largest, heaviest, fastest, noisiest and most expensive aircraft ever to enter ser- vice with the Royal Navy. Such an important piece of equipment clearly merits a thorough process of evaluation and introduction to the Service—squadron pilots cannot simply climb in and drive it away. This work is currently the task of 700X Trials Flight based at R.NAS. Ford, Sussex. Intensive flying trials of this nature prior to operational squadron service are not new; a similar procedure was followed in 1954 in the case of the Gannet. The trials programme for the Scimitar, however, is more compre- hensive. The object is not only to log a large number of flying hours within a short period, but also to put this flying time to good use in obtaining valuable performance data. Scheduled to replace the Sea Hawk, the Navy's standard day fighter/bomber/ground attack aircraft, the Scimitar is powered by two Rolls-Royce Avons and has a built-in arma- ment of four 30 mm Aden guns. Capable of carrying a tactical nuclear bomb, the machine is regarded primarily as a ground attack and strike aircraft. As an intercepter it will in turn be succeeded by the Sea Vixen. Formed on August 27 last year under the command of Cdr. T. G. Innes, A.F.C., R.N., 700X Flight has at present six Scimitar F.ls. Another Scimitar is operated by the parent 700 Squadron Fleet Requirements Unit on its own programme of Service trials. There are eight pilots on the strength of the Flight: following the death of Cdr. Innes in a car accident on March 21, the acting CO. is Lt-Cdr. W. A. Tofts, the senior pilot. After completion of the Lt-Cdr. W. A. Tofts, H.N., senior pilot and acting commanding officer of 700X Scimitar Trials Flight. Flight's programme, the unit will form the nucleus of the first operational Scimitar squad- ron, which is to form on June 3 at Lossiemouth. The trials unit has a threefold task, which is complementary and not an alternative to the handling and performance trials carried out by A. and A.E.E., Boscombe Down. One obvious purpose is maintenance evaluation—to correct any snags before the aircraft enters squadron service. The flying rate is intensive so that, if necessary, modifications can be introduced on production machines at an early stage. Air engineer officer of the Flight is Lt-Cdr. D. G. Titford, and the air electrical officer is Lt-Cdr. A. F. Mortimer. Until recently the A.E.O. and A.L.O. of the Scimitar special maintenance party (responsible for Service/manufacturer liaison) were also resident with 700X, but these specialists have now left to prepare for the formation of the first squadron at Lossiemouth. The two other aspects of the unit's work are both concerned with gaining useful infor- mation from the actual flying time. One is the tactical evaluation of the Scimitar, in which the complete weapon system is checked under realistic conditions. Associated with this is a thorough evaluation of the aircraft as a flying machine, in which navigational and approach aids are used, let-downs are made both on one and on two engines, and formation flying is practised. The air weapons instructor of the Flight is Lt-Cdr. T. C. S. Leece. Finally, the confirmation of estimated performance data is an important side of the unit's operations. This includes the plotting of normal range and endurance curves, and proving the optimum fighter and strike combat mission profiles. Performance reduction Intakes for the second-generation Avons, ports for the four Aden guns, and long-range tanks are notable features in the heading picture of one of the 700X Scimitar F.ls. Below, Lt-Cdr. Leece touches down after a solo demonstration. "Flight" photographs
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