Bloodhound Missile Preservation Group

16/05/2024

Currently I am checking three spare CHARGE Controllers and a Pixel Store. To do this I needed to check out one of the desktop versions of the C-3920 monitors we acquired having managed to get one of these monster monitors upstairs to the workshop! I needed to use the monitor as part of the CHARGE/Monitor test rig. Another job is work on rewiring the GL link cards in the two spare ME183 chassis....

Currently I am checking three spare CHARGE Controllers and a Pixel Store. To do this I needed to check out one of the desktop versions of the C-3920 monitors we acquired having managed to get one o…

02/05/2024

Sky TV paid a visit to RAFADRM to talk to museum staff including a special visit to our Bloodhound kit for a demonstration and talk to our team representative, Rob Findlater. This link will take you to the the Sky article then to Sky's video that they made on site. Mike Strange

Sky TV paid a visit to RAFADRM to talk to museum staff including a special visit to our Bloodhound kit for a demonstration and talk to our team representative, Rob Findlater. This link will take yo…

12/02/2024

With our kit now installed at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, Neatishead, Norfolk we need to support the functioning Launch Control Post (LCP). We especially need engineering support to service and maintain the Engagement Simulator equipment that utilises the Ferranti Argus 700 computer, associated complex input/output devices and the displays. You may have undertaken this line of work with Ferranti , in the RAF or perhaps with another Argus user. ...

With our kit now installed at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, Neatishead, Norfolk we need to support the functioning Launch Control Post (LCP). We especially need engineering support to service a…

30/03/2023

Before and after photos of our work LCP at RAF Cosford 2011 LCP at RAFADRM March 2023 T86 Radar at RAF Cosford 2012 T86 Radar at RAFADRM March 2023 Bloodhound Simulator at RAF Cosford 2011 Bloodhound Simulator at RAFADRM 26th March 2023 Simulator demonstration to RAFADRM 28th March 2023 Mike Strange

Before and after photos of our work LCP at RAF Cosford 2011 LCP at RAFADRM March 2023 T86 Radar at RAF Cosford 2012 T86 Radar at RAFADRM March 2023 Bloodhound Simulator at RAF Cosford 2011 Bloodhou…

26/03/2023

Transportation of all the BMPG equipment from Cosford to RAFADRM Neatishead was completed by Shebdon of Telford within the short time allowed to us by RAF Cosford. The carpark was to be its initial location until concrete pads were constructed. Once the pads were completed the next task was to transfer the LCP, T86 and Rapier FSC Launcher to their positions for display....

Transportation of all the BMPG equipment from Cosford to RAFADRM Neatishead was completed by Shebdon of Telford within the short time allowed to us by RAF Cosford. The carpark was to be its initial…

16/03/2023

It's less than three weeks until we reopen for the 2023 season!

Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, the museum is looking better than ever. One of our major improvements has been the arrival of a Bloodhound Launch Control Post (LCP) and a Type 86 Radar, which have been kindly loaned to us by the Bloodhound Missile Preservation Group. This means that we now have a complete Bloodhound missile system!

We'll be open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-5pm, from 4th April. Please visit www.radarmuseum.co.uk/visit-us/opening-times-admission-prices for more information. We can't wait to welcome you!

20/01/2023

Our kit duly arrived and was off-loaded at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum (RAFADRM) at Neatishead, Norfolk this morning. I will let the photographs tell the story. Mk 2 Bloodhound Missile Ser No 4574 belonging to RAFADRM Thank you Shebdon Crane Hire Ltd for a job well done!

Our kit duly arrived and was off-loaded at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum (RAFADRM) at Neatishead, Norfolk this morning. I will let the photographs tell the story. Mk 2 Bloodhound Missile Ser No …

19/01/2023

Loading of the Aerial Cage was just starting here this morning. At 13:00 today a convoy left RAF Cosford for Neatishead, our time in Hangar 5 is at an end. Our photograph shows the convoy loaded and heading for the exit embarking on its 200 mile journey to Norfolk. The first truck (a low loader) has the T86 and FSC Rapier Launcher on board....

