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Aviation History
1962
1962 - 1530.PDF
Air-Cushion Vehicles FLIGHT International supplement, 23 August it Jv62 INDUSTRY FURNISHING THE VA-3 Hundreds of passengers have by now sampled the comforts afforded by the furnishings of the VA-3. L. A. Rumbold and Co Ltd, with the assistance of Fliteform of London Airport, were responsible. Headlining and sidewalls are of pale silver-grey Vynide, supplied by ICI; the end bulkheads shrouding the fan intakes are of pale grey "Seagrass" textured Vinyl supplied by Galon; the floor covering is of grey "Aerowalk" for normal service and of blue nylon carpet for demonstration purposes ("Aerowalk" is supplied by William sons) ; the window curtains and curtains across the rear luggage shelves are of "Aquamarine" glasscloth supplied by Tootal Broadhurst Lee; and the seat upholstery is in "Tycora" nylon, in Devon red and pale grey ("Tycora" is supplied by British Replin). Magazine racks are fitted on the forward bulkhead, and there are small Maintenance work on the VA-3. The per sonnel are wearing Jeltek "Crewsuit" water proof and windproof overalls, made by Jeltek Ltd, Green Lane, Hounslow, Middx luggage shelves at the rear, outboard of the fan intake. These shelves are covered in plastic laminate. Lighting is from central units and from side- wall lights built into the curtain pelmet over each window. The eight triple seats are of a new Rumbold design—especially for use in air-cushion vehicles. They are non- reclining, of steel-tube construction, and they have break-forward backs and tip-up cushions. Rearward facing, they are stressed for 6g. Upholstery is of Polyether foam and there are ash trays in the armrests. RFD LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT Remarking that inflatable life-rafts are Saunders Mk 4 motorised valve, described m a news-item on this page manual operation. There are also two electrically operated spherical plug aero- valves in the water ballast system. The makers state that both the VA-2 and VA-3 are equipped with Saunders spherical plug valves, and the Denny D.l has Saunders taper-plug valves. FUELLING THE VA-3 For the Rhyl-Wallasey operation by the at present the only feasible type of life- saving equipment for use with air- cushion vehicles, the RFD Co Ltd point out that the SR.N2 is supplied with two 21-man life-rafts (Type 21UL) of a lightweight type originally developed for the aircraft market. The VA-3 also carries RFD life-saving equipment, comprising one 26-man inflatable raft (Type 26UM Mk lc) and 31 lifejackets (Type 50c Mk 2a). SAUNDERS MOTORISED VALVE One Saunders Mk 4 motorised valve, of the type illustrated on this page, is installed in the SR.N2. Of lin diameter, it is fitted in the fuel system, together with four fin spherical plug valves for RFD 26-man life-raft, re ferred to in col 2 VA-3 fuel is brought daily to a 2,000-gal static tank situated at the BP service station in Wallasey, and from there is delivered to an Air BP Kent Fueller. This fueller, which holds l,500gal, and which can deliver at a rate of 75gal a minute, is positioned during the day on the Wallasey seafront. Two Kent fuellers are involved in the operation, one bringing fuel from the refinery and the other fuelling the VA-3. Both are fitted with micro-filters. Not only have BP made a special study of Hovercraft fuel and lubricant problems but they have been investi gating ways in which these vehicles might be used for oil exploration. 49
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