Mk 32 pod

[weasel pilot]

Was the fuel tank in the wing pods filled after takeoff and drained before landing as with the Victor? On the Victor this was to aid in reducing stress on the wing.

Dave Mason

[Laurieg]

Hi,

The Mk32 Pod does not have a tank in it. It is fed direct from the tanks via a branch off the main fuel gallery and isolation valve internal to the wing, (C1K, the valve is in the pylon on the K3). The fuel is pressurised from the dispense pumps in the main feed tanks and the line is primed prior to contact by the FE.

Hope this helps

[weasel pilot]

THANKS! It helps tremendously. I know (OK, I read) the VC-10 pylon could carry either the Mk 20 or Mk 32 pod. Was the Mk 20 pod ever used and if so, was this a one-off event or were they used for some time?

[Laurieg]

I came to the C1 fleet in 1989 and they were converted around 1990/91. In that time we have only used the Mk 32. If the Mk 20 was used on a 10 it was long before my time. There may be an original 101 Sqn guy who may be able to give you more.

[weasel pilot]

The jets that went to support Op Granby, did they carry Mk 20s or Mk 32s??

Dave

[Tonkenna]

As far as I am aware the pods that were fitted we're Mk 32s from the beginning. I have an original K2/3 Aircrew Manual Tech at home and will try to remember to check when I get home on Fri (only there a few hours mind before I go away again)... but I am fairly sure they were always fitted with the 32s. When I joined the fleet in 94 (I was on Nimrods for Granby) one of the K2s still had its Granby nose art and that had 32s on it!

Tonks

[nickwilcock]

The VC10K has always used the Mk32 pod! The Mk20 is incompatible.

[Tonkenna]

Hi Nick, happy new year

That is what I thought...

Hope all is well, may be see you for a beer again soon.

Tonks