Loading of the Aerial Cage was just starting here this morning. At 13:00 today a convoy left RAF Cosford for Neatishead, our time in Hangar 5 is at an end. Our photograph shows the convoy loaded an…

13/01/2023

Today the aerial assembly was removed from the T86, here it is lifted and in transit Here is the aerial in deposited in its transportation cage which had been resucued from its dumped location at North Luffenham a few years ago. Removing the aerial assembly would not have been possible without Neil and Pete J and their commitment plus a ‘can do’ approach to the task....

Today the aerial assembly was removed from the T86, here it is lifted and in transit Here is the aerial in deposited in its transportation cage which had been resucued from its dumped location at N…

13/01/2023

Another step on our move to Neatishead accomplished today. The T86 has been moved to the centre section of the hangar and positioned for loading on the low loader. See photo. The tug was provided, with great appreciation, by the aircraft handling guys on the Station With the jacks stowed on the T86 it exposed some small areas on the cabin that couldn’t be treated and painted previously, a start has been made with the odd bit of corrosion treated....

Another step on our move to Neatishead accomplished today. The T86 has been moved to the centre section of the hangar and positioned for loading on the low loader. See photo. The tug was provided, …

13/01/2023

Three extra team members were down so a good working session was had so more tasks were completed ready for the move to Neatishead. First challenge was to put the six tyres back on the radar and all I can say is that it is not like changing a car tyre. The wheels are very heavy so difficult to manoeuvre under the wheel arch but Pete J and Pete M managed it with a combination of patience and frustration if there is such a thing....

Three extra team members were down so a good working session was had so more tasks were completed ready for the move to Neatishead. First challenge was to put the six tyres back on the radar and al…

03/01/2023

A very Happy New Year and all the best for 2023 to all our readers. As the work up to readying for transportation gets underway we shall not be having the usual Work Day reports. Instead we shall keep all informed about progress of the move to the RAFADM at Neatishead which has to take place by the end of this month....

A very Happy New Year and all the best for 2023 to all our readers. As the work up to readying for transportation gets underway we shall not be having the usual Work Day reports. Instead we shall k…

23/12/2022

Our last 2022 work day visit to Cosford took place on 22nd December after a break due to inclement weather. This visit was with a very heavy heart as we have been told to vacate our accomodation at RAF Cosford by the end of January 2023. We understand that this a directive from on high and relates to all non-RAF utilisation of RAF property, it possibly applies to the other services as well....

Our last 2022 work day visit to Cosford took place on 22nd December after a break due to inclement weather. This visit was with a very heavy heart as we have been told to vacate our accomodation at…

16/12/2022

Hi folks, we are wondering if any of our followers are in the heavy haulage business and willing to assist us with transporting our equipment. The basic requirement would be for:

1. A Hiab truck to lift the LCP (8 ton) and T86 Ae cage (2 ton).

2. A low-loader for the T86 (weight TBD) which will need winching on as it is not roadworthy for towing. The aerials will be removed at Cosford but could be remounted at at its destination with the Hiab truck.

3. The FSC Rapier launcher and missiles can be treated separately and moved on a vehicle transporter.

Regards to all
Mike Strange

05/12/2022

Here is a post of some LCP photos showcasing what we hope will become available for public viewing in the forseeable future. The fruits of many hundreds of hours by a very small but dedicated team. On the left are the 'P' and 'T' Racks which privide missile preparation and test facilities. In the background are the four 'M' Racks each of which contain the safety circuits and firing commands for two missiles....

Here is a post of some LCP photos showcasing what we hope will become available for public viewing in the forseeable future. The fruits of many hundreds of hours by a very small but dedicated team.…

05/12/2022

T86 We are fortunate to have the T86 under cover even if it is in an old hangar which is unheated, the roof leaks and air circulation is not good. The consequence is a white mould is present during the winter months. Thankfully the mould is easy to remove with a cloth and a suitable chemical treatment. Final stages of corrosion treatment are in progress, normally areas missed due to the position of the aerials, see the accompanying photos, one pre (left) and the other post (right) corrosion treatment....

