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Aviation History
1962
1962 - 2251.PDF
550 FLIGHT International, 4 October 1962 WORLD NEWS Active Meteorites Meteors of the Target-towing Squadron based at RAF Changi (see news item below). The pilots are Fit Lt E. M. Stewart, squadron commander and team leader; and Fit Lts I. R. Whitford, A. L Thomas and G. Bradford. Three of the Meteors are TT.20s, the fourth a T.7 Meteoric Still Although the last operational Gloster Meteor flew in the Far East Air Force over a year ago (it now stands with a plaque outside Station Headquarters at RAF Tengah), Meteors are still a daily sight round Singapore island. They are Mk 20 target tugs belonging to the Target Towing Squadron at RAF Changi, and their job is to tow drogues to be shot at by the RAF and the Royal Navy. Pilots of the squadron have now formed the Command's first aerobatic team, which performed at the recent Battle of Britain open day at Changi, attended by 100,000 psople. A picture appears above. Largest Outside Russia Selected as the US Marine Corps' new heavy assault transport, the Sikorsky CH-53A will be capable of speeds of more than 200 m.p.h., will carry payloads of up to nine tons, and will be the largest helicopter of its type outside Russia. Based on the twin-turbine S-64 Skycrane, it will use many of the components of that type, which made its first flight on May 9 this year. Deliveries of CH-53As are expected to begin by 1965. At its normal gross weight of 33,2671b the new helicopter will carry a four-ton payload on a sortie of 230 miles (four tons on the 115-mile trip out and two tons on the return trip), at a cruising speed of 172 m.p.h. "However," state the makers, "the new aircraft's performance capabilities will permit it to carry almost eight tons of payload and still complete its 230-mile round-trip mission. In addition, under an overload condition, it will carry nine tons on shorter missions. Its ferry range, with payload consisting chiefly of fuel, will be 1,874 miles." Flown by a three-man crew, the CH-53A will carry 30 combat-equipped troops and be capable of taking 63 troops in a high- density-seating arrangement. As a flying ambulance, it will carry 24 patients and three attendants. Other possible loads are two jeeps, or two Hawk H-3 missiles plus cable reels and console control, or a 105mm howitzer with carriage. The hull will be watertight for emergency flotation. Power- plants are to be General Electric T-64s. GQ's Thirty Years In London, on September 25, GQ Para chute Co Ltd celebrated its 30th year of progress. It was recalled with satisfaction that all the free-fall parachutists at Farn- Selling it to the Marines An artist's preview of the Sikorsky CH-S3A helicopter, newly adopted by the US Navy for the Marine Corps, as related in a news item borough this year used parachutes modified by GQ, in collaboration with the RAF, from the standard X-type designed by GQ for troop-dropping during the war. The Folland Gnats not only had a GQ stabiliza tion parachute system for their ejection seats, but were also provided with GQ brake parachutes. GQ further supply brake 'chutes for the Vulcan, Victor and Hunter, and have delivered anti-spin 'chutes for the P. 1127 and SCI. The com pany can also claim a world record, for the heaviest single drop—17J tons—was achie ved with the aid of six 66ft GQ parachutes. Discussing research and development, GQ report that experimental jumps, often of a particularly exacting nature, are now undertaken by their own test parachutists. The current programme includes descents from piston-engined aircraft, including helicopters (often with malfunctioning systems deliberately built into the equip ment), and ejections from jet aircraft over land and sea ranges. These notable achievements all stem from a partnership formed in 1932 between Raymond Quilter (the late Sir Raymond Quilter) and James Gregory. To date, almost half a million GQ parachutes have been manufactured for a world-wide, and still-growing, market. Mr Arthur C. Dickin son, GQ's managing director, declares: "Design and manufacture of parachutes is one of the facets of the aircraft industry where Britain is clearly in a position of world leadership. We are reorganizing fast to take advantage of this lead in the light of present Common Market negotia tions." Aviation Historical Society The first meeting of the Aviation His torical Society's 1962-63 season will be held at the Kronfeld Club next Tuesday, October 9. The subject will be Air Power in the Pacific, 1941-45. Cost of membership is 10s per annum, and the secretary is Mr J. J. Halley, whose address is 22 Ferndale Road, Ashford, Middx. Lighting Guidance This week's (October 3) issue of our associated journal Amateur Photographer is a Lighting and Flash Guide number, providing a guide to all flash guns, electronic flash and lighting equipment on the British market. The price is Is 6d as usual.
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