glenhowells wrote:Hi Nige
going back to the type 22 with the destroyed hanger looking through my books and that photo her flight deck ID which is BA indicates it's Brave. If that's correct what other areas are proof that she is brave and do you have any photos to prove so.
Cheers Glen
Hi Glen,
You are correct, the Flight-Deck marking is just about clear enough to read BA, which was indeed Brave. Boxer used XB.
The main difference between the two visually, is that from Brave onwards, the Type 22's had an enlarged Hangar to cater for both the Merlin and Sea King MK6. (although I don't believe Merlin was carried except during Trials) The Flight-Deck was also enlarged, with extensions down both sides to create a rectangular appearance, which required supports from the corners of the Quarterdeck/Transom.
The operation of Sea Kings had its challenges, as unlike the Lynx, they did not have Harpoon to lock the Helo to the deck, or negative rotor thrust to push the airframe onto the deck when it had no lashings fitted. The landing gear arrangement of two forward/one aft required the rear Aircrewman to lean out of the cab laid on his belly to tell the pilot if his tail wheel was going to land on deck, as well as some elaborate marking on deck as visual cues. Some pretty impressive flying I'd bet, with minimal rotor blade/superstructure clearances.
Below is a picture of Boxer alongside Coventry, which clearly shows the difference in Hangar height and Flight-Deck arrangement. Also one of Boxer to illustrate the smaller Flight-Deck.
I hope that clears things up once and for all.
Nige