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14 November 2005
African Pilot Newsletter Vol.4 No.46
"Let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot
and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with
flight." Elrey Borge Jeppesen.
Thunder City time to altitude record attempt
Thunder City will attempt to establish a new all-Africa record for the
fastest climb by an aircraft from a standing start on the runway to a
given altitude using the famous Cold War supersonic interceptor, the
English Electric Lightning. There will be two attempts; the first on 26
November 2005 during an Airshow at the South African Air Force Base
TFDC, near Bredasdorp, where the objective will be to reach 6000 m
(19,800 ft) in under 60 seconds. The second attempt will be on 3
December 2005 at the South African Air Force Ysterplaat's Airshow in the
heart of Cape Town where the target will be to reach 9000 m (29,800 ft),
also in less than 60 seconds, from a standing start.
Dave Stock, Thunder City's test pilot, will be at the controls of the
Lightning and well known British businessman, John Caudwell, will be in
the right hand seat as crew for the 9000 m attempt. John, who is a
qualified pilot, bought the privilege at a dinner auction for the
Caudwell Charitable Trust for £9000.
The Lightning will develop 36,000 lbs of thrust whilst burning 500
litres per minute of Jet A1 fuel. Dave will lift the aircraft off the
runway at 160 knots (about 300 kilometres per hour) then accelerate
rapidly to 600 knots (1116 km/h or Mach 0.95) before pointing the
aircraft almost straight up to maximise the rate of climb. The first and
most spectacular part of the climb will be clearly visible to spectators
on the ground. The Lightning is one of only four flying in the world,
all belonging to Cape Town based Thunder City. The particular aircraft,
a two-seat Lightning T.5, performing the record attempt is specially
prepared for the flight and will have its external fuel tank removed to
reduce weight. This means that, in full power with the afterburners
aflame, the aircraft will have only five minutes endurance. On take off,
the jet will be producing above 36,000 lbs of thrust (about 60,000
horsepower or equivalent to 75 formula one cars) -- so spectators are
advised to cover their ears!
All of the Thunder City jet types will be on display. Mike Beachy Head,
CEO and owner of Thunder City, will be flying the Lightning and
Buccaneer solo display, with Ian Pringle and Robbie Robinson doing the
Hawker Hunter and Buccaneer formation flights preceding the solos. Not
to be missed!
_________________ Mike R. Henniger Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer http://www.AerialVisuals.cahttp://www.facebook.com/AerialVisualsDo you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator. Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.
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