Tornado question

Subject: Tornado question 2009-01-26, 12:46

This picture was taken at RAF Conigsby from a friend.Can someone describe how the Tornado is locked on the ground? by a cable?
or is stopped only by brakes?
thanks for reply
regards
Oxcart

Moderator Location : UK Spotter Watch Member : No

Some ground running areas have metal chocks with a stub which goes into a hole in the ground, say about a foot and a bit. Depth can vary from type to type. Plus the brakes obviously.

Some aircraft are chained during running too. Hope this helps.

Subject: Re: Tornado question 2009-01-26, 12:53

Yes,thanks for reply.
Oxcart

Location : Wales,UK Spotter Watch Member : No

'Warzone' showed the Harrier on an engine ground test chained during the test.

Location : RAF Leuchars Spotter Watch Member : no

That object that looks like a shoe under the back end of the jet is one of the pinned chocks Goose described. It is possible to do single-engine reheat runs on normal chocks and brakes alone.

Subject: Re: Tornado question 2009-01-26, 15:27

many thanks for all replies.
cheers

Location : East Suffolk Spotter Watch Member : yes

On the Sea Harrier we did all high power ground runs with a bl*&^y great chain attached to the main wheel leg, at VL it was a special bay and on ship a specific spot which pointed out at an angle on the port side, on these runs on board and the ship was at anchor it could and did spin the ship round (Moe Maloney you know what I mean!), as it was also above the wardroom we enjoyed doing these at night to keep the Officers smiling! though there was a door that went on the gangway right below the jetwash, we had to put a sentry there as one night a Steward Officer come out the door to complain and nearly had his blown off!

Location : Lincolnshire Spotter Watch Member : no

Looking at that picture its chocks and brakes only,if it were in the hush house it would be tied down with the arrestor hook. Unless it the angle it looks like they still have the towing arm connected..which is a bit naughty.

Subject: Re: Tornado question 2009-01-28, 09:27

thanks for replies.
cheers