T86 We are fortunate to have the T86 under cover even if it is in an old hangar which is unheated, the roof leaks and air circulation is not good. The consequence is a white mould is present during…

27/11/2022

T86 New stainless bolts were fitted to brackets supporting the flexible waveguide at the join to the rotating joint at the head of the pedestal. LCP The 5V power supply for the Argus 700 failed last week and has now been replaced. Due to age a common fault is a bad Tantalum capacitor on the power supplies’ control board so that is the first check in the repair....

T86 New stainless bolts were fitted to brackets supporting the flexible waveguide at the join to the rotating joint at the head of the pedestal. LCP The 5V power supply for the Argus 700 failed las…

21/11/2022

T86 No work was carried out on the T86 this week but new UNF machine screws to replace those used for brackets and clamps on the aerial assembly have been ordered; stainless of course. LCP The software developed a ‘Mode Change’ notification recently and covered in a previous blog. This is a notification that inhibits the simulator software running. One check required to identify the cause is to check the resistance across the 5 volts on the digital input and output cards....

T86 No work was carried out on the T86 this week but new UNF machine screws to replace those used for brackets and clamps on the aerial assembly have been ordered; stainless of course. LCP The soft…

15/11/2022

T86 A start has been made on checking various items previously removed from the T86 cabin. Some are already refurbished including the anchor pillars for the aerial pedestal. The storage drawers and their case have also been refurbished. They await reassembling once the telescopic guide rails for the drawers have been cleaned to remove the old congealed grease. One item that needs cleaning, and perhaps a repaint of its lid, is the Simulator Switching unit, see accompanying photo....

T86 A start has been made on checking various items previously removed from the T86 cabin. Some are already refurbished including the anchor pillars for the aerial pedestal. The storage drawers and…

06/11/2022

T86 Lesson learnt but a bit late - when dismantling always record and photograph everything, this was done but not for the Transmitter waveguide fittings. Reassembling the waveguide on the rear of the aerial assembly has been completed but the brackets used were a puzzle. What added to the challenge is that the T86 was modified to take a dummy load so several fittings are there for that purpose and not used....

T86 Lesson learnt but a bit late – when dismantling always record and photograph everything, this was done but not for the Transmitter waveguide fittings. Reassembling the waveguide on the re…

31/10/2022

T86 The transmitter waveguide run and fittings were reassembled and fitted to the rear of the aerial boom as seen below fitting. The last of the rope eyes on the aerial boom were fitted, there are four in total, see photo below. The rope eyes were a modification following the introduction of a ‘U’ beam that allowed the T86 aerial assembly to be removed using a crane rather than the ‘A’ Frame....

T86 The transmitter waveguide run and fittings were reassembled and fitted to the rear of the aerial boom as seen below fitting. The last of the rope eyes on the aerial boom were fitted, there are …

31/10/2022

Here is a Bloodhound Side Loader moving a T86 Radar Aerial Cage. Where and when was it taken? Good luck, we do have the answer to hand Mike Strange

Here is a Bloodhound Side Loader moving a T86 Radar Aerial Cage. Where and when was it taken? Good luck, we do have the answer to hand Mike Strange

24/10/2022

I thought you might like to see the way in which some of the ex Bloodhound kit was treated and greeted our eyes when we visited RAF North Luffenham a few years ago. Other than some comments I will let the pictures tell their own story. Cable Drums minus their cables More Cable Drums minus their cables LCP 1019 This had been done to every meter LCP 1006 Radar Aerial Cage - THANK YOU T86 Ser No 111 T86 Ser No unidentifiable Little Treasures! Mike Strange

I thought you might like to see the way in which some of the ex Bloodhound kit was treated and greeted our eyes when we visited RAF North Luffenham a few years ago. Other than some comments I will …

23/10/2022

T86 More progress was made on refitting the aerial system with covers for the Modulator box and RF Receiver. See the following photographs. Note that our restoration work is to a standard aimed high at public display. RF Receiver Cover fitted Modulator Cover fitted Rear of the Aerial System A reminder of what the aerial system looked like before we started restoration:...

