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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Unusual angle on Canberra bomber

Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:07 pm

http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/news/fuel_tank.cfm

Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:53 pm

Sabredriver, that is one angle of ANY airplane I don't like to see! I've spent several hours lacing up fuel cells in an older 767 that had an STC fuel bladder set-up in the center wing box, and I appreciate the sweat on that man's brow. Seriously though, that is one of the many tasks in a thorough restoration that the public never sees and it is great to see it documented. Hard work in a small space!

Scott

Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:07 am

Is this aircraft going to be a flyer? it seems to be a lot of work to be carried out on a static aircraft.
I remember having bag tank delivered to us from stores with the airworthiness form STAPLED to it!!!!

Rgds Cking

Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:31 am

Cking wrote:Is this aircraft going to be a flyer? it seems to be a lot of work to be carried out on a static aircraft.

Was, and is.

It's an ex-Pom (but we don't hold that against it, as it's been painted in decent RAAF colours. ;) )

http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/aircraft/Canberra.cfm

Temora Aviation Museum's aim is nothing but flying aircraft.

No.3 fuselage tank

Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:33 am

Yes it is a flyer... it belongs to the Temora Aviation Museum & is the only one flying in Australia.

It took 3 full days to get that tank out & we're about halfway through getting it back in... one feels like he's laced up 300 pairs of army boots by the end of it. I understand that in service these tanks used to come out about every 2 years.

Jason

Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:59 am

Thanks for the prompt replies, I'd forgotten you had a flyer downunder.
I never actualy did that job when I worked on Canberra's but I remember it being done. The gang that did it removed and refitted the nose THREE times because of leaks! The first tank that arrived had exceeded its shelf life buy TEN years! (good stock rotation we had at the MOD!) the second one had the lable stapled to it. The repaired that one, put it in and it leaked. The next two just leaked. It was a good job that it was government owned and therefore money was no object!
Jason, as you are involved tell us how many split pins did you use to secure the bottom of the tank? :lol: Good luck with all your endevours,

Rgds Cking

Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:46 am

Ah, yes the wonders of the fuel bladder! We experienced some of the same leaking/replacing/cursing/praying stuff when I worked on our bladder tanks and I applaud the hard work being done on the Canberra. My crew chief at the time finally told us to think positive thoughts as we put fuel into the thing for the leak checks!

Scott

Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:15 am

CKing - I won't count all those split pins & retaining rings, there must be about 150??

We're REALLY hoping it doesn't leak!

Jason

Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 pm

There must be 'undreds an 'unreds of the things!!!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you too.

Rgds Cking
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