Sea Vixen gear up landing

[DaveB]

Hmm... I would suspect a failure in a part common to both systems if emergency gear failed to operate.

Yup.. this is what the FM says which perhaps I didn't put too well:
As the integrity of the Green and Red systems is dependant upon the serviceability of a number of common components, there is a possibility that a Green system failure may be followed by a failure of the Red system. Therefore, following a Green system failure, the landing configuration must be selected immediately circumstances permit.

Emergency operation of services
(I) Undercarriage lowering
If the undercarriage fails to lower on a normal selection pull out the knob on the end of the selector lever, rotate it clockwise, push and hold it fully in. The selector lever can now be moved further down bringing the Red system into operation. Do not retract except in an emergency.

(ii) Flap lowering
No action is necessary, as Red system pressure will be automatically supplied and unrestricted operation of the flaps will be available. If the flaps remain in a fixed position. both Red and Green supplies to the flap jacks have failed. Return and land using any available flap.

ETC, ETC.

Definitely an 'oh shit' moment
ATB
DaveB

[DogTailRed2]

Very sad. She gave a great display on Saturday and it was a real shock to find out she's know out of action.
Hydrualic systems in early British aircraft seem to be their achilles heel. The RNHF Sea Fury also suffered a similar fate.
Just goes to show see em while you can as they are not around for ever.

[Motormouse]

Definitely an 'oh shit' moment
ATB
DaveB

From the photos looks like a well planned and executed wheels up, settling on the tail bumpers and airbrake strakes from what can be seen. Thanks for posting the FM Dave, its been 30 odd years since I last played with a Sea Vixen, we had them as instructional airframes at RAF Halton... for hydraulics systems IIRC.

Drop tanks nose and tail cones are a frangible phenolic material from what I recall.


Ttfn

Pete

[DaveG]

Video of the "landing" here: https://youtu.be/R5qEhY3XD6Q

And a video of the display at Duxford prior to the incident: https://youtu.be/y1Ae1JieMZM

[TobyV]

What I'm wondering is, assuming there's the money and will to repair it, presumably at minimum we're looking at a new canopy, drop tanks, perhaps some parts from the underside of the fuselage and booms plus whatever failed that initiated this incident. 45 years after it was retired, are there still sufficient spares around?

[DaveB]

Thanks for posting the display vid Dave. What an absolute beauty

The question of spares is a valid one Toby.. the cost of repairs too. Fingers crossed sufficient of both are available
ATB
DaveB

[Motormouse]

More photos on daily mail web page.

Ttfn

Pete

[FlyTexas]

The Daily Mail is calling the Sea Vixen an antique!

Brian

[DaveB]

Yup.. I wish I'd not looked on there because it made me angry.. as per

ATB
DaveB

[SkippyBing]

What I'm wondering is, assuming there's the money and will to repair it, presumably at minimum we're looking at a new canopy, drop tanks, perhaps some parts from the underside of the fuselage and booms plus whatever failed that initiated this incident. 45 years after it was retired, are there still sufficient spares around?

Well they don't need to replace the drop tanks...
I'd also guess that replacement skin panels could be made? So it may be more a question of what was damaged under the skin.
A point someone made elsewhere, she's actually a D3 not a FAW2 so there may be some differences in the Aircrew Manual relating to the appropriate procedures.