2 weekly reports (Nos.265 266)

Aircraft at Bitteswell: Canberra WD.933 (AS.Sa.115/119). Lancastrian VM.733 (AS.Sa.99/100). Blackburn WB.797 (DM.209). Gannet VR.557 (DM.205). Wyvern VR.747 (ASP.244). Wyvern VZ.868 (ASP.248). Lancaster SW.342 (Viper 5). Other aircraft: Sapphire engined aircraft: Sa.128 has been installed in Hunter WB.202 and engine should be running next week. Gun firing trials have commenced on the Javelin aircraft following the reinstallation of Sa.124 and sa.126.Pilots' comments regarding the Sa.128 in the Hunter are generally favourable. Aircraft modifications are almost completed on the Victor. Following flight tests on Javelin WT.827during which vibration was present on the port engine at 7700 and 8000 rpm at 500 knotsa; a labyrinth rub on this engine (Sa.124) was suspected. Gtound running on the Vulcan began during the week following the fitment of Mk.23 fuel pumps and modified flow controls. During th first run on Sa.6007, rpm 'faded' from idling and again from 6000 rpm with the throttle lever stationary. Wyverns: Tests are to be carried out at Boscombe Down to establish if level flight can be maintained with the propeller on the 24deg stop (in acse of PCU failure) at the weight of 19,800 lbs. Gannets: The first three production Gannets WN.339, WN.340 and WN.341 are at A & AEE Boscombe Down undergoing various acceptance trials. DM.2017 has been removed from Gannet WN.343 with a suspected accessory drive free wheel failure. DM.2027 is being installed. Seamew (ASZ.173) Is now flying Canberra WV.787