Aeroplane Monthly 1991-12
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A Douglas SC-54D Skymaster modified by Convair for use by the Air Rescue Service. This aircraft was kept on standby for carrying paratroop medics and liferafts for dropping to U-2 pilots unfortunate enough to ditch in the sea.
This view of a WU-2A shows the forward-facing scoop directly below the engine intake, which housed a particle-sampling inlet. As well as the air-sampling pods, reports Mr Williams, the WU-2As carried reconnaissance pods in their fuselage undersides on every flight - these were removed immediately upon landing and taken to a secure building under guard. The air samples, meanwhile, were tested by staff from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation laboratories.
Lockheed WU-2A 56-6714 on the apron at East Sale. The tail has been placed on a towing dolly ready for moving into the hangar. Note the U-2's characteristically flexible wing, supported by outriggers.
Lockheed WU-2A 56-6715 receiving some maintenance on the apron at East Sale.
Wingtip skid with flying Kangaroo emblem, the unofficial Crowflight badge.
WU-2A 56-6715 receiving maintenance on the tarmac at RAAF East Sale.
Photographed from a train near Beilen in 1965 are an unidentified Tiger Moth and the mortal remains of Auster III PH-NIN. Formerly NX537 with the RAF, this aircraft became R-7 and 8A-10 with the Dutch Air Force before being sold directly to Skylight, an aerial advertising company. It was written off near Beilen in the northern province of Drente, on June 27, 1964, and was broken up the following year. We would like to hear from anyone who knows the meaning of the name Antic Aeroplanes painted on the fuselage, or the identity of the Tiger Moth.
Looking fresh out of the paintshop in an updated almond-and-blue colour scheme is Auster III PH-UFP, formerly NJ916 of the RAF, at Rotterdam in 1960. It had previously served with the Dutch Air Force and Navy. In 1964, registered G-ATAX, it was operated by the Geilenkirchen Flying Club in Germany. Following a return to the Dutch register in July 1965, the aircraft flew again as G-ATAX, this time with the Laarbruch Flying Club. Later it was sold in Australia as VH-KRL.
Auster III PH-NGF initially flew with the RAF as MZ166. In the Dutch Air Force it became R-5 and 8A-1 before being registered as PH-NGF. It is pictured at Hilversum Airport on May 14, 1966.
Auster III PH-NGK also began life with the RAF, as MZ331, before being passed to the Dutch Air Force, becoming R-18 and 8A-11. At the time the aircraft was photographed, at Eelde Airport in May 1968, it was owned by Tugair.
Auster J/1 Autocrat PH-NGC, seen here at Rotterdam circa 1960, was previously G-AJRF. It took up residence in Holland as PH-NFC in May 1953, becoming PH-NGC in 1955. The aircraft was written off in August 1963.
Auster J/1 PH-NFH was registered new to Frits Philips of the Philips electronics company in April 1946 as PH-NAA. In September that year it became PH-LPS, for obvious reasons, and PH-NFH again in November 1953 when sold by its owner. The aircraft is seen here at Rotterdam, circa 1960; today 'FH may be seen in the Aviodome Museum at Amsterdam.
Auster J/5B Autocar PH-NEH at Rotterdam circa 1960. From 1952 until 1972 it was operated by the Technische Hogeschool at Delft.
Douglas C-124 Globemaster II 51-0099 of the Military Air Transport Squadron (MATS), USAF, unloading equipment and supplies required at RAAF East Sale for Operation Crowflight 2.
Another view of C-124 Globe­master II 51-0099 unloading at RAAF Sale. The clown-like black nose conceals the radar antenna.