Excellent interview! I remember meeting Ian Black at the Alconbury show in 1990 where he was selling copies of 'Tornado' published by Airlife. The signed copy is still on my bookshelf and is a wonderful collection of Tornado photos. Incredible to think it was 32 years ago!
Another quality interview from Ian in the Tornado tales series. Thanks gents. Always good to listen to Ian and hope there's more from Ian to come on the channel in the future 👍
I remember going to the Leeming Air Display in 1994 and entering the crash gates at the back of the airfield there was a sign on one of the Hardened Aircraft Shelters "Tornado F3 squadron for sale, going cheap". I think it was just after the announcement of the disbandment of 23 squadron, and I just thought that seeing a sign like that was indicative of low morale, which was hardly surprising really. I also bet the CO was not best pleased when he got wind of it.
Do the OCUs training times speed up in times of war? and were there flight simulators at those timea originally? In Chile some regional buses use CDs on the reverse side so to absorb the laser pointed at them by the speed control police. Similar to your helmet sheild. 90s tech by the way.
It was amazing that some of the stuff that Ian said the R.A.F. wanted on their Tornado F.3’s was standard fit to the Tornado ADV’s operated by the Saudi Air Force, chaff and flare launchers fitted to the engine doors were there from the start as well as the AWMDS, Auto Wing Sweep Manoeuvre Demand System, I don’t know if the R.A.F. ever fitted the connection for an external air conditioning system to keep the avionics bays cool during start up that the Saudi’s had insisted be fitted to their aircraft.
It was the Cold War. Nobody actually expected to fight so it didn't matter if the aircraft didn't have defensive aids and all the rest, as long as they looked good at air shows. In fact a lot of the essential theatre entry standard kit was in the original requirement and deleted for cost saving. Took a while for that attitude to change!
I am going to paint my car ,with ,R.A.M paint/ radar absorbing paint ......where do I go and get this paint , .....oh ..I paid for it by my taxes ... will buy about 3lts , thank you .
Excellent interview! I remember meeting Ian Black at the Alconbury show in 1990 where he was selling copies of 'Tornado' published by Airlife. The signed copy is still on my bookshelf and is a wonderful collection of Tornado photos. Incredible to think it was 32 years ago!
Cheers
I've still got the same book too
Ian Black what a great bloke always happy to chat to us mere mortals !
He is a top chap for sure.
Such a massively underexposed channel. This stuff is gold!
Thanks Julian!
I could listen to Ian Black all day 👍🏼
Interesting to watch, thanks. Was supposed to do an exchange tour with F3s at Coningsby in the mid 90s. Would have enjoyed it I’m sure!
Another quality interview from Ian in the Tornado tales series. Thanks gents. Always good to listen to Ian and hope there's more from Ian to come on the channel in the future 👍
Cheers Ian.
Always great to hear Ian!
Very interesting, love Ian's photography.
That chat could’ve been two hours, fascinating stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome, thanks for sharing! Love the stories of the everyday life leading up to the deployment.
Great always love listening to Ian
Superb stuff as always.
Thank you.
Outtsanding as always!
Cheers
Yes!!!! Been waiting for this one!!!
I hope your well Blacky. 👍
I remember going to the Leeming Air Display in 1994 and entering the crash gates at the back of the airfield there was a sign on one of the Hardened Aircraft Shelters "Tornado F3 squadron for sale, going cheap". I think it was just after the announcement of the disbandment of 23 squadron, and I just thought that seeing a sign like that was indicative of low morale, which was hardly surprising really. I also bet the CO was not best pleased when he got wind of it.
Do the OCUs training times speed up in times of war? and were there flight simulators at those timea originally?
In Chile some regional buses use CDs on the reverse side so to absorb the laser pointed at them by the speed control police. Similar to your helmet sheild. 90s tech by the way.
It was amazing that some of the stuff that Ian said the R.A.F. wanted on their Tornado F.3’s was standard fit to the Tornado ADV’s operated by the Saudi Air Force, chaff and flare launchers fitted to the engine doors were there from the start as well as the AWMDS, Auto Wing Sweep Manoeuvre Demand System, I don’t know if the R.A.F. ever fitted the connection for an external air conditioning system to keep the avionics bays cool during start up that the Saudi’s had insisted be fitted to their aircraft.
How many flared are in a package, as i know there are two packages per warbird. And how hot 'C' s wete they?
Did the bigger engine LP compressors make any noticeable difference Ian?
*Ian looks too young to have flown the Lightning* 😊
11:46 which year was that photo taken?
Quite a few aircraft suffer from inglorious introductions. However does appear the F3 was delivered as not quite fit for purpose?
It was the Cold War. Nobody actually expected to fight so it didn't matter if the aircraft didn't have defensive aids and all the rest, as long as they looked good at air shows. In fact a lot of the essential theatre entry standard kit was in the original requirement and deleted for cost saving. Took a while for that attitude to change!
...aaaand he is the last trained Lightning Pilot
👍👍👍
Secret button that turns the F3 into a F15 😂
Brilliant line from Ian!
Made me proper laugh!
I am going to paint my car ,with ,R.A.M paint/ radar absorbing paint ......where do I go and get this paint , .....oh ..I paid for it by my taxes ... will buy about 3lts , thank you .