Are there any Comets still flying?

cstorey · Post by **cstorey** » 25 Aug 2006, 19:48

Twice in the last 3 weeks I have seen what looked like a Comet 3 or 4 in flight.The first time it was northbound through Wallasey at about 8,000 feet, and the second time southbound. The only excrescences were the tank like protuberances half way along the leading edges, and thus it did not look as though it was a Nimrod, as the tail looked normal also. Is the MOS Comet 3 still alive? I certainly never expected to see one again. Any ideas - or is it my poor aircraft recognition?

Chris

Charlie Bravo · Post by **Charlie Bravo** » 25 Aug 2006, 19:53

Sadly there are no more Comets flying matey.

Post by **Garry Russell** » 25 Aug 2006, 20:08

Chris

I wonder if it was one of these

http://www.spyflight.co.uk/nim.htm
http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/nimrodr1.html

Without the prominent sting the can look very different as in the pic with the one peeling away

Just a thought

Garry

TobyV · Post by **TobyV** » 25 Aug 2006, 22:25

Chris,

The Comet 3 was w/off in the early 1970s when a Trident 3 on autoland trials at Bedford (G-AWZA I think) hit its tail after going too low on approach whilst the Comet was lined up waiting to depart. The incident was very nearly a lot worse but the Trident was repaired and the Comet w/off.

Toby

jonesey2k · Post by **jonesey2k** » 26 Aug 2006, 07:49

It was probs a Nimrod. Ive seen one fly over here. In fact I heard it first and then went outside to have a look "That sounds like 4 Speys!" *legs it outside*

cstorey · Post by **cstorey** » 28 Aug 2006, 14:28

Thanks for that. I think it must have been a Nimrod with the smaller excrescences, prob the Maritime version as seen by Jonesy

Chris