Trials Flight
Trials Flight
Another area I had experience in was the Trials Flight where trials were carried out on any new modification or equipment. There were only a few aircraft in the flight but the one I enjoyed working the most was the Hawker Hunter. This plane was just coming into use as a fighter and had a unique armament system in the ADEN 30mm gun. Four cannons were fitted in a pod in the underside of the aircraft and this removable package, which also contained the ammunition, could be removed and replaced in a very short time with another pack ready to fire. the barrels of the cannons remained in the aircraft and were connected to the new package when fitted. The package was fully armed at another part of the station and delivered to the aircraft ready for fitting.

I don’t know if we were the first station to fire the cannons but, if not, we were among the first and there was much excitement when the first package was delivered to us for the first firing trial and great pride when it returned after a successful flight.

We also took part in a large trial involving planes from other stations coming to us for rearming and for this we had to be on the airfield from 6am. This was a big change for airmen who were used to working 9am-5pm five days a week. I often wondered what would happen if Britain was attacked at the weekends.

I enjoyed my time on the trials flight but there was not a lot of activity for armourers and there was only myself and a corporal assigned there and he seemed to vanish for hours. Anyway I was told my presence was required back at the Venoms. There had been many changes since I was last there and only Robbie Robinson and myself were experienced. Most of the newer armourers wanted to work with their pals and Robbie & I were happy to let them and we carried working together until our time was up. I always thought there was a lack of NCO leadership among the armourers.
Share by: