The Return of King Damien

Photos of operational aircraft from bases, airports and "spotter" outings
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Cyril Dorricott
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The Return of King Damien

Post by Cyril Dorricott »

Here's a quick snap of Sea King Mk.5 XV666 'Damien' having an engine run at RNAS Culdrose today 13th July'17. The old thing spent most of it's military career at Culdrose, most famously serving with 771NAS. Retired from military flight in April '16, it was held in storage untill January 2017 After a rebuild to airworthiness, it'll soon return to flight and enter a new lease of life training SAR crews.
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PeteM
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by PeteM »

Great to see her rotors turning again, but the old girl looks a bit bare.
Good to catch up with you yesterday.

NickB
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by NickB »

Damien clearly refuses to die!

Good to see it back - hopefully still around when I'm down in Helston later this month...

114PM
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by 114PM »

Any idea already where it will be based in the future?

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starbuck
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by starbuck »

If it is for training SAR crews will it be loaned out to Bristows?

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LN Strike Eagle
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by LN Strike Eagle »

Great to see. Is it on the civvy reg?
"You really are an oafish philistine at times!"

Cyril Dorricott
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by Cyril Dorricott »

Damien, along with another Mk.5, will be based at Portland,Dorset, where they will train German Navy SAR pilots.

It still carries the serial XV666, no idea if it is or will be on the civvy register.
More information here.
http://helioperations.co/portland

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G-CVIX
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by G-CVIX »

Still lots of life in the old fella! Thanks for posting, I didn't know about this happening until now.

114PM
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by 114PM »

Thanks! Didn't know about the arrangement with the German Navy.

Cyril Dorricott
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Re: The Return of King Damien

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Wissam24
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by Wissam24 »

I've got a lot of time for this. Wonderful sight
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Tommy
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by Tommy »

Excellent to see! :king:

Cyril Dorricott
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Re: The Return of King Damien

Post by Cyril Dorricott »

His sister, ZA166, is nearly ready for flight testing. Seen at RNAS Culdrose 30/11/17
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