T86 More progress was made on refitting the aerial system with covers for the Modulator box and RF Receiver. See the following photographs. Note that our restoration work is to a standard aimed hig…

12/10/2022

T86 Refitting of assemblies and parts to the T86 continues with the majority of the latch catches now refitted to the covers of the RF receiver and the Modulator box on the rear of the aerial assembly. Here you can see the rear of the aerial assembly with the cover of the modulation box refitted. Assemblies are being refitted in the RF receiver below showing several IF amplifiers refitted....

T86 Refitting of assemblies and parts to the T86 continues with the majority of the latch catches now refitted to the covers of the RF receiver and the Modulator box on the rear of the aerial assem…

28/09/2022

T86 Work is being carried out to ensure the aerial system with its fittings and assemblies are water tight. Below shows new sealant along the edge of the elevation gearbox, the original sealant had deteriorated and literally fallen out. A second refurbished guide rope anchor has been refitted as shown here. The anchor is located in an awkward position tucked under the main transmitting dish....

T86 Work is being carried out to ensure the aerial system with its fittings and assemblies are water tight. Below shows new sealant along the edge of the elevation gearbox, the original sealant had…

17/09/2022

T86 Further painting, mostly touching up, on the aerial system. The accompanying photo shows the re fitted In-flight Reference aerial from a side angle. To Illustrate some of the detail of our restoration work the two following photos show the inspection windows for the elevation Mil dials followed by the mounting plate used for aerial alignment. To enable work to be carried out on the aerial system two -24V power supplies had been installed in the radar (D and F Racks) to supply the aerial brakes and brake control microswitches....

T86 Further painting, mostly touching up, on the aerial system. The accompanying photo shows the re fitted In-flight Reference aerial from a side angle. To Illustrate some of the detail of our rest…

05/09/2022

T86 The In-flight Reference (IFR) aerial has been refitted. Another milestone in the refurbishment as all aerials have been re fitted to the radar and there are no further large items to be fitted. Several waveguide sections have also been refitted. The IFR will need some additional treatment though as the fibreglass is appears to be delaminating in some way and coming through the paint....

https://bmpg.wordpress.com/2022/09/05/work-day-4th-september-2022/

T86 The In-flight Reference (IFR) aerial has been refitted. Another milestone in the refurbishment as all aerials have been re fitted to the radar and there are no further large items to be fitted.…

30/08/2022

T86 The focus of current work is completing the refitting of components and assemblies to the aerial assembly. The aerial modulator has been refitted, here with its cover off. Vent Cover Waveguide Desiccators Junction Box Cover LCP The simulator was run up and a few exercises demonstrated to a visitor. The simulator remains serviceable. Away from Cosford Update on refurbishing the pedestal motor which was stripped down and various components were corrosion treated and painted…...

https://bmpg.wordpress.com/2022/08/30/work-days-27-29th-august-2022/

T86 The focus of current work is completing the refitting of components and assemblies to the aerial assembly. The aerial modulator has been refitted, here with its cover off. Vent Cover Waveguide …

23/08/2022

13th August T86Refitting the aerial assembly items continued: The mounting bracket for the aerial removal ‘U’ beam is reassembled after refurbishing: Refurbished the cover to top junction box now refitted: The harness ring around top of pedestal was refitted: 3rd Line Work Platform Gear BoxThe photo below is the pedestal platform motor gearbox that was salvaged T86 Serial 111 at North Luffenham....

https://bmpg.wordpress.com/2022/08/23/work-days-13th-and-20th-august-2022/

13th August T86Refitting the aerial assembly items continued: The mounting bracket for the aerial removal ‘U’ beam is reassembled after refurbishing: Refurbished the cover to top junction box now r…