Snoopy Flies over Norwich !

[keithnewsome]

What I thought was yet another US overflight by a Herc ! Being slightly bored I pointed the camera at this .... Keith.

[hunterxf382]

You might just have captured Snoopy's last ever flight you know....

[jetwash]

:sad: You might just have captured Snoopy's last ever flight you know....

WHY?!!!!!

[MarkL]

Is that Snoopy ?? Snoopy HAD an elongated nose which this a/c dosn't, unless its changed ?????

I'm assuming you are talking about XV208, apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick here ))

Mark

[jetwash]

Is that Snoopy ?? Snoopy HAD an elongated nose which this a/c dosn't, unless its changed ?????

I'm assuming you are talking about XV208, apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick here ))

Mark

Yeah, HAD, I'm afraid he got the snip!

[Mictheslik]

Is that Snoopy ?? Snoopy HAD an elongated nose which this a/c dosn't, unless its changed ?????

I'm assuming you are talking about XV208, apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick here ))

Mark

Yep this is XV208....the nose was removed when it was transferred to the Marshall fleet (no longer needed for met research)

.mic

[hunterxf382]

WHY?!!!!!

Over on Key Publishing Forum there's a thread running which indicates that now that the test flying phase is over for the new engine, this airframe will be disposed of as surplus. Sadly because it's so highly modified from a standard C-130 it doesn't look likely to live on, or be displayed anywhere either

[Sam Dodd]

Nice captures! Shame if you are right about it not being handed back to the RAF. They could do with another Herk .... or 2.

[hunterxf382]

Like I said Sam - it's been too highly modified to be of any use to anyone now. It's a shame I know - this airframe certainly has some history behind it, but after being equipped for the different roles over the years, including now; it's not a useable C-130 for the load carrying capability.

Sounds like no Museum can take it on at the moment (it would have been a 3 engined Herc after the test-bed engine had been removed, plus the wing mods done for the tests), so parting out looks increasingly likely for this old workhorse

[Kip Casper]

Does it fall within Cosford's collecting policy? You could fly it in then remove the engine. Then, possibly show an A400M engine by the side a la TSR2. Obviously, it may be a while before an expired test engine becomes available. I see it as a unique and interesting airframe.

[PAPA LAZ]

Calling Marshall 1,that should have been the last flight.This is her last week at Marshalls.



The scrap man is waiting in the wings i'm afraid.

[D200]

As the RAF have operated C130 since about 1969, Cosford & Hendon certainly deserve to have one included in their collections. As Cosford is home to several unique and 'test' airframes, then surely Cosford is the place for this. I would like to see it there restored as 'Snoopy', but accept that even as is - is appropriate for the collection. Perhaps with the snoopy nose as a ground exhibit alongside. A std C130 is a lot smaller then you would expect and I am quite sure after after the disgracefull destruction of the BA fleet, room could be made for a C130. Loose the Neptune and put it there!

[Epic Formacion]

The RAF is short of MK1's, maybe she will live on. Cant have many hours on it I would have thought.

[Flyingmonster]

Cracking catch!!
I hope they maybe restore her nose and give it to a museum when they are done with her!

Jamie

[jetwash]

BTW, if the engine is finished testing, does that mean the first flight is soon?

[PeterR]

There is plenty of room for her at Cosford!