Another Step Closer – Preparing XV232’s Ailerons, Pods and Flaps for Removal

The work may sometimes come down to individual split pins, electrical connectors and stubborn fasteners, but collectively those small jobs are bringing XV232 considerably closer to another major milestone.

Following the team’s latest engineering review, both ailerons are now approaching the point where they can be removed, while work is also progressing on the wingtip pods and preparations are beginning on the flaps.

The team has now removed the split pins from hinge No.5 on both ailerons and loosened the associated fasteners. Two previously missed bolts have also been dealt with.

As is often the case when dismantling an aircraft of this age, XV232 has provided us with a reminder that very little is completely straightforward.

On the port aileron, a castellated nut associated with the potentiometer sheared while being loosened, leaving another small problem for the engineering team to resolve.

Finding T24

There has also been progress inside the wingtip pod.

The electrical connections identified as T1, T2, T3 and T24 have now been located — including the previously elusive T24.

The next task is to work through those connections and the specialist fasteners securing the pod.

Torque screwdrivers and a special T-shaped socket tool are being sourced, while the team continues to identify exactly what can be disconnected conventionally and what alternative methods may be needed.

Flaps are next

With the aileron work well advanced, attention now turns toward preparing the flaps.

The ambition is to put the team in a position where the pods, ailerons and flaps can move into their removal phase around the August Bank Holiday working weekend, subject to engineering progress and the usual requirement that everything can be done safely.

These aren’t dramatic jobs performed in a few minutes.

They are the result of engineers methodically identifying connections, checking drawings, removing decades-old fasteners and making sure that parts we intend to preserve aren’t unnecessarily damaged in the process.

And every component removed brings us another step closer to the point where XV232 can begin her journey to Manston.

If you’d like to play a part in that journey, please support the relocation fund.

👉 Support XV232: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/save-nimrod-xv232-help-us-secure-her-future-2