Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:50
A very small number received UK marks.
This was so the brokers could test the aircraft and fly them for delivery to customers. A similar situation was done with ex RAF Argosys for onward sale abroad.
I don't think it was ever seriously considered for civil use in the UK as the capacity is about the same as a 748 with a lot of extra weight and complexity.
The systems and engines were to military spec so the cost of getting full civil certification was pointless as it would never pay it's way.
The only civil users have been in countries where the certification is minimal or perhaps non existent..........places where they accept types as is.
Also some of these countries have very rough operating conditions so the tough short field dirt strip rear loading capability could be useful.
So any certification cost could be justified in countries where aircraft need to operate under almost military assault condition.
None of this is any use plodding around the European circuit.
Garry
This was so the brokers could test the aircraft and fly them for delivery to customers. A similar situation was done with ex RAF Argosys for onward sale abroad.
I don't think it was ever seriously considered for civil use in the UK as the capacity is about the same as a 748 with a lot of extra weight and complexity.
The systems and engines were to military spec so the cost of getting full civil certification was pointless as it would never pay it's way.
The only civil users have been in countries where the certification is minimal or perhaps non existent..........places where they accept types as is.
Also some of these countries have very rough operating conditions so the tough short field dirt strip rear loading capability could be useful.
So any certification cost could be justified in countries where aircraft need to operate under almost military assault condition.
None of this is any use plodding around the European circuit.
